Dr. Nima Rezaie Achieves Board Certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists is proud to share that Nima Rezaie, MD, a specialist in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, has recently achieved board certification through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS).
Board certification is a significant professional milestone that reflects advanced training, extensive evaluation, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based orthopaedic care.
What Does It Mean to Be Board Certified?
Board certification is voluntary and goes well beyond state medical licensure. While licensure establishes minimum requirements to practice medicine, ABOS board certification confirms a surgeon’s advanced knowledge, training, and competence in orthopaedic surgery, as evaluated by national standards and peer review.
The mission of the ABOS is to ensure patients receive safe, ethical, and effective orthopaedic care by maintaining the highest standards for education, examination, and lifelong learning.
The Rigorous Path to ABOS Board Certification
Becoming board certified through the ABOS is a multi-year process that requires dedication and accountability at every stage.
- Medical School and Residency Training
ABOS-certified orthopaedic surgeons:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete five years of intensive training in an accredited orthopaedic surgery residency program
- Written Examination
Following residency, surgeons must pass a comprehensive, 8-hour computer-based written examination that assesses medical knowledge, clinical judgment, and orthopaedic principles.
- Practice Evaluation and Peer Review
After 9–12 months in practice, surgeons undergo professional and ethical evaluation by:
- Fellow physicians
- Nurses and clinical colleagues they have worked with directly
Only candidates who receive positive peer evaluations are allowed to continue in the certification process.
- Oral Examination and Case Review
Surgeons then complete an oral examination, during which:
- 12 recent surgical cases are selected and reviewed
- A panel of ABOS-certified orthopaedic surgeons evaluates clinical decision-making, surgical skill, and outcomes
Successfully passing this examination earns ABOS Board Certification.
Sports Medicine Expertise: What Sets Dr. Rezaie Apart
As a Sports Medicine orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Rezaie has specialized expertise in treating injuries related to movement and athletic activity. Orthopaedic surgeons who focus on sports medicine are uniquely trained to diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries involving joints such as the knee, shoulder, elbow, hip, ankle, and wrist.
Sports Medicine orthopaedic surgeons care for:
- Acute injuries like ligament tears, fractures, and dislocations
- Overuse conditions such as tendonitis and stress injuries
- Arthritis and degenerative joint conditions
- Athletes of all ages, from young competitors to active adults and seniors
This specialized training allows Dr. Rezaie to provide both surgical and non-surgical treatment options, along with injury prevention strategies tailored to each patient’s activity level and goals.
Some of the top treatments performed by Dr. Rezaie are:
- ACL and Ligament Reconstruction
- Cartilage and Tendon Repair
- Shoulder Labral Repair and Rotator Cuff Repair
- Hip Arthroscopy & Endoscopic Gluteus Medius Repair
- Elbow Ligament Surgery & Arthroscopy
Why Board Certification Matters for Patients
Choosing a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon offers important reassurance:
- Proven Expertise: Certification confirms advanced training and rigorous evaluation by national standards
- Quality of Care: Surgeons are assessed on real surgical cases and patient outcomes
- Ongoing Education: Board-certified surgeons must participate in continuing medical education and practice improvement throughout their careers
- Patient Confidence: Certification provides peace of mind that your surgeon is well-prepared to deliver high-quality, up-to-date care
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Patient Care
ABOS-certified orthopaedic surgeons maintain their certification by:
- Completing ongoing education and assessments
- Participating in practice improvement projects
- Undergoing periodic review of surgical cases and professionalism every 10 years
Dr. Rezaie’s board certification reflects not only his expertise in Sports Medicine, but also his commitment to continuous improvement and exceptional patient care.
About Dr. Rezaie
Nima Rezaie, MD is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine, with advanced training in the treatment of athletic and movement-related injuries.
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Rezaie earned his undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida before completing medical school at the Florida State University College of Medicine. He went on to complete his orthopaedic surgery residency at Orlando Health, where he served as Chief Resident and received the CAPI Best Resident Award in Orthopaedics.
Following residency, Dr. Rezaie completed a prestigious Sports Medicine fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute at Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama. There, he received advanced training in hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow arthroscopy, as well as robotic and navigated joint replacement.
During fellowship, Dr. Rezaie served as a team physician for numerous professional and collegiate organizations and provided medical coverage for high-level athletic events, including The World Games in Birmingham, Alabama.
Today, Dr. Rezaie is actively involved in the local sports community as a Team Physician for Old Dominion University football and basketball, the Norfolk Tides, and Norfolk Public Schools athletics. He is also an active member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing sports medicine care.
👉 To learn more about Dr. Nima Rezaie or schedule an appointment, click here.
Dr. Rezaie is a highly skilled surgeon with outstanding ratings from his patients. To read verified patient reviews, click here.


