Christopher D. Bernard, MD

About Christopher D. Bernard, MD

Chris Bernard, MD, is an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of shoulder, elbow and knee injuries. His practice focuses on sports medicine, with expertise in complex shoulder and elbow conditions, overhead throwing athletes, shoulder arthroplasty, and athletic knee injuries. His clinical interests include shoulder instability, rotator cuff and labral injuries, shoulder arthritis, throwing-related shoulder and elbow injuries, ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries and reconstruction ("Tommy John" surgery), ACL injuries, meniscus injuries, and cartilage restoration. He provides individualized, evidence-based care with the goal of helping patients return to the sports, activities and lifestyles they enjoy.

Dr. Bernard's passion for sports medicine is rooted in his own experience as a lifelong baseball player. During his orthopedic surgery residency, he gained experience caring for athletes from the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. He subsequently completed his fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at Wake Forest University, where he was involved in the care of NCAA Division I collegiate athletes. These experiences have given him a broad perspective on caring for athletes at all levels, from youth and recreational athletes to collegiate and professional competitors.

Dr. Bernard is actively involved in academic medicine and orthopedic research. He has authored or co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications in leading orthopedic and sports medicine journals. His research interests include overhead throwing athletes, UCL injuries and reconstruction, cartilage restoration, meniscus injuries, shoulder instability, shoulder arthroplasty, and ACL injuries. He is committed to advancing sports medicine through research, education, and the application of evidence-based treatment to patient care.

Dr. Bernard believes successful treatment begins with understanding each patient's individual goals and developing a treatment plan that fits their injury, lifestyle, and expectations. Whether treatment is surgical or nonsurgical, he works closely with each patient to help them safely return to the activities that matter most to them.

Outside of work, Dr. Bernard enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, exploring new restaurants throughout Omaha, playing golf, and attending sporting events.