“dr. popovitz is a fantastic doctor; i went to him for a second opinion because i did not like the first orthopedist i saw, and i am so glad i did. dr. p was warm and friendly, he listened, he clearly showed me options, he did not rush anything, and he responded to my needs.”
mark R.July 29, 2025
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“dr. popovitz is a fantastic doctor; i went to him for a second opinion because i did not like the first orthopedist i saw, and i am so glad i did. dr. p was warm and friendly, he listened, he clearly showed me options, he did not rush anything, and he responded to my needs.”
mark R.July 29, 2025
“The staff is lovely. They are so kind and helpful and go above and beyond to make sure patient are seen in a timely manner. Doctor Popovits is the best of both worlds caring and approachable as well as experienced and professional . Highly recommend by several my coworkers in the healthcare field and now I highly recommend as well ??”
Initials hiddenOctober 18, 2021
About Dr. Leon E. Popovitz
Leon E. Popovitz, MD is the co-founder of New York Bone & Joint Specialists and a top-rated orthopedic surgeon in New York City. Internationally recognized for his expertise in arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery, Dr. Popovitz specializes in the minimally invasive repair and reconstruction of cartilage, ligaments, tendons and critical structures of the shoulder and knee.
His treatment philosophy is centered on preserving vital joint structures to promote long-term joint health and delay degeneration. Known for his innovative techniques, Dr. Popovitz has contributed to clinical research, surgical advancements and invention that help shape the future of orthopedic care.
Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Popovitz is also a member of the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy. He has served as an orthopedic surgeon for the U.S. Open Tennis Championships and is proud to treat athletes of all levels with compassion and precision.
Born in the Ukraine and a graduate of the prestigious Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education in New York, Dr. Popovitz earned his MD from New York Medical College. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Lenox Hill Hospital, with additional training at Harvard Children’s Hospital and Memorial Sloan-Kettering, followed by a fellowship in Sports Medicine at the NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital.
He is currently an attending physician at Northwell/Lenox Hill Hospital and has been honored by numerous publications including The New York Times, New York Magazine, and Castle Connolly as a Top Doctor.
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Medical School - New York Medical College, Doctor of Medicine
Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center, Internship in General Surgery
Lenox Hill Hospital, Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
Children's Hospital Boston, Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
Cornell University, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute, Fellowship in Arthroscopic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Professional memberships
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Awards and publications
Castle Connolly Top Doctor
New York Magazine Best Doctors
New York Times Tops Doctors
Languages spoken
English
Spanish
Russian
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1437198892
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.57
Wait time
4.23
Bedside manner
4.68
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
234 reviews
Most relevant
They did not review my X-ray with me, they didn’t send the prescription when they were supposed to, and they were very busy.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very friendly, professional and great at what he does. He was able to catch a blood clot in my leg, in the Nick of time.
February 11, 2021Nadine B.Verified patient
It was a great experience. The staff was really friendly and the Doctor went straight to the point. I would recommend.
February 24, 2020Initials hidden
I appreciate his view approach that surgery is a last option. I was seen by drs for whom this was not the case.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Nice Guy. Good bed side manner, Liked his staff also. Just hope he has steady hands if I need surgery..... LOL
June 24, 2013Initials hidden
This doctor spent approximately 30 seconds speaking with me and then finished. He asked me no questions.
February 2, 2010Initials hidden
Diagnosis and follow up treatment remains to be seen but his bedside manner and staff were all terrific.
More than 1 year agoElizabeth R.Verified patient
Dr Popovitz is great, he is a straight shooter with good bedside manner. I am very happy with him
March 3, 2011Matthew K.Verified patient
Dr was beautiful great knowledge compare Dr.wert In Brooklyn New York orthopedic to
September 25, 2023Yefim S.Verified patient
Really liked him as a doctor. Approachable, make sure I understood everything.
March 5, 2018Valerie Z.Verified patient
Very nice dr had a very warm presence...happy to have found him...quick service
February 17, 2014Initials hidden
Very friendly and approachable Answered all questions Highly recommended
December 28, 2020Karen R.Verified patient
He is the best he did my right knee surgery .my knee has been perfect since.
October 2, 2017Christy D.Verified patient
Great follow up after a successful surgery
Innovative recovery techniques
January 3, 2019Initials hidden
Knowledgeable doctor, kind staff, short wait time. Highly recommend.
June 17, 2019Gerald C.Verified patient
Good visit. Everyone in the office is helpful
Knowledgeable
February 9, 2018Keith R.Verified patient
Really good guy. Takes the time empathize and educate.
January 3, 2018Christian C.Verified patient
It was fine.
January 8, 2026Desiree B.Verified patient
dr. popovitz is a fantastic doctor; i went to him for a second opinion because i did not like the first orthopedist i saw, and i am so glad i did. dr. p was warm and friendly, he listened, he clearly showed me options, he did not rush anything, and he responded to my needs.
July 29, 2025mark R.Verified patient
Awesome
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very professional doctor and staff!
November 18, 2021Stephen A.Verified patient
The staff is lovely. They are so kind and helpful and go above and beyond to make sure patient are seen in a timely manner. Doctor Popovits is the best of both worlds caring and approachable as well as experienced and professional . Highly recommend by several my coworkers in the healthcare field and now I highly recommend as well ??
October 18, 2021Initials hidden
Amazing experience. Best in NY so far. Dr Popovitz listened to me -not that obvious in these grounds-, asked questions to know context of my sports related injury and very accurately explained how he interpreted my problem. He was honest and seemed to know what he was talking about. A runner needs a doctor like him. I shall return.
June 10, 2021Initials hidden
Very nice and professional. Wait time was quick
October 20, 2020Initials hidden
Went in, had my knee diagnosed (w/ MRI), given options, set up the surgery to clean out my knee and 7 weeks later, my knee feels almost new! Excellent and responsive staff, Dr P was also friendly and answered all of my questions and concerns.
September 24, 2020Curtis L.Verified patient
I spent my entire morning there only to be told I needed an MRI, which I knew before going. He did not say anything about how to take care of my injury or what could possibly be wrong with me. He did a few tests (bending my leg every which way). I had to pry and ask if it was an ACL issue, Meniscus, etc. I still don't know any more than when I made the appointment. Doctors should do much more for the price we pay, even if it's just a consult.
I will say, although the women at the front desk is pretty intense at first, she did fight for me with the healthcare company and turned out to be very sweet.
September 21, 2020Michael K.Verified patient
Thorough, caring and communicative
August 31, 2020Michael T.Verified patient
Dr. Popovitz was very knowlegable about my conditon. He was very patient and answered ALL of my questions. He took his time, I did not feel rushed. I will definitely see him again.
Excellent bedside manner.
June 1, 2020Victoria T.Verified patient
I had 2 appointments, after trying to schedule several times- the office cancelled 3 times.
After waiting over an hour in the second time, Dr. was nice and patient but the explanations were not full.
December 30, 2019Eliran C.Verified patient
Dr. Popovitz was very professional and kind, as was his entire staff. He made a comprehensive plan to figure out the root of the pain I have been experiencing and was very clear and spent plenty of time with me. It was also so easy to have been X-rayed right in the office and schedule my prescribed physical therapy. Additionally, the administrative/reception staff was kind and professional and maintained the utmost professionalism when dealing with some down right rude patients. I’m glad to have found Dr. Popovitz and his entire team!
December 12, 2019Adrienne A.Verified patient
Really excellent treatment by all staff, physician's assistant, and Dr. Popovitz. Took time to hear out all my concerns. Showed me a plastic model of the shoulder that gave me a personal "aha moment" to understand what's going on in there. Very thorough. Very well deserving of all of his professional accolades...and not resting on his amazing accomplishments. Go check out the issue with Dr. Popovitz!
December 13, 2019Christopher M.Verified patient
Dr. Popivitz is very pleasant, kind and has a warm bedside manner. He does a thorough examination. The PA’s in the office are also great. Beware that the office charges “a 3% administrative fee” on copays paid by credit card.
December 9, 2019Andrea P.Verified patient
The doctor was very nice and his staff was friendly. However, the wait time was insane and the communication was pretty rough. I sat in a room for 40 minutes without anyone coming to check on me and then the doctor was in and out in under 5 minutes. Then he left without any further direction so I was really confused and no one spoke to me until I went to leave and the receptionist said the doctor wanted an mri. Overall a very confusing experience with too much wait time but generally good people. So it’s hard to be annoyed.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Doctor was very pleasant but extremely unhelpful.... just threw a diagnosis at me and said ‘physical therapy’ with no further explanation or suggestion.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Popovita seems good - solid both times I've met him, but his staff and the clinicians he has working for him are great! Didn't jump straight until surgery and didn't pressure me to use the in-house physical therapy (though it's convenient that there's that option).
May 24, 2019Initials hidden
Excellent experience, everyone I encountered was kind and professional. Everything was fast and all my questions were answered. Highly recommend.
April 4, 2019Alexander A.Verified patient
I visited Dr. Popovitz a day after I had a bad ski accident where I tore my ACL. Front staff are very kind, wait time wasn’t long and his PA was knowledgeable and kind. Dr. Popovitz was great. Very informative, considerate and I’m happy I found him for this issue! I definitely recommend him.
March 8, 2019Aixa F.Verified patient
The doctors, the medical assistance, and Secretary were very friendly and supportive. They all along with medical providers listened to my needs and provided the best care I have ever received in other providers I was referred in the past.
January 22, 2019Jeanette S.Verified patient
This was my first visit to Dr. Popovitz’s office and it was wonderful! His staff was warm, welcoming and professional. Dr. Popovitz addressed all my concerns with compassion and well founded expertise. His assistant Linda (I might have the name wrong) was just great! She spent a great deal of her time listening to me and allowing me to feel that I had fully expressed all my orthopedic issues. I highly recommend this practice! Good job team!
October 11, 2018Lisa M.Verified patient
Did not help me for my issue after car accident. He send me to different doctor. ..and doctor before him, in the same office, send me to him. They did not figure what is wrong with me...because of that I could not sue ...when my great neurology finally find diagnose, it was too late to sue.
October 4, 2018Michelle P.Verified patient
Wonderful doctor, PA, and office staff. I had a consult with Dr. Popovitz and followed up with his PA when my symptoms got worse. Both are very knowledgeable and kind. The front desk staff has also been very helpful with scheduling and insurance. Much appreciated!
August 16, 2018Abigail S.Verified patient
Excellent
August 11, 2018Diana C.Verified patient
Dr. Popovitz is very courteous, kind and professional. I actually went to him as a second opinion and ended up leaving my first doctor. Dr. Popovitz explained everything regarding my knee issue with utmost attention to detail and was very thorough addressing my questions. His staff is friendly and competent. I am glad I found Dr. Popovitz and highly recommend him.
June 13, 2018Roberto S.Verified patient
They did a mistake with the insurance
February 19, 2018Tamir H.Verified patient
Great response in an urgent situation!
October 2, 2017Jose Miguel S.Verified patient
After a very frustrating week with the first physician I saw, Dr. Popovitz restored my faith in the medical profession. He's knowledgeable, he's professional and , most importantly, he's human.
June 22, 2017Joanne D.Verified patient
Very friendly and informative doctor. I felt comfortable speaking with him. Friendly staff also. Will definitely keep Dr. Popovitz as my orthopedic doctor.
June 1, 2017Tracie A.Verified patient
Dr Popovitz and his staff were very nice.
April 13, 2017Steven K.Verified patient
Wait time was frustrating and when I went back for follow-up the next week, I got there and found out that the doctor wasn't there. They said I could see the PA and never even apologized. But my experience actually being with the doctor was very good, and they were able to schedule my MRI before I even left the office.
February 25, 2017Meghan C.Verified patient
Dr. Popovitz and his PA were extremely competent and helpful. I had a minor issue but felt in very good hands.
Only complaint was that I booked an appointment first thing so I wouldn't be late for work and half an hour later was told there were still three patients in front of me. My boss was understanding, but it was stressful to be late after getting up so early to be there on time.
More than 1 year agoSamuel M.Verified patient
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Frequently asked questions
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Leon E. Popovitz?
Generally, Dr. Leon E. Popovitz has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Popovitz's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Leon E. Popovitz?
Dr. Leon E. Popovitz frequently sees patients for General Consultation, Knee Problems, Sports Injury, Surgery Consultation, and X-ray. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Leon E. Popovitz on their profile.
How do patients rate Dr. Leon E. Popovitz in reviews?
234 patients have reviewed Dr. Leon E. Popovitz. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.57/5. They have a 4.68/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.23/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.