Third Year

2027 Residency Class

  • Aaron Chen, MD

    Medical School: Weill Cornell Medical College
    Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania

    Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?

    I had the privilege of experiencing Columbia Orthopedics first hand as a medical student through a visiting sub-internship and during a research year. Columbia was my top choice for residency for many different reasons, the most important of which was the people. The faculty are deeply invested in resident education and mentorship in the clinical and research settings. They are incredibly accessible and always willing to discuss challenging cases, important research topics and ideas, and personal issues. The residents are incredibly collaborative, driven, tight-knit, and importantly, a great group to hang out with both in and out of the hospital! The opportunity to learn from world renowned leaders in every subspecialty, robust research infrastructure and resources, and living in NYC were some other factors that made me realize that Columbia Orthopedics was the place for me.

    What is your favorite bone?

    Femur

    Where are you from?

    Mansfield, Connecticut

    Favorite activity outside of work?

    Biking and running the West Side Highway

    Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?

    Kygo

    Best playlist for the OR?

    Tropical House

    Favorite night float snack?

    Cape Cod chips

  • Sohil Desai, MD

    • Six-Year Research Track

    Medical School: University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
    Undergraduate: University of Miami 

    Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?

    Throughout the residency search process, I consistently found myself searching for one aspect above all else: a program with a familial atmosphere, where everyone appreciates the opportunity to work hard together towards common goals. My experiences with Columbia residents throughout the application cycle made it impossible to ignore the incredibly hard-working yet down-to-earth and supportive environment at this program. Having now completed the research component of the COR 6-year track, I can say with confidence that this is the perfect training environment.

    There is no shortage of opportunity for career development, starting from the very top with tireless mentorship and advocacy from Dr. Levine and the faculty. The research productivity and fellowship match speak for themselves, but less evident are the countless opportunities to network with word class alumni and visiting professors during grand rounds, visiting professor dinners, and our “Breakfast/Dinner with the Chairman” series.

    The surgical education not just from field-leading surgeons, but senior residents who will themselves be leaders in orthopedics, sets every junior resident up with a clear path to clinical excellence. Further, the resources available here, including a bioskills lab, arthroscopy lab, and a cutting edge biomechanics lab for cadaveric research allow limitless opportunities for growth.

    But as was my initial draw towards this program, the culture at Columbia is what makes this program truly unique. The personality, collegiality, and excellence of the people here at Columbia are what make this the best training environment I could ask for.

    What is your favorite bone?

    Humerus 

    Where are you from?

    Saint Louis, MO

    Favorite activity outside of work?

    Golf

    Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?

    Eagles

    Best playlist for the OR?

    Miles Davis

    Favorite night float snack?

    Apples and peanut butter

  • Xavier Ferrer, MD

    Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
    Undergraduate: University of Iowa

    Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?

    The main factor for me was the family culture among the residents and faculty. I witnessed first hand through my time as a student and sub-I how the residents were able to work incredibly hard and still find ways to have fun. Having an extraordinary level of support while also having the privilege to learn from some of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country is what makes Columbia such a unique and amazing place to train.

    What is your favorite bone?

    Talus

    Where are you from?

    Council Bluffs, Iowa

    Favorite activity outside of work?

    Playing sports, preferably on a beach!

    Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?

    Glass Animals at Red Rocks Amphitheater

    Best playlist for the OR?

    Ash radio

    Favorite night float snack?

    Tie between extra toasty Cheez-its and goldfish.

  • Joanna Kim, MD

    Medical School: Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
    Undergraduate: Washington University

    Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?

    As an aspiring academic surgeon, I wanted to train at a place that would: 1) be academically rigorous and train their residents to be technically excellent surgeons, 2) support residents’ interests within and outside of orthopedics, and 3) advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. Throughout my sub-internship and CLIP experiences at Columbia, I saw that Columbia Orthopedic Residency Program not only met but far exceeded in all three categories. I witnessed how world-class faculty were actively engaged, both in and outside the OR, and provided guidance and mentorship beyond surgical training. There was a sense of authentic trust, cultivating a supportive learning environment. I also saw how residents at Columbia were also immersed in clinical and basic science research, medical education, and academic leadership positions. Lastly, Columbia Orthopedics and Dr. Levine fiercely advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion within orthopedic surgery. The program not only aimed to be more inclusive, but also took action to place diversity at the forefront by expanding their outreach and creating new initiatives. I was impressed by the leadership of Dr. Levine, Dr. Jobin, and Dr. Neuwirth - they have shown me that they deeply care and prioritize resident training and do everything in their power to ensure the success of residents at Columbia.

    What is your favorite bone?

    Radius

    Where are you from?

    Englewood Cliffs, NJ

    Favorite activity outside of work?

    Swimming, cycling, hiking, working out, spending time with family and friends!

    Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?

    The 1975 + LANY + The Band CAMINO

    Best playlist for the OR?

    Hip Hop BBQ

    Favorite night float snack?

    Popcorn, strawberries, apple with peanut butter, hummus with pita chips

  • Michael Mastroianni, MD

    Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
    Undergraduate: College of the Holy Cross

    Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?

    First and foremost to me is the people – rotating here as a medical student, I felt like I formed a lot of genuine and really meaningful relationships with both the residents and the attendings. The family-like environment combined with the world-class training you get here at Columbia Orthopedics is the type of atmosphere that breeds leaders. The advocacy of Drs. Levine, Jobin, and Neuwirth, along with the sincere and genuine investment into a resident’s training is truly unmatched throughout the country. We receive a tremendous amount of benefits and I think you would be hard-pressed to find a program that cares more about your overall well-being. The lifelong mentorship you receive - both inside and outside the OR - from titans in the field of orthopedics is second to none. The cutting-edge research and overall infrastructure here allows residents to be extremely productive and to begin to build a name for themselves. When you combine that with an extremely strong and well-rounded operative experience at one of the best hospitals in the world, along with a ton of resources outside the OR to hone your skills, I think it truly makes Columbia one-of-a-kind. Overall, there is no other program that will better prepare you for a successful career in orthopedics than here at Columbia. 

    What is your favorite bone?

    The atlas

    Where are you from?

    Burnt Hills, NY

    Favorite activity outside of work?

    Biking

    Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?

    Drake

    Best playlist for the OR?

    Best of the 2000s

    Favorite night float snack?

    Fried ravioli

  • Cole Morrissette, MD

    Medical School: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
    Undergraduate: Wesleyan University

    Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?

    In my mind, it was a simple and easy answer – the relationships. It was clear the residents were genuine friends and cared deeply about one another. Being surrounded by close friends as you learn and face challenges together transforms what can be a grueling experience into treasured memories. More than anything, I wanted to be a part of a community, and it was clear Columbia offered that in abundance.

    What is your favorite bone?

    Axis

    Where are you from?

    Bristol, Rhode Island

    Favorite activity outside of work?

    Exercising, skiing, surfing, playing Halo with my wife, and watching too much TV

    Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?

    Tomorrowland

    Best playlist for the OR?

    Tropical House or 2000s Hits

    Favorite night float snack?

    Banana with peanut butter