Chima Nwankwo MD

Dr. Chima Nwankwo, also called “Dr. Chima” by patients, colleagues, and hospital staff, is a licensed physician and fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeon practicing in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York. He currently serves as the Division Head of Orthopedic Trauma Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Additionally, he engages in clinical and didactic instruction of surgical residents and in quality improvement initiatives at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Dr. Nwankwo’s expertise is in the orthopedic (surgical and non-surgical) management of patients injured after a fall or traumatic incident. He is an expert at managing a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions from patients with simple joint sprains, to critically injured patients with life and limb-threatening injuries from auto accidents, falls from height, or assault. Dr. Nwankwo is skilled at managing the chronic effects of musculoskeletal injuries that may have resulted in arthritis, limb deformity, or chronic pain.

Dr. Nwankwo’s interest in orthopedic surgery began in high school where he was part of a cohort of gifted high school students who were immersed into the medical world as part of the Stanford Medical Youth Science Program at Stanford University.  He subsequently completed an undergraduate degree in Biology at UC Berkeley, and received his Doctor of Medicine at the prestigious University of California San Francisco (UCSF). He completed a residency program in orthopedic surgery at the San Francisco Orthopedic Residency Program (SFORP at St. Mary’s Medical Center) where he also provided team coverage for the Sacred Heart Cathedral varsity football team, and the University of San Francisco NCAA Division 1 soccer team.  Dr. Nwankwo proceeded to complete fellowship training in orthopedic trauma surgery at Allegheny General Hospital, a regional Level-1 Trauma center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and an AO Trauma fellowship.

Dr. Nwankwo is a member of the Orthopedic Trauma Association, and a candidate member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Because he is dedicated to improving the field of orthopedic trauma surgery and improving the care of his patients, he is actively engaged in clinical outcomes and biomechanical research. He has presented his research at multiple meetings and conferences including those of the Pennsylvania Orthopedic Society, the Western Orthopedic Association, the Orthopedic Research Society, the Orthopedic Trauma Association, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.  In 2018, he received the AO North America Trauma Fellows Research Grant.

Dr. Nwankwo is an expert in pelvic and acetabular surgery, hip fracture surgery, complex long bone and periarticular reconstruction, non-union fracture repair, correction of malunions and traumatic limb deformity, treating bone infections (osteomyelitis), and hip and knee replacements.  Dr. Nwankwo is also exceptionally skilled in minimally invasive/percutaneous treatments for broken bones.

Dr. Nwankwo is a patient, diligent, and hardworking team player by nature. He prides himself on being both a skillful surgeon and a compassionate physician who places a premium on providing excellent patient care. 

California Physician and Surgeon License  (since 2014)

New York State Physician and Surgeon License (since 2019)

American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons (Board Certified)