Joel Peterson, MD: Board-Eligible Orthopedic Surgeon at Badia Hand to Shoulder Center

When it comes to orthopedic care for injured workers, few bring the depth of expertise and dedication that Dr. Peterson offers. A board-eligible orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery, Dr. Peterson has quickly built a reputation for his advanced surgical techniques, compassionate care, and commitment to helping injured workers regain mobility and return to work safely.

Dr. Peterson’s journey into orthopedics was rooted in a longstanding fascination with human movement and rehabilitation. He began his academic path studying Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Neuroscience at Princeton University before earning a Master’s degree in Conservation Biology from Columbia University. He went on to attend Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. His residency in orthopedic surgery at Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital placed him at one of the most historic and elite shoulder services in the country. There, he trained under pioneers in the field, including former presidents of the American Shoulder and Elbow Society, Dr. William Levine and Dr. David Dines.

To further hone his expertise, Dr. Peterson completed a fellowship at the renowned Hospital for Special Surgery, specializing in complex shoulder and elbow procedures that restore function, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery.

Dr. Peterson treats a wide range of injuries and conditions involving the shoulder and elbow, including rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, shoulder instability, fractures, tendon ruptures, and arthritis. Many of his patients are injured workers—individuals whose recovery is not only physical but essential to their livelihood. His mission is to restore strength and range of motion while minimizing downtime and reducing the need for prolonged treatment.

His approach is thorough and patient-centered. From accurate diagnosis to personalized treatment planning, he emphasizes non-surgical solutions whenever possible, such as physical therapy and conservative management. When surgery is necessary, he employs both advanced arthroscopic and open surgical techniques that prioritize healing and long-term outcomes. A key part of his care strategy is understanding the physical demands of each patient’s occupation and collaborating closely with employers and case managers to ensure a safe and sustainable return to work.

Communication is central to Dr. Peterson’s process. He ensures that adjusters, employers, and case managers are well-informed throughout the recovery process, providing regular updates on work status, restrictions, and recovery timelines. He also takes time to educate his patients, empowering them to take an active role in their healing.

Advances in orthopedic technology continue to improve care for injured workers, and Dr. Peterson is at the forefront. His use of minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery allows for smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and quicker recovery—ideal for patients eager to return to work.

For those with severe arthritis, he performs total and reverse total shoulder replacements, using computer modeling to virtually plan the procedure for precise component placement. For more complex cases, he incorporates tendon transfers and reconstructive techniques to restore function even when traditional methods fall short.

Despite his clinical expertise, Dr. Peterson acknowledges that systemic challenges still exist. One of the biggest barriers in workers’ compensation, he notes, is the delay in care due to administrative approvals. Streamlining these processes, he believes, would lead to better outcomes and faster returns to work.

For employers, adjusters, and case managers, Dr. Peterson offers this advice: prioritize early intervention and create light-duty or transitional work opportunities. Timely treatment and modified roles can prevent re-injury and promote smoother recoveries.

Dr. Peterson’s work is driven by a clear goal—helping injured workers regain their health, their strength, and their lives. Through personalized care and evidence-based treatments, he continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his patients and the broader workers’ compensation community.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about Dr. Peterson’s workers’ compensation services, contact:

Elvia Reyes – Point of Contact

Email: ereyes@drbadia.com

Main Office: (305) 227-4263

Address: 3650 NW 82nd Ave, Suite 103, Miami, FL 33166