Fifth Year
2026 Residency Class
Residency Class of 2026 in their Columbia white jackets. (L-R) Drs. Paskey, Crockatt, Berube, Ren, Gazgalis, Fields
Emma Berube, MD
Medical School: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons
Undergraduate: Columbia UniversityWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
I chose Columbia because of the residents. When I rotated through the department as a 4th year medical student, I was blown away by how close residents were with each other, not only within classes but between classes as well. There were many programs where I knew if I went to and worked hard and was disciplined, as I was planning to do, I would end up a capable and competent surgeon. However, I knew Columbia was the place where I would most enjoy this process.
What is your favorite bone?
Talus
Where are you from?
Dover, MA
Favorite activity outside of work?
Sleeping
Best playlist for the OR?
Early 2000s hits
Favorite night float snack?
Cheese and crackers
William Crockatt, MD
- Six-Year Research Track
Medical School: Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Undergraduate: Dartmouth CollegeWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
The people - one of my closest faculty mentors, Dr. Kate Nellans, completed her residency training at Columbia and always spoke highly of her time here. From the moment I started my away rotation at Columbia, I recognized the camaraderie and collegiality of the residents and instantly felt like a member of the team. I also appreciated the mentorship and dedication to resident education from each of the faculty members, and I knew that this was the place I wanted to train. I am excited to work with the world class faculty across each of the orthopedic subspecialties, explore the endless opportunities for research, and have the chance to live and work in NYC for my residency training as part of Columbia Orthopedics!
What is your favorite bone?
Femur
What is the best place you have traveled?
Santorini, Greece
Where are you from?
Purdys, NY
Favorite restaurant in NYC / restaurant you can’t wait to try … someday!
Yuca Bar
Favorite activity outside of work?
Trying new restaurants and breweries around NYC, cooking/baking, bowling
Dream concert (even if the band is no longer together or alive)?
Arkells
Best playlist in the OR?
2000s Alternative
Favorite night float snack?
Doritos Cool Ranch
![Headshot of William Crockatt, MD]()
Michael Fields, MD
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Undergraduate: Cornell UniversityWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
I worked as a Spine Research Fellow at Columbia between my third and fourth years of medical school. I still remember receiving my Columbia University employee badge and feeling proud, inspired, and motivated to be working at an institution with such an incredibly rich history. I was and still am eager to learn from the world-class orthopedic surgeons at Columbia. I was impressed by the faculty’s genuine investment in their residents and willingness to go above and beyond in helping them reach their full potential. However, I believe the camaraderie amongst residents and attendings is the most unique and desirable quality of the program at Columbia. I was lucky enough to attend several social events throughout my year where I witnessed the authentic collegial environment and felt the strong desire to be a part of the family at Columbia Orthopedics. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing team and I have been humbled by my attendings’ and my co-residents’ commitment to each other and to our patients.
What is your favorite bone?
C7, not afraid to stick out from the rest
Where are you from?
Marlboro, NJ
Favorite activity outside of work?
Running, Hiking, Traveling, Cooking
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Kid Cudi
Best playlist for the OR?
Tropical House
Favorite night float snack?
Protein Bars from Costco
Anastasia Gazgalis, MD
Medical School: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Undergraduate: Duke UniversityWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
I chose Columbia because it felt like home. I couldn't imaging a program with a more supportive group of people who are not just my colleagues but are also my friends and are now becoming very important people in my life. At the same time this is an incredible place to train, where we are surrounding by leaders in various subspecialties that are excited to share their knowledge with us and numerous opportunities to build our skills and participate in academic pursuits.
What is your favorite bone?
The patella
Where are you from?
Brooklyn, NY
Favorite activity outside of work?
Tie between hiking and running
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Chance the Rapper—I've already been to a concert and he was amazing.
Best playlist for the OR?
'90s, 2000s, Todays Hits
Favorite night float snack?
Peanut M&Ms
Taylor Paskey, MD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Undergraduate: University of DelawareWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
Choosing Columbia was not a difficult decision for me. The camaraderie, teamwork and supportive atmosphere was always palpable. In the months leading up to interviews, the number of messages and phone calls I received from the program (residents and faculty) let me know immediately the kind of program and more importantly- the family, I was building a relationship with. In the peak of COVID where learning about programs was very difficult, Columbia fought the barriers and made finding their next class of residents a priority, a type of energy and enthusiasm that was unmatched. Being a resident here is incredible, but ultimately the reason I am so proud to be here is because of the people who make up our team. We attract residents that are eager to learn and want to be skilled orthopedic surgeons, but most importantly, our residents are a team who want to learn and grow together. I chose Columbia because these are the people I want to see everyday, inside and outside of work, and I couldn’t have chosen a better family.
What is your favorite bone?
Femur
Where are you from?
Felton, DE
Favorite activity outside of work?
Spending time with family, Dancing, Boating, Going to the Beach, Traveling, Outdoor Activities
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Kenny Chesney
Best playlist for the OR?
"Just Good Music"
Favorite night float snack?
Ritz bits cheese crackers
Mark Ren, MD
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Cornell UniversityWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
Camaraderie. Looking into and interviewing, I heard the words camaraderie and family a lot, but Columbia felt different, from the first CLIP session to every one on one talk with faculty and residents. It was clear that the whole program cared about each other and really enjoyed working with and spending time inside and outside the hospital together. The faculty were all approachable and passionate about teaching and mentoring residents and invest in those relationships from the ORs to research to program events to post-OR happy hours. I could not imagine a better place to train as an orthopedic resident.
What is your favorite bone?
Femur (I know what I like)
Where are you from?
Smithtown, NY
Favorite activity outside of work?
Cooking, running/lifting, hanging out with friends and family
Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Taylor Swift
Best playlist for the OR?
Pop Drive
Favorite night float snack?
Buffalo Wings
