Home: About Our Program
LEFT NAV 2: Resident Application Process
LEFT NAV 3: Current Residents
LEFT NAV 4: Resident Rotations
LEFT NAV 5 - Training Sites
LEFT NAV 6 - Didactics
LEFT NAV 7 - Research
LEFT NAV 8: Salary and Benefits
LEFT NAV 9 - Apartment Rentals & Housing
Left NAV 10 - Visiting Medical Students
Right Rail
For More Information
Kathy Langworthy
Residency Coordinator
Ph: (212) 523-8159
klangwor@chpnet.org
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St. Luke’s Hospital
1111 Amsterdam Avenue at 114th Street
New York, NY 10025
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Roosevelt Hospital
1000 Tenth Avenue at 59th Street
New York, NY 10019
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Title: Orthopedic Surgery Residency at St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals
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HOME: About Our Program
Title tag: Orthopedic Surgery Residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, NYC,
New York City, Manhattan
Description: Learn about orthopedic surgery residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital
Center in New York City. St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals are an academic affiliate of
the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Meta tags: orthopedic surgery residency, NYC, Manhattan, New York City, St. Luke’s,
Roosevelt, hospitals, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
About Our Program
St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center (SLRHC) was formed in 1979 upon the merger of
St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals. SLRHC consists of two sites located along on the
Upper West Side of Manhattan, with Roosevelt Hospital located at Tenth Avenue at 59th
Street and St. Luke’s Hospital located at Amsterdam Avenue at 114th Street. The St.
Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals, established in 1846 and 1871, respectively, brought to
their merger extraordinary records of medical "firsts" and commitment to their patients.
Today, the two sites respond to the diverse needs and challenges of new York City’s
population; serving some of the world’s most influential figures to some of the cities
most needy. There is a continual flux of attendings, house staff, patients, and
administrative personnel between these two sites, and SLRHC is considered a single
institution. A hospital-provided bus is available for travel between sites.
The primary mission of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery is to provide care of the
highest quality to all orthopedic patients presenting to St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital
Center, regardless of the patient’s race, religion, sexual orientation or ability to pay. To
accomplish this task, we have an outstanding attending staff with fellowship training in
all of the subspecialties of orthopedic surgery, and most hold teaching appointments at
Columbia’s College of Physicians & Surgeons, including some with the rank of clinical
professor.
The Hospital Center maintains a close academic affiliation with the Columbia University
College of Physicians and Surgeons. All academic appointments for the attending
surgeons of the SLRHC Department of Orthopedic Surgery are through Columbia
University. However, the orthopedic surgery residency of SLRHC is run as an entirely
separate and independent entity from the Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital Orthopedic
Surgery program.
The residency program is currently approved for 15 positions, three in each year of a
five-year program. The PGY-1 residents (i.e. “interns”) are provided with a schedule of
12 one-month rotations controlled solely by the chairman of orthopedics. These rotations
are in compliance with the guidelines of the Residency Review Committee for resident
education.
Above all, we strive to provide superior quality education to our orthopedic residents,
fellows, third and fourth year medical students from Columbia’s College of Physicians &
Surgeons, as well as fourth year students from medical schools over a broad geographic
area. By practicing with the highest standard of care, we strive to advance the knowledge
of our hospital staff, patients and the community.
Work Hours
The Department of Orthopedics, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, it's Governing
Body, Medical Staff and Administration maintains compliance with New York State Part
405 and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) policies
related to regulations governing resident work hours by monitoring the hours worked by
its residents.
Monitoring of resident work hours and supervision is an integrated part of the Hospital's
Quality Improvement Program. Findings are aggregated and reported by the Designated
Institution Officer (DIO) for the Graduate Medical Education Committee and presented
to the Quality Performance and Improvement Committee.
We invite all applicants interested in learning more about our training program from our
current residents to contact our Program Coordinators, Kathy Langworthy at
klangwor@chpnet.org and Christella Watts at cwatts@chpnet.org.
LEFT NAV 2: Resident Application Process
Title tag: Orthopedic Surgery Residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, NYC,
New York City, Manhattan
Resident Application Process
There are a total of fifteen residents in the Department of Orthopedic surgery, three each
year, and they come from all parts of the country. The following medical schools are
currently represented at our program:
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University
Temple University School of Medicine Loyola University
University of Texas Medical School Houston
New York Medical College
Tulane University School of Medicine
University of Maryland School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita
Georgetown University School of Medicine
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Admission to the Orthopedic Residency Program at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center
is governed by the hospital bylaws and by the requirements of the Accreditation Council
of Graduate Medical Education. Applications for positions are accepted from qualified
students who have received an MD degree from an accredited medical school, at the time
of entry into the program. The Program offers equal opportunity to all individuals who
have the necessary qualifications.
All positions are filled through the National Residency Match Program (MATCH). All
applications must be submitted to the Department through the Electronic Residency
Application System (ERAS). To be considered, the application and all supporting
documents must be complete. Supporting documents consist of an official transcript from
the medical school, Dean’s letter, two or more additional letters of reference, a personal
statement and USMLE scores. The Department does not require, nor accept additional
examinations including GRE, SAT or MCAT scores. The scores on these exams must be
consistent with Department standards in order to be granted an interview.
All completed applications are reviewed by the St. Luke’s Roosevelt Selection
Committee. Interviews are granted to qualified applicants who demonstrate a high
academic aptitude with a strong focus on service, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Any questions regarding the application process or the St. Luke’s Roosevelt Orthopedic
Residency Program should be directed to the Resident Coordinator, Kathy Langworthy at
klangwor@chpnet.org or by phone at (212) 523-8159.
LEFT NAV 3: Current Residents
Title tag: Orthopedic Surgery Residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, NYC,
New York City, Manhattan
Our Current Residents
PGY 5
James Andry, MD
College: University of Notre Dame
Medical School: Georgetown University
Fellowship: Sports - St Frances Orthopedic Institute, Columbus GA
Ryan Dowling, MD
College: Georgetown University
Medical School: Temple University
Fellowship: Trauma - Baylor
Avrum Joffe, MD
College: Union College
Medical School: UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School
Fellowship: Pediatrics - Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego CA
PGY 4
George Ackerman, MD
College: Cornell University
Medical School: New York Medical College
Career Interests: Sports Medicine
Neil C. Dunleavy, MD
College: Georgetown University
Medical School: Georgetown University
Career Interests: Sports Medicine
Curt Vandenberg, MD
College: University of Michigan
Medical School: Loyola University
Career Interests: Peds, Sports, Spine
PGY 3
John Hardcastle, MD
College: University of Virginia
Medical School: University of Maryland
Zach Weidner, MD
College: Brown University
Medical School: University of Pennsylvania
Nick Wessling, MD
College: University of Kansas
Medical School: University of Kansas
PGY 2
Frank Gerold, MD
College: University of Texas
Medical School: University of Texas Houston
Jamison Green, MD
College: Stanford University
Medical School: New York Medical College
Evan Hawkins, MD
College: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: Tulane University
PGY 1
Elaine Balutis, MD
College: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Ismar Dizdarevic, MD
College: Lehigh University
Medical School: Jefferson Medical College
James Giordano, MD
College: University of Notre Dame
Medical School: Temple School of Medicine
Physician Assistants
The Department of Orthopedics employs seven physician assistants who work closely
with the residents on rounds, discharge planning, seeing ER consults, and clinic coverage.
LEFT NAV 4: Resident Rotations
Title tag: Orthopedic Surgery Residency and Clinical Clerkship for Visiting Medical
students at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, NYC, New York City, Manhattan
Resident Rotations
The St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program is an accredited fiveyear program with three residents in each year.
PGY-1: The PGY-1 year is designed to give the first year residents experience in the
surgical and non-surgical care of patients. They gain experience in and develop an
understanding of surgical anesthesia, multi-system trauma, plastic surgery/burn care,
intensive care and vascular surgery. In addition, the residents will spend three months on
the orthopedic service during this year. This year has been specifically designed to
include the program requirements delineated by the Residency Review Committee.
Monthly rotations will be done on anesthesia, emergency room, burns/plastics and ICU.
The remainder of the year is spent within the department of General Surgery, where
exposure is gained to multi-system trauma, general surgery and vascular surgery.
PGY-2: This year of orthopedic residency is spent at the St. Luke’s site in a structured
setting for didactic and practical instruction under the close supervision of the attending
staff and PGY-5 orthopedic residents. When on call, residents are the first line of
orthopedic consultation from our Level I emergency department and for inpatient
consultations. In this capacity, residents perform initial evaluations, admission procedures
and/or emergency room treatment, and provide clinic coverage. The clinics include
general orthopedics, fractures, spine, hand, and pediatrics. PGY-2’s perform and assist in
a full spectrum of orthopedic surgery. By the end of the year, the PGY-2 will be able to
perform a complete musculoskeletal evaluation and will begin to feel comfortable with
advanced trauma management. Attendance at all academic conferences is required.
PGY-3: During the third post graduate year, an emphasis is placed upon enhancing
surgical skills in the operating room and fostering the principles of non-operative and
operative treatment. This year includes four months on the Hand Service at the Roosevelt
site, four months of general orthopedics and trauma at the Roosevelt site, two months at
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center on the Bone Tumor Service, and a two month
period dedicated to Research, as well as exposure to Radiology and Rehabilitation. The
Research rotation is primarily based at the Columbia University School of Bioengineering.
PGY-4: As a senior member of the orthopedic team, the fourth-year resident begins to
assume greater responsibility in patient management and surgical decision making. In
addition, they assist in educating the more junior residents and the rotating medical
students. This year is separated into three four-month blocks:

Chief Resident - Roosevelt Hospital: The chief resident at Roosevelt Hospital is
responsible for all of the administrative aspects of the clinical service. During this
block, there is great operative experience in total joint surgery and sports
medicine. The resident is also responsible for presenting cases at weekly Grand
Rounds and Mortality and Morbidity meetings.

Research Chief: During this four month rotation, with a lighter on-call schedule,
the resident is afforded time to work on research projects. In addition, because of
the many operative cases at the Roosevelt Hospital site, there is ample
opportunity to help assist on a wide variety of advanced cases in all the
subspecialties of orthopedics.

Alfred I. duPont Institute (Wilmington, Delaware) The duPont Institute is an
international leader in the field of musculoskeletal disorders in children and offers
an intensive exposure to a large volume of pediatric orthopedics (four months).
PGY-5: During this fifth year of post-graduate training, each resident will begin to take
on the responsibilities of an independent orthopedic surgeon. This year integrates and
refines the accumulated knowledge and clinical experience of the first four years. The
entire year is spent at the St. Luke’s site where four months are spent as the senior
administrative resident, four months are spent as the Chief Resident for Pediatrics and
Spine, and four months are spent supervising the Hand Service. The entire year is spent
teaching the PGY-2 residents the fundamentals of orthopedic surgery. Research time is
available during the 4-month Pediatric-Spine rotation. Additional time remains available
during the other 8 months of the PGY-5 year at the St. Luke’s site.
LEFT NAV 5 - Training Sites
Title tag: Orthopedic Surgery Residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, NYC,
New York City, Manhattan
Residency Training Sites
You will have multiple training sites during your orthopedic surgery residency. Please
review the links provided below for more information.
St. Luke’s Hospital – New York, NY - Level 1 Trauma Center
PGY-2, PGY-5 rotations
Roosevelt Hospital – New York, NY – Level 2 Trauma Center
PGY-1, PGY-3, PGY-4 rotations
Visit the St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Department of Orthopedic Surgery website to review
faculty bios.
Memorial Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center – New York, NY
PGY-3 rotations – Orthopedic Oncology with John Healy, MD
Alfred I. duPont Institute for Children – Wilmington, DE
PGY-4 rotations
Columbia University – New York, NY
PGY-3 rotations - A two month block of dedicated research time is devoted for
developing and furthering studies at the Columbia University/Presbyterian Biomechanics
Lab.
LEFT NAV 6 - Didactics
Title tag: Orthopedic Surgery Residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, NYC,
New York City, Manhattan
Didactics
The orthopedic surgery residency program focuses on a variety of educational
experiences. Each morning, there is a formal educational opportunity for the residents.
Although the schedule varies, a typical week is as follows:
Monday :
X-ray rounds gives residents the chance to discuss and review cases that
presented over the previous week and weekend. On call residents lead the
case presentation and discuss their decision making process. Attendings
oversee all sessions and help direct questions and teaching points. The
X-ray rounds take place in the newly renovated orthopedic library and are
televised via videoconference to both the St. Luke’s and Roosevelt
Hospital sites.
Tuesday:
Residents review cadaver anatomy. General anatomy is lead by the PGY3.
Special attention is reserved for hand anatomy. Hand anatomy is lead by
one of the two CV Starr Hand Fellows who prepare dissections and
present relevant articles relating to that days topic. Hand anatomy is
supervised by Faculty from the prestigious CV Starr Hand Center.
Wednesday:
Attending physicians, including faculty from radiology, anesthesia,
physical therapy as well as residents lead lectures or interactive journal
clubs discussing various topics. Journal clubs often take place outside of
the hospital allowing residents and Attendings to interact in a less formal
environment while still being able to discuss views on current literature.
Thursday:
Grand Rounds include case presentations, morbidity and mortality,
and lectures, often times by visiting faculty.
Friday:
Residents and Attendings practice OITE questions and discuss high yield
topics.
LEFT NAV 7 - Research
Title tag: Orthopedic Surgery Residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, NYC,
New York City, Manhattan
Research Requirements
The Department of Orthopedic Surgery maintains an active clinical research program.
Residents attend monthly research meetings to discuss current projects and facilitate new
projects. Each resident is required to participate in at least one research project which
produces a manuscript of publishable quality. As a result, multiple national presentations
have been made and multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts have been published.
A two month dedicated research rotation during the 3rd year takes place at Columbia
Presbyterian Biomechanics Lab.
The Annual Research Day allows residents to formally present their research to the
department and to a visiting professor. Orthopedic residents take the OITE during each
year of their residency, typically the second weekend in November.
Stipends/ Reimbursements for Education
Residents are given an annual stipend to spend on educational purposes, including text
books, journal subscriptions, and medical equipment. This amount varies based on
the contract negotiated by the resident union.
In addition, the cost of USMLE Step 3 is reimbursed if the test is taken and passed in
the first 18 months of residency.
If a resident has a research project accepted for presentation at a national conference,
travel expenses for this conference are provided by the department. Residents are also
reimbursed for one OTA or AO course each year of residency.
Lastly, the hospital provides UpToDate and MD Consult access to all residents as well as
full access to the Columbia Medical Library and full E-Journal access.
LEFT NAV 8: Salary and Benefits
Title tag: Orthopedic Surgery Residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, NYC,
New York City, Manhattan
Salary and Benefits
St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center has entered into a collective bargaining agreement
and the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) has been certified by the NLRB as the
representative for all house staff employed by SLRHC. All House Staff Officers covered
by the CIR agreement shall, as a condition of employment, become and remain members
of the CIR/SEOU in good standing during the term of their employment with periodic
dues uniformly required as a condition of membership. More information on CIR can be
found at http://www.cirseiu.org/
In accordance with the CIR agreement, the PGY salary scale for residents in Accredited
Graduate Medical Education Programs, effective 10/1/2011, and with 3% increases for
2012 and 2013, is below.
PGY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
10/1/2011
$58,210.82
$62,024.26
$65,823.38
$68,183.33
$70,616.15
$72,529.44
$74,386.60
10/1/2012
$59,957.15
$63,884.99
$67,798.08
$70,228.83
$72,734.64
$74,705.32
$76,618.20
10/1/2013
$61,755.86
$65,801.54
$69,832.02
$72,335.70
$74,916.67
$76,946.48
$78,916.74
Health Benefits: House Staff Officers are part of the CIR’s health benefit plan which
includes full health plans for employee and family, as well as full dental coverage.
Malpractice and disability insurance is also covered under the hospital and CIR.
Meals: Meals or a meal allowance are provided for teaching conferences. Residents with
evening on-call responsibility will also receive a meal allowance. The amount of the total
meal allowance each resident receives has been negotiated and is determined by their
program. The meal allowance will be payable in two equal installments, one-half in
January and one-half in July/August of each year, and is in addition to yearly salary.
Sick Time/Leave:

Twelve (12) days of paid sick leave is provided per year to a maximum of 48 days.
There are provisions for bereavement leave and family and medical leave
consistent with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
Effect of Leave on Training: Any Leave of Absence Disability Leave, or other
time off which results in the resident’s inability to meet the training time
requirements set forth by the appropriate board will result in an extension of
the resident’s training program.
Vacation: The annual entitlement for a twelve-month period is four weeks. Vacation
time for all residents will be taken during the year accrued.
Legal Holidays:
 New Year’s Day
 Martin Luther King’s Birthday
 Presidents Day (RH only)
 Good Friday (SL only)
 Memorial Day
 Fourth of July
 Labor Day
 Columbus Day
 Thanksgiving Day
 Christmas Day
LEFT NAV 9 Apartment Rentals & Housing
Title tag: Orthopedic Surgery Residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, NYC,
New York City, Manhattan
Apartment Rentals & Housing
The Hospital provides housing to residents at a substantially discounted price in
comparison to the current market values in Manhattan. Rent is subsidized, affordable, and
is one of the most cherished perks of the program. Rent is deducted automatically from
residents’ paychecks. Only the resident and immediate family (spouse/partner and
children only) who live in the apartment full-time are eligible for housing. Parents,
siblings, other relatives, and live-in help are not eligible for housing or considered for the
apartment size.
Protected physician parking is available to all drivers with MD license plates. Parking
lots are available to all house-staff who do not live in hospital housing. Monthly rates are
substantially lower thanks to generous employee discounts. Monthly fees are
automatically paid with a monthly payroll deduction.
Living on the Upper West Side has a host of benefits aside from the proximity of a
minutes commute to work. All housing is located conveniently to local supermarkets
including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Fairway, Morton Williams, etc. Central Park is
two blocks to the east, while Riverside Park is two blocks west. Both parks offer
amazing escapes from the city feel without ever leaving the Upper West Side.
There are two housing opportunities available. Buildings at 10 Amsterdam Avenue and
515 W. 59th Street are located within a block of Roosevelt Hospital and offer studio, one
and two bedroom apartments.
Monthly Rent Ranges
10 Amsterdam Avenue
Studio Rent Range: $1,402 – 1,520
Alcove Studio: $1,688 – 1,718
1 Bedroom: $1,899 - $2,127
2 Bedroom: $2,589
515 West 59th Street
Studio Rent Range: $1,192 – 1,334
1 Bedroom: $1,733 - $1,964
2 Bedroom: $2,358 – 2,598
LEFT NAV 10 Visiting Medical Students
Title Tag: Clinical Clerkship for Visiting Medical Students at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt
Hospital Center, NYC, New York City, Manhattan
Visiting Medical Student Clinical Clerkship
The department offers clinical clerkships for third or fourth year medical students to
provide exposure to the specialty of Orthopedic Surgery. We also offer a one- to twoweek elective for third year students of Columbia University, and a 4-week elective,
which is open to fourth year medical students from all U.S. medical schools. The student
will become an integral part of the service and is considered an important member of the
team. Each student is expected to participate actively in the operating room, the specialty
clinics and in all conferences. Night call is optional, but can provide valuable trauma
service experience. Students will also have an opportunity to meet with our Chairman, Dr.
Unis at the conclusion of the rotation.
St. Luke’s- Roosevelt Hospital Center is an affiliate of Columbia University College of
Physicians and Surgeons. Therefore, medical students interested in an elective should
apply through Columbia University’s website for visiting medical students. The rotation
is listed as OR60R Orthopedics Advanced Clerkship.
All interested medical students should contact Kathy Langworthy at
klangwor@chpnet.org or by calling the Department of Orthopedics at 212-523-8159 for
more information.