Titles: Associate Professor, Hand, Upper Extremity, and Microvascular Surgery; Member, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS); Editorial Board Member for AAOS Ortho Info, Hand and Wrist Editor; Clinical Member, Orthopaedic Trauma Association; Member, Duke Hand Society; Member, Brown Hand Society; Member, past-Treasurer, past-President, North Carolina Society for Surgery of the Hand
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Education Boston College (undergraduate) and Tufts University School of Medicine (MD)
How did you choose your career path? I became a doctor because I liked science, but I was more drawn to working with people than working in a lab. I chose a career in surgery because I enjoyed working with my hands just as much as learning about anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Orthopaedics interested me more than the other surgical specialties due to the good outcomes and the instant gratification of making an injured person better again.
Finally, hand surgery was the best fit for me as I enjoy the complex anatomy of the upper extremity, the variety of procedures we do, and the opportunity to work with vessels and nerves in addition to bones/tendons/ligaments.
Outlook for Orthopaedics: I think emerging technologies such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence will become increasingly advanced and more readily available, making diagnosing and treating complex upper extremity conditions easier and safer. At the same time, surgeons will face continued and increasing mandates to cut costs. Finding a balance between accessing potentially expensive new technology and being asked to reduce the cost of care will be a challenge.
Why Duke? I am most excited about working with brilliant, engaging, talented residents and fellows. I feel incredibly lucky to teach them and be challenged by them each day. I am also thankful to have the best colleagues in the world in the combined Division of Hand, Upper Extremity, Microvascular Surgery, and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Finally, I am honored to treat my patients and help to restore their function and quality of life.
What are your current research projects? I have several ongoing research projects looking at various clinical queries, including dual plating of olecranon fractures, ulnar nail fixation of ulnar shaft fractures, use of two tightropes in thumb carpometacarpal joint arthroplasty, etc.
What brings you joy? My wife, Kristina, a pediatric hospitalist at Duke; daughters, Isabelle (7), Caroline (4), and Charlotte (4); mom, Kathy; dad, Steven; brothers, Greg and Austin, among other family members. I enjoy home improvement projects, playing golf and other forms of exercise, and going to the beach.