Bart Nisonson, MD (Ret)

Dr. Barton Nisonson ('73), a distinguished orthopedic surgeon, dedicated over five decades to advancing sports medicine. Graduating magna cum laude from Columbia College in 1962, he earned his medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1966 and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the New York Orthopaedic Hospital (NYOH) at Columbia in 1973. His career was defined by excellence in orthopedic surgery, particularly in arthroscopy and sports injuries.

For over 30 years, Dr. Nisonson served as Chief of Sports Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, where he became a trusted leader in the field. He also played a vital role as a team physician for the New York Jets (NFL) and the New York Rangers (NHL), contributing to the Rangers' historic 1994 Stanley Cup victory. His expertise and commitment earned him widespread respect among athletes and medical professionals alike.

Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Nisonson was a celebrated athlete himself, inducted into the Columbia University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018 for his contributions to fencing. His retirement in 2024 marked the end of an era, as he was recognized as a pioneer in sports medicine and honored for his lifelong dedication to patient care and innovation in orthopedic surgery.

WNL: Tell us about your background – where did you grow up?
Bart: I was born in Montreal, Canada, and moved with my family to New York City when I was 10 years old. I quickly became a true New Yorker. I attended The Bronx High School of Science, where I developed a love for schoolyard basketball.

Where did you go to college and how did sports play a role in your experience?

In 1958, I enrolled at Columbia College. Since I commuted from home during my first two years, I didn't have the time to play basketball. Instead, I decided to try out for the Fencing Team. I believed in fully committing to whatever I pursued. Fortunately, I was blessed with excellent agility and hand-eye coordination, which allowed me to pick up the sport quickly. I spent vacations and school breaks at home, taking daily lessons from coaches and fencing with alumni who continued Columbia's tradition of outstanding teams.

Times have changed, and today, almost all fencing team members are heavily recruited with national junior rankings and private coaches. A "walk-on" in fencing is nearly unheard of. I was fortunate to become an All-Ivy First Team member in both my junior and senior years. As a senior, I became the IFA Sabre Champion, the NCAA Sabre Champion, and a First-Team All-American. In 2018, I was inducted into the Columbia University Athletic Hall of Fame.

When did you decide on medicine?

Initially an Art History major, I decided late in my junior year to pursue a medical career. I was accepted into the P&S program, despite receiving an acceptance offer from Harvard 48 hours after winning the NCAA championships. After graduating from P&S, I began my career in General Surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. During my intern and first-year residency, I had the privilege of working with two orthopedic residents who deeply impressed me: David Green, renowned for the "Rockwood and Green" textbook, and Bob Foster, who became Chief of Orthopaedics at one of Harvard's smaller hospitals. They exemplified what a great doctor should be.

You spent time in the military – share that experience, please.
After being drafted, I spent a year in Vietnam as a trauma surgeon and was awarded a Bronze Star. Working in a MASH hospital put everything in perspective—both life and surgery. After performing mostly abdominal and chest surgeries, I realized I would be happier in orthopaedics.

How did you end up at NYOH?
I applied to the NYOH program while overseas and was accepted. At NYOH (1970-1973), I trained with an exceptional group of attending surgeons, including Drs. Frank Stinchfield, Charles Neer, Robert Carrol, Ashby Grantham, Alex Garcia, David Andrews, and Harold Dick. They were truly an all-star team. I developed a special bond with Dr. Harold Dick, a wonderful human being, surgeon, teacher, and mentor. I also had a unique relationship with Dr. Neer. As a senior resident, I spent several weekends at his Alpine, NJ home playing tennis. He would insist that we bring our dates or wives, and the gatherings would always include dinner at his house. Dr. Lou Bigliani, a former medical student of mine, was also invited, and we became close friends.

Can you share any memorable experiences during your residency?
One memorable moment occurred in the OR during a Neer Prosthesis operation. As the junior resident, I was retracting the tissue when a long, thin Nicola rasp broke, leaving the instrument stuck in the humeral canal. After much unsuccessful effort from the senior resident and Dr. Neer, I offered to try. I blindly inserted a clamp from the other side of the table and, after a minute, successfully retrieved the instrument. Dr. Neer stared at me silently for what seemed like an eternity. Two days later, he passed me in the hallway and simply said, "Thank you," before walking on.

Can you share your journey into sports medicine with our alumni?
As a senior resident, I was unsure of my future. A friend from Columbia who played rugby with me for the Old Blue rugby team had become a resident at Yale under Dr. Wayne Southwick, a pioneer in anterior cervical fusions. Dr. Southwick called me one day and asked if I wanted to become Chief of Athletic Medicine at Yale. Given my lifelong involvement in sports, I eagerly accepted. There were no sports fellowships in 1973, so opportunities like this were rare. I dedicated myself fully to the role, working closely with Yale’s athletic teams and developing my skills as an anatomist. I became involved in groundbreaking sports medicine conferences and was introduced to arthroscopic surgery. Dr. Southwick even bought me a Watanabe arthroscope and encouraged me to embrace the future of surgery. I performed my first diagnostic arthroscopy in 1973, and my work with athletes at Yale helped shape my expertise in knee and shoulder surgery. Years later, I invited Dr. Neer to a Yale-Dartmouth football game. He was a former Dartmouth player, and he never forgot that event, often bringing it up in our conversations.

How did you transition from Yale back to New York City?
After a four-year stint in Palm Beach with a private ortho group, I received an offer from Dr. James Nicholas at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Dr. Nicholas, famous for his work with Joe Namath, was looking for a young associate with experience in arthroscopic surgery. After speaking with Dr. Neer, Dr. Nicholas offered me the position, marking the beginning of my sports medicine career in New York. I joined Dr. Nicholas in 1979 and became the Chief of Arthroscopy at Lenox Hill Hospital and an Associate Orthopaedic Surgeon for the NY Jets. Dr. John Marshall at HSS began popularizing ACL reconstructions, and I incorporated these procedures into my practice. I performed open

shoulder surgeries for dislocations, rotator cuffs, knee arthroscopies, open ACL reconstructions, MCL repairs, hand fractures, and foot surgeries. My private practice was primarily focused on knee and shoulder surgery. In 1987, I became the Team Orthopaedic Surgeon for the NY Rangers, holding that position until 2001, which included winning a Stanley Cup in 1994.

Tell us about your leadership and fellowship roles at Lenox Hill.
In 1994, Dr. Chit Ranawat became Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery at Lenox Hill and appointed me Chief of Sports Medicine. In 1997, I was made Director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship, a position that became the highlight of my career. I had the privilege of mentoring and teaching fellows and residents. I built the program from two fellows to four and served in this role until the end of 2016. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a young resident or fellow blossom into an accomplished surgeon and doctor. My goal was always to teach them not only the technical skills of surgery but also the importance of listening to patients and showing compassion. I believe these values were key to my successful career and the reason I never had a lawsuit.

What are some of your fondest memories of NYOH?

The camaraderie between the other residents from my year. We were a very close group of friends. I also appreciated my teachers:

• Time spent with David Andrews. A great teacher presented with wonderful humor.
• Time spent with Hal Dick- a great teacher and a warm human being
• Times playing tennis at Dr Neers home with my fellow residents and Lou Bigliani.

How did your time at NYOH prepare you for your future career as an orthopedic leader?

The immense experience and diversity in knowledge of the attending staff formed an exceptional foundation of knowledge. The surgical experience with the attendings and residents teaching residents both in and out of the OR was invaluable. This gave me the confidence to try new procedures and to handle complications appropriately.

What message would you like to give to our young alumni and current residents?

To young orthopaedic surgeons, my message is simple: be passionate about what you do, never be afraid to try new things if you've thoroughly researched them and always respect those around you. Most importantly, exhibit humility. There are always other surgeons who are as good as, or better than, you.