Dr. William Levine Receives 2021 Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society 'He For She' Award
Columbia Orthopedics is proud to congratulate Dr. William Levine, Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, on receiving the 2021 He For She Award from the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS). This award recognizes "a male orthopedic surgeon who serves as a strong mentor and sponsor for women in orthopaedics, supporting and empowering females at all stages of their careers to achieve their professional goals."
The female faculty of Columbia Orthopedics were joined by Dr. Laura Forese, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NewYork-Presbyterian, in nominating Dr. Levine for this honor. Dr. Levine was ultimately chosen by the RJOS executive board from amongst an impressive field of nineteen candidates who have made substantive impacts for women in orthopedics.
Learn more about the award and other nominees on the RJOS website, and featured story in AAOS Now
Excerpts from our faculty's nomination letter:
It is with the greatest pleasure that we, the women faculty in Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University, write this letter to share our strongest possible recommendation of selecting Dr. William N. Levine for the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society He For She Award. Dr. Levine has distinguished himself as a leader with a vision and strategy that prioritizes diversity in orthopedic Surgery. Change in orthopedics does not come easy nor is it for the faint of heart; nevertheless Dr. Levine has tirelessly put to use the varied tools of recruitment and advancement, leadership accountability, outreach and development, and making a bigger difference to impart an unprecedented impact on diversity of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University.
"One of the main reasons I have felt so comfortable and chosen to spend my entire education and now my career at Columbia is the department’s steadfast commitment to creating and maintaining a diverse environment. Under Dr. Levine’s chairmanship, this mission has flourished and our culture is all the better for it. His staunch support for women in orthopedics in particular is unmatched and I am proud to be a product and beneficiary of his leadership."
