William B. Stetson, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon based in Burbank, California, has been named a 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking the 11th time he has received this peer-nominated honor. Only about 7 percent of licensed physicians in the U.S. are selected each year as Castle Connolly Top Doctors for their specialties in their regions, making this recognition a significant indicator of professional standing.
Dr. Stetson co-founded Stetson Lee Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in 2005 and has been in private practice since 1995. He specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and surgical treatment of orthopaedic trauma, treating patients of all ages. His expertise includes arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery for complex injuries of the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle, as well as arthritis-related orthopaedic issues. Common procedures he performs include rotator-cuff repair, meniscus repair, ACL reconstruction, and treatment of recurrent shoulder dislocation.
Dr. Stetson emphasizes personalized care, noting, "We give each patient individualized, personalized care, and we recommend surgery only when it is necessary." He is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery with subspecialty certification in orthopaedic sports medicine and is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Stetson serves as the doctor for Olympics Team USA men's and women's indoor volleyball teams. He founded Operation Arthroscopy, a nonprofit that brings orthopaedic surgery and arthroscopy to underserved populations, and SurgTime, a telesurgery platform enhancing surgical education. He is also an adjunct clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and has over 25 years of teaching experience.
The Castle Connolly Top Doctor selection process relies on peer nominations and physician-led research, ensuring that honorees are recognized for their medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary history. Dr. Stetson's repeated selection reflects sustained high regard among colleagues. He has also received other accolades, including the 2007 NCAA Silver Anniversary Award and induction into the Southern California Indoor Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2024.
This announcement reinforces the value of peer recognition in healthcare, as Castle Connolly Top Doctors are chosen for their expertise and reputation. For patients, such designations can guide decisions when seeking specialized orthopaedic care.
