Research Year

Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Undergraduate: Rutgers University

Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?

There are many strong orthopedic surgery programs across the country, and it can be difficult to identify the right program where each person will thrive. During my sub-internship rotations, I came to realize what qualities were important for me to succeed. I wanted a program with residents that were close and eager to help each other. It was important for me that attendings took an active interest in resident education and mentorship. Lastly, I wanted a place that would push me to grow. I chose Columbia Orthopedics because the people and culture of this program strive to excel in these areas. There is an unrivaled collegiality amongst residents of all years and attendings that adds a rich layer of community and mentorship to the program. Columbia Orthopedics also has clinical excellence in each major orthopedic subspecialty providing broad opportunities no matter which subspecialty I choose to pursue. Finally, as someone interested in basic science and academia, the six-year research track with the opportunity to perform research in the Carroll Laboratories is a dream for anyone interested in performing real basic science and clinical research.

What is your favorite bone?

humerus

Where are you from?

Piscataway, NJ

Favorite activity outside of work?

hiking, trying new restaurants, reading

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

the old Kanye

Best playlist for the OR?

EDM/ pop/ today's hits

Favorite night float snack?

trail mix

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

Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Undergraduate: Cornell University

Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?

Many factors contributed to my decision to pursue orthopedic surgery residency at Columbia. Columbia Orthopedics is an exceptionally tight-knit and collaborative program, turning resident education and the delivery of healthcare into a team effort. The intimate nature of the program facilitates the development of trust between residents and attendings, which is crucial to the progressive increase in operative autonomy necessary for effective surgical training. Furthermore, the leadership at Columbia is unparalleled. Drs. Levine, Jobin, and Neuwirth are incredibly invested in the program and dedicate themselves to the continued improvement of resident education.

The opportunity to participate in a 6-year research track was also a strong draw to the program. While several programs offer this type of opportunity, I found numerous aspects of the research track offered by Columbia to be exceptionally alluring. As a participant in the 6-year research track, I spent the year prior to residency performing both basic science and clinical research. I believe that this arrangement, in contrast to one in which a research year is taken during residency, is ideal. This structure has enabled me to lay the groundwork for projects before starting residency, thereby maximizing the amount of time I have to do meaningful work, while allowing my surgical training to go uninterrupted. Additionally, I have had the privilege of being a mentee of Dr. Thomopoulos, an acclaimed scientist who is an expert in rotator cuff postnatal development, healing, biomechanics, and tissue engineering.

Lastly, of all of the positive aspects of Columbia Orthopedics I found the quality of people most significant. They are not only extremely capable, but also authentic and compassionate – the type of people who I would want as co-residents, teachers, and surgeons.

What is your favorite bone?

Scapula

What's the best place you have traveled?

Florence, Italy

Where are you from?

Litchfield, Connecticut

Favorite restaurant in NYC?

John’s

Favorite activity outside of work?

Exercising and reading

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

Frank Sinatra

Best playlist for the OR?

Two Friends

Favorite night float snack?

Pizza