Jacob M. Modest, M.D.

More About Sports Medicine Specialist | Knee, Hip & Shoulder Surgeon, Jacob M. Modest, M.D.

Dr. Jacob M. Modest, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and orthopedic trauma. He provides comprehensive surgical and non-surgical care for injuries of the shoulder, knee, hip, and elbow, as well as the management of complex fractures and athletic injuries across all activity levels. His clinical passion centers on restoring patients to peak performance and helping them return to the activities that define their lives.

Dr. Modest’s expertise spans the treatment of ligament, tendon, and cartilage injuries, with a particular focus on shoulder instability and labral repair, rotator cuff tears, ACL reconstruction, patellofemoral instability, hip impingement, hip labral tears, and arthroscopic treatment of hip impingement. He utilizes both minimally invasive arthroscopy and open reconstructive surgery, tailoring each treatment plan to the patient’s goals, sport, and timeline for recovery.

Dr. Modest completed his Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, where he participated in the care of athletes across all levels, including professional team coverage for the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Cleveland Guardians (MLB), and Kent State University Division I Athletics. Prior to this, he completed a Trauma Fellowship at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at Brown University, where he was recognized for research excellence with multiple awards including the Peter G. Trafton, M.D. Award for Outstanding Research in Orthopaedic Trauma and the Rhode Island Orthopaedic Society Award. He earned his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, graduating with election to the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society, and his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Economics from Georgetown University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

Dr. Modest has contributed extensively to the orthopaedic literature, with over 60 peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, and national podium and poster presentations at meetings such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. His research spans topics including patellofemoral instability, disparities in orthopaedic care, distal radius fracture fixation, and shoulder instability.

He is a candidate member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and remains actively involved in advancing evidence-based care in both sports and trauma surgery.

Dr. Modest is deeply committed to patient-centered care, emphasizing empathy, education, and shared decision-making. He believes the best outcomes arise when surgeon and patient work as a team — setting clear goals, balancing expectations, and restoring function and confidence after injury.

When he is not in the operating room, Dr. Modest maintains his lifelong passion for athletics through soccer, running, and fitness training, pursuits that continue to inspire his work helping others return to the sports and activities they love.