Edward T Su, MD

Empowering Patients Through Knowledge and Expert Hand Care

As a hand and upper extremity surgeon, I view patient education as the biggest part of my job. Teaching my patients about their condition and what’s going on with their bodies is key, so we can be partners in making the decision about how to take care of them. I talk with patients about the source of their problem and what the treatment options are, both nonsurgical and surgical, and then try to tailor the options to that patient’s particular lifestyle and needs.

Yes, I do operate, and I do fix things inside the body. But if you don’t know what’s going on and you don’t know how to take of it afterward, then I haven’t done my job. I enjoy helping my patients learn tools to take care of themselves and feel better.

Dr. Ed Su’s Hand Surgery Specialty

I was drawn to hand surgery as a specialty because our hands are not just part of our bodies — our hands are also how we interact with the world. Whether it’s using computers, or playing sports, or drinking and eating, or bathing, we need our hands for absolutely everything we do. The hand is very mechanically complex, and there is such a wide variety of functions it performs. The hand is so versatile, and I find it endlessly fascinating. There is no limit to what we as orthopedic surgeons can learn and know about the hand.

Dr. Ed Su’s Approach to Care

What I want patients to know before coming to see me is this: Just because I’m a surgeon doesn’t mean you will need an operation or that I will advocate for surgery. You’re in control of your care, and no one is going to do anything that you don’t want done. You’re just here to find out what my expert opinion is, based on what I know about your anatomy and physiology and the problem that you have. I can give you different options and different outcomes that would potentially happen, based on whichever direction you choose to go in.

Dr. Su’s Outside Interests

Outside the office, although it’s not popular in this part of the country, I’m a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan. I’m also a big fan of Disney (favorite movies include The Lion King and Big Hero 6) and have traveled to Disney World many times with my family, including my wife and two children. We also love trying new restaurants, especially the global cuisine that has become more plentiful in the Twin Cities over the past decade or so. And I work out early every morning on my Peloton, so if you’re an early riser like me and live here in Minnesota, don’t be surprised if you get a virtual high five from me.