Second Year
2023 Residency Class
Venkat R. Boddapati, MD
Medical School: Weill Cornell College of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of ChicagoWhy did you choose Columbia orthopedics?
There are many aspects of Columbia Orthopaedics that drew me to this program in particular. Most importantly, there is a real collegial relationship between residents of all years and residents and attendings. Everyone is approachable for guidance, mentoring, clinical questions, etc. Also, every major subspecialty is well represented and so I felt like I had abundant opportunities to pursue interests that I may develop during residency in any subspecialty that I chose to go into. Finally, as someone who is interested in remaining in academics, there are unlimited research opportunities that are easily accessible and with a track record of productivity.
What is your favorite bone?
Atlas
What's the best place you have traveled?
Pacific Coast Highway
Where are you from?
Chicago Suburbs (Naperville, IL)
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Imli or by CHLOE
Favorite activity outside of work?
Sleeping, running, reading
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Adventure Club
Best Pandora station for the OR?
Today's Hits
Favorite night float snack?
Monster and trail mix
What is your spirit animal?
Wolf
![]()
Michael B. Held, MD, MBA
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt UniversityWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
I chose Columbia Orthopedics because of the people. It is a true family with unrivaled camaraderie not only between the residents, but also between the residents and attendings. Loving what you do is important, but loving the people around you is even more important. We work hard, but the team always has fun while doing it!
What is your favorite bone?
Right femur
What's the best place you have traveled?
Vietnam
Where are you from?
Chappaqua, NY
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Gennaro on the UWS
Favorite activity outside of work?
Playing golf
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Zac Brown Band
Best Pandora station for the OR?
Country Hits / 90's and Today
Favorite night float snack?
Protein bars and mixed nuts
What is your spirit animal?
Adolescent golden retriever
![]()
Nathan J. Lee, MD
Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Undergraduate: Columbia UniversityWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
Columbia was my top choice because it offered everything that I was looking for in a residency. This program is made up of a very close-knit group of residents that are supported by world-class attendings who genuinely care about resident education. There are excellent and abundant opportunities in research and operative experience. And you can never get bored living in NYC!
What is your favorite bone?
T4
What's the best place you have traveled?
Porto, Portugal
Where are you from?
Calabasas, CA
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Momofuku Ssam Bar
Favorite activity outside of work?
Skiing and Paddle-surfing
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Queen
Best Pandora station for the OR?
House/EDM
Favorite night float snack?
Oreos
What is your spirit animal?
White Stallion
![]()
Justin Mathew, MD
Medical School: University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Harvard CollegeWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
After rotating through the program as a visiting medical student, I found that a number of qualities distinguished the orthopedics program at Columbia. Notably, the warmth and camaraderie of the residents highlighted the welcoming atmosphere of a program known for its research and renowned faculty. Learning from and working beside such remarkable, driven individuals every day is inspiring.
What is your favorite bone?
Ilium
What's the best place you have traveled?
Galapagos Island
Where are you from?
West Nyack
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
The Halal Guys
Favorite activity outside of work?
Hiking
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Coldplay
Best Pandora station for the OR?
Coldplay, again:)
Favorite night float snack?
Thai lime chili cashews from Trader Joe's
What is your spirit animal?
Orangutan
![]()
Joel R. Peterson, MD, MBA
Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-Piscataway
Undergraduate: PrincetonWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
I rotated at Columbia as a medical student, and from the first day I immediately felt like a member of the Columbia family. On interview day, I was reminded of that feeling, and every time we come together as a department or as a group of residents I realize what a special group of people this is. I'm proud be a part of my new, big Columbia family.
What is your favorite bone?
Humerus
What's the best place you have traveled?
Singapore
Where are you from?
Fairfax, VA
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Palma
Favorite activity outside of work?
Yoga
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Johnny Cash
Best Pandora station for the OR?
90's Pop Rock
Favorite night float snack?
Peanut butter cups
What is your spirit animal?
Snow Leopard
![]()
Liana J. Tedesco, MD
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Columbia UniversityWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
I chose Columbia Orthopaedics because of the collegial environment amongst residents, outstanding faculty, and focus on education. As a visiting medical student and now as a resident, I have always felt part of the NYOH family - everyone looks out for and takes care of each other. I am proud to be part of a program that so strongly emphasizes teamwork. And, of course, nothing beats New York City!
What is your favorite bone?
Lunate
What's the best place you have traveled?
Marrakech
Where are you from?
Englewood, NJ
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Lafayette
Favorite activity outside of work?
Cooking and traveling
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
The Weekend
Best Pandora station for the OR?
Chill Hits
Favorite night float snack?
Swedish Fish, Goldfish
What is your spirit animal?
Dolphin
![]()
