Subspecialty: Shoulder, elbow, hand, micro-vascular traumatic and reconstructive surgery

Originally from Winnetka, Illinois, Dr. Brian Bear attended Northwestern University where he received his B.A. degree in biology and physiology in 1987. He graduated cum laude, a member of Phi Beta Kappa and president of Mortar Board Senior Honor Society. Continuing his studies at Northwestern Medical School, he received his medical degree in 1991 and was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Scholastic Honor Medical Society. His orthopedic residency was completed in 1996 at Cornell Hospital for Special Surgery, ranked as the top orthopedic hospital in the United States. He was awarded the coveted Jean McDaniel award, presented to the most outstanding resident.

In 1997, Dr. Bear completed a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic with specialized training in shoulder, elbow, hand and microvascular surgery.

After receiving his board certification in orthopedic surgery in 1999,
Dr. Bear was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the Chicago Hand Society, and the American Medical Association. He has completed the rigorous Certificate for Added Qualification for Surgery of the Hand examination. Dr. Bear is currently the Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at St. Anthony Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center.

Active in continuing medical education, Dr. Bear has given numerous lectures and published numerous orthopedic articles. As a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, he received the Golden Apple teaching award and Excellence in Teaching award. Dr. Bear is currently a faculty member at the Orthopedic Learning Center where he instructs orthopedic surgeons in leading-edge techniques.

Dr. Bear specializes in shoulder, elbow, hand, microvascular, traumatic and reconstructive surgery. Sports medicine is also a large component of his practice, and Dr. Bear serves as team physician for multiple professional sports programs, including Rockford Lightning, Rockford IceHogs and Rockford Riverhawks.

When he is not practicing orthopedics, he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, weight training, jogging, and music.