First Year
Class of 2030
L-R: Drs. Cecere, Ferreri, Moore, Diane, Dash and Kumar.
Robert A. "Bobby" Cecere, MD
Medical School: Weill Cornell Medicine
Undergraduate: Yale UniversityWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
I knew from my time during my sub-internship that this was the right program for me. It was immediately clear that Columbia offered everything I was looking for in a residency: exceptional training, deep support, and a culture that pushes every resident to grow and succeed. As a medical student, I felt genuinely valued by both residents and attendings, and was treated as a true member of the team. That sense of belonging, combined with the high expectations set by both peers and mentors, created an environment where excellence wasn’t just encouraged - it was expected, and supported every step of the way.
I believe that the community at Columbia is truly unique. Co-residents are deeply connected across all training years, and attendings are not only leaders in their fields but also deeply invested in our growth. Whether it's staying late to help each other through a challenging day or sharing coffee and conversation after a long case, this is a program where people look out for one another. The mentorship from worldclass surgeons in all specialties is real and lasting, and it lays the foundation for individual achievement, shared success, and endless fellowship opportunities. Doctors Levine, Jobin, Chien, and Neuwirth all work extremely hard to provide us with what I truly believe to be the best residency experience in the country.
I chose Columbia Orthopedics because I believe that the elite surgical training combined with the world-class research infrastructure will provide what I need to become a skilled orthopedic surgeon and, ultimately, a thoughtful leader in the field. More than anything, though, it’s the culture, the shared drive for excellence, and the genuine care for one another that makes Columbia the most special program I’ve encountered. I could not be more grateful or more confident in my choice.
What is your favorite bone and why?
The humerus and the ulna! I underwent Tommy John Surgery in my freshman year of college and Tommy John Surgery is what initially drew me to the world of orthopedics. I have a soft spot for those bones!Where are you from?
I was born in Boston and grew up in Glastonbury, CT. My heart is with Boston when it comes to sports!
Favorite activity outside of work?
Playing pickleball, pickup basketball, softball, and cooking. And, of course, hanging with my coresidents!Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Led ZeppelinBest playlist for the OR?
'60s-'80s rock with some country mixed inFavorite night float snack?
Soppressata and PK’s chocolate chip cookies!Best place you've traveled?
Maui, HawaiiFavorite NYC restaurant?
Au Cheval
Alexander S. Dash, MD
Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Undergraduate: Macalester College, Bachelor of ArtsWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
When I did my rotation here as a 4th year medical student, from day 1 it felt like I was walking into a family. Everyone, from the junior residents all the way up to the most senior attendings took time to get to know me and make sure that I had a great learning experience. The OR staff and nurses throughout the hospital made me feel welcome every day and were invested in our education and comfort in a new hospital. All of this I found on top of the excellent surgical training and research opportunities provided here. I was able to work with residents who had done the 6-year research track who spoke so highly about the support they received, and the encouragement and resources provided to them to begin their own studies. Columbia Orthopedics gives all its residents a unique opportunity to blossom into a surgeon-scientist that very few, if any, other institutions in the country can boast. Each and every day during my rotation, this place began to feel more and more like home, and I could not be more excited and thrilled to grow into an excellent surgeon and be part of the family here for the next 6 years.What is your favorite bone?
FibulaWhere are you from?
New York CityFavorite activity outside of work?
Working out, watching/playing baseball, film photography, cookingDream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Daft Punk or The BeatlesBest playlist for the OR?
Tropical HouseFavorite night float snack?
Costco Peanut Butter Filled PretzelsBest place you've traveled?
Komodo National Park, Indonesia (incredible scuba diving!!)Favorite NYC restaurant?
Pasta Louise
Alioune "Al" Diane, MD
Medical School: Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Undergraduate: Stevens Institute of Technology, Bachelor of EngineeringWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
I chose Columbia Orthopedics because of the brilliant, compassionate, and invested residents and faculty who create a culture of support, excellence, and belonging. From my very first day on my away rotation, I was immediately welcomed and treated as an active member of the team. I saw how deeply the program values mentorship, education, and personal growth. Working closely with attendings like Dr. Sarpong and learning from residents who felt more like family than colleagues reaffirmed my desire to be in a program where I would be challenged, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
What set Columbia apart wasn’t just the high surgical volume and academic rigor, but how genuinely people cared. I saw firsthand how the program cultivates not only technically skilled surgeons, but also educators, leaders, and advocates. Columbia’s strong presence in national organizations and outreach efforts, particularly through programs like Dr. Russo’s Distance Traveled and international initiatives for chief residents. It’s rare to find a program with world-class surgical training that also makes space for purpose-driven work that resonates with me on a personal level.
Choosing Columbia means joining a place that values my story, believes in my potential, pushes me to grow, and gives me the tools and support to dream even bigger for my patients, community, and future of the field.
What is your favorite bone and why?
The femur — it's the strongest and longest bone in the body, and it plays a critical role in movement and weight-bearing.Where are you from?
Weehawken, NJFavorite activity outside of work?
Game nights with friends and family, park chilling with my dog Tito, playing pickup basketball, and watching movies.Dream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Kaytranada and Anderson Paak opening up for Kendrick Lamar with both Jay-z and Andre 3000 featuring as special guestsBest playlist for the OR?
Jazzy Funk House or Afro House playlistsFavorite night float snack?
Turkey jerky and Sour Patch Kids (or Sour Punch Straws, depending on the night)Best place you've traveled?
Aruba and SenegalFavorite NYC restaurant?
Oda House
Emily D. Ferreri, MD
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Undergraduate: Saint Michael's CollegeWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
The people here are incredible. My first true introduction to the program was during my month-long sub-internship as a medical student. Even before the rotation began, residents reached out with helpful resources and answered my questions to ensure I felt prepared. Throughout the sub-I, every resident I met was welcoming and enthusiastic about sharing their passion for orthopedic surgery. I also had the privilege of working with faculty who are world-renowned leaders in their subspecialties. It was clear to me that they are deeply committed to training the next generation of orthopedic surgeons and fully invested in the development and growth of their residents. The culture of excellence and collaboration here permeates the entire program—from leadership and faculty to staff and residents. I knew this was the team I wanted to be a part of, and I feel incredibly grateful to be training here.What is your favorite bone and why?
Scaphoid, it’s small but complex!Where are you from?
Hyde Park, NYFavorite activity outside of work?
Fly fishing, running, hiking, skiing, trying new restaurantsDream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Elton JohnBest playlist for the OR?
Tropical House or Classic RockFavorite night float snack?
Any type of popcornBest place you've traveled?
The Okavango Delta in BotswanaFavorite NYC restaurant?
Sushi Yasaka
Prashanth "PK" Kumar, MD
Medical School: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons
Undergraduate: Harvard UniversityWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
- As a first-year at Columbia VP&S, I was lucky to be welcomed into orthopedics by Dr. Chien, who had former residents Matt Simhon and Gerard Marciano teach me how to scrub in my very first OR experience, continuously invested in my learning, and invited me back to her OR and clinic whenever I wanted. That introduction lit a spark, and the Columbia Ortho residents kept it alive—mentoring me, encouraging me, and helping me realize that orthopedics was the field for me, even residents I had met for the first time. Additionally, Dr. Levine’s dedication to meeting with any medical student, at any time, to offer guidance and reassurance showed me that this was a department deeply committed to its students’ growth and success—even from the top. During my sub-I, I witnessed firsthand how much the residents looked out for one another—helping with notes, splints, or whatever was needed—with a sense of pride and love that felt like home; Beth, Gerard, Joanna, and Mueller pushed me to be better every day on the joints service and never hesitated to teach me anything I didn’t know. It was the kind of environment I knew I’d be lucky to join, and one that would shape me into the surgeon I aspire to become.
What is your favorite bone and why?
Scapula – Love the way it moves around fluidly in so many planesWhere are you from?
Atlanta, GAFavorite activity outside of work?
Making ice cream and hosting dinner partiesDream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
J ColeBest playlist for the OR?
Big Bootie Mix 11Favorite night float snack?
Honey Bunches of Oats with AlmondsBest place you've traveled?
Extended family is in India so love going back to visit themFavorite NYC restaurant?
Fish Cheeks
Maya R. Moore, MD, MPH
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (MD/MPH)
Undergraduate: University of PennsylvaniaWhy did you choose Columbia Orthopedics?
What drew me to Columbia Orthopedics is the culture. With intimate class sizes of 6 and heavily invested faculty, there is a culture here that everyone feels seen and no one gets left behind that I felt from day 1 of my sub-I. Even as a medical student, I felt like I was seen not just as another character passing through, but as a future colleague whose growth and learning the residents were already invested in. The outstanding attendings, particularly in the joints department, such as Dr. Neuwirth and Dr. Cooper, were equally supportive, letting me get hands-on involvement in cases, while demonstrating they saw great potential in me as a future orthopedic surgeon.
During my sub-I month, I also had the opportunity to volunteer with Distance Travelled, a nonprofit started by one of our superstar residents Grace Plassche to promote inclusion of underrepresented minorities in medicine and in orthopedics. I resonated deeply with the mission and looked forward to the potential of giving back to this org as a resident by emphasizing the importance of representation in medicine. Overall, my month here reinforced what makes Columbia special—the residents aren’t just here to fix bones; they’re here to be leaders in the field. Dr. Levine’s “Breakfast with the Chair,” which featured a private Q&A with the CEO of New York-Presbyterian during my sub-I is just one example of how this program brings residents into the room where decisions are made. It’s rare to find a place where you're trained to be an excellent surgeon and empowered to be a leader. And get to have a lot of fun while doing it! Columbia Ortho is that place for me.
What is your favorite bone and why?
Calcaneus! The eponym for a calcaneus fracture is a "Don Juan fracture" after a famous Spanish folklore - very cool!Where are you from?
Silver Springs, MDFavorite activity outside of work?
Pilates, exploring new restaurants in the city, checking out local concert venuesDream concert (even if band not together or alive)?
Jhene AikoBest playlist for the OR?
Bad Bunny's album - Un Verano Sin TiFavorite night float snack?
White Cheddar Cheez-its and Sour Patch WatermelonBest place you've traveled?
DubaiFavorite NYC restaurant?
Sala Thai
