Meet Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon Joseph L. Yellin, MD

Meet Joseph L. Yellin, MD, an attending pediatric orthopaedic surgeon with the Division of Orthopaedics and the Sports Medicine and Performance Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Dr. Yellin recently returned to CHOP after completing a second fellowship and has been enjoying meeting new patients and families through his work with Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. He sees patients at CHOP Specialty Care locations in Voorhees and Mays Landing, NJ, and at CHOP’s Philadelphia Campus.

Dr. Yellin attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program in Boston, Mass., and served as both orthopaedic chief resident and education chief resident during his tenure. Dr. Yellin completed two fellowships – one in pediatric orthopaedic surgery at CHOP, and the second in orthopaedic sports medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. His orthopaedic and sports medicine expertise led to his participation in two in-house medical teams for two professional sports teams – the Philadelphia 76ers and the Philadelphia Flyers.

The orthopaedic surgeon recently sat down for an informal Q&A to discuss a gamut of topics, including why he choose orthopaedics as his specialty, what he learned as a former competitive gymnast and elite-level coach, what drives his clinical focus today, and what he wishes patients knew about him.

Why did you choose CHOP?

Working at CHOP was always my dream. As a University of Pennsylvania (Penn) undergraduate student, I was fortunate to have mentors like Dr. Theodore J. Ganley and Dr. Lawrence Wells take me under their wing. Working with such talented and caring individuals, coupled with my deep interest in pediatric orthopedic surgery, motivated me to pursue a research year during medical school at Penn as one of CHOP's Benjamin Fox Orthopeadic Research Scholars. I returned to CHOP for my Pediatric Orthopedic Fellowship training after residency, which helped reinforce my goal to establish my career at this amazing institution. CHOP lets me work with an incredibly diverse patient population, including many young athletes striving to return to and excel in the sports they love so much. I could not imagine an environment with more supportive mentors, colleagues, and staff, and I'm truly honored to be a part of it!

Why did you decide to specialize in orthopaedics?

As a former competitive gymnast throughout college and an elite-level gymnastics coach, I have always been fascinated with orthopedic sports injuries, and more importantly, how to help athletes safely and effectively return to the sports they love. Believe it or not, this has been a passion of mine since third grade. Under the "Dream Job" section in my 6th grade yearbook, it reads, "Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, specializing in Sports Medicine."

What do you like the most about working with children with orthopaedic conditions?

Seeing my patients’ drive and determination to return to the activities they love – whether they are recovering from a broken bone or an ACL reconstruction – makes me want to do this job forever. Of course, completely achieving this goal and getting to the other side of an injury is always incredibly rewarding for the patient, their family, and me!

What do you wish your pediatric patients knew about you?

I'm always thinking about you and how I can provide you with the best care. I know firsthand how difficult it is to recover and come back from injuries, and I'm there for you and your family. I also really enjoy teaching, so if you have any questions about your specific injury or condition, my team and I are always available to answer them!

What’s your advice to families coming to CHOP?

While it’s never "fun" going to a doctor's office, know that CHOP is a very special place with many talented people and highly trained staff in a variety of fields – all focused on making sure YOU have the best possible experience and outcomes.

What are your clinical interests?

My primary clinical interests include pediatric orthopedic trauma – fixing broken bones and helping you return to the activities you love – and pediatric, adolescent, and young adult orthopedic sports surgery. While different sports carry different injury risk profiles, I have always enjoyed taking care of athletes. My training in pediatric and adult orthopedic sports medicine allows me to care for patients ranging in age from young athletes with open growth plates to adolescent and young adult patient populations.

What are your hobbies?

My wife and I love traveling, going to concerts, exploring, and trying the amazing food scene in Philly (and in other cities!). I also enjoy working out in the gym (and sometimes on the Peloton). Most of all, my wife and I love spending time with the new love of our lives, our daughter.

If you weren’t a doctor, what do you think you’d be doing?

If I weren’t a doctor, I would most likely be coaching competitive gymnastics! I would probably also try to work in an advisory or mentorship role, running workshops for high school and undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Telekinesis! Moving things with your mind, how cool is that? I would be able to fix fractured bones from across the room!

What’s your favorite children’s book?

With a 7-month-old at home, I'd have to say, "The Little Engine That Could." It’s a story about determination, kindness and perseverance – all with a smile.

What’s your favorite sport to play?

Gymnastics. Although since college, I certainly don’t attempt all the skills I used to do! But I also enjoy tennis and golf (well, Top Golf). Hopefully, I’ll get better at the real sport with more practice!

What’s your favorite sport to watch?

Anything Philly! I love watching the Eagles, but I do have a special place in my heart for the 76ers and Flyers after working with both teams during my Penn Sports Fellowship. And of course, I always enjoy watching elite-level gymnastics. Who doesn't like the Summer Olympics?!