Today, October 23, 2026, marks a bittersweet milestone at The Hand Center of San Antonio as we celebrate the retirement of Dr. David P. Green, a founding physician, respected orthopedic hand surgeon, and dedicated leader in the field of hand and upper extremity surgery.
After more than five decades of serving patients, advancing surgical education, and helping shape the future of hand surgery, Dr. Green concludes an extraordinary chapter in his career. We are incredibly grateful for his years of dedication, compassion, and commitment to our patients and the San Antonio community.
A Legacy of Excellence in Hand Surgery
Dr. Green's contributions to orthopedic hand surgery extend far beyond the patients he has treated throughout his career.
In 1978, he became the first surgeon in San Antonio to dedicate his practice entirely to hand and upper extremity surgery. As the Founding President of The Hand Center of San Antonio and a Clinical Professor Emeritus at UT Health San Antonio, he helped advance specialized care for patients with hand, wrist, and upper extremity conditions.
His influence also reaches surgeons around the world through two widely recognized textbooks, Green's Operative Hand Surgery and Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Green has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as President of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand. His accomplishments reflect a lifelong dedication to surgical excellence, education, and patient care.
Training the Next Generation of Hand Surgeons
Beyond his work in the operating room, Dr. Green has remained deeply committed to educating and mentoring future orthopedic hand surgeons.
Through The Hand Center of San Antonio's Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship Program, he has helped train generations of specialists who now care for patients throughout the country and around the world.
With more than 100 fellowship alumni, his dedication to teaching has created a lasting impact that extends far beyond San Antonio. Each surgeon carries forward the knowledge, expertise, and commitment to patient care that Dr. Green has emphasized throughout his career.
Making a Lasting Impact in San Antonio and Beyond
From treating everyday hand and wrist conditions to caring for professional athletes, including serving as a hand surgery consultant for the San Antonio Spurs, Dr. Green's expertise has made a meaningful difference in countless lives.
His commitment to the San Antonio community has also extended beyond medicine. In 2009, he established an Educational Endowment Fund supporting individuals served by San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries and Haven for Hope.
While his retirement marks the end of his time in practice, his influence will continue through the patients he has helped, the surgeons he has mentored, and the foundation he helped build at The Hand Center of San Antonio.
Thank You, Dr. Green!
As Dr. Green begins this well-deserved next chapter, our entire team extends its heartfelt appreciation for everything he has contributed to our practice, our patients, and the medical community.
His dedication, knowledge, compassion, and leadership have left a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten. Dr. Green, thank you for everything. You will certainly be missed, and we wish you nothing but happiness and fulfillment in retirement!
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Green and celebrating his remarkable career!
Continuing Our Commitment to Hand and Upper Extremity Care
While we celebrate Dr. Green's remarkable career, The Hand Center of San Antonio remains committed to providing specialized, compassionate care for patients with hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions. Our team of experienced specialists is here to help you find the right treatment and get back to the activities you enjoy.