First Year
Class of 2031
Juan P. Baltazar, MD
Medical School: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Undergraduate: Johns Hopkins UniversityWhere are you from?
Kansas City, KSWhy did you choose to specialize in orthopedic surgery?
I decided to pursue orthopedic surgery after witnessing how meaningful medical care could be for patients whose pain and circumstances were often overlooked. While volunteering as a Spanish interpreter in Kansas City, I worked with uninsured patients who performed physically demanding jobs and often delayed seeking care because they could not afford to miss work. During our monthly orthopedic clinic, I saw how relieving chronic pain allowed patients to return to work, reengage with their families, and regain their quality of life. As an interpreter, I had the privilege of helping build trust between physicians and patients, and I realized I wanted to be the physician providing that care.Those experiences resonated deeply with me because I could relate to many of the patients we served. Growing up on Medicaid and working roofing and warehouse jobs myself, I understood both the physical demands of manual labor and the barriers many patients face in accessing healthcare. Orthopedic surgery gives me the opportunity to care for patients whose lived experiences mirror my own. Beyond treating injuries and relieving pain, I hope to help patients regain their independence, return to the activities that matter most to them, and improve their longterm health and wellbeing.
Why did you want to train at Columbia Orthopedics?
When I was a M1, I cold emailed Michael Fields, then a PGY2 resident, asking if I could shadow him in the operating room. He immediately welcomed me, and I spent the day on the joint replacement service with Dr. Neuwirth. Two years later, as a sub-intern, I happened to be assigned to that same service while Michael was once again with Dr. Neuwirth, this time as the chief resident, and Vibav Mouli as the intern. It was a moment of serendipity I am grateful for. Michael, Vibav, and Dr. Neuwirth made me feel like part of the team from day one, and that same sense of mentorship and camaraderie was something I experienced throughout the department. Working with Dr. Sarpong and Dr. Cooper was among the highlights of my fourth year of medical school. The trust they placed in me to help care for their patients gave me the confidence to grow as a future orthopedic surgeon and reinforced that Columbia was where I belonged.Dr. Levine was another major reason I chose Columbia. Throughout medical school and the application process, he was an incredible mentor and advocate who genuinely believed in me. His guidance and encouragement played a huge role in helping me achieve my dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. What impressed me most was not just how invested he was in my success, but how deeply he cares about every medical student and resident he mentors. He always encouraged me to find the program that was the best fit for both my professional and personal goals, and that selflessness spoke volumes about the kind of leader he is. Knowing I would have the opportunity to train under someone so committed to developing the next generation of orthopedic surgeons made choosing Columbia an easy decision.
What is your favorite bone?
Scapula. It holds my favorite muscle, the deltoid.Favorite activity outside of work?
Powerlifting. Shoulder press and deadlift are my two favorite lifts.If you weren't an orthopedic surgeon, what would you be?
In another life I'd earn a PhD in chemistry and work in organic synthesis, lecturing and running my own research lab.Favorite vacation location?
Seattle. My best friend lives there, and it has some of the best scenery in the country.Favorite NYC restaurant or neighborhood spot?
Café ChinaDream concert (living or dead)?
Bring Me The Horizon opening for TwiceOR Playlist?
Divorced Dad Rock OR Third Generation K-PopWhat is a surprising skill or hobby you have?
I love building PCs! Whether it's swapping out individual components or starting a build from scratch, I enjoy tinkering with computers.Best piece of advice you've ever received?
"It's important to do hard things to remind yourself how extraordinary you are."BONUS ROUND
Favorite night float snack?
Peanut Butter M&M's with a Fairlife chocolate protein shake.
Christopher Dambrosia, MD, PhD
Medical School: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
PhD: University of California San Diego
Undergraduate: Princeton UniversityWhere are you from?
New York CityWhy did you choose to specialize in orthopedic surgery?
Most common wilderness medicine injuries are musculoskeletalWhy did you want to train at Columbia Orthopedics?
The residentsWhat is your favorite bone?
PatellaFavorite activity outside of work?
Being outdoorsIf you weren't an orthopedic surgeon, what would you be?
SleepingFavorite vacation location?
KonaFavorite NYC restaurant or neighborhood spot?
Carnegie HallDream concert (living or dead)?
Van Cliburn in Moscow 1958What is a surprising skill or hobby you have?
Hydration hygieneBest piece of advice you've ever received?
KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)BONUS ROUND
Favorite night float snack?
Power Nap
Ariana Rowshan, MD
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Occidental CollegeWhere are you from?
Los Angeles, CAWhy did you choose to specialize in orthopedic surgery?
I grew up painting and always loved the technical precision of working with my hands, so I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a surgical specialty where I could apply that same precision in a meaningful way. While I was initially drawn to orthopaedics because of the anatomy and biomechanics, what ultimately solidified my love for the field was how it centered on restoring function in such a tangible way. Whether it's helping someone walk again, return to work, or get back to the activities they love, you can make an immediate and meaningful difference in patients' lives.Why did you want to train at Columbia Orthopedics?
The people and the culture! During my sub-I, I saw the residents foster an environment built on genuine friendship and mutual support. From my very first day, they made me feel like a real member of the team, investing in my learning and encouraging me to participate meaningfully in patient care. That same investment came from the faculty, who met with us regularly to provide feedback, challenged me to think more critically, and consistently pushed me to improve. Even as a visiting student, I felt I was being treated as a future colleague rather than simply evaluated as an applicant.Beyond the amazing culture, I found that at Columbia, excellence included more than just technical skill. The faculty are not only exceptional surgeons but are also leaders who have advanced the field through research, education, and service. There is an expectation that residents also become exceptional surgeons and contribute meaningfully to orthopedics. I wanted to train at a program that would continually challenge me to grow, not just in the OR, but also in how I think, lead, and contribute to the field. Columbia felt like the place that would push me to reach that potential while surrounding me with mentors and peers who would help me get there.
What is your favorite bone?
The Scaphoid - it’s small but mightyFavorite activity outside of work?
Trying out new restaurants, painting, watching TV, yoga/pilates, long walks in new neighborhoodsIf you weren't an orthopedic surgeon, what would you be?
Realistically, a lawyer. But my fun answer would be something in fashion!Favorite vacation location?
Japan for the food, culture, art, architecture, and viewsFavorite NYC restaurant or neighborhood spot?
L'Appartement 4FOR Playlist?
A mix of Olivia Dean, Leon Bridges, Frank Ocean, and Mt. JoyWhat is a surprising skill or hobby you have?
I love to oil paint!Best piece of advice you've ever received?
Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to itBONUS ROUND
Favorite night float snack?
Kraft mac & cheese cups or sour patches
Karina E. Roye, MD, MPH
Medical School/Graduate School: New York Medical College
Undergraduate: Middlebury CollegeWhere are you from?
Pleasantville, NYWhy did you choose to specialize in orthopedic surgery?
When I think about what it means to be healthy, the first thing that comes to my mind is movement! I have always been an athlete, and I love orthopedic surgery because we are able to restore movement and function to patients and help them get back to living their lives and interacting with their loved ones. Whether it is restoring function to a finger or a femur, every single case is meaningful. Running a marathon is just as valuable as taking a walk with your grandkids and I feel so lucky to have a part in getting people back to living a life they love with the people they love!Why did you want to train at Columbia Orthopedics?
The people!
In my eyes, nowhere else could hold a candle to the culture, expertise, and support I found in the people at Columbia. From day one of my sub-I I felt like I was an important part of the team and within the first week this program felt like home to me. The residents have such a tight knit-bond and genuinely love working with each other. There is an impressive structure for support both in a formal sense, and just within the residents helping each other out and sharing knowledge/tips. We are truly a team and a family and want each other to succeed. I knew that the culture and workflow I saw here would create an environment I could excel in as a surgeon in training and a human being.Of course this culture and knowledge has been fostered by the world-class faculty here who have literally written the textbooks in their fields and are so fiercely dedicated to our education. I wanted the opportunity to train and learn from mentors who have the valuable experience and insight that our attendings have. I feel so privileged to get to lay the foundations of my career as an orthopedic surgeon at such an incredible institution!
What is your favorite bone?
The ulna (specifically the proximal ulna—find me a bone with a more epic shape!)Favorite activity outside of work?
Skiing, reading, peloton, knitting, and curating elaborate tablescapes/menus for dinner partiesIf you weren't an orthopedic surgeon, what would you be?
An interior designer or architect!Favorite vacation location?
Wolf Creek, CO to ski with my familyFavorite NYC restaurant or neighborhood spot?
I have had a Carrot Top chocolate fudge cake for my birthday every single year I can rememberDream concert (living or dead)?
Laufey and Olivia Dean opening for Etta JamesWhat is a surprising skill or hobby you have?
I am an avid knitter of colorwork sweaters!Best piece of advice you've ever received?
"Anticipation is the key to success" (Thanks, Dad!)BONUS ROUND
Favorite night float snack?
Trader Joe's mini cheese crackers with Sour Scandinavian Swimmers
Austin Stoner, MD
Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Yale UniversityWhere are you from?
Haddonfield, NJWhy did you choose to specialize in orthopedic surgery?
As a former competitive runner, it was easy to take function and mobility for granted- that is, until you got injured. People derive so much joy and identity from physical activity, whether it's competing as a professional athlete, taking walks around the neighborhood, or simply being able to hold their grandchildren. Inevitably, though, injuries and degenerative conditions can threaten these meaningful parts of life. When I saw how orthopedic surgeons combine their profound knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy with technical skill to help patients return to the activities that matter most to them, I knew I wanted to be part of that privilege.Why did you want to train at Columbia Orthopedics?
I had heard from countless people that the culture at Columbia Orthopedics was among the best in the country, and during my Sub-I, I found that reputation to be well deserved. I was trusted with more autonomy here than I had experienced anywhere else and was treated as a genuinely valued member of the team. The residents welcomed me like family, and I quickly realized that the camaraderie and support I experienced as just a visiting medical student would make for an exceptional residency experience.The program leadership here were also genuinely invested in our success. They met with us regularly as rotators to give feedback and made sure we were reaching our full potential not only while here, but also in the application process as a whole. Columbia stood out as a program that would challenge me to meet the highest standards while consistently serving as my strongest advocate.
Perhaps above all, though, I was thrilled at the prospect of reuniting with my other August Sports Sub-I's (Ariana and Karina) for 5 more wonderful years!
What is your favorite bone?
Scapula. Who doesn't love a good reverse?Favorite activity outside of work?
Chasing Strava segmentsIf you weren't an orthopedic surgeon, what would you be?
Cross country/track coachFavorite vacation location?
The Jersey ShoreFavorite NYC restaurant or neighborhood spot?
Caffe PannaDream concert (living or dead)?
Queen at Wembley StadiumOR Playlist?
Olivia Dean on repeatWhat is a surprising skill or hobby you have?
I beatboxed in my high school and college a cappella groupsBest piece of advice you've ever received?
"Find joy in making those around you better"BONUS ROUND
Favorite night float snack?
Trader Joe's Sour Scandinavian Swimmers
Matthew Weintraub, MD
Medical School: Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School
Undergraduate: Tulane UniversityWhere are you from?
Millburn, New Jersey.Why did you choose to specialize in orthopedic surgery?
I love how orthopedics combines engineering, anatomy, and biomechanics to help patients regain function and get back to doing what they love.Why did you want to train at Columbia Orthopedics?
The culture. As a sub-intern, I immediately felt supported and like part of the team. As a resident, that same camaraderie has accelerated my learning and motivates me to be the best teammate and physician I can be.What is your favorite bone?
The femur – how could it not be?Favorite activity outside of work?
Skiing in the winter and biking in the summer.If you weren't an orthopedic surgeon, what would you be?
Probably an engineer… but I’d love to be a full-time ski bum.Favorite vacation location?
Turkey – for the food, history, and incredible landscapes.Favorite NYC restaurant or neighborhood spot?
Jacob’s Pickles – always craving the French dip.OR Playlist?
Fred again..’s Boiler Room set.What is a surprising skill or hobby you have?
I’ve been the unofficial barber for my friends and family since high schoolBest piece of advice you've ever received?
Never forget your “why.”BONUS ROUND
Favorite night float snack?
Trader Joe’s Elote Corn Dippers.
