In 2019, the AOAO Foundation developed the Emerging Leader Award. Recipients are selected by the Foundation Board of Directors based on AOAO membership in good standing, community service and hospital and/or community leadership.
Where did you grow up and what was it like for you?
I grew up in a town called Gilbertsville, PA. This is a very small rural town about 45 minutes Northwest of Philadelphia. It was a bit sleepy and known for one of the largest farmers markets around. I spent most of my time playing organized sports and spending time with my older brother and extremely supportive parents.
What were your interests outside of school?
Exercising, boating, sports, travel, reading. I also enjoy driving fast cars and recently completed a car racing course!
How did you decide to become an Orthopedic Surgeon?
I broke my ankle in ninth grade playing football. Afterwards I was exposed to both orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. I went on to explore a career in both due to their influences and ability to make positive differences in their patient’s lives. I graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in health sciences, Masters in physical therapy and a Minor in biology. I had completed all my prerequisites for medical school and after being in a physical therapy practice for a year, I transitioned straight to medical school at PCOM. I stayed at PCOM to complete my residency in orthopedic surgery and then went on to Fellowship in adult hip and knee reconstruction at Sinai Hospital Baltimore. I have remained there for 11 years
Tell us about your current life, e.g. family, hobbies, interests.
I have very little spare time outside my work responsibilities. I hold many job titles: Vice Chair Department of Orthopedic Surgery LifeBridge Health, Director of Baltimore Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction Fellowship, Assistant Professor PCOM Orthopedic Surgery, Adjunct Associate Professor University of Maryland Orthopedic Surgery. In addition, I have an extremely busy orthopedic practice involving hip and knee replacement as well as taking trauma call. A lot of my time is spent teaching residents and fellows, giving lectures and podiums (recently moderated an AAOS national webinar on periprosthetic joint infections), participating in too many administrative/committee/leadership meetings, performing research, and I recently have become involved in total knee replacement product design and development.
What I enjoy most is spending time with my wonderful family including my wife who is an infectious disease physician, two daughters, and a son, ages 11, 9, 7, respectively.
I enjoy my work, but I love exploring the Chesapeake Bay with my family in my boat named, “Knot on Call”.
What are your goals for the future?
I would like to leave a legacy in orthopedic surgery through research and resident/fellow education. I enjoy training our future orthopedic surgeons to excel in their craft and to make our profession proud! I was heavily involved in our successful application to the ACGME for our new orthopedic surgery residency program. Proudly, we were one of the first programs to be granted permission on their first-round application and our residency program is thriving after its second year. I want to continue giving presentations on a local, national, and even international level. I am passionate about continuing my research and publishing more on periprosthetic infections. In addition, I plan to be an excellent father, husband and provider for my family to continue to foster hard-work and strong morals.
DOs That Do
There are surgeons among us who do amazing things, and who have unique and interesting talents in the arts, music, sports, community service, etc. The purpose of “DOs That Do” is to showcase these individuals and their special talents or contributions.
Read about them here!