History of Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center

The Raleigh Hand Center was co-founded by orthopedic surgeons George S. Edwards, Jr., MD and Jon Kolkin, MD in 1991. Dr. Edwards, Jr. created the Raleigh Hand Clinic in 1988, which was dedicated to the practice of hand and upper extremity care. 

A Growing Community of Orthopedic Surgeons

Over the years the Raleigh Hand Center has grown and James R. Post, MD, Paul O. Schricker, MD, Terry M. Messer, MD, and John M. Erickson, MD have become partners in the practice. Dr. Kolkin discontinued his practice at the Raleigh Hand Center in 2010. In 2014, Dr. George S. Edwards, III joined the Raleigh Hand Center. Dr. Timothy Luchetti joined the practice in 2022 after Dr. Edwards, Jr. retired. 

Raleigh Board-Certified Hand and Shoulder Surgeons

The six current doctors are dual board-certified or eligible in orthopedic surgery and hand surgery, and they have all been fellowship-trained in hand and upper extremity surgery.

In 2019, the practice formally changed names to Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center to better reflect the practice of treating the entire upper extremity, including the elbow and shoulder. 

Since its founding, hand and upper extremity therapy has been an integral component of the assessment and treatment of hand and arm problems. By organizing the therapy department within the clinic, patients, surgeons, and therapists use a team approach. With one location and one combined patient chart, patients have prompt access to our surgeons and therapists on the same day as their visit. 

Community Education and Outreach of RHTS Center 

The Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center plays an active teaching role in the community and the doctors are active in directing and participating in the weekly UNC orthopedic resident Hand Conference at WakeMed hospital. Dozens of papers have been published along with regional, national, and international scientific presentations. Several of the surgeons and hand therapists have traveled to less developed countries to teach in the classroom, clinic, and operating room. They have donated time, resources, and equipment to these endeavors.

State-of-the-Art Facilities for Orthopedic Treatments in Wake County

In 2013, Raleigh Hand Center constructed a new state-of-the-art office to better serve patients. The new office features digital x-ray imaging, electronic medical records, and convenient patient parking in a location accessible to the I-440 Beltline in Raleigh.