First Year
2028 Residency Class
Beth G. Ashinsky, MD, PhD
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Undergraduate: Carleton College
Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
After finishing my PhD, I realized my future goals of becoming an orthopaedic surgeon-scientist. With that in mind, I targeted my residency search towards programs that offered a 6-year research track with a focus on basic and translational research. I also wanted to join an environment that would enable me to foster my own independent research program upon graduating. After several discussions with Drs. Thomopoulous, Chahine and Huang, I knew that the mentorship and resources at the Carroll Laboratories would provide me with just that. Beyond the research component, I immediately felt at home during the Columbia interview process; Every single member of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery was enthusiastic and invested in helping me achieve my training goals. The leadership in this program is unparalleled and truly stems from the dedication of Drs. Levine, Jobin and Neuwirth to educating and training the highest-quality physicians and surgeons. As such, the residents themselves take pride in mentoring one another to ensure that everyone is performing to their fullest potential. For these reasons, I decided to rank Columbia #1 and could not be more excited for the next 6 years!
What is your favorite bone?
Patella
Where are you from?
Chappaqua, NY
Favorite activity outside of work?
Hanging out with my son and and working out with my husband!
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Fleetwood Mac
Best playlist for the OR?
Hip Hop BBQ
Favorite night float snack?
Sour candy
Natalia Czerwonka, MD
Medical School: New York Medical College (NYMC)
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
At the start of my research year at Columbia, I was invited to Graduation Day. I was inspired by Dr. Nick Danford’s presentation of his residency research with Dr. Greisberg, cried from laughter as Dr. Popkin and Dr. Trupia roasted and praised their graduating chief residents, and was deeply moved by the heartfelt speeches of gratitude that each chief gave. I realized I was witnessing more than just a collegial atmosphere. The family-like environment between residents and attendings was so palpable, and I was immediately welcomed into it during my sub-internship and research year at Columbia. Throughout the year, the faculty and residents were genuinely invested friends and mentors; they always made time to discuss nuanced cases, strategies for matching into orthopedic surgery, and any personal struggles (no matter how complex or minor). Dr. Levine, Dr. Trofa, Dr. Russo, and many other Columbia attendings and residents have become character standards for me. Finally, the meaningful and genuine relationships I formed with the residents played the greatest role in solidifying Columbia as my number one choice. I defy you to find a more authentic, compassionate, competent, intelligent, and hardworking group of people anywhere. I can’t imagine having anyone else as teammates, teachers, and role models.
The operative and clinical skills of the residents are second to none – a standard of excellence at Columbia drives everyone to abandon complacency and constantly improve. Our didactics are taught by world-renowned faculty who wrote the textbooks in orthopedics, and the research infrastructure is robust. The fellowship matches are unparalleled. You will have difficulty finding more sincere leaders and advocates than Dr. Levine, Dr. Jobin, and Dr. Neuwirth. The attendings here put their all into teaching and deeply care about their residents – I have seen it in every Sports Indications, Techniques, and Fracture Conference for the past year. I could not be prouder to be a part of this legendary orthopedic powerhouse that has come to feel like home and family.
What is your favorite bone?
Both the posterior malleolus and the pelvis - both can generate quite a bit of debate, have a bit of mystery to them, and are something of a challenge.
Where are you from?
Lowell, MA
Favorite activity outside of work?
Running along the westside highway followed by a long swim; also, rock concerts, reading, brunch, pierogi-making, and spending time with friends and family.
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
The Strokes opening for Bruce Springsteen
Best playlist for the OR?
Depends on the type of case or situation. If it’s a trauma case, then rock, metal, etc. If it’s one of those 7am to 2am days, then tropical/electronic house, whatever the most energizing dance music is available, etc. Otherwise, the defaults are '80s rock or '90s/early 2000s R&B.
Favorite night float snack?
Pizza. This is New York City, pizza can be a snack.
Favorite place you’ve visited:
Warszawa, but I’m super biased. Outside of Poland, it’s a tie between Berlin and Corsica.
Favorite NYC restaurant:
Manhatta (out-of-this-world food and views). Otherwise: Joe’s Pizza by Irving Plaza for that after-concert slice, and the burrata pizza at L’Industrie for a slice that’s so good it will make you see God!
Kyle Obana, MD
Medical School: University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Amherst College
Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
The people. Although many residency programs have well-known attendings who are leaders in orthopaedics, I truly believe that there is no other program with a group of people, from top to bottom, who care about your growth, success, and well-being as the people at Columbia. As an undergraduate student spending my summers interning in the department, I developed incredible mentors in Dr. William Levine, Dr. Charles Jobin, Dr. Charles Popkin, Dr. David Trofa, and Dawn Vega-Saadeddine. They were the first to believe in me and provided me with unparalleled guidance and opportunities over the last seven years. In fact, Dr. Levine was the first person to call me when I got accepted to medical school! The lengths that attendings and residents would go to help a student who had yet to apply to medical school helped me appreciate the value of mentorship at Columbia and why the residents attain terrific training and fellowship matches year after year. Additionally, the camaraderie within the residency program is second to none. From seeing residents help one another in and out of the hospital to celebrating with the residents at the end of my sub-internship, this is nothing short of a family. Lastly, it is a privilege to learn from current giants in the field at a program where orthopaedic surgery was pioneered.
What is your favorite bone?
humerus
Where are you from?
Honolulu, Hawaii
Favorite activity outside of work?
Working out, trying new food places, watching sports
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Lil Baby, Drake, Future, and 21 Savage
Best playlist for the OR?
Drake
Favorite night float snack?
Protein bars or energy drinks
Michaela O'Connor, MD
Medical School: Geisel School of Medicine (Dartmouth)
Undergraduate: Columbia University
Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
The people! I had the opportunity to work at Columbia for two years prior to starting medical school. I worked closely with attendings and residents and was impressed by the close relationships that the residents had with each other as well as with their attendings. I went into medical school hoping to find this sort of camaraderie in the residency program I would join in the future (at the time, I did not know I wanted to do orthopedics). When I returned to Columbia as a rotator for my acting internship, I felt welcomed and supported throughout the rotation. I found the emphasis on teamwork at Columbia exciting and also appreciated that the rotation structure allows for both a mentorship model and team-based models. I do best when I feel connected to those I am working with and know that Columbia is a place where I will be supported and pushed to be my best. Columbia was the place I felt I would most be able to thrive during my time in residency.
What is your favorite bone?
Scapula
Where are you from?
Concord, NH
Favorite activity outside of work?
I love to run (especially in Central Park)
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Taylor Swift Eras Tour (I went but would also go over and over again. I hope she is making a documentary of it!)
Best playlist for the OR?
This is Taylor Swift
Favorite night float snack?
peanut butter M&Ms
Alex Ruberto, MD
Medical School: Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Undergraduate: Williams College
Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
As a medical student at Columbia VP&S, I had the opportunity to work with the orthopedic residents and faculty here over a number of years. Between those experiences and my month-long sub-internship, I witnessed firsthand the one-of-a-kind culture created by the Columbia Orthopedic Family. The residents, in addition to being individually impressive and accomplished, demonstrated a level of camaraderie that was truly exceptional. They fully embraced the team aspect of orthopedics, consistently going out of their way to support one another. Every orthopedic subspecialty was well-represented within the faculty, teeming with leaders in their respective fields who were eager to advocate for residents. If that were not enough, the effectiveness of Columbia's family-style culture and support model was further evidenced to me by their remarkable track record in fellowship placements every year. Finally, as a native Spanish speaker, I was eager to continue serving patients spanning from Columbia's local community of Washington Heights to those from all around the globe. For these reasons, I firmly believed Columbia would be the best place in the country for me to train; I would make the same choice a thousand times over again.
What is your favorite bone?
Femur
Where are you from?
Parkland, FL
Favorite activity outside of work?
Rowing
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Linkin Park/Jay-Z Collab Concert
Best playlist for the OR?
Red Hot Chili Peppers Radio
Favorite night float snack?
Sweet Chili Popcorners
Tiffany Smith, MD, MS
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (RNJMS)
Undergraduate: George Washington University
Why did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
I was attracted to the Orthopedic Surgery residency program at Columbia-NYP because of the dynamic environment and opportunities it provides for the development of Orthopedic Surgeons. Entering medical school, I knew I wanted to attend a residency program that provided me access to diverse patient populations and pathologies. Having the ability to train at Columbia in the heart of Washington Heights affords me that opportunity. During my four-week sub-internship I had the opportunity to experience the patient population that residents within the program have the privilege to treat. I was pleased to have the ability to engage with individuals from such a range of cultures and backgrounds. The opportunity to train in this environment while also having access to a world class didactic, clinical, and research exposure was a true highlight of the program. While working with true innovators across Orthopedic Surgery sub-specialties during my time rotating within the department, I foresaw myself carrying out meaningful mentorship, research and community partnerships.
In addition, throughout my sub internship and beyond I have felt the familial nature of the program in every encounter I have had with the residents, attendings and staff. As someone who grew up in an extremely tight knit family; finding a program where I felt that support was very important to me when entering the match process. I knew this residency program was without a doubt the place for me become the best Orthopedic Surgeon for my future patients and I am so happy to be a member of the Class of 2028!
What is your favorite bone?
Femur
Where are you from?
West Orange, NJ
Favorite activity outside of work?
running
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Beyonce/Jay-Z (On the Run Tour)
Best playlist for the OR?
Afrobeats Mix
Favorite night float snack?
Double Good Jalapeno Popcorn
