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Meet Kevin Lanighan, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Hand & Wrist Care | Shoulder, Arm, & Elbow Care
Dr. Kevin Lanighan is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in minimally-invasive hand and arm care. He has abundant experience, but still considers it a privilege to take care of patients each day. Learn more about Dr. Lanighan and his team to discover if he's the right choice for your hand care!
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About Dr. Lanighan
Dr. Lanighan is a board certified, Johns Hopkins fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity conditions. In practice in WNY since 1996, he treats problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger fingers, thumb problems, arthritis, fractures and hand and wrist injuries. He has been a Buffalo Spree “Top Doc” for many years, and was the subject of an in-depth feature in 2013 and the cover photo in January 2020. He knows that patients have a lot of choices, and his approach to care is rooted in being a trustworthy guide throughout your treatment. He focuses on advanced, minimally-invasive treatments and techniques.
Growing up in WNY, Dr. Lanighan was a premier distance runner who attended college on a track and cross country scholarship. Committed to a healthy lifestyle, he continues to exercise and run daily. He particularly enjoys hiking and mountain climbing. He is an “Adirondack 46er” and is nearing completion of the “Northeast 115.” Dr. Lanighan is a US Navy veteran, having served 5 years as a Navy doctor, 2 as the ship's medical officer aboard the USS Guadalcanal, a helicopter carrier. A big fan of WNY and the four seasons, he previously worked closely with the Buffalo Bills and Sabres staff as a hand doctor. He was once an on-site doctor for a Friday Night Smackdown wrestling event downtown!
What was your journey into medicine like?
“I don’t remember a time when I ever seriously wanted to do anything else. My running achievements opened up the door to college, and I spent five years active duty in the Navy in order to pay for medical school. Then I was able to go to Johns Hopkins for medical school and residency, and I had opportunities that I never could’ve imagined. Learning about surgery and putting people together again felt like I was learning a secret. It was clear that surgery was the direction for me.”
How do you typically spend your weekends?
“I am a bit of a homebody and look forward to recharging with my wife and family. We eat healthy and enjoy a good meal. I am fortunate to have a close group of friends. That, my daily exercise routine and an occasional trip to the mountains keeps me going. We have great art, sport and recreation opportunities in WNY, and we try to support Sheas, the BPO, events at UB like the speaker series and basketball. My son is a jazz trombonist and so I am a big fan of the local music scene. We know how lucky we are. I have lived in quite a few places over the years and it is the people of WNY that really make the difference.”
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Niagara University, Lewiston, NY
Doctor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Training
General Surgery Internship, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, MD
Orthopedic Surgery Residency, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Fellowship, Raymond Curtis Hand Center, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD
Accreditations & Professional Memberships
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons with C.A.Q. in Surgery of the Hand
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Fellow
New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Johns Hopkins Medical and Surgical Association
Erie County Medical Society
Western New York Orthopaedic Society
Dr. Lanighan’s Team
Dr. Lanighan 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.
Beth Gillezeau, PA-C
Supports Dr. Kevin W. Lanighan
Lori Ann Gmerek, PA-C
Supports Dr. Kevin W. Lanighan
Hand & Wrist Care
Shoulder, Arm & Elbow Care
Where Dr. Lanighan Practices Medicine
- Excelsior Orthopaedics East Amherst
- Ambulatory Surgery Center of WNY
