Nicholas K. Sablan, M.D.
Sports Medicine & Shoulder
Dr. Nicholas K. Sablan is a fellowship‑trained orthopaedic sports medicine and shoulder surgeon who joined Tidewater Orthopaedics in 2011. He currently serves as the President of the practice and shares a strong commitment to providing high‑quality, specialized orthopaedic care to the Hampton Roads community.
Dr. Sablan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana, before obtaining his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Connecticut in Farmington, Connecticut, followed by advanced fellowship training in orthopaedic sports medicine at the renowned Kerlan‑Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, California.
During his time in Los Angeles, Dr. Sablan served as an assistant team physician for numerous professional and competitive athletic organizations, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the PGA Tour, as well as collegiate and high school sports teams. This experience strengthened his expertise in treating sports‑related injuries and helping athletes safely return to peak performance.
Dr. Sablan sees patients in both Hampton and Williamsburg, Virginia, with a focus on sports medicine and shoulder conditions. He is passionate about restoring mobility and helping patients return to active, healthy lifestyles. Growing up with both parents in the medical profession, Dr. Sablan developed an early appreciation for the meaningful impact physicians can have on their patients’ lives.
Dr. Sablan and his wife are raising their four children in Hampton Roads, where they enjoy the area’s family‑friendly environment, mild climate, and close‑knit community. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, including basketball and tennis, and traveling.
Education
- 2010 – 2011
Kerlan Jobe Clinic
Los Angeles, CA
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship
- 2005 – 2010
University of Connecticut
Farmington, CT
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency
- 2001 – 2005
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, NY
Doctor of Medicine
- 1997 – 2001
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN
Bachelor of Science, Pre-Professional Studies
Professional Societies
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- Arthroscopy Association of North American (AANA)
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
Hospital Affiliations
- Orthopaedic Hospital at Sentara CarePlex
- CarePlex Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Center (COASC)
- Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
- SENTARA Hampton General Hospital
Awards and Achievements
- Voted Top Orthopaedic Surgeon by Coastal Virginia Magazine, 2016, 2017
- 96th Percentile Orthopaedic In-Training Exam 2009
- 99th Percentile Orthopaedic In-Training Exam 2007
- Spencer Butterfield memorial Prize for Excellence in Orthopaedic Trauma
Medical Practice
- 2010 – 2011
Assistant Team Doctor:
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Los Angeles Sparks
- Los Angeles Kings
- Anaheim Ducks
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Los Angeles Angels
- PGA Tour
- Fullerton College
- Banning High School
- Carson High School
Publications
Book Chapters
Sablan NK, Lieberman JR. Liner Exchange and Surgical Treatment of Osteolysis. Arthritis and Arthroplasty: The Hip. 2009 Edition.
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Sablan NK, Obopilwe E, Stephens K, Solovyova O, Mazzocca AD. The Contribution of the Acromioclavicular Joint Congruity to the Stability of the Anatomic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction (ACCR). Manuscript Submitted Journal of Shoulder and Elbow.
Published Multimedia
Sablan NK, Mazzocca AD. Arthroscopic Techniques of Biologic Enhancement for Rotator Cuff Tendon Healing. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery. Technique video. Mostofie A, Sablan NK, Mazzocca AD. Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries. Orthopaedics Hyperguide. Posters Sablan NK, Obopilwe E, Stephens K, Solovyova O, Mazzocca AD. The Contribution of the Acromioclavicular Joint Congruity to the Stability of the Anatomic Coracoclacicular Ligament Reconstruction (ACCR). Congress of the European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and the Elbow. Madrid. Sept. 2009.
Sports Medicine
- ACL Tear
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Elbow Bursitis
- Labral Tear of the Hip (Acetabular Labrum Tear)
- Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Meniscus Tear
- Rise of ACL Injuries in Female Athletes
Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder
- Bursitis of the Shoulder (Subacromial Bursitis)
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior Tear)
Same Day Appointments
Professional Certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery