Brian W. Paff, D.O.
Specialties
Elbow, Fracture, Sprains & Strains, Hand, Joint Replacement, Joint Revision, Orthopaedic Trauma, Shoulder, Sports Medicine, Wrist

About Dr. Paff
Dr. Brian Paff specializes in the treatment and surgery of the hand and upper extremities as well as general orthopaedic trauma. As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine orthopaedist, his approach to medicine and patient care is uniquely holistic. Patients can be confident that he will exhaust all nonsurgical measures before recommending surgery. Dr. Paff entered medicine because he felt called to help people in need, and his early experience as a nurse assistant has imparted a uniquely developed sense of patient care. He places a high priority on patient education, always taking time to answer questions and provide explanations. He is committed to helping patients understand what is happening with their bodies and what to expect regarding treatment and surgery. By enabling patients to become part of the team, Dr. Paff equips them to participate in improving their own outcomes.
Dr. Paff’s focus on the hand began in medical school, where he became intrigued by the hand’s intricate anatomy and the broad range of surgical expertise drawn on to treat it. He attended Kingston University in London, earned his Bachelor of science degree in biomedical science from Grand Valley State University in Michigan, and received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Following his internship and residency at Des Peres Hospital in Missouri, Dr. Paff completed his orthopaedic hand fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He trained under Dr. William B. Geissler, a world-renowned hand surgeon and prolific, cutting-edge designer of orthopaedic implants.
After traveling extensively, Dr. Paff is pleased to be back in his home state of Michigan, along with his wife and two beautiful daughters.
Dr. Paff is affiliated with Holland Hospital (Holland, Michigan) and Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital (Zeeland, Michigan). He is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Paff specializes in the following:
- AC joint arthritis and separations
- Biceps tendon tears
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome
- De Quervain’s tendinitis
- Elbow arthritis and tendon injuries
- Finger and thumb fractures
- Hand and wrist arthritis and tendonitis
- Rotator cuff tears and arthroscopic shoulder repair
- Shoulder arthritis, dislocations, and instability
- Tennis elbow
- Trigger finger
- Wrist fractures and sprains
Education, Certifications & Affiliations
Undergraduate Education
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, 1999-2003, Grand Valley State University (Allendale, Michigan), Kingston University (2001, London, UK.
Medical Education
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, 2003-2007, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (East Lansing, Michigan)
Fellowship
- Orthopaedic Hand Fellowship, 2012-2013 , University of Mississippi Medical Center (Jackson, Mississippi)
Residency
- Orthopaedic Surgery Internship/Residency, 2007-2012, Des Peres Hospital (St. Louis, Missouri)
Board Certification
- American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Honors and Leadership Positions
- ASSH/AFSH 2011 Annual Meeting Scholarship Recipient
- GVSU Presidential Scholarship Recipient, 1999-2003
- GVSU Dean’s List, 7 of 8 semesters eligible, 2000-2003
- President, Grand Valley State University Wrestling Club, 1999-2001
Memberships
- American Osteopathic Association (AOA), 2007-present
- American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopaedists (AOAO), 2007-present
- American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 2007-present
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), 2010-present
Hospital Affiliations
- Holland Hospital
- Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital