Dr. Jose Vega
Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in Cleveland
Dr. José F. Vega is a fellowship-trained, board-eligible orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic, specializing in the care of shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries in athletes and active individuals of all ages. He is dedicated to delivering advanced, evidence-based treatment with a personalized approach, helping patients return to the activities they love.
Education and medical training
Dr. Vega completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Cleveland Clinic, followed by a prestigious sports medicine fellowship at Rush University Medical Center, where he trained alongside international leaders in sports surgery and cared for athletes at the professional and collegiate levels.
He currently serves as a team physician for Padua Franciscan High School and previously provided coverage for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, and DePaul University. This experience allows him to bring the same level of expertise trusted by elite athletes to every patient he treats.
A native of Northeast Ohio, Dr. Vega graduated summa cum laude from Case Western Reserve University, where he was a varsity baseball player, and earned his medical degree from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, where he received special qualifications in biomedical research. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading orthopaedic journals and serves on the editorial board of Arthroscopy. His research background informs a thoughtful, data-driven approach to patient care.
Areas of expertise
Dr. Vega treats a wide range of conditions, including shoulder instability and labral tears, rotator cuff injuries, ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries in throwing athletes, knee ligament and cartilage injuries, and hip conditions affecting active patients. He offers both nonoperative management and advanced arthroscopic and open surgical techniques tailored to each patient’s goals.
Above all, Dr. Vega believes that great outcomes begin with clear communication and a collaborative plan. He takes the time to understand each patient’s lifestyle, priorities, and performance demands—whether that means returning to professional sports, weekend competition, or everyday activity without pain.