New Orthopedic Surgeon Joins Adventist Health Ukiah Valley

Adventist Health Ukiah Valley is pleased to welcome Sean Christopher Kelly, MD, orthopedic surgeon to its medical staff. With a special focus on sports medicine, Dr. Kelly brings eight years of experience in orthopedic care and a passion for helping patients return to the activities they love — from everyday movement to competitive athletics. Dr. Kelly is now welcoming patients at the medical office located at 260 Hospital Drive in Ukiah, Suite 107.

Originally from Maryland, Dr. Kelly earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, Kentucky, then his residency in orthopedic surgery at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

After living in New York during the pandemic, Dr. Kelly and his family were drawn to the North Coast for its welcoming community, natural beauty, and slower pace of life. “Everyone here has been so kind,” Dr. Kelly shared. “It’s a beautiful place to raise a family, and we’re enjoying getting to know the area and our community.

Together with his wife and their two young daughters, ages three and five, and their 18-year-old puggle, the Kelly family is excited to call Mendocino County home.

Dr. Kelly’s journey into healthcare was inspired by a childhood experience, having witnessed a tragic drowning accident as a child, drove him to want to be able to help others in their time of need. Both he and his sister were inspired to pursue careers in healthcare, driven by a deep sense of purpose and compassion.

When asked about his approach to patient care, Dr. Kelly’s philosophy is simple: “Do the right thing for the patient — every time. I always ask myself, ‘If this were my mom, what would I do?’ That’s how I guide my decisions.”

His extensive medical training and background includes emergency and trauma surgeries, post-operative care, treatment for adolescent sports injuries, and surgical solutions for adults with a wide range of joint and bone concerns.

His love for sports — particularly snowboarding — naturally led him to orthopedic surgery. “Working with athletes is fun and rewarding,” he said. “Whether it’s a young athlete with an ACL tear or someone hoping to get back to hiking or gardening without pain, I enjoy helping people regain their strength and confidence.”

Caring for patients ages five and older, Dr. Kelly’s clinical expertise includes procedures such as ACL and rotator cuff repairs, knee arthroscopies, shoulder labral and instability repairs, and total shoulder replacements. He also has advanced fellowship training in Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) reconstructions, patellar tracking corrections, cartilage restoration procedures, and complex knee and shoulder arthroscopic procedures.

Dr. Kelly says he’s thrilled to be part of a growing orthopedic team that includes Drs. Gould, Charpentier, and Bowen. “It’s exciting to join a group that truly puts patients first,” he said. “There’s so much potential here, and I’m looking forward to helping expand access to advanced orthopedic and sports medicine care close to home.”