David A. Blum, MD: Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Orthopaedic Center of South Florida

Dr. David A. Blum, a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Orthopaedic Center of South Florida, doesn’t just stand out for his medical expertise—he can also still hold a handstand, pull off a cartwheel, and even throw in a few breakdance moves. At 53, it’s that kind of energy and personal spirit that defines both his approach to life and to medicine.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Dr. Blum says, “I’m inspired every day because I’ve been blessed with a skill set that can truly heal people and improve lives. There’s nothing more rewarding.”

Describing himself as dedicated, empathetic, and personable, he brings his full effort to every patient interaction, approaching care with compassion and genuine connection. “I enjoy getting to know my patients, their stories, their concerns. Even though I’m not a primary care doctor, I often treat patients across many years and different circumstances. Some come back long after a work comp claim, just because they trust me to help with something new.”

After completing seven years of post-medical school training—including a year dedicated to research—Dr. Blum recalls feeling like he had finally emerged from a long tunnel. He was ready to put his knowledge into action. Since then, he’s developed a reputation in the South Florida community as a top orthopedic upper extremity specialist. “Awards and recognition are great,” he shares, “but there’s nothing better than when a patient comes back or refers their loved one because I helped them before.”

In treating injured workers, Dr. Blum makes a point to approach each case with fairness, clarity, and individualized care. “I treat my workers’ comp patients just like I do any other patient. I explain what restrictions I’m recommending and why. Sometimes I have to clarify that I’m not employed by the insurance company—I’m their doctor, and my goal is to help them get better.”

One improvement he’d like to see in the system is reducing delays in specialist access. “When I can see a patient with a hand, wrist, or elbow injury shortly after it happens, we get significantly better results. Delays or multiple non-specialist visits can frustrate patients and slow down recovery.”

His evaluation process starts with reviewing prior records so the patient doesn’t have to recount every detail. “That way, we can focus on what’s going on now. I aim to make a clear diagnosis as quickly as possible—because you can’t treat what you don’t understand.”

Finding work-life balance is something he takes seriously, too. “My schedule is demanding, but I’m clear about my priorities. I’m home for dinner, I help with homework, and I’m proudly a ‘prop dad’ at my daughters’ dance competitions.”

What sets Dr. Blum’s practice apart? “I’m accessible. If someone needs to be seen quickly, I do what I can to accommodate them. I also offer minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided trigger finger releases in-office. It’s a quick, no-sutures procedure that can be done in 10–15 minutes.”

At the Orthopaedic Center of South Florida, stability and quality are at the core. “We’ve been providing care for over 25 years, with a team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, and pain management physicians. We even have in-house therapy and MRI. No one’s left the practice in my six years here—except for retirement.”

Clear communication is central to Dr. Blum’s approach. “I complete the DWC-25 form immediately after each visit and explain everything to the patient. If something doesn’t get approved or scheduled, I follow up directly with the adjuster or case manager. Communication makes a huge difference in outcomes—and in trust.”

His final thought for the workers’ comp community: “Injured workers get a bad reputation sometimes. But the reality is, most of them just want to get better. When we all work together—provider, case manager, adjuster—the results speak for themselves.”

To learn more about Dr. Blum and the Orthopaedic Center of South Florida, visit www.ocsfdocs.com.