Andrew Kim (2023-2024)

Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate school and degree: Boston College; B.S. in Biology
Hometown: Montville, New Jersey

"The Kostuik Fellowship has played an integral role in shaping my desire to pursue an academic career in orthopaedic surgery. Under Dr. Kebaish’s mentorship, I have learned how to conduct impactful research and how to design provocative research hypotheses. In addition, the clinical exposure has given me the opportunity to further expand upon my clinical skills and understanding of spine surgery. The fellowship has also connected me with former fellows who have provided me with invaluable insight and mentorship. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Kebaish for this opportunity, and I am excited to contribute to the Kostuik Fellowship."

Before medical school, Andrew conducted research at New York Orthopedics. He enjoys weightlifting, tennis, golf, Boston sports, and eating rice. 

Juan A. Silva Aponte (2022-2023)

Medical School: San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, Puerto Rico
Undergraduate school and degree: University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus
Hometown: Aibonito, Puerto Rico

"My time as the John P. Kostuik Spine Research Fellowship with Dr. Khaled Kebaish has been a truly transformative experience. This fellowship has provided me with extensive clinical and surgical knowledge, further fueling my passion for orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Kebaish's unwavering commitment to mentoring medical students, residents, and clinical fellows has been truly inspiring. Working with him at a prestigious institution like Johns Hopkins has given me invaluable tools to grow as a researcher and future orthopaedic surgeon. His guidance and expertise have allowed me to develop my research skills and contributed to meaningful spine research. The Orthopaedic Surgery Department and Spine Surgery Division at Johns Hopkins have fostered a collaborative and supportive environment where I have formed meaningful relationships with colleagues, residents, and attendings, which have been instrumental in my growth. The John P. Kostuik Research Fellowship has been an unforgettable journey, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic and inspiring community.”

Before medical school, Juan was part of the Puerto Rico Karate-Do National Federation team, won national championships and competed in Central-American and Pan-American events. He enjoys beach days in Puerto Rico, hiking in El Yunque, and Karate-Do.

Kevin Mo (2021-2022)

Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences, California
Undergraduate school and degree: Stanford University
Hometown: Irvine, California

"During the interview process, I was struck by the commitment to mentorship that Dr. Kal Kebaish, Director of the Spine Division, and his network of former mentees demonstrated. This fellowship goes far beyond providing opportunities to learn and explore world-class research in spine orthopedics. I am looking forward to improving my research abilities, developing my relationships with mentors and colleagues, and deepening my understanding of spine surgery. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to spend a year with the amazing people here at Johns Hopkins Medicine.”

From the Orthopaedic Surgery Department Chair, James Ficke, M.D.: "I have spent some time with Kevin talking about research and his time here so far, and I am impressed with his drive to learn about the orthopaedic surgery profession and his interest in using this year with us to absorb as much as he can. He is immersing himself with activities in the department and came well prepared to our Journal Club. I believe Kevin is a perfect person to serve as our inaugural Kostuik Fellow.”

Before medical school, Kevin trained and competed alongside the US national fencing team from 2013 to 2017, won a national championship, and competed in Olympic qualifying events. He enjoys fencing, lifting, running, surfing, boxing, hiking, reading and traveling