Two new Byrds, Dr. Jennifer M. Byrd and Dr. William A. Byrd, have landed at Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists this month after completing orthopaedic fellowship training in Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstruction, respectively.
Both doctors, Jennifer and Will Byrd, are natives of Virginia Beach and graduates of Norfolk Academy, Princeton and the Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University. Their paths diverged though during their orthopaedic surgery training. Now both Dr. Jennifer Byrd and Dr. William Byrd have returned home to add their surgical skills to the talent available at Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists, Hampton Roads’ largest and most diverse orthopaedic practice.
Choosing careers in orthopaedic surgery came naturally to both Jennifer and Will Byrd. They grew up being exposed to orthopaedic surgery by their dad, orthopaedic spine surgeon, J. Abbott Byrd III, who would take them by the office and hospital and would meet patients whose lives were drastically improved by orthopaedic surgery. J. Abbott (Abbott) Byrd III has been with AOS since 1987, more than 30 years. When asked what it feels like to have two of his children join the group, Abbott said, “It’s exciting. I’m proud of both of them. They’re going to have a great future”.
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine surgery was a clear choice for Jennifer Byrd. She was named the Virginian-Pilot Female Athlete of the Year while competing in Track & Field, Soccer and Field Hockey her senior year at Norfolk Academy. While earning her undergraduate degree in Economics at Princeton University, she was captain of the Princeton Women’s Track and Field team, competed in the Heptathlon, and set the still standing Princeton University Indoor Long Jump school record.
Dr. Jennifer Byrd completed her Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. She then completed her fellowship training in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. During her time at Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Jennifer Byrd gained extensive experience in athroscopic surgery and worked as a team physician with athletes from two local colleges and gained experience with professional athletes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Indians. Asked about what it’s like to be back in Hampton Roads and to be practicing orthopaedic surgery here, she said, “It is great to finally be home again and working in the sports community that did so much to develop me into who I am today. I am excited to help athletes of all ages get back to their sports and activities”. She added that she is proud to continue the legacy her father has built. “I’m looking forward to continuing to provide excellent orthopaedic care for our community as I have seen my father do”.
Like his sister, Will Byrd graduated from Norfolk Academy and went on to Princeton University where he earned an undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. While at Princeton, he served as captain of the Princeton Men’s Track & Field team and competed in the decathlon.
Dr. Will Byrd completed his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He then went on to complete a fellowship in Adult Reconstruction at The Southern Joint Replacement Institute in Nashville, TN. While there, he gained extensive experience with both primary and revision total joint replacements of the hip, knee and shoulder.
When asked about his return to Virginia Beach, Dr. Will Byrd said, “It’s where I grew up and I love the water and the culture of this area”. He added that he chose Joint Replacement as his speciality because he enjoys helping people whose mobility is limited by painful joint conditions. “I like being able to help someone whose joints are causing pain and limiting their activities get back to doing the things they love,” said Byrd. “I want to give back to this community.”
Both Dr. Jennifer Byrd and Dr. Will Byrd are accepting new patients. Dr. Jennifer Byrd sees patients at AOS’ Chesapeake office, 733 Volvo Parkway and AOS’ Norfolk location, 6160 Kempsville Circle. Dr. Will Byrd will be seeing patients at AOS’ Virginia Beach offices at 1800 Camelot Drive and 1975 Glenn Mitchell Dr. and AOS’ Chesapeake office, 733 Volvo Parkway.
