An esteemed surgeon with more than two decades of executive, clinical, and academic leadership, Dr. Albert will oversee clinical strategy, care standardization, and the expansion of Legent’s physician-focused partnership model as Legent accelerates the growth of its platform nationally. In addition to his new position, he will continue to serve as Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus and Richard Rogers Chair to Advance Spine Care at HSS, as well as Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Dr. Albert’s appointment follows Legent’s acquisition in October 2025 by HSS and General Atlantic, a leading global investor, as part of the launch of a new, independently operated national platform of ambulatory surgery centers dedicated to orthopedic and spine care. To support the platform’s buildout, HSS and General Atlantic agreed to acquire Legent. The transaction is intended to support Legent’s long-term strategy to expand patient access to high-quality, accessible orthopedic and spine care nationwide and meet rising demand for advanced outpatient solutions, while the company continues to operate independently under its existing name and leadership team.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Albert to the Legent team as Chief Medical Officer. He brings a unique combination of clinical innovation, governance, and physician leadership that will be instrumental as we execute our growth strategy and continue building a leading national platform for orthopedic and spine care, reaching more patients and communities nationwide,” said Jordan Fowler, Chief Executive Officer of Legent Health.

“I’m very excited to join this team of talented and highly experienced professionals as we continue to build a national platform for orthopedic and spine care,” said Dr. Albert. “I have deep conviction in Legent’s mission to deliver consistent, high-quality care while expanding patient access closer to home and look forward to contributing to the further expansion of this important organization.”

Dr. Albert brings extensive clinical, academic, and executive leadership experience to his role at Legent. In addition to his current roles, he previously served as Surgeon-in-Chief and Chief Medical Director of HSS from 2014 to 2019, where he led transformational growth for HSS, increasing the hospital’s annual revenue from $600 million to $1.7 billion while expanding ambulatory and international collaborations, launching physician-enterprise partnerships, and advancing institution-wide safety and opioid stewardship initiatives.

Earlier in his career, as President of The Rothman Institute and Chair of Orthopedics at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals between 2006-2014, Dr. Albert drove sustained growth from $15 million to $300 million in annual revenue while building hospitals, surgery centers, and imaging platforms. A nationally recognized spine surgeon specializing in cervical spine disorders, Dr. Albert has authored more than 450 peer-reviewed publications, 14 books, and 90 book chapters, holds multiple patents tied to more than $2 billion in technology sales, and has served in senior leadership roles across major professional societies.

The Tribute Dinner is HSS’s premier fundraising event recognizing physicians, philanthropists and business leaders who have made a major impact in the field of musculoskeletal medicine. The evening, hosted by WABC-TV Eyewitness News anchor Sade Baderinwa, featured entertainment by Emmy Award-winning comedian Jim Gaffigan and a musical performance by The Castellows.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest recognition for an outstanding healthcare leader at HSS. “Both Dr. Albert and Dr. Press have made significant contributions to the advancement of musculoskeletal medicine and exemplify the finest qualities found in physicians,” said Douglas E. Padgett, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. “Their knowledge and skill in their respective fields and commitment to providing the highest quality of care make them the kind of doctors you would want for your own family.”

The HSS Tribute Dinner Award recognizes outstanding achievements in business and service to the community. “We celebrate Ken Wilson not only for his illustrious career but also for his many years of leadership and support at HSS,” said HSS President and CEO Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA. “We are privileged to recognize him for his 24 years of service on the HSS Board of Trustees, including five years as Board Chairman. During his tenure, his strong leadership and vision for the future led to unprecedented growth, with an expansion of HSS services not only in New York but also in Connecticut, New Jersey and Florida.”

This year’s Tribute Dinner, attended by over 800 guests and raised more than $6.5 million for patient care, research and medical education.

HONOREES

Kendrick R. Wilson, III

Mr. Wilson is Chairman Emeritus of the HSS Board of Trustees, having served in that role from 2013 to 2018. During his tenure, he oversaw a major expansion of HSS services and locations. In total, he served on the Board from 1998 to 2022, at which time he became a Life Trustee.

Mr. Wilson is best known for his career in the banking industry, where he gained the respect of his peers for his strategic insight and leadership. During his long career on Wall Street, he played a role in some of the most significant transactions in the financial services industry. At the height of the financial crisis of 2008, President George W. Bush asked him to work as an adviser to then Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to help resolve the financial crisis.

Mr. Wilson retired as Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc. in the first quarter of 2018 and was a member of its Global Executive Committee. He also served as Chairman of BlackRock's Human Capital Committee and BlackRock Alternative Investors. Before going to Washington in the summer of 2008, he was Vice Chairman, Investment Banking of Goldman Sachs & Co. and a member of Goldman's Executive Office. He also served as Chairman of Goldman's Financial Institutions Group.

He has served on the boards of numerous public and private corporations in the United States and overseas. In addition to HSS, he is a Trustee Emeritus of the Montana Land Reliance and Middlebury College. Mr. Wilson also served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Montana State University Foundation.

Todd J. Albert, MD

Over the years, Dr. Albert has earned a reputation as a highly skilled and greatly respected spine surgeon nationally and internationally. He is Surgeon-in-chief Emeritus and Richard Rogers Professor to Advance Spine Care at HSS, as well as a professor of orthopaedic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical School. His practice specializes in the treatment of cervical spine disorders as well as degenerative and traumatic conditions of the spine.

Dr. Albert is a member of multiple national and international medical societies. He is president- elect of the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons and served as president of the Cervical Spine Research Society and Scoliosis Research Society.

Dr. Albert has written more than 90 book chapters, edited 14 books and published more than 450 peer-reviewed articles. He has received outstanding paper awards from the North American Spine Society, the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine and the Cervical Spine Research Society. He serves on the editorial boards for several academic journals. He has been recognized with the John J. Gartland Award for Resident Education and the Jean McDaniel mentorship award at HSS. He was also awarded the Nicolas Andry Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons.

Joel M. Press, MD

Dr. Press is Physiatrist-in-Chief and the Joel and Anne Ehrenkranz Chair in Physiatry

at HSS and a professor of rehabilitation medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. He has published and edited multiple articles and textbooks, chaired numerous courses and lectures extensively nationally and internationally on the rehabilitation of spine and sports-related injuries.

Prior to joining HSS, Dr. Press was an attending physician at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago from 1988 to 2016. In 1989, he founded and directed the Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Centers at the Institute. He was a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and the Reva and David Logan Distinguished Chair of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. He served as Vice President of External Relations and the Executive Medical Director for Outpatient Physician Services at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

He has been an oral board examiner and written board examination-item writer for the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is a past president of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the North American Spine Society and the Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation.

This funding will support Dr. Dahia’s Spine Development and Regeneration Lab to study the potential of two important developmental molecules in the reversal of age-related intervertebral disc (IVD) pathologies and in the treatment of chronic back pain.

“Approximately 70 percent of the U.S. population is affected by chronic back pain, negatively impacting longevity and quality of life,” said Dr. Dahia. “There is currently no treatment available for disc degeneration, which is a big concern when you look at the world’s aging population. With the lack of treatment options, people can become dependent on strong pain relievers such as opioids.”

“It is an incredible honor for Dr. Dahia to receive these two NIH grants,” said Lionel B. Ivashkiv, MD, chief scientific officer at HSS. “Being awarded an NIH grant is the highest metric of scientific quality and impact. The application itself is peer-reviewed and quite rigorous.”

Dr. Dahia received the first 5-year grant for $2.8 million from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)/NIH R01 to study the role of the sonic hedgehog (SHH)/Brachyury axis in the maintenance of the postnatal IVD. This work aims to identify the role of Brachyury, a critical developmental molecule first reported in the nucleus pulposus cells of postnatal disc by Dr. Dahia herself in 2009, in the growth and maintenance of the postnatal IVD, how its age-related loss causes disc pathologies and peripheral sensitization and pain, and whether this can be prevented. The study findings will also identify targets to reverse painful disc pathology and help regenerate the disc.

She was then awarded the National Institute of Aging (NIA)/NIH R01 5-year grant for $3.3 million to study the role of developmental signaling pathways in the maintenance of spinal discs. The study is focused on understanding the crosstalk between major developmental signaling pathways interacting with SHH signaling (also first shown by Dr. Dahia in 2009) in temporal regulation of the different components of the IVD and their beneficial effect in maintenance and activation of disc progenitor cells. The research intends to discover if there is a potential for disc regeneration using its own cells, and is being done in collaboration with Todd J. Albert, MD, spine surgeon and surgeon-in-chief emeritus of HSS. Dr. Albert and his team will test Dr. Dahia’s findings in clinical conditions.

“Initially, we found that these crucial developmental molecules are expressed in very young spinal discs, and recently we observed that they decline with age and disc pathology, hence we are now evaluating their function from stages of growth and maturation to aging,” explained Dr. Dahia.

Dr. Dahia has committed her career to developing a full understanding of disc biology as they grow, mature, and age to identify potential avenues for therapeutics. She previously received an NIH grant in 2014 to study how the Wnt/SHH signaling loop controls IVD growth and differentiation. When Dr. Dahia began her research in disc biology over a decade ago, she was one of the first to study the beneficial role of developing molecules in the postnatal spine. Now, this is being adapted in other musculoskeletal research in a broader sense.

According to Dr. Dahia, other researchers have tried to use stem cells to solve these issues, but the cells are unable to survive due to the harsh microenvironment of the disc. “Our lab’s process is unique, as we aim understand the cellular and molecular basis of disc pathology and know how to intersect it, using our unique and novel genetic strategies,” she noted.

Dr. Dahia’s Spine Development and Regeneration Lab at HSS concentrates on understanding the role of key developmental cell signaling pathways and molecules in the development and homeostasis of various musculoskeletal tissues including the IVD, spinal column, growth plate, and tendon. The lab’s primary focus is on IVD development and maintenance and whether developmental pathways and molecules can prevent age-related disc pathologies and associated neurological symptoms or regenerate the degenerated discs.

“These scientific discoveries can directly impact future directions of musculoskeletal research to best improve clinical outcomes,” said Dr. Dahia who noted that HSS research is aimed at enriching the lives of patients suffering from debilitating orthopedic and rheumatic conditions.

Philip Louie, MD, who recently completed a spine surgery fellowship at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), has given the subject a lot of thought. “Peak performance is the ability to achieve optimal outcomes or performance of a given task in a consistent manner. Although commonly studied in athletes and musicians and promoted in other careers as well, peak performance is rarely considered for those undergoing the rigors of surgical training,” he said.

A classically trained musician and former varsity athlete himself, Dr. Louie thought about how he could apply his preparation in these areas to surgical residency training and help others achieve peak performance. Long interested in the kind of growth mindset that drives long-term success, he majored in business before attending medical school to gain new insights and learn to “think outside the box,” he said.

Dr. Louie and colleagues at HSS set out to review the current literature on residency training and to discuss the value of assessment tools and critical performance measures. In an article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the HSS physicians offer practical advice for both educators and trainees on reaching peak performance.

“Residency is a crucial period of training where foundations for future success are established by habit and daily practice,” said Michael McCarthy, MD, a former spine surgery fellow at HSS and co-author. Dr. McCarthy, a former college football player and history major, cited the intensity of Division I athletics and the diversity of thought and opinion in his studies as the foundation and impetus to explore achieving peak performance in training. “We believe the same tools that enable those in other fields to be at their best could equip surgical trainees with the tools necessary to achieve peak performance. It’s crucial for physicians seeking to perform at the top of their game and will ultimately benefit patients.”

The HSS physicians say peak performance is essential in an evolving health care landscape that demands optimal clinical outcomes and value-based medicine. The COVID-19 pandemic is also placing unprecedented demands on physicians. Coronavirus cases surged while Drs. Louie and McCarthy were in the middle of their spine surgery fellowship. The attributes they discuss in their article − perseverance, grit and stoicism − were essential when, almost overnight, HSS went from an orthopedic specialty hospital to a “surge” center treating coronavirus patients to take the load off overwhelmed neighboring hospitals.

“During that stressful time, when New York City was the epicenter of the pandemic and we cared for COVID patients in the ICU, the important thing was to take a step back and remember why we decided to enter medicine,” Dr. Louie notes. “We had been given the gift of opportunity, and it was our duty to persevere and make the most of it and play our role in guiding our communities through the crisis. What we gained from collaborating with other healthcare professionals and caring for patients in their time of greatest need will last far beyond the pandemic.”

When the crisis was under control in New York City, HSS transitioned back to a dedicated musculoskeletal center, resuming elective surgeries in the beginning of June.

In their article, Drs. Louie and McCarthy outline several key areas and recommendations to achieve peak performance, including growing self-awareness through mindful activities. “We realize that some of these concepts are off the beaten path for orthopedic trainees, but they’re important nevertheless,” said Dr. McCarthy. “When you’re used to focusing on evidence-based medicine, these can seem like nebulous concepts, a skill set difficult to grasp for detailed-oriented surgeons.”

They break down their recommendations on reaching peak performance into five key areas that encompass both physical and mental skills:

1 - Translating Practices from Peak Performers in Other Fields

• Refine physical skills through improving mental engagement during a task. Practice focusing solely on the task at hand.
• Develop a program for deliberate practice in which you can undergo critical assessments to allow for graduated improvement.
• Grow self-awareness through mindfulness activities to promote “flow” states. The term “flow” is best described as a state of full engagement, control, concentration and action awareness occurring during an activity perceived as highly rewarding and characterized by clear goals.
• Create and consistently review step-by-step notes on specific techniques to develop proficiency that can be translated directly to intraoperative opportunities.

2 - Goal Setting and Accountability

• Align goals with values, create a plan and visualize the goals.
• Identify an accountability partner or system.
• Anticipate obstacles and possible solutions.
• Ensure work-life balance.
• Reward goal accomplishment.

3 - Developing Technical Skills

• Seek opportunities outside the OR for skill acquisition. Evaluate how other departments in the hospital may be training their residents.
• Encourage the program director to consider new technologies, such as bioskills simulations and virtual reality training.
• Upon seeking feedback on surgical techniques and proficiency, identify activities that can improve areas requiring additional practice.

4 - Perseverance and Grit

• Believe in constant change and grow.
• Understand that frustrations are part of the process.
• Focus on productivity.
• Look for ways to make work more meaningful.
• Practice deliberately.
• Consider the principles based on Stoicism during long periods of difficulty or moments of crisis.

5 - Mentorship

• Monitor, track and measure the results of the mentorship relationship.
• Define the strategic purpose of the mentorship.
• Identify a strong match based on the skills of the mentor and the needs of the mentee.

Both Drs. Louie and McCarthy underscore the importance of mentorship and say they appreciate the “amazing” mentors they had at HSS: spine surgeons Todd J. Albert, MD, and Han Jo Kim, MD. But many residents and fellows at other hospitals are not as fortunate, Dr. Louie notes. “A lot of mentors don’t put time into the relationship. They only meet with the trainee twice a year,” he says. “I think mentorship needs to be much more formalized. You need to ensure a good match and set formal strategic goals on both sides of the mentorship. There needs to be accountability and checkpoints over time as to how the relationship is going and what can be done to improve it.”

Drs. Louie and McCarthy recently completed their fellowship training, but they plan to continue to collaborate with doctors at HSS to establish an initial curriculum based on the principles and strategies they outline in their paper. They believe educators should aim to equip surgical residents with the tools necessary to achieve peak performance during training, so they can apply what they learn throughout their careers.

# # #

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – September 1, 2020

“Reaching for Peak Performance During Surgical Training: The Value in Assessment Tools and Critical Performance Measures”

Louie, Philip K. MD; McCarthy, Michael H. MD, MPH; Albert, Todd J. MD; Kim, Han Jo MD

ACDF is performed to relieve a painful condition of the cervical spine, or neck, when conservative treatments such as medication and physical therapy fail to help patients. A small incision is made in the throat to remove a ruptured or worn-out disc. After the surgeon removes the damaged disc, the bones are fused together.

“Although ACDF is a popular approach with a high success rate, one of the more common complications is the development of post-operative dysphagia, which is trouble swallowing,” said Todd Albert, MD, lead investigator and surgeon-in-chief emeritus at HSS. “The severity of dysphagia experienced by patients following ACDFs can range from a mild and subjective discomfort such as fullness of the throat and soreness to a serious medical issue such as malnutrition, social isolation, aspiration pneumonia or airway obstruction. Many studies show that most dysphagia-related symptoms occur in the early phase of the recovery period and gradually dissipate over time.”

Dr. Albert and colleagues launched the study to determine if administering topical steroids behind the esophagus during surgery could reduce the swallowing problems some patients experience after the procedure. Patients scheduled for multilevel ACDF surgery were enrolled and randomized into two groups in a double-blind fashion. The steroid group received 40 mg of methylprednisolone delivered in an absorbable gel matrix prior to the completion of surgery. The control group received the absorbable gel without the steroid.

“To reduce any possible bias associated with the study, our hypothesis was that there would be no difference in swallowing difficulty between the patients who receive intraoperative topical steroids and those who do not receive the steroids,” Dr. Albert noted.

Ninety-five patients were included in the final analysis; 48 received the steroid and 47 were in the control group. The mean age was 57 years old, and 52 percent of patients were male. Comparison of the two groups revealed no significant differences in demographics, diagnosis, number of levels fused in the cervical spine or time necessary to perform the surgery.

After the procedure, patients in both groups completed validated questionnaires to evaluate their ability to eat and swallow. The analysis revealed that the group receiving the steroids had significantly better dysphagia scores than the control group.

“Our study demonstrated the benefit of intraoperative steroids with this delivery method to prophylactically reduce swallowing difficulty following ACDF surgery,” the researchers noted. “The early post-operative results were superior for the group who received the topical steroids, especially at two days following surgery, and maintained at one month.” Investigators are planning a future study to evaluate long-term outcomes when steroids are used in ACDF surgery.

Disclosures: Dr. Albert has no disclosures relevant to this study.

“HSS has an esteemed team of pediatric specialists who are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive care to all our young patients in a healing environment,” said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of HSS. “We are proud to provide world class care with patients as the driving force behind our mission and vision.”

The 13^th annual Best Children’s Hospitals rankings are the only comprehensive source of quality-related information on pediatric centers in the country. These rankings recognize the top 50 pediatric facilities across the U.S. in 10 pediatric specialties: cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and lung surgery, and urology.

The U.S.News Best Children’s Hospitals rankings rely on clinical data and on an annual survey of pediatric specialists. The rankings methodology factors in patient outcomes, such as mortality and infection rates, as well as available clinical resources and compliance with best practices.

“Quality, safety and patient-centered care are of primary importance for families when choosing a hospital for pediatric orthopedic surgical care,” said Roger F. Widmann, MD, chief of the Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Service at HSS. “Families travel to HSS from around the U.S. and the rest of the world to obtain state of the art diagnosis, medical management and surgical treatment.”

Select measures driving the compilation of this year’s list where HSS performed at the forefront include:

• Advanced Technology
• Commitment to Quality Improvement
• Steps to Engage Families
• Patient and Family Services
• Nursing Intensity
• Nurse Magnet Recognition
• Commitment to Best Practices
• Use of Infection-preventing Measures
• Preventing Surgical Complications

“HSS performs a high volume of pediatric orthopedic surgeries each year and this acknowledgement exhibits the dedicated focus of our pediatric specialists who provide the safest and most advanced care for children,” said Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. “As part of the HSS mission, it is our duty to enhance the lives of patients by keeping them at the center of all that we do.”

There were more than 37,000 pediatric visits to the HSS Lerner Children’s Pavilion to be treated by dedicated anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurses, physical therapists and social workers. Its Leon Root MD, Motion Analysis Laboratory and Child Life program are among unique features.

This year, the gala will be hosted by Al Roker, weatherman and co-host of NBC’s Today Show and CEO of Al Roker Entertainment, with special guest Saquon Barkley, running back of the New York Giants, on Monday, June 3, 2019 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

“We are delighted to commemorate the extraordinary successes of Steve Tisch who has excelled in various disciplines of business, media and entertainment,” said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO at HSS. “Through his entrepreneurial spirit, artful storytelling and purposeful philanthropy, Steve inspires others to meet the greatest challenges with courage and perseverance.”

“Dr. Deland’s devotion to patient care and steadfast commitment to advancing the science and techniques to improve surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions are living proof of the mission of HSS,” said Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. “His foot and ankle registry, [the Rose Registry] is the largest in the nation supporting clinical studies and national publications that have, and will continue to, enhance foot and ankle care for patients in years to come.”

The event will begin at 6:15 p.m. with a dinner to follow at 7:15 p.m. Guests will include leaders from the worlds of business, health, finance, media, sports, the arts and government.

Jonathan T. Deland, MD

Jonathan T. Deland, MD is a foot and ankle surgeon at HSS and the Susan W. Rose and Jonathan T. Deland Chair for Research in Foot and Ankle Surgery. He serves as the Director of Quality and Innovation for the Foot and Ankle Service, having been its Chief and oversees the Aim Laboratory at HSS.

In addition to his devotion to foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Deland is an avid researcher. He presents his research nationally and internationally and has authored over 100 journal articles and 12 book chapters. His research focuses on improving the surgical treatment of foot deformities and total ankle replacements. Mrs. Susan W. Rose and Dr. Deland established the Rose Registry, one of the largest foot and ankle registries for clinical research in the nation. The registry supports clinical studies and national publications to advance foot and ankle care.

Dr. Deland’s interest in biomedical engineering has led him to co-invent a total ankle replacement and an Achilles tendon repair device. He and co-inventors are currently designing a new total ankle replacement as well as an ankle joint spacer for young patients with ankle arthritis.

Mr. Herbert Black and Dr. Deland teamed up to have the most advanced robotic gait simulator constructed at HSS in the Aim Laboratory, funded by Mr. Black. The gait simulator makes the most advanced biomechanical research in foot and ankle possible. Mr. Black and other supporters provide funding for its ongoing projects.

Steve Tisch

Steve Tisch is an Academy Award-winning producer, partner at Escape Artists Productions, Chairman, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner of the New York Football Giants, and a committed philanthropist. He is the only person with both an Oscar and a Super Bowl ring, winning Best Picture for “Forrest Gump” in 1994, and receiving two Super Bowl rings as Chairman of the Giants for Super Bowls XLII and XLVI.

For more than four decades, Steve has successfully produced compelling stories in film and television, from the critically acclaimed television movie, “The Burning Bed” starring Farrah Fawcett, to "Risky Business" and "The Pursuit of Happyness." Steve has been involved with the New York Giants since his father, Preston Robert Tisch, purchased 50 percent of the franchise in 1991. Steve worked closely with John Mara, President and CEO of the Giants, on the planning and construction of MetLife Stadium, which was completed in the spring of 2010 and ranked as the number one grossing stadium in the world in 2012. Tisch and Mara were named Best NFL Owners by Forbes in 2011.

Tisch also generously contributes his time and resources to a variety of organizations in arts, health and education. Steve is currently on the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, is a founding Trustee of The Geffen Theatre in Los Angeles, is on the Board of Advisors of the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, and previously served on the board of the Sundance Institute.

For more information, please visit https://www.hss.edu/36th-tribute-dinner.asp.

HSS is the world’s largest academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health, and has been ranked #1 in Orthopedics for the past nine consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. SAI’s DARI Motion technology, refined by more than 425 billion data points of human motion gathered across applications in athletics, military and healthcare, was last week awarded the FDA 510K medical device designation issued for their groundbreaking computer-vision technology.

The DARI system’s computer vision technology precisely measures human movement patterns at the point of care without requiring the subject to wear any sensors or special clothing. Knowledge and expertise in musculoskeletal health honed at HSS for more than 150 years combined with the DARI system already enables high quality individual assessment, guidance and prescription within minutes at HSS. Applications include injury prevention, performance improvement and wellness, as well as raising general awareness of how movement impacts one’s musculoskeletal health, supporting large employee and general populations nationwide. It is hoped that the collaboration’s planned integration of HSS knowledge into the DARI system will enable scalability and the ability to reach populations which would not otherwise receive these benefits today.

"This collaboration is an important new part of the musculoskeletal care ecosystem being created by HSS, to make better quality injury prevention and treatment more widely available," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of HSS. "SAI’s state-of-the-art technology complements additions and advancements to our clinical talent, network of locations, digital offerings and education delivery."

"This emerging HSS ecosystem including the DARI platform will help set new standards in the quality and availability of musculoskeletal wellness, assessment devices, and solutions," said Shapiro.

"We are excited to work with HSS to advance new standards in motion health and disrupt areas of healthcare where we continue to build upon our innovation leadership – as indicated by the recent FDA clearance," commented Todd Gleason, President and CEO at Scientific Analytics.

HSS and SAI have been working together since the first DARI installation at an HSS regional location nearly two years ago. The escalated collaboration announced today will include advancements to assessment protocols and data interpretation.

"This collaboration has the potential to democratize reliable standards for musculoskeletal wellness, akin to how the thermometer changed 'it’s cold' to 'it’s 30 degrees'," said Todd J. Albert, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. “That would be good for everyone, and a good example of the far-reaching value of HSS knowledge."

Joel Hungate, Scientific Analytics’ Vice President of Orthopedic Programs sees DARI Motion Health and HSS revolutionizing the way the world addresses the emerging challenges of population-level musculoskeletal health: "There has always been a massive unmet technological need in musculoskeletal healthcare for an accurate, scalable, repeatable, and objective way to quantify human movement and guide clinical decision-making at the point of care, and this was traditionally not feasible within the constraints of any given clinical workflow, until now".

Todd J. Albert, MD, HSS surgeon-in-chief, noted, "Given the opioid crisisand pendulum swinging from pain being the 5th vital sign to physicians massively overprescribing, we at HSS wanted to be leaders in opioid education and appropriate use/prescribing methodology. We started with education—our program had 100% compliance across the institution. Then we studied the before and after prescribing behavior with education, and then with guidelines."

The study, which HSS conducted with another major hospital in Chicago, included data for 2,479 patients who had undergone lumbar spine surgery.

Read the full article at Orthopedics This Week.

Read the full article at Healio.com.
 

Additional Coverage:

• Redding Patch: Redding Doctor Named Surgeon in Chief at NYC Hospital
   

Read the full article and view photos at newyorksocialdiary.com.

Bryan T. Kelly, MD, will succeed Todd J. Albert, MD, in the position at the end of June.

Dr. Kelly completed his residency at HSS in 2001, and since then has led in many capacities, most recently as chief of HSS Sports Medicine.

Read the full article at Patch.com.

Founded in 1863, HSS has been the nation’s top-ranked hospital for Orthopedics for the past nine consecutive years according to U.S.News & World Report.  It currently ranks third in the nation for Rheumatology, and is a Best Hospital for Pediatric Orthopedics.

Dr. Kelly has led in many capacities at HSS since completing his residency there in 2001.  For the past five years he has served as the Chief of the HSS Sports and Shoulder Service, strengthening its position as the leading Service of its kind in the nation.  In that time he led the Service to make advancements in multidisciplinary clinical care, research and innovation, education, and medical staff development.  Building on the work of his predecessors he led the formation of the HSS Sports Medicine Institute, a multidisciplinary program that provides care for athletes from around the world.  

A recipient of multiple national honors for excellence in research and teaching, Dr. Kelly has authored more than 190 scientific publications, chapters, review articles and books and is Co-Investigator for an NIH Research Project Grant. He also leads orthopedic care for multiple high-performing professional athletic organizations, and treats athletes from around the world.

Dr. Albert has long been a world renowned spine surgeon and acclaimed as a leader in the field of Orthopedics.  As Surgeon-in-Chief for the past five years, Dr. Albert strengthened the culture of the institution in many ways, cultivating a breadth and depth of physician talent, championing patient safety and opioid stewardship programs, and presiding over unprecedented growth for HSS in the metropolitan New York City market and beyond.  During his tenure, HSS opened new locations in Westchester, NY, Paramus, NJ, and Stamford, CT, and in 2019 will expand to new locations in Florida, on the West Side of Manhattan, in Brooklyn, and provide services in Aspen, Colorado.  During his tenure, HSS was named Top Orthopaedic Residency Program by Doximity for five consecutive years and further enhanced its position as the leading academic institution for Orthopedics.

"This leadership transition will ensure HSS further extends our leadership position in musculoskeletal health," HSS Board of Trustees co-chairs Thomas H. Lister and Robert K. Steel said in a statement. "On behalf of the Board, we congratulate Dr. Kelly on earning this prominent appointment. We thank Dr. Albert for his extraordinary service and for the legacy he has established at HSS."

"This evolution is made possible by the depth of leadership talent and collaboration cultivated at HSS over many years," said Louis A. Shapiro, President and CEO at HSS.  "I look forward to partnering closely with Dr. Kelly to fulfill HSS’ responsibility to lead, and privilege to serve."

The appointment follows an expansive five-month search process.  A recipient of multiple national honors for nursing administration, and most recently serving as Chief Nursing Officer at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey, Ms. O’Neill will start in March.  At HSS she will be responsible for over 30 patient care departments, and related policy and program development.

Ms. Goldberg has led nursing at HSS since 2005, during which time it became the first hospital in New York awarded Magnet Recognition for nursing excellence four consecutive times, expanded to multiple new inter-state locations, and was recognized internationally as a teaching center of excellence.  Ms. Goldberg now serves also as a Magnet Surveyor for the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  She will support Ms. O’Neill’s transition before leaving HSS to pursue other interests within the next few months.

"HSS is on a continuous journey to achieve unprecedented excellence in all aspects of musculoskeletal health, and nursing is at the core of advancing patient care and achieving better outcomes," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and chief executive at HSS.  "Stephanie and the rest of the HSS nursing team set a very high bar in every way, and Jennifer is well suited to lead us to realizing even greater potential."

Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS described Ms. O’Neill as "a standout in an outstanding group of candidates, which is a great testimony to the nursing profession and to the earned reputation of nursing excellence at HSS."

The articles include interviews with Joel M. Press, MD, physiatrist-in-chief at HSS; Richard J. Herzog, MD, FACR, director of Spinal Imaging at HSS; Chad M. Craig, MD, medical director of HSS Spine; Ellen M. Soffin, MD, PhD, spine anesthesiologist at HSS; Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief at HSS; Mary-Ellen Zullo, PA; Andrew Koo, PA; and Catherine H. MacLean, MD, PhD, chief value medical officer at HSS.

Becker's reports that the HSS spine model functions because of the collaboration between medical practitioners and systems all working together to ensure each patient is being treated safely and effectively. 

Read the full articles at BeckersSpineReview.com - Part One and Part Two.

"At HSS, we are committed to helping people move better so they can live better," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO at HSS. As a world leader in musculoskeletal health, we put patients first and are honored to have earned this distinguished recognition for the sixth consecutive year."

"We are proud to partner with HSS to support their mission to provide safe, high-quality, patient-centered care." said Patrick T. Ryan, CEO of Press Ganey. "They are truly dedicated to delivering exceptional care in the communities they serve, and their commitment to capturing and acting on patient experience feedback is a very powerful demonstration of this."

The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award® is a nationally recognized achievement for those who have sustained performance in the top 5 percent for patient experience during the course of a year of data. HSS has been awarded this recognition for six consecutive years for outstanding inpatient and HCAHPS performance.

"It is rewarding to be part of a medical staff that is devoted to researching the latest advancements in treatment for all musculoskeletal conditions," said Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. "From motion analysis to virtual reality, HSS physicians implement the best practices in all initiatives to improve patient care and elevate patient satisfaction."

"Getting patients back to how they want to live their lives is our utmost priority," said Chao Wu, chief patient experience officer at HSS. "Guided by committed leadership, systematic feedback and a dedicated team of physicians and staff, we are able to continuously evolve our model of care to best treat each patient."

About Press Ganey 
Press Ganey pioneered the health care performance improvement movement more than 30 years ago. Today, Press Ganey offers an integrated suite of solutions that enable enterprise transformation across the patient journey. Delivered through a cutting-edge digital platform built on a foundation of data security, Press Ganey solutions address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 33,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

HSS surgeon-in-chief Todd J. Albert, MD, who was a longtime colleague of Dr. Rothman, said "to me he was a mentor, a best friend and my confidant. To those who were lucky enough to know him he was a shining example of what was possible with intellect, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the will to do the right thing for our patients."

Read the full article at ryortho.com [subscription required].

Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief at HSS and a longtime colleague of Dr. Rothman, said "the world of orthopedics has lost a giant with the passing of Dick Rothman. He was an incredible mentor and best friend to many of us, as well as an inspiration to all who knew him and those who never had the privilege."

HSS surgeon-in-chief emeritus Thomas P. Sculco, MD, added "Dick Rothman was a brilliant surgeon, innovator in hip surgery and creator of one of the great orthopedic institutions in the world. His talents were incredible and his enthusiastic spirit in everything he did made him a natural leader and ensures his extraordinary legacy."

Read the full article at healio.com [registration required].

"We [physicians] burden ourselves with incredible professional responsibilities and ignore our own health, as well as that of those around us. Many of us have been trained by role models who work sick hours, will not take care of themselves, will not go home, will do research night and day, and will not care for their families. So we have to be a little careful, and wonder if it is out of balance," said Dr. Albert.

For preventative and treatment, Dr. Albert noted that HSS has a wellness calendar. "We have programs to create a culture of health, including meditation and a book club for wellness for our staff; for our residents, for our nurses and ancillary providers as well."

Read the full article at spinalnewsinternational.com.

Hospital for Special Surgery has been ranked the No. 1 orthopedic hospital in the nation for the past nine consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report 'Best Hospitals' (2018-19). AVH, Colorado’s only five-star rated critical access hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will adopt HSS best practices standards and leverage its orthopedic resources and capabilities. HSS will provide AVH with services including clinical knowledge transfer, medical staff development, professional education, research and academic programming, and practice quality enhancement.

"This partnership is a great example of our different approach to transforming healthcare," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of HSS. "Innovative collaboration amongst two organizations committed to excellence in a focused specialty offers an alternative source of value to the trend of mass consolidation and commoditization in healthcare."

"Embedding HSS’s knowledge, expertise, and best practices in AVH, enables world-class care to be more accessible and more individuals to live life to the fullest," he added.

"We are thrilled to partner with Aspen Valley Hospital, an exceptional institution in its own right," said HSS Surgeon-in-Chief and Medical Director Dr. Todd J. Albert. "Together we will provide an even higher standard of quality to a community with an especially strong appreciation for the value that will come from that."

"This is a unique opportunity to advance the excellence of OrthoAspen and assure the most discerning consumers of world-class orthopedic care right here in Aspen," said Dave Ressler, CEO, Aspen Valley Hospital. "This transformative partnership is very exciting for both AVH and HSS because it clearly demonstrates our shared commitment to delivering the best possible orthopedic outcomes."

"It will also enable us to better control costs and deliver value to the Aspen community," added Mr. Ressler.

Both nonprofit hospitals have long histories serving their respective communities – HSS was founded in 1863 and AVH has been serving Aspen for 127 years.

ABOUT ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
Founded in 1891, Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) is one of the most sophisticated rural hospitals in the U.S. With twenty-five beds, AVH is designated as a critical access hospital and level III trauma center, meeting the needs of the Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley communities, plus thousands of visitors from around the world every year. Combining the warmth and friendliness of a small town with the technical expertise of a major medical center, AVH has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Five-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid; "Hospital of Choice" award (based on Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems results); and a "Top 20 Best Practice in Financial Stability" designation from the National Rural Health Association for critical access hospitals in the U.S., among others. AVH offers a full range of services with board-certified specialists in 25 fields of medicine, with expanded expertise in orthopedics and sports medicine. For over 125 years, Aspen Valley Hospital has been working to deliver extraordinary healthcare in an environment of excellence, compassion and trust. Learn more at aspenhospital.org or 970-925-1120.

ABOUT ORTHOASPEN
The OrthoAspen team of physicians is dedicated to improving and restoring the health of recreational and competitive athletes, adults, seniors and children. OrthoAspen has earned worldwide acclaim for its expertise in orthopedic care, providing the latest technologies and comprehensive services for its patients. Utilizing diagnostic imaging technology, minimally-invasive techniques, and the Mako surgical robot for total and partial joint replacements, OrthoAspen brings state-of-the-art orthopedic care to Aspen and surrounding communities. OrthoAspen's research findings have been reported in major medical journals and at academic conferences throughout the world. Learn more at orthoaspen.org or 970-544-1289.

"We are fully committed to our singular focus on musculoskeletal health which allows us to not only provide the highest quality of care and value but also to be a leader in the field through innovation," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of HSS. "We are invested in helping people move better so they can live better."

For the 2018-19 rankings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 25 specialties, procedures and conditions. In the 16 specialty areas, 158 hospitals were ranked in at least one specialty.

"Whether it’s a routine or complex case, our patients benefit from highly specialized physicians with the shared goal of delivering an unmatched level of personalized care to each patient," said Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director of HSS. "It is truly an honor to be a part of such a dedicated, patient-centric medical staff."

In 2017, HSS cared for over 135,000 pediatric and adult patients surgically and non-surgically for conditions including joint pain, trauma and sports injuries, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain and spinal disorders, and conditions of the hand and upper extremity, and foot and ankle.

"Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases often present as diagnostic puzzles, and medical management can be challenging," said Mary K. Crow, MD, physician-in-chief and chief of the Division of Rheumatology. "The chronic nature of these disorders requires sustained attention and a personal approach to care. I am regularly impressed at the level of specialized expertise that our outstanding rheumatologists provide for these complex patients and the coordinated teamwork and commitment of our HSS staff that optimizes patient outcomes and quality of life."

HSS also provides care to elite, professional and collegiate athletes and organizations around the world, including USA Basketball, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), UFC, the Brooklyn Nets, New York Giants, New York Knicks, New York Mets and New York Red Bulls, among others.

HSS surgeon-in-chief Todd J. Albert, MD, offered his perspective. "I think [the decision] should be on a case-by-case basis, and there are certainly spine cases that are appropriate for an ASC," he said.

Dr. Albert added that complicated cases that require specialized equipment and either monitoring after the surgery or an overnight stay should be done in a hospital.

Read the full article at aarp.org.

Additional Coverage:

• Orthopedics This Week: MEDICARE REEVALUATING SPINE SURGERIES AT ASCS

"What makes this course great and has historically made it exciting to be there is the group of people involved. Any time you bring the right group of people into the room, including a group of leaders who are 100 percent willing to speak candidly in front of others as the top thought leaders in the field, you have great discussion. The venue and location also lends itself as a place people want to be and put their best foot forward. Every year we want to make it better," said Dr. Albert.

Read the full article at beckersspine.com.

"Patients must consider multiple factors when choosing a surgical care provider including a center’s infection rate," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO at HSS. "We believe that our unwavering focus on infection control at every stage of contact is why HSS continues to maintain a very low infection rate compared to other hospitals."

Surgeons at HSS performed the most hip replacement surgeries in New York State, with nearly 5,337 procedures, which is about 16 percent of the approximate 33,723 hip replacement or revision procedures in New York State in 2016. Among the 157 hospitals included in the report, HSS has consistently performed better than our peers for total hip replacement or revision hip procedures.

"HSS performs more than 30,000 surgical procedures a year and we’re constantly finding ways to measure and improve our best practices to deliver the highest quality musculoskeletal care," said Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. "We pioneered the use of regional anesthesia, a technique that reduces the chance of a surgical infection by 50 percent."

Specialization in orthopedic surgery allows HSS to improve efficiency in surgical settings within each operating room, lowering surgical times and improving safety. Numerous best practices include uniquely-designed operating rooms equipped with Plexiglas separation panels and high-tech air filtration systems; enhanced sterilization methods; disciplined staff infection control practices; patient education; and post-surgery, the operating rooms are meticulously cleaned above mandated protocols.

"Our perioperative teams are dedicated to working collaboratively in the operating room to improve efficiency and going the extra mile to limit infection risk for each and every patient," explained Eileen Finerty, RN, assistant vice president of Infection Control and Occupational Health.

New York State’s strict regulatory and surveillance systems require hospitals to report certain hospital-acquired infections to the State Department of Health. This year’s publication is the 10th report of hospital-acquired infections in New York State, but the 9th report to include hip replacement procedures. The report states that the data are made publically available each year to give people information about hospital performance that could help them make informed medical decisions.

View the full report from the New York State Department of Health at: https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/facilities/hospital/hospital_acquired_infections/2016/docs/hospital_acquired_infection_p1.pdf

See HSS initiatives towards providing the highest quality healthcare at: http://www.hss.edu/quality

Former U.S. Senator and Basketball Hall of Famer William W. Bradley will also be honored at the event.

"We are pleased to recognize the remarkable achievements of Senator Bradley who inspires excellence through public service," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO at HSS. "This award could not be more fitting for Senator Bradley who has dedicated his career to truly shaping and defining leadership in the athletic, political, social and business realms."

"Dr. Pellicci began his career at HSS over four decades ago and his outstanding medical accomplishments have contributed to HSS being recognized as the number one destination for hip and knee replacements," said Todd Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. "His superior surgical techniques have created a longstanding foundation for joint replacements, and the surgeon community is grateful for his exemplary work."

The event will begin with a reception at 6:15 p.m. with a dinner to follow at 7:30 p.m. Guests will include leaders from the worlds of business, health, finance, media, sports, the arts and government.

Paul M. Pellicci, MD

Dr. Pellicci is a graduate from Johns Hopkins University and Cornell University Medical College.

He received his training in General Surgery at the New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center from 1975 to 1977, in Orthopedic Surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery from 1977 to 1980, and in Adult Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School in 1980. Afterwards, Dr. Pellicci returned to HSS, where he has spent his entire career. He became chief of the Hip Service in 1993 and continued in that role until 2005. He received the Philip D. Wilson, Jr., MD Teaching Award in 1996 and 2005.

Dr. Pellicci was, at the time of his induction, the youngest surgeon ever to be admitted to the prestigious Hip Society and over his career he has authored or co-authored nearly one hundred articles in peer-reviewed journals, written numerous textbook chapters and instructional manuals.

His current research interests involve complete anatomic restoration of the soft tissue structures following total hip replacement.

Senator William W. Bradley

Senator William Bradley is currently Managing Director of Allen & Company LLC. He also hosts American Voice, a weekly show on Sirius XM Satellite Radio that highlights the remarkable accomplishments of Americans both famous and unknown.

He served in the U.S. Senate from 1979-1997 representing the state of New Jersey. He was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2000.

Prior to his time on the Senate, Senator Bradley was an Olympic gold medalist in 1964 and a professional basketball player with the New York Knicks from 1967-1977, winning two NBA championships. He was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982.

Senator Bradley graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. in American History and from Oxford University with an MA degree where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He has authored seven books on American politics, culture and economy, including his latest book We Can All Do Better.

This is the first and only award program recognizing hospitals and healthcare systems that are top employers of physician assistants and models for organizations nationwide.

"At HSS, we pride ourselves on our teamwork and collaboration across the full patient care spectrum," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO at HSS. "This recognition is a testament to the work of our physician assistants who are a vital part of the medical care team whose shared common goal is to provide high quality, patient-centered care."

This annual program is designed to showcase hospitals and healthcare systems that have implemented practices which create a PA-positive environment and encourage collaborative provider teams. The two-year award was presented on May 20 during the AAPA Annual Conference in New Orleans, La.

"Our PAs are entrenched in quality and safety initiatives that result in positive practice change and improved patient care," said Peter Grimaldi, assistant vice president of the Physician Assistant department at HSS, who accepted the award. "Our department works closely with our medical staff to ensure outstanding patient care and a supportive environment for our academic mission."

PAs have been an integral part of HSS since 1989. There are approximately 350 physicians at HSS and 175 PAs. PAs assist in a variety of specialties including: orthopedic surgery, anesthesia, medicine, rheumatology, radiology, pain management, neurology, primary care sports medicine, etc.

L to R: Peter Grimaldi, assistant vice president of the Physician Assistant department; Maureen Heneghan, physician assistant; Tara Schmidt, physician assistant

"PAs are core to HSS clinical operations whether it’s in the operating room, on an inpatient unit or in an outpatient environment," said Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. "We have made it a priority over the past few years to develop a work environment that effectively utilizes PAs and enables collaborative provider teams."

"Our primary care sports medicine team helps our patients determine how their sports injury should be best treated, which can be surgically or with alternative treatments," said Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. "Athletes of all levels turn to us to get them back in the game, and Dr. DiFiori has the experience and expertise that will only enhance our commitment to delivering quality patient care."

Dr. DiFiori succeeds Brian C. Halpern, MD, who served as chief since 2011. Dr. Halpern pioneered the non-operative approach to acute and chronic musculoskeletal problems and was the first non-surgical fellowship-trained and board-certified sports medicine physician at HSS. He will continue to be an integral part of the HSS sports service and will work closely with Dr. DiFiori moving forward.

"Dr. DiFiori’s expertise in treating elite athletes is nationally recognized and we are excited to have him lead our team," said Dr. Halpern.

Prior to joining HSS, Dr. DiFiori was the chief of the division of Sports Medicine and Non-Operative Orthopaedics for the departments of Family Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery at UCLA. He was also the head team physician for UCLA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics where he oversaw the care of more than 650 athletes in 24 NCAA sports, and was on the sidelines with UCLA football and basketball.

Additionally, Dr. DiFiori also serves as the director of Sports Medicine for the NBA, where he works closely with NBA team physicians and advises the league on all issues related to the health and wellness of NBA players.

"I’m honored to return to the East Coast and look forward to leading this truly talented team of sports medicine physicians," said Dr. DiFiori. "HSS has a long-standing commitment to the athletic community by offering the full spectrum of treatment options, from non-surgical care to surgery to rehabilitation and recovery- it is a privilege to join this institution."

Dr. DiFiori earned his undergraduate degree at Franklin and Marshall College and his medical degree at Temple University before completing his residency at Lancaster General Hospital. He then completed a sports medicine fellowship at UCLA.

In his practice, Dr. DiFiori will see patients of all ages for the evaluation and treatment of sports-related injuries. He is the lead author for the recently published AMSSM Position Statement on Overuse Injuries and Burnout in Youth Sports. He also led a distinguished scientific panel in the development of the NBA’s first ever guidelines for youth basketball participation, which were published by the NBA and USA Basketball. In addition, he served as a site investigator for the NCAA-Department of Defense Concussion study, which is the largest study ever conducted on sports concussions.

"Recruiting distinguished physician leaders, such as Dr. DiFiori, is how we continue to advance the quality of care practices and demonstrate commitment to our clinical specialties," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO at HSS. "Under Dr. DiFiori’s leadership, the service will be the top choice for years to come for active individuals when they suffer sports-related injuries."

Dr. DiFiori is the former president of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and is also a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. In the past, he has served as a medical consultant for the NHL Players Association and as a U.S. team physician for the United States Olympic Committee.

He serves on the editorial boards of Current Sports Medicine Reports and the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine.