Dr. Boland received his MD degree from Cornell University Medical College in 1961. After an internship and assistant residency in general surgery at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, he served in the US Army in Germany for two years. Dr. Boland completed the Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency Program in l969.

Dr. Boland is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at the Harvard University Health Services, and Head Surgeon for the Harvard Athletic Department. Dr. Boland has been an assistant team physician for the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins and was a member of the medical staff of the l984 Olympic Games. He has also served as team physician for the US Hockey Team at the World Championships in 1993 and has been an orthopedic consultant for the US Rowing Team.

Dr. Boland has served on numerous committees for several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Committee on Sports Medicine and its Committee on Outcomes Research. Dr. Boland has been President and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, President of the Herodicus Society, a member of the program committee of the International Cartilage Repair Society, and served on the Strategic Planning and Membership Committees of the International Society of
Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine.

In 2000 Dr. Boland was the recipient of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine's "Mr. Sports Medicine Award: In Recognition and Appreciation for his Outstanding and Meritorious Service to Sports Medicine Throughout the World." In 2005 he was inducted into the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine's Hall of Fame, the Society's highest honor.