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Meet David Pula, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Sports Medicine | Knee & Leg Care | Shoulder, Arm & Elbow Care
Dr. David Pula is an orthopaedic surgeon focused on sports medicine, particularly shoulder and knee care. Dr. Pula is a proud Army veteran, a father, and the Medical Director of Excelsior Express in addition to his regular practice and Outpatient Total Joint program. Learn more about him to decide if Dr. Pula and his team are the right fit for you!
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About Dr. Pula
Dr. Pula is a board certified, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He performs many robotic knee replacements, rotator cuff repairs and ACL repairs. When you’re in his care, he wants you to feel confident in the guidance he offers - whether he recommends surgical or non-surgical care, Dr. Pula always has your best interests in mind. He believes that patients should have a voice in their care, and it’s a partnership between the patient and the physician.
As an Army-trained surgeon, Dr. Pula has been fortunate enough to live and travel all over the world before settling back in his hometown of Buffalo. Now, he enjoys spending time with his son, skiing and building furniture. He loves working with his hands - both in orthopaedics, and in his woodworking garage. He describes himself as a family man, right down to the dad jokes.
What drew you to orthopaedics?
“What I love most about orthopaedics is the ability to get people back to activities quickly. You can treat injuries and get people back to doing what they did before they hurt themselves. You can see the transcendence from being slowed and limited to being back on the court shooting hoops again. It’s great to be able to turn the tables on people and get them functioning and active. We’ll often see these patients for the rest of their lives.”
What is one of your most memorable experiences from your time in the Army?
“One of the cool things I got to do was fly a helicopter. I had a patient who was an instructor and took me up in an MH6 - a tiny, 2 door helicopter. He took me out to the practice range and we drove around a while. I couldn’t keep that thing straight no matter how hard I tried. I buzzed over my house, and my wife took some pictures of me from the driveway. He let me fly back all by myself - my hand was as white as a ghost, and this guy had nerves of steel. It made me appreciative of what pilots do.”
Education
Bachelor of Science degree, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY
Doctor of Medicine, Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans, LA
Training
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, Tripler Army Medical Center, TAMC, HI
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY
Accreditations & Professional Memberships
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr. Pula’s Team
Dr. Pula works with a team of medical professionals who practice in tandem to provide you the best care and treatment possible. During your appointment, you may be evaluated by a member of his expert team.
Zachary Snyder, PA-C
Supports Dr. David A. Pula
Dr. Pula Is Part Of The Excelsior Outpatient Total Joint Team
Excelsior has helped thousands of people regain movement, eliminate pain, and get back to living life at their best through hospital-free joint replacement. Our team consists of the most skilled and experienced orthopaedic surgeons in the country. If outpatient joint replacement surgery is right for you, this incredible team will make it happen.
Where Dr. Pula Practices Medicine
- Excelsior Orthopaedics Amherst
- Excelsior Orthopaedics Orchard Park
- Buffalo Surgery Center
- Kenmore Mercy Hospital
