Hospital for Special Surgery

A day of inclusivity, teamwork, and unforgettable moments during our adaptive basketball clinic with the Hospital for Special Surgery Penny Doerge Adaptive Academy (PDAA)! Proud to host an incredible group who embody resilience and determination both on and off the court 👏

Carl M. Cirino, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS, recently engaged in an open discussion forum with 12 occupational and physical therapists at Motion PT in Tarrytown, NY. The conversation focused on various surgical techniques used to treat a multitude of shoulder and elbow conditions and the role of different physical therapy techniques and how they aide in patient recovery. Pictured L to R: Andrew Cloutman, PT, MS (Clinical Director, Motion PT), Dr. Cirino, Justin Simone, PT, DPT (Motion PT Multi-Site Director, NYC North/Westchester)

Congratulations to Vanessa Tepper, a senior student-athlete from Minisink Valley High School, on being the first female and flag football recipient of the USA Football Heart of a Giant Award! Samuel A. Taylor, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS and Associate Team Physician for the New York Football Giants, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Giants linebacker, presented this year’s award to Vanessa during a surprise ceremony in the team locker room at MetLife Stadium. “For 11 years, this program has recognized the remarkable achievements of students who demonstrate what it means to have a Heart of a Giant,” said Dr. Taylor “I am always honored to stand alongside each year’s winner, and I am especially pleased to celebrate the program’s first-ever female honoree.” https://lnkd.in/eTA6tPme

An HSS study comparing robotic-assisted navigation to the use of augmented reality in spine surgery found that both techniques demonstrate excellent accuracy and safety for pedicle screw placement. The research was published online ahead of print in the journal Spine. Many spinal surgeries require the use of implants called pedicle screws to stabilize the spine, and precise positioning is critical for a successful surgery. “Compared to conventional free-hand techniques, both robotic-assisted navigation and the use of augmented reality have demonstrated superior accuracy,” said Darren R. Lebl, MD, MBA, a spine surgeon and director of research at HSS, and principal investigator of the study. “Our study is the first to directly compare RAN to AR with respect to screw placement precision.” https://lnkd.in/eBX6N3XQ

From Patient to Program Coordinator at HSS In 2018, a car accident left me with debilitating sciatica caused by a herniated disc. I could barely walk, let alone carry a bag of groceries or pursue my love for rock climbing. After trying physical therapy and epidural shots with no relief, I felt hopeless and wondered if I’d ever get my life back—especially as my loved ones encouraged me to avoid surgery. But everything changed when I met Dr. Lovecchio. His compassionate care and expertise gave me hope, and I decided to move forward with surgery. The next day, I felt like a new person. I could walk pain-free and even carry a bag of groceries for the first time in years. This incredible experience inspired me to apply for a job at Hospital for Special Surgery, where I now proudly work as a Program Coordinator at HSS Education Institute, helping others on their own journeys to recovery. HSS didn’t just restore my health—they reignited my purpose. Want to know more about how this experience shaped my path? https://lnkd.in/eSuAPe5Y #PatientJourney #EducationInstitute #Gratitude #HSS #HealthcareTransformation #RockClimbingAgain

Recently at the American College of Rheumatology annual scientific meeting, Bridget Kelly, patient of HSS rheumatologist Arthur M.F. Yee, MD, PhD and Foundation For Sarcoidosis Research Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance Volunteer Leader in the HSS Sarcoidosis Collaborative, presented her poster titled “Walking Away from Arthritis Pain: Exercise Helped Me Manage Sarcoidosis and Osteoarthritis [OA] Physically and Emotionally.” In this poster, Bridget discussed her 20-year patient journey following her diagnosis of sarcoidosis and OA and how a focus on exercise such as walking and strength training was an integral “therapy” in managing her conditions and the emotional impact of living with them. “Explaining this journey to someone who never experienced it is challenging,” said Bridget. “My commitment to walking and strength training has allowed me to persevere, enabling me to advocate and raise awareness for this community.” Bridget’s presentation is aligned with the HSS Sarcoidosis Collaborative’s mission to incorporate input from all stakeholders, including patients, their caregivers and families, as these perspectives are essential to developing tailored approaches to whole-person care. https://lnkd.in/ecyuchjf

On Monday, November 18, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) held its annual Pediatric Benefit at the Rainbow Room in New York City in support of the Lerner Children’s Pavilion. It was a truly inspiring evening led by our exceptional Benefit Co-Chairs, Mary Kathryn Navab and Alexander Crisses, and honoring the remarkable Alexandra Truwit with the HSS Children’s Champion Award. Thanks to our many wonderful supporters that evening, and with the success of our night-of live appeal, we are thrilled to announce that $2.6 million was raised to further our mission of providing the highest-caliber musculoskeletal care to our youngest patients. This vital funding allows Lerner Children’s Pavilion to continue to lead the field of pediatric orthopedics, advancing groundbreaking research and offering exceptional clinical care, giving children and their families hope for a brighter future. https://lnkd.in/eWafXqSy

Hospital for Special Surgery, the 161 year-old world leader in orthopedics and rheumatology, has appointed Christopher Dunleavy to succeed Stacey Malakoff as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective January 2, 2025. This follows a national search by Spencer Stuart started in June of this year. Malakoff, who joined HSS nearly 40 years ago, announced her plan to retire in 2025. Malakoff will support the transition as Senior Advisor until December 31, 2025. Dunleavy has previously served as CFO at larger healthcare provider systems including Boston-based Brigham Health, Dallas-based Baylor Health and USMD Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: USMD). Since 2016 the Texas native with an Executive MBA from Baylor University has served Harvard as a lecturer on Healthcare Economics. “Chris was the consensus recommendation of the search committee following a process that identified five exceptional and diverse finalists,” said HSS president and chief executive officer Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA. “He is the right person to guide the Finance function and enable HSS to lead the changing future of musculoskeletal care.” “I cannot imagine a greater opportunity for me to impact on the field of medicine,” said Dunleavy. “With world-renowned quality and a strong balance sheet, the Finance function can and will enable HSS – the world’s largest concentration of expertise in musculoskeletal health – to rise to new opportunities in the changing healthcare landscape." “I look forward to partnering with my new world-class team-mates to build on Stacey’s legacy and newly empower the organization’s next generation of success.” https://lnkd.in/etbZDaWp

From everyone here at HSS, we wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Congratulations to S. Louis Bridges Jr., MD, PhD, MACR, physician-in-chief and chief of the Division of Rheumatology at HSS, on being recognized as a Master of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Presented at their annual meeting, the designation recognizes ACR members who have made outstanding contributions to the ACR and the field of rheumatology through scholarly achievement and/or service to their patients, students, and profession.