Scoliosis & Spine Lunch & Learn Seminar Series

Speakers and Agenda 

• Dr. Michael Vitale, MD - overview on history of procedure, indications of vertebral body tethering (VBT), contraindications, ideal candidate for VBT, and risk factors
• Trella Allen, DPT - case study review.  Review a recent case of VBT and their post op rehab
• Introduction/moderator - Prachi Bakarania, DPT
• Questions and answers

Agenda

In our second lunch and learn we will discuss advances in Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis and benefits of bracing in this younger population. Our speakers are Dr. Benjamin Roye, MD, MPH, who is an attending surgeon and associate professor of Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Roye’s practice specializes in the surgical management of complex spine conditions, juvenile and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and other spine orthopedic traumas.  John Tunney, who is a director of East Coast Orthotics and Prosthetics and a certified orthotist specializing in the New York Rigo Cheneau brace. John is considered one of the few master brace makers in the country and is a leader in the industry and has redesigned the Rigo Cheneau brace.

Our agenda will begin with an introduction from Dr. Michael Vitale, who will also serve as our moderator for the series. We will cover:

• A brief overview of juvenile idiopathic scoliosis and how it differs from the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
• Briefly a role of surgery in this population
• Literature review of night time brace (part time bracing) in this population
• What makes these braces different from a standard brace
• Briefly the role that PSSE and the role the scoliosis specific PT can play with this population

Guest Speaker: Kate Bacigalpo, PT, DPT

Dr. Kate Bacigalpo, PT, DPT is a physical therapist at PhysioElements in Manhasset, NY and specializes in EDS/hypermobility and scoliosis. Kate received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2015 and since then has dedicated her career to advocating for patients with generalized joint hypermobility and related connective tissue disorders. Kate is an SSOL P2 Advanced Schroth Therapist and takes a special interest in treatment and management for patients that present with both scoliosis and connective tissue disorders. Kate takes an integrative approach to patient care for this patient population, and is eager to share the approach as well as the nuances that come along with treating patients with both diagnoses. She has a passion for educating both patients and providers, and has built a social media platform that welcomes learning and growth in this field. 

Moderator: Michael G. Vitale, MD, MPH

Guest Speakers:

Dr. Zeeshan M. Sardar is the Associate Chief of Spinal Deformities of Columbia University Department of Orthopedics and the Medical Director of the Spine Unit at The Och Spine Hospital/Allen. His practice is devoted exclusively to the treatment of pediatric and adult spinal disorders. He treats patients at The Och Spine Hospital/Allen and The Children’s Hospital of New York, both located in Manhattan.

Dr. Sardar is an expert in the treatment of spine conditions affecting adult and adolescent patients. His practice focuses on the operative care of spinal deformities and degenerative conditions utilizing the most advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical techniques available. When surgery is indicated Dr. Sardar leverages Advanced Imaging, 3-D models, and Robotic Assisted Surgical Tools to restore function, and help patients get back to their life.

Beth Terranova, DPT, a physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning coach, turned her own scoliosis journey into a source of empowerment for others. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from CUNY Hunter College and is an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. She is also trained in the Barcelona-Schroth Method, SSOL-Schroth Method and Scoliosis Exercise Approach for Scoliosis (SEAS), enhancing her focus on scoliosis and kyphosis. At her company Strength and Spine, she offers specialized online personal training for those with scoliosis, spinal fusion, and other spinal conditions, blending rehabilitation with fitness to foster strength and self-confidence.

Moderator: Prachi Bakarania, DPT, Schroth Barcelona C2-Cert, SEAS-2

We'll take a deep dive into clinical research and nonoperative management of scoliosis. Our own Dr. Michael Vitale and Guest Speaker Dr. Brian G. Smith, former Chief of the Orthopaedic & Scoliosis Division at Texas Children's Hospital, will share their expertise and experience conducting numerous research projects, as well as sharing tips on producing sound, well-designed studies. 

Bring your research questions and come prepared to share your triumphs and tribulations so we can all learn and grow together.

Guest Speaker:

Brian G. Smith,  MD, FAAP, FAOA
Dr. Smith served as the Chief of the Division of Orthopaedics and Scoliosis at Texas Children’s Hospital from 2018-2024.

He graduated magna cum laude from Williams College, and received both his MD and Orthopaedic residency training at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Following four years in the Air Force, he completed a fellowship in Pediatric Orthopaedics at Children’s Hospital in Boston. He then worked for 15 years at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. He also previously served as the Director of Pediatric Orthopaedics and professor at the Yale University School of Medicine and the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital where he was also Resident Director. 

Dr. Smith’s philosophy of care is based on a careful assessment and determination of the patient’s and family’s needs and wishes in order to provide the best possible care and achieve the optimal outcome for the patient and their family. The principles guiding his provision of care include honesty, communication, integrity and compassion.