Dr. Steve Kichul Lee, MD

Dr. Lee may be a well-known surgeon at HSS, but his behavior toward patients tells a very different story. Despite multiple attempts to reach him regarding my test results and treatment plan, he never responded. Not once. The response commitment his office made was ignored entirely. When I finally did have an appointment, he arrived unprepared and unfamiliar with my documented history. No treatment plan was ever provided. I filed a formal complaint with HSS Patient Experience. Their response defended Dr. Lee and sidestepped my concerns entirely. Dr. Lee operates as though responding to patients is beneath him, and the institution around him reinforces that. If you are looking for a surgeon who communicates, follows through, and treats you as a priority — look elsewhere.

I cannot say enough about Dr. Stephen K. Lee at Hospital for Special Surgery. In March 2019, just weeks before the COVID lockdown, I suffered a devastating accident—my wrist was shattered beyond recognition. There were bones exposed, severe trauma, and it was honestly terrifying. My initial medical experience elsewhere left me feeling hopeless, especially given my complex medical history, including severe nerve damage and a rare condition (RSD/CRPS). Many doctors had turned me away in the past. Then I found Dr. Lee—and everything changed. Despite the timing during a looming pandemic and the complexity of my case, he didn’t hesitate. In fact, he embraced the challenge with confidence and determination. Before I came to him, I was told I might only regain about 30% function in my hand. After my first surgery with Dr. Lee, my hand felt better than it had in over 15 years—even before the accident. What followed was a long journey: multiple surgeries, setbacks, and even a re-injury… during physical therapy that made things worse. But each time, Dr. Lee was there to fix what seemed unfixable. In total, I underwent several surgeries under his care, and today, I have function in my hand that I never thought possible. Dr. Lee didn’t just repair bones and tendons—he restored my quality of life. His surgical skill is extraordinary, but just as important, he has something rare: genuine compassion, confidence, and a personality that puts you at ease during the most difficult times. In my opinion, Dr. Stephen K. Lee is one of the best hand surgeons in the world. If you value your hands and want the best possible outcome after a serious injury, I wholeheartedly recommend him and the Hospital for Special Surgery.

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I was having a poor recovery from my wrist fracture surgery and went to Dr Lee for a second opinion. He did another surgery and I had nearly a full recovery, with much of my numbness and stiffness resolving. Dr Lee and his team / other HSS drs were wonderful, patient, and answered all my questions. I’m so grateful I was able to work with Dr Lee who is a true expert in his field. He is compassionate, knowledgeable and highly skilled. I whole heartedly recommend Dr Lee and the rest of the HSS team.

I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care I received from Dr. Lee and his team at HSS. After enduring injuries from an accident in 2014, including multiple fractures in my hand and wrist, I faced years of low-level but constant pain. Despite consultations with various specialists, no one seemed to fully understand my symptoms until I met Dr. Lee. From our very first appointment, Dr. Lee was able to articulate my pain in a way that no one else had. He took my concerns seriously and sent me for ultrasound tests with Dr. Oganna Nwawka, who provided invaluable insights. The results revealed five areas of concern, and Dr. Lee offered me the choice to walk away with this knowledge or proceed with surgery. I chose surgery, and I am incredibly thankful I did. The care I received during my hospital stay and from all the professionals involved was outstanding. Since the surgery, I have been pain-free, and my hand and wrist are recovering beautifully. I owe a special… thanks to Justin Aives, Dr. Lee’s PA, whose support and prompt responses to my queries made a significant difference in my experience. Additionally, Felicia Bellve, the office manager, was a tremendous help with navigating paperwork and insurance questions. My time at HSS has been overwhelmingly positive, and I cannot express enough gratitude for Dr. Lee’s expertise, patience, and dedication.

I suffered over six years with debilitating pain. I left a limited field of veterinary medicine, and eventually left medicine altogether, due to my pain. I left home, I left my hobbies, and I was gradually leaving life. I lost all hope. Dr. Steve K Lee at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) was the only physician to listen and address my complaint. He ordered multiple imaging studies, a diagnostic nerve block, and performed physical and ultrasonic exams to diagnose my peripheral nerve disorder. I was out of obvious nerve pain on waking from surgery 2 months ago, and the nerve pain has not returned! Although a long recovery looms, no other medical professional could or would diagnose or treat me. Dr. Steve K. Lee and the entire team at HSS are to be commended, encouraged, promoted, and supported in their work. Direct thanks to: Dr. Steve K. Lee - a peripheral nerve surgeon shattering the physician status-quo and giving patients hope.

Dr. Lee is a world class surgeon who personally cares about each and every patient. He operated on my frozen thumb and masterfully fixed it with cutting edge techniques without cumbersome painful tendon transplants, etc. There is no one better to go to if proper hand function is your goal. Saying anything more would be superfluous.

Dr. Lee did a fantastic job on my right wrist. A little over 7 months post-surgery, I am pain free and back to all my previous routines. Thanks Dr. Lee

I had a problem that was worsening over the course of the year. I had a theory that my primary care doctor disagreed with. Luckily he referred me to Dr. Lee anyway. Turned out I was right, and surgery was require. Dr. Lee fixed me up. It’s been a couple years now and I have never had a problem again

Excellent Surgeon. Excellent staff. Very attentive, they comprehensively explain the options. Highly recommend Dr. Steve Lee and his staff!