NATHAN HOWLETT, DO

Dr. Nathan Howlett is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has a strong clinical interest in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. He graduated at the top of his class in medical school and was elected to the leadership position of Chief Resident during his residency. After residency, he completed his fellowship training at the Boston University School of Medicine at Boston Medical Center, and developed advanced skills in the surgical management of shoulder and knee injuries in the pediatric and adult patient.

In the shoulder, he treats rotator cuff and labrum tears, and does total shoulder and reverse shoulder replacement surgery. In the knee, he specializes in ACL reconstruction, meniscus surgery, cartilage restoration, cartilage transplant, partial knee replacement, and total knee replacement. Dr. Howlett also takes care of all sports-related injuries, and did this as one of the team physicians for Boston University athletics.

Dr. Howlett’s commitment to sports medicine is rooted in his belief that it provides maximal benefit and improvement to get people back to living their lives as they were before injury.

He lives with his wife in Saunderstown. They enjoy running, biking, golfing, snowboarding, and taking care of their dog and chickens!

Education

  • Undergraduate – Providence College, 2005
  • Graduate – Georgetown University, MS in Physiology and Biophysics, 2006
  • Medical – University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2010-2014
  • Orthopedic Residency – University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pinnacle Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 2014-2019
  • Sports Medicine Fellowship – Boston University School of Medicine at Boston Medical Center, 2019-2020

Professional Associations

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
  • American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics
  • Arthroscopy Association of North America

Awards & Honors

  • Chief Resident, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pinnacle Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Related Blog Posts

December 8, 2025 / Shoulder / Nathan Howlett

Patient Success Story: How Two New Joints Got Bob Back on His Bike

To overcome the worsening pain from long-standing osteoarthritis and a prior shoulder injury, avid cyclist Bob turned to joint replacement at Ortho Rhode Island. His journey began years earlier with persistent shoulder and knee problems that steadily limited his mobility and independence.

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August 19, 2025 / Shoulder / Nathan Howlett

A New Hope for Shoulder Pain: The Pyrocarbon Implant That’s Changing the Game

Benefit & Why It Matters More natural feel ----  The implant’s lightweight, cartilage-like surface makes movement smoother and more comfortable. Less joint wear  ----  Its low‑friction coating helps protect joint surfaces, making the shoulder potentially more durable. Stay active longer  ----    Designed with active, younger patients in mind, the implant supports athletic and daily pursuits.

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July 3, 2025 / Howlett ORI Blog / Nathan Howlett

Patient Success Story: Kirby Murphy

To overcome the pain of a decades-old shoulder injury, pro softball player Kirby turned to total shoulder replacement at Ortho Rhode Island. His injury journey began in 2000, with a torn labrum that never fully healed.

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