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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
    178 Ratings
    About our process
    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.
    Jan 08, 2022
    Dr. Colyvas Is a quality Physician and person
    Dec 30, 2021
    He was great
    Dec 04, 2021
    I was extremely impressed by Dr. Colyvas. I am used to not being listened to or having my concerns validated so I was incredibly happy with the provider. It's a bit of a drive but it was absolutely worth it. I feel like I finally had my concerns validated and had a doctor that was listening to me.
    Nov 06, 2021
    Awesome doctor/surgeon. Highly recommend him.
    Nov 03, 2021
    Dr. Treatment was supper I felt at ease with the doctor.
    Oct 23, 2021
    Please send Dr Colyvas back to Marin!!
    Oct 20, 2021
    Dr. Colyvas took great care to empower me with the information I needed to decide if surgery was best for me. He and his team did a wonderful job and I'm feeling confident that my long-term prognosis after surgery would be the best possible outcome. I'm so grateful for Dr. Colyvas' knowledgeable counsel surgical skill and utmost care.
    Sep 30, 2021
    Dr. Colyvas was excellent. He explained things to me and was able to schedule my surgery within days of meeting with him. He has an excellent bedside manner and is an excellent surgeon.
    Jul 10, 2021
    Great Care
    Jun 27, 2021
    Dr. Nicholas Colyvas is terrific. He explained clearly what I need to do to have a full recovery. No question is too trivial for him to answer. He is a highly skilled and caring physician.
    Jun 20, 2021
    Dr. Colyvas is a knowledgeable caring excellent provider. Dr. Colyvas explains things well is never in a rush is very calm and calming. I appreciate him greatly and would recommend him to anyone.
    Jun 12, 2021
    Dr Colyvas is by far one of the best physicians I have ever had for my medical and health needs. Dr Colyvas listens to me and explains all treatments very clearly. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Colyvas to my family and friends
    May 22, 2021
    HE IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST
    May 01, 2021
    Honestly if I were to do it again. I would not hesitate knowing that I will receive quality care. Most importantly the most important aspect of the care is the knowledge and experience of Dr. Colyvas

    Selected research

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