Alumni by Graduation Year
Class of 2021
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Alexander Loeb
Medical school: University of Virginia Undergrad: University of Virginia Hometown: Tallahassee, FL Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I am privileged to come to work for this program every day for a number of reasons. The breadth and complexity of the clinical experience here makes for incredible training. The leadership within the program is dedicated to and advocates for resident education at the highest level. The residents are tight knit, not just within each class, but across classes. And most significantly, because each one of the departments here at Johns Hopkins is preeminent, the environment develops you into a better physician, not just a better orthopaedic surgeon.”
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James Mackenzie
Medical school: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix Undergrad: University of Arizona Hometown: Tucson, Arizona Why I chose Johns Hopkins: "I chose Hopkins for several reasons, not the least of which was the dedication of faculty to the education and wellbeing of the residents. Their commitment to making us the best in the next generation of orthopedic surgeons is evident. Here, you get to work alongside not only the best in orthopedics, but the best in every field of medicine. I also feel a strong camaraderie among the residents both in my class and beyond it. These are people I will have the privilege of calling my friends and colleagues for the rest of my career. As a bonus, global health involvement as it relates to orthopedics is highly encouraged and supported, something which I am very interested in."
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Varun Puvanesarajah
Medical school: Johns Hopkins University Undergrad: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina Why I chose Johns Hopkins: "I decided on Hopkins orthopaedics because of the leadership, residents and opportunities."
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Sandesh Rao
Medical school: Johns Hopkins University Undergrad: University of Maryland, Baltimore County Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD Why I chose Johns Hopkins: "Johns Hopkins' tripartite approach to medicine includes research, education and clinical expertise. Here you can participate in all three and delve in depth into whatever your passion is. The faculty and residents are collegial and approachable, allowing for great collaboration."
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Suresh Kevin Nayar
Medical school: Johns Hopkins University Undergrad: Grinnell College Hometown: El Paso, Texas Why I chose Johns Hopkins: "It is a rare opportunity to find so many people in one place who are dedicated to their patients, research and who strive to be leaders in their fields, yet still deeply care about the professional and personal development of both their colleagues and trainees."
Class of 2020
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Raj Amin
Fellowship: Joint Reconstruction Fellowship, Stanford University
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Undergrad: Michigan State University
Hometown: Fresno, Ca.
Career Plans: Adult Reconstruction
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: "I left my interview day here at Hopkins, knowing it was where I wanted to be. I was impressed with the departmental focus on resident education, and the variety of clinical opportunities available both in Baltimore and abroad. Furthermore, I felt the many excellent faculty and co-residents across the Hopkins healthcare system would allow me to take full advantage of my time as a resident. The Baltimore city tour also demonstrated a number of great options to enjoy life outside of the hospital."
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Keith Aziz
Fellowship: Hand Surgery Fellowship, University of Cincinnati
Medical school: Howard University College of Medicine
Undergrad: Carnegie Mellon University
Hometown: Bethesda, Md.
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: "I am incredibly excited to be able to train at Hopkins because of the impeccable training that is offered in our program. The endless research opportunities, diverse clinical exposure, extensive operative experience, and the level of autonomy combine to provide an exceptionally well-rounded educational experience. I was also thoroughly impressed by the leadership of Dr. Ficke and Dr. LaPorte and their dedication to mentoring and developing future leaders, as well as the approachability of the faculty and sense of camaraderie among the residents. I appreciate the history of being at the birthplace of the first formal residency programs in the United States, as well as having the opportunity to be a part of a tradition of excellence at Hopkins."
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Matt Best
Fellowship: Sports Fellowship, Massachusetts General Hospital
Medical school: University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Undergrad: Florida Atlantic University
Hometown: Perkasie, PA
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: "Hopkins provides opportunities for hands-on operative experience and surgical autonomy early on during training. Additionally, the program allows for exposure to highly complex cases, abundant research opportunities and interaction with a diverse patient population, making it an ideal training environment."
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Alex Bitzer
Fellowship: Sports Fellowship, OrthoCarolina
Medical school: University of Virginia School of Medicine
Undergrad: University of Massachusetts Boston
Hometown: Miami, Fl.
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: "The Johns Hopkins Hospital has a rich history in residency training and the orthopaedics department is a perfect example of what Dr. Baer intended for surgical trainee development. With incredible opportunities in both clinical and research work, along with time protected didactics, Hopkins provides its residents with the tools and education they need to appropriately apply their skills and knowledge in a 'learn-by-doing' environment. The department is proud of its excellence, but is ambitious to achieve even more. As a result, the department continues to grow and reach new heights under great leadership, thus making it a very exciting time to be a part of this program."
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Floreana Kebaish
Fellowship: Spine Fellowship, Washington University — St. Louis
Medical school: Universitat Basel Medizinische Fakultat
Undergrad: Universitaet Fribourg, Switzerland
Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: "I sought an opportunity for an excellent education working with unique people, residents and faculty at a place offering a large spectrum of experiences."
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Stuart Mitchell - Research Year
Fellowship: Pediatrics Fellowship, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Medical school: Johns Hopkins University
Undergrad: Vanderbilt University
Hometown: Baltimore, Md.
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I chose to stay at Hopkins after medical school for several reasons. I truly enjoyed my experience in medical school because Hopkins has so many excellent faculty and residents — not just in the ortho department— and countless opportunities for research, service and wellness. Baltimore also has so much to offer ranging from excellent food, entertainment and culture in the city, as well as its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City.”
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Ian Patten
Fellowship: Sports Fellowship, Kerlan-Jobe
Medical school: The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Undergrad: University of New Hampshire
Hometown: Augusta, Me.
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I chose Hopkins because of the excellent group of co-residents. As a sub-intern I experienced firsthand the feeling of family within the department and knew that this is the program where I belong.”
Class of 2019
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Alex Johnson
Current Practice: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
Fellowship: Sports Fellowship, American Sports Medicine Institute Medical school: Emory University Undergrad: Georgia Tech Hometown: Owensboro, Ky. Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “The best thing about our program is that it feels like a family. From the first day I stepped into this place as a sub-intern, I knew it was special because of the way residents were treating each other.”
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John Thompson
Current Practice: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
Fellowship: Foot and Ankle Fellowship, Union Memorial Hospital Medical school: Johns Hopkins University Undergrad: Duke University Hometown: Towson, Md. Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “Hopkins is a great place to train because all subspecialties are well represented and highly recognized across the country. All of the other non-orthopaedic specialties at Hopkins are also the best in the country, and this both promotes optimal patient care for complex medical issues and also provides a broader education that you would not otherwise receive in orthopaedics. This makes me not only a better orthopaedic surgeon but also a better doctor in general.”
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Clayton Alexander
Current Practice: Private practice, Maryland
Fellowship: Hand Fellowship, York Hospital Medical school: University of Maryland Undergrad: University of Richmond Hometown: Ellicott City, Md. Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery here is entering an exciting time, with a new chairman, the hiring of many new faculty and the prospect of growth across many different areas in a top-quality health system. That is one of the biggest reasons I chose Hopkins, but not the only one. The emphasis of training is very well rounded, balanced between research, clinical and surgical skills and education. In addition, the people that make up the department from my fellow residents to the faculty and staff are incredible and supportive. Lastly, Maryland has been my home for my whole life — I love the city of Baltimore and I wanted to stay.”
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Itai Gans
Current Practice: Private practice, Pennsylvania
Fellowship: Sports Fellowship, University of Pennsylvania Medical school: University of Pennsylvania Undergrad: Penn State Hometown: Livingston, N.J. Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I chose to match at Hopkins because of the great residents that I get to work with every day and I’m glad to call them my closest friends. Hopkins is a great place to train because of the great teaching and clinical experience we get as residents. There is autonomy and abundant opportunities to get involved in research, clinical work and operative care.”
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Jay Reidler
Second Fellowship: Pediatric Spine Surgery, University of Pennsylvania
Fellowship: Spine Fellowship, Columbia University Medical school: Harvard University Undergrad: Harvard University Hometown: Englewood, N.J. Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “Why Hopkins? Incredibly thoughtful, diverse and fun residents; stellar faculty members that are highly approachable and who care deeply about resident education; as an intern you have a one-month skills course, five months of research time, additional elective time and endless resources to explore any interest in orthopaedics/medicine; outstanding leadership of Drs. Ficke and LaPorte; beautiful and cutting-edge facilities; interactions with leaders in every field of medicine; lots of fun things to do in the Baltimore harbor and county; great balance of oversight and autonomy; high volume in every area of orthopaedic surgery and perhaps most importantly, a true resident-focused program.”
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Brett Shannon
Current Practice: Private practice, Delaware
Fellowship: Pediatric Fellowship, Boston Children’s Hospital Medical school: Johns Hopkins University Undergrad: University of Notre Dame Hometown: Sanibel, Fl. Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “Staying at Hopkins was a great choice for my family and training. My wife started medical school here, and I joined a group of residents that challenge me daily to improve my clinical, technical and professional skills. I enjoy the opportunity to care for a variety of patients from all walks of life, from homelessness to royalty, with a wide range of problems, from simple to complex, under the supervision of expert faculty from all subspecialties of orthopaedic surgery.”
Class of 2018
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Laura Atwater
Current Practice: Faculty, Oregon Health Sciences University
Fellowship: Foot and Ankle Fellowship, Mercy Hospital
Medical school: Georgetown University Undergrad: Princeton University Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I wanted to come to Hopkins because I felt like I found my family in orthopedics. I knew this was the place that would help me flourish.”
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Malick Bachabi
Current Practice: Private practice, OrthoCarolina
Fellowship: Foot and Ankle Fellowship, OrthoCarolina
Medical school: Georgetown University Undergrad: University of Maryland Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I decided to rank Hopkins No. 1 because of the quality of co-residents and leading mentors in their respective fields, among other reasons. As a world-renowned hospital, Johns Hopkins will allow you, as an orthopaedic surgery resident, to be exposed to both common pathologies/treatments as well as the rare ones that most trainees only get to read about.”
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Mostafa El Dafrawy
Current Practice: Faculty, University of Chicago
Fellowship: Spine Fellowship, Washington University — St. Louis
Medical school: Cairo University Undergrad: Cairo University Hometown: Cairo, Egypt Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I’m from Egypt and how I ended up here is a long story. The short version of that story is that I spent some time doing research with the department. During that time, I realized how great of a program this is. Forget the name and the fact that Hopkins is one of the most advanced hospitals in the world. Ignore the research, the history and the tremendous resources and facilities. What really made me want to stay were the people who work here. Having spent a few years here, I can honestly say we have the best mentors anyone could ask for. We have the most talented surgeons, and most of all, we have the smartest and hardest working residents you’ll ever meet. It’s a big privilege to train and belong here. Also, Baltimore is great and provides amazing opportunities for fun and recreation.”
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Louis Okafor
Current Practice: Private practice, Ohio
Fellowship: Joint Reconstruction Fellowship, Washington University — St. Louis
Medical school: University of Rochester Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I think Hopkins orthopaedics is a wonderful place to train because of our diverse residency program, passionate faculty who are leaders in their respective fields and the endless opportunities our program provides its residents.”
Class of 2017
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Renee Genova
Current Practice: Faculty, University of Florida — Jacksonville
Fellowship: Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship, St. Louis University Medical school: University of South Carolina Undergrad: University of South Carolina Specialty: Trauma
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I chose Hopkins for the diverse opportunities of training and the clinical and academic experiences I knew would be available to me as a JHH orthopaedic surgery resident.”
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Nigel Hsu
Current Practice: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
Fellowship: Foot and Ankle Fellowship, Union Memorial Hospital Medical school: Johns Hopkins University Undergrad: Dartmouth College Specialty: Foot and Ankle
Hometown: Edison, New Jersey Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I chose Hopkins because of the well rounded clinical experience, diverse patient population and the supportive faculty. We have the opportunity to go abroad for internal electives in addition to seeing a variety of pathology in Baltimore. Finally, the residents are hardworking and collegial, which makes the experience enjoyable.”
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Amit Jain
Current Practice: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
Fellowship: Orthopaedic Spine Fellowship, Emory University Medical school: Johns Hopkins University Undergrad: University of California, Berkeley Specialty: Spine Hometown: Portland, Oregon Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I grew up on the West Coast and came to Baltimore seven years ago for medical school. Being at Hopkins for medical school and residency has been an incredible privilege. From interacting with amazing faculty role models to participating in cutting edge research to learning how to provide safe and compassionate care for patients, every aspect of the Hopkins journey has been amazing. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the various eateries around Baltimore with friends and spending time with my family in Oregon.”
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Tina Raman
Current Practice: Faculty, New York University
Fellowship: Orthopaedic Spine Fellowship, New York University Medical school: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Undergrad: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Specialty: Spine Hometown: Chester, New Jersey Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “Hopkins orthopaedics is defined by its commitment to outstanding patient care, innovative research and educational opportunities. As a resident, this multifaceted emphasis keeps you dynamic. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in cases with a high level of complexity, and the fulfilling interactions with patients in the perioperative period.”
Class of 2016
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Jaysson Brooks
Current Practice: Faculty, University of Mississippi
Fellowship: Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship, Rady Childrens Hospital of San Diego Medical school: Loma Linda University Undergrad: Oakwood University Specialty: Pediatric orthopaedics Hometown: Upper Marlboro, Maryland Why choose Johns Hopkins: “The best part about training at Hopkins is that the name isn't what makes it great, but the work ethic of the individual people. For an academic program, it has very few fellows, meaning residents are able to learn often one-on-one from the masters in their field. The diversity also drew me in, as no other academic program had as many minority and female residents, as evidenced by the current class makeup. I also love the mission opportunities — I did a lot of missionary work in college and medical school, and Hopkins not only encouraged us to do international mission work but provided us the time and funding to do so. An finally, I loved the research opportunities. The Welch Library has every journal or book you could ever think of, and if it’s not physically there, the library can get it for you with a simple click of a button online. In addition, you are assigned a research mentor when you start, and these mentors truly guide you and help to mold you into becoming a surgeon-scientist.”
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Thomas Kim
Current Practice: Private practice, California
Fellowship: Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship, Brown University Medical school: Georgetown University Undergrad: University of California, Berkeley Specialty: Hand Hometown: Los Angeles, California Why choose Johns Hopkins: “I made many good friends during my Hopkins ortho residency. This is what made this residency so great for me — the caliber of the people in it with you for five years and beyond.”
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Karthikeyan Ponnusamy
Current Practice: Private practice, Georgia
Fellowship: Adult Reconstruction Fellowship, University of Western Ontario Medical school: Stanford University Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University Specialty: Adult reconstruction Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri Why choose Johns Hopkins: “I wanted to come back to Hopkins because of the excellent teaching spirit. As a sub-intern, I remember everyone from interns to attendings focused on making sure everyone was learning and helping each other to improve. as a resident, I tried to continue that spirit and enjoy the camaraderie of my fellow residents.”
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Adam Shaner
Current Practice: Private practice, New York
Fellowship: Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship, Hospital for Special Surgery Medical school: Johns Hopkins University Undergrad: University of Kansas Specialty: Trauma Hometown: Manhattan, Kansas Why choose Johns Hopkins: “Hopkins has always been a solid program, for all fronts. Although much of our program is new in terms of faculty and rotations, there has always been an emphasis on operative experience at all levels with our attendings, who are masters in their fields. The resources and clinical experience are unmatched, and the entire residency is one of the most diverse.”
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Sophia Strike
Current Practice: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
Fellowship: Harvard Hand/Upper Extremity Fellowship, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Medical school: Johns Hopkins University Undergrad: Duke University Specialty: Hand Hometown: Washington, D.C. Why choose Johns Hopkins: “Hopkins offers a breadth of clinical exposures that is invaluable when training. And I love living in a city that offers both the charm of a small city and the culture of a large one."
Class of 2015
Andres O’Daly
Current Practice: Private practice, Florida
Fellowship: Foot and Ankle, University of Alabama, Birmingham
Andrea Spiker
Current Practice: Faculty, University of Wisconsin
Second Fellowship: Joint Preservation, Hospital for Special Surgery
First Fellowship: Sports Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery
Savya Thakkar
Current Practice: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
Fellowship: Joints, New York University
Ariel Williams
Current Practice: Faculty, University of Minnesota
Fellowship: Sports Medicine, University of Connecticut; Hand, Johns Hopkins University
Class of 2014
Rishi Balkissoon
Current Practice: Faculty, University of Rochester
Fellowship: Joints, Rush University
Johnathan Bernard
Current Practice: Private practice, Virginia
Fellowship: Sports Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery
Ashvin Dewan
Current Practice: Private practice, Texas
Fellowship: Sports Medicine, Washington Universityin St. Louis
David Macias
Current Practice: Private practice, Mississippi
Fellowship: Foot and Ankle, St. Alphonsus Medical Center
Emmanuel Menga
Current Practice: Faculty, University of Rochester
Fellowship: Spine, New York University
Eric Tan
Current Practice: Faculty, University of Southern California
Fellowship: Foot and Ankle, Union Memorial Hospital
Class of 2013
Hamid Hassanzadeh
Current Practice: Faculty, University of Virginia
Fellowship: Spine, Rush University
Casey Humbyrd
Current Practice: Faculty, University of Pennsylvania
Fellowship: Foot and Ankle, Mercy Medical Center
Jay Lee
Current Practice: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
Fellowship: Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania
Sergiy Nesterenko
Current Practice: Private practice, Texas
Fellowship: Spine, Cleveland Clinic
Ben Stein
Current Practice: Private practice, Washington, DC
Fellowship: Foot and Ankle, Union Memorial Hospital
Alan Yan
Current Practice: Faculty, Creighton University
Fellowships: Foot and Ankle, Duke University; Trauma, University of Minnesota
Class of 2012
Stuart Myers
Current Practice: Private practice, Colorado
Fellowship: Foot and Ankle, Union Memorial Hospital
David Oji
Current Practice: Private practice, California
Fellowship: Foot and Ankle, Union Memorial Hospital
Kristoff Reid
Current Practice: Medical University of South Carolina
Fellowship: Trauma, Duke University
Thomas Ring
Current Practice: Private practice, Pennsylvania
Fellowship: Joints, State University of New York at Buffalo
Nima Salari
Current Practice: Private practice, Arizona
Fellowship: Spine, Stanford Univeristy
Class of 2011
Joseph Gjolaj
Current Practice: Faculty: University of Miami
Fellowship: Spine, University of Miami
James Johnston
Current Practice: Private practice, Maine
Fellowship: Joints, Mayo Clinic
Addisu Mesfin
Current Practice: Faculty, University of Rochester
Fellowship: Spine, Washington University in St. Louis
Ben Petre
Current Practice: Private practice, Maryland
Fellowship: Sports Medicine, Steadman Clinic, Colorado
Miho Tanaka
Current Practice: Faculty, Massachusetts General Hospital
Fellowship: Sports Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery