Nathan Kopydlowski, MD
Dr. Nathan Kopydlowski is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery, currently practicing at Aurora Grafton Hospital within Advocate Aurora Health in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. He focuses on advanced shoulder and elbow care, including arthroscopic procedures, rotator cuff repairs, shoulder reconstruction, and shoulder arthroplasty. His clinical work is centered on helping patients recover mobility, reduce pain, and return to active daily living and athletic activity following injury or degenerative conditions.
He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he also completed a Master of Science in Clinical Research, strengthening his foundation in both surgical practice and evidence-based medicine. He went on to complete his orthopedic surgery residency at Saint Louis University, followed by a specialized fellowship in shoulder and elbow surgery at Columbia University in New York. This training pathway reflects a focused commitment to complex upper extremity reconstruction and sports-related orthopedic care.
Prior to his current role in Milwaukee, Dr. Kopydlowski practiced as an orthopaedic surgeon at Columbia University and completed extensive surgical training across leading academic medical centers. He is driven by a patient-centered approach, emphasizing functional recovery and quality of life restoration. He remains committed to serving the Milwaukee community long-term, valuing the region’s strong, active patient population and the opportunity to help individuals return to work, sport, and family life.
• Kalamazoo College - B.A.
• University of Michigan Medical School - M.D.
• University of Michigan - M.S. in Clinical Research
• St. Louis University - Residency
• Columbia University - Fellowship in Shoulder and Elbow Reconstruction
• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
• ASES (American Shoulder Elbow Society)
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Shoulder replacement
- Rotator cuff repairs
- Sports medicine for shoulder and elbow
- Shoulder and elbow reconstruction
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
I love being able to help people and get them back to their lives. The instant gratification of the surgery side of it was always something I was very interested in. Being able to get people back to doing the things that they want to do and give them their lives back is what I enjoy most. I love taking care of the people here in Milwaukee. All the people are great, down-to-earth Midwestern people that work hard and want to be able to be active, do their jobs, and spend time with their families. I love being able to get people back to those things.