First Year
Class of 2029
(L-R) Drs. Venkat, Arvind, Plassche, Mirle, DelPrete and Mouli.
Varun Arvind, MD, PhD
Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Doctor of Medicine
Undergraduate: Rutgers University, Bachelor of ScienceWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
There are many strong orthopedic surgery programs across the country, but what stood out to me about Columbia Orthopedics is the people. Everyone is focused on patient care and resident education and the camaraderie between classes was unmatched. All the residents are extremely close, and everyone is willing to help each other out. Columbia also has clinical excellence in each major orthopedic subspecialty providing broad opportunities no matter which subspecialty one chooses to pursue. Finally, as someone interested in pursuing a career as a physician-scientist, the six-year track is the strongest in the country. Dr. Thomopoulos mentors each research-resident to develop their own independent research program that will become the foundation of their lab or academic program in the future. The department also supports residents with funding opportunities both internal and external to pursue any research idea they would like. For me, the research year has been invaluable to quick-start my research program.
What is your favorite bone?
RadiusWhere are you from?
Piscataway, NJFavorite activity outside of work?
HikingDream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Kendrick LamarBest playlist for the OR?
EDM/ hip hop/ today's hitsFavorite night float snack?
Trail MixBest place you've traveled?
Kerala, IndiaFavorite NYC restaurant?
Eleven Madison Park ($$$), Uzuki ($)
Cristina Rose DelPrete, MD
Medical School: Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Graduate School: Teachers College, Columbia University Nutrition & Exercise Physiology
Undergraduate: Johns Hopkins University Bachelor of Science
Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
As a medical student, I felt immediately welcomed by the Columbia faculty and residents during my rotation. I was treated as an active part of the team and involved in patient care from my first day on service. I was impressed by how teaching and mentorship occurred at all levels - from junior and senior residents at trauma rounds and weekly conferences, to fellows and attendings in clinic and the operating room - and was even given my own opportunity by presenting at fracture conferences. I also saw the involvement of Columbia Orthopedics at the national level, with a presence at conferences and in professional organizations. I knew that pursuing residency at Columbia would allow me the opportunity to not only become a skilled surgeon, but also an educator and leader in the field as well. I ultimately chose Columbia because I knew I would be supported and challenged to grow into the best version of myself, and constantly driven to provide the best patient care.
What is your favorite bone?
FemurWhere are you from?
Franklin Lakes, NYFavorite activity outside of work?
Cooking and gardeningDream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Taylor Swift Eras Tour feat. Travis KelceBest playlist for the OR?
Hip Hop BBQFavorite night float snack?
PBJBest place you've traveled?
South AfricaFavorite NYC restaurant?
Rubirosa with Cafe Panna for dessert
Vikranth Mirle, MD
Medical School: University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences, The Pritzker School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Ohio State UniversityWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
I chose Columbia Orthopedics for the brilliant, compassionate, and deeply invested residents, faculty, and staff that comprise the program. The culture, training, and success are all natural sequiturs from the people here. From my sub-internship to the interview process and now as an intern, there was nowhere I found that had people who cared as much as the people at Columbia did. The investment and caring involves everything from our personal wellness and growth to challenging us in our day to day learning and of course commitment to our long-term success. Among residents, the atmosphere feels warm and collegial, and I feel completely supported and pushed to be the best version of myself by my seniors. A month in, I already think of my co-interns as family. From the leadership side, Drs. Levine, Jobin, Neuwirth and Chien leave no question as to the steadfast commitment from the department and every faculty member to the residency program and resident success. Whether it be research, mentorship, leadership, there are boundless opportunities with the ceiling being where you decide it is. Lastly, this is a program that, despite its immense success and reputation, at every level, strives to continuously improve. This is, of course, reflected in the stellar fellowship matches and numerous resident OREF grants, but it is also reflected in how we approach each consult and the receptiveness to resident feedback. At a recent Breakfast with the Chair, Dr. Levine spoke about the importance of self-reflection and feedback, however brief, not only in the big moments but also after every case and consult. I think this encapsulates the culture perfectly — this is a close-knit program that cares deeply about its residents and creating leaders who will continue to push the field of orthopedics forward.
What is your favorite bone?
FemurWhere are you from?
Cincinnati, OHFavorite activity outside of work?
Couch time with my cats +/- my partner, cooking unnecessarily complicated meals/trying new food spots, and working out (in that order)Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Queen @ WembleyBest playlist for the OR?
Afro BoricuaFavorite night float snack?
Chicago mix popcorn (ideally Garrett’s, modified to 70% cheddar 30% caramel)Best place you've traveled?
PatagoniaFavorite NYC restaurant?
Nura
Vibav Mouli, MD
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School
Graduate School: Tufts School of Public Health & Professional Degrees, MS
Undergraduate: Harvard University, Bachelor ScienceWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
First, the culture of support among residents, leadership, faculty, and support staff is incomparable. During my sub-I at Columbia, I saw residents go out of their way to help with consults even when they weren't explicitly on call; attendings checked in proactively to ensure I had a fantastic sub-I month; and scrub nurses & circulators welcomed me into the OR, always being willing to teach from their years of experience. I knew it was a tight-knit community where I would be valued and a meaningful member of the team. Second, maybe the easiest - I knew I would leave Columbia being equipped with the skills I needed to be successful in my future sub-specialty, thanks to world renowned surgeons, but most importantly, dedicated educators. Finally, I appreciated that the leadership at Columbia was constantly looking for feedback to make things better for residents and the department. They prioritize resident experience and care about making productive changes to rotations, admin, didactics etc. I couldn't imagine a better place for my training.What is your favorite bone?
CalcaneusWhere are you from?
Reisterstown, MDFavorite activity outside of work?
Singing or HIIT classes (or singing during HIIT classes…)Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Quinn XCII opening for Louis the ChildBest playlist for the OR?
'90s/2000s throwback radioFavorite night float snack?
Haribo gummies (ideally slightly cold, just out of the fridge)Best place you've traveled?
Siena, Italy & Milos, GreeceFavorite NYC restaurant?
Atoboy for Korean tapas
Grace Plassche, MD
Medical School: Columbia University Vangelo’s College of Physicians and Surgeons
Undergrauate: Brown University, Bachelor of ScienceWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
The answer is simple to me – the people. The group of attendings, co-residents, and faculty that surround us at Columbia Orthopedics is truly unmatched. It was immediately obvious to me that this was a group of people that supported each resident in a unique way, championed their passions, and pushed them to be the best versions of themselves – all while creating a cohesive family that genuinely enjoyed the journey together.Throughout my rotation and since then, the residents and faculty I interacted with were role models for me. They are the epitome of ‘grit and grace’ and have shown me how I want to approach this journey. Columbia Orthopedics is defined by this integrity, mentorship, and collaborative nature, setting it apart from every other program in my eyes. I feel incredibly grateful to be joining this team, one that values each member’s unique strengths and motivations.
We are lucky to be surrounded by incredibly skilled leaders in the field, all of whom are dedicating the time and energy to guide us towards becoming adept orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Levine has been an advocate for me, and every medical student that dreams of being an orthopedic surgeon. He took the time to learn who I am, what drives me, and where I would flourish. Columbia Orthopedics feels like home, the place where I can most be myself and I can’t wait to see who I will be able to become here.
What is your favorite bone?
HumerusWhere are you from?
Clinton, NJFavorite activity outside of work?
Running a Central Park loop (or 2) preferably followed by a park hang with family/friends/dogsDream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Noah Kahan + Mt. Joy opening for Bruce Springsteen + Taylor Swift at Red RocksBest playlist for the OR?
Florence & The Machine RadioFavorite night float snack?
Turkey jerky as the main course and peanut m&ms + coffee for dessertBest place you've traveled?
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu PicchuFavorite NYC restaurant?Eléa UWS
Nitya Venkat, MD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University, Bachelor of ArtsWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
In selecting an orthopedics residency and home for the next five years, I was hoping to find a program that pushed me to become an excellent clinician and surgeon, as well as shape me into a research leader in health services and patient outcomes. The surgeons at Columbia Orthopedics strive daily to improve upon their excellent patient care, while contributing to advancing the field of Orthopedics with cutting-edge research and novel techniques. This inspiring environment initially drew me to Columbia, but the amazing residents and program leadership confirmed my choice to train here. At Columbia, you are surrounded by peers, seniors and faculty who are eager to teach, foster clinical and surgical independence and celebrate your successes as a resident. In turn, this creates an environment where trainees are comfortable asking questions, speaking up in the patients’ interest and refining their surgical skills in preparation for the OR. Along the way, the residents become forever friends and develop life-long mentors among the faculty and program leadership. I feel so lucky to be receiving world-class training at a program filled with people I look forward to seeing every day!What is your favorite bone?
PisiformWhere are you from?
Atlanta, GAFavorite activity outside of work?
Hot yoga/PilatesDream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Taylor SwiftBest playlist for the OR?
Chelsea Cutler radioFavorite night float snack?
Chocolate almondsBest place you've traveled?
The French RivieraFavorite NYC restaurant?
Estela
