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Nicholas Colyvas

MD

Orthopedic surgeon
Local and international race car driver

Dr. Nicholas Colyvas is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder, with particular interests in meniscus repair, rotator cuff surgery and biceps tendon surgery. He has extensive experience in treating athletes of all types, both professional and amateur. He has also served as team physician for numerous sports, including rugby and football teams.

Colyvas' main research is in the field of meniscus preservation. He investigates cutting edge techniques in meniscus repairs, with the goal of preventing knee arthritis in the long term. He is also active in improving techniques for treating rotator cuff tears and biceps tendon problems.

Colyvas earned his medical degree at University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He then completed a fellowship as well as a residency in orthopedic surgery at UCSF.

Colyvas is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, where he serves on the practice management committee. He also serves on the board at the California Orthopaedic Association and is a frequent speaker and moderator at their conferences. Colyvas enjoys teaching orthopedic residents at UCSF as well as assisting in challenging, complex knee and shoulder surgeries. In his free time, he enjoys racing vintage race cars both locally and internationally.

  • Education

    University of the Witwatersrand, 1986

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Orthopedic Surgery, 1996

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Orthopedic Surgery, 1989

  • Board Certifications

    Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

    Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

  • Academic Title

    Professor

I consider each surgery a scientific and technical achievement, as well as a work of art and craftsmanship.

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    190 Ratings
    About our process
    Nov 20, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is a truly amazing care provider! He has provided exceptional care every step of the way.
    Nov 18, 2023
    The operation has been a dismal failure so not really happy about the outcome. I wonder in hind sight if we should have done it. No real explanation why is has failed.
    Nov 18, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is an excellent clinician!!
    Oct 08, 2023
    It's a rough situation; I'm very thankful that UCSF gives me the attention and help that ya'll do.
    Oct 01, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is wonderful. His team in the Owens St. office is fantastic all very friendly and helpful.
    Sep 25, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is a very professional caring person!!
    Aug 19, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is an attentive and knowledgeable orthopedic surgeon. I feel fortunate to be one of his patients.
    Aug 12, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is an excellent practitioner! Always shakes your hand upon entering and exiting room!
    Jul 31, 2023
    People don't become the Director for nothing.
    Jul 17, 2023
    Dr Colyvas has become the benchmark in terms of excellent medical care and treatment. His professionalism has created my ultimate trust in his judgement.
    Jun 25, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas was great as always
    Jun 24, 2023
    Everyone I spoke with or had interactions with on the day of my surgery were kind and helpful.
    Jun 12, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is an excellent provider. Very compassionate
    May 27, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas does incredible work. I wouldn't recommend anybody else for any knee procedures.
    May 07, 2023
    Excellent first contact with Dr Colyvas
    May 06, 2023
    I trust Dr Colyvas to an extend that I'm a returning patient. I had a right shoulder surgery in 2010 & when it came to my left shoulder I'd of not chosen any other dr.
    Apr 10, 2023
    My visit with Dr. Colyvas was one of the best doctor experiences I've ever had. He made me feel so comfortable and heard
    Feb 25, 2023
    Dr Colyvas has fixed me twice and I owe him the world. He's helped me throughout 2 shoulder surgeries and I would recommend him to anyone
    Feb 06, 2023
    The foundation of a strong commitment to high quality results was shown.
    Jan 23, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas and team are top notch.
    Jan 16, 2023
    Colyvas is phenomenal! The only downside with UCSF is the factory feel especially the difficulty in reaching anyone by phone the inconsistency of information provided across multiple platforms and the negative and impersonal front desk check-in experience.
    Jan 07, 2023
    Instructions ended up not being completely clear about booking an MRI. I was told to go to front desk and book but there they told me that they never do that land that I had to call someone who works remotely and who was already off for the day as it was after five. Alternatively I should call radiology myself. I haven't been able to do this yet because it's the weekend so I don't know how that will go. Especially because I am supposed to have two MRIs for the same thing and there's a question as to whether insurance will cover both . I hope they will be able to hear with that.
    Dec 24, 2022
    I didn't receive information on when/how to start physical therapy. Other than that all good.
    Dec 10, 2022
    I would recommend Dr Colyvas to anyone
    Nov 04, 2022
    Dr. Colyvas is the best I'd recommend him and your office first to anyone seeking knee care or knee procedure.
    Oct 15, 2022
    Dr. Colyvas is just a really kind empathetic doctor.
    Oct 05, 2022
    Dr Colyvas is a great surgeon and a nice guy
    Oct 05, 2022
    Nick was awesome - I felt like he was super understanding and knowledgeable. Compared to a previous provider- this experience was incredible as I feel a lot more confident about the quality of care.
    Sep 17, 2022
    Dr Colyvas is a great orthopedist.
    Sep 12, 2022
    Dr. Colyvas is great! He is well prepared kind attentive and reassuring when he needs to be.
    Aug 06, 2022
    Dr Colyvas is very friendly and efficient
    Mar 30, 2022
    Dr. Colyvas Is an excellent doctor caring and explain things very clearly
    Mar 16, 2022
    I am very happy with the care I have received by my provider. He is an excellent caring knowledgeable doctor
    Mar 11, 2022
    Being treated by Dr. Colyvas is the best patient experience I've ever had.
    Feb 08, 2022
    Very satisfied overall.

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