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Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Duration: 1 year (August 1–July 31)
Stipend: $103,880.85 per annum/benefits (subsidized housing also available)
Accreditation: ACGME-Accredited and POSNA-Accredited
Location: Hospital for Special Surgery

The Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship at HSS was established in 1972 with the goal of providing exceptional training in the identification, management, and treatment of operative and non-operative pediatric orthopaedic disorders.

Located in the heart of New York City, HSS is nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics for 15 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025). Patients travel regionally and globally to our Lerner Children's Pavilion which is the pediatric orthopaedic center within HSS. The Pediatric Orthopaedic Service is exposed to a large variety of orthopaedic conditions which range from the most common to the most complex. HSS fellows have access to all patients' surgeries and are exposed to every aspect of pediatric orthopaedics including: early onset scoliosis, pediatric sports medicine, limb deformity, hip preservation, trauma, developmental dysplasia of the hip, clubfoot, and cerebral palsy.

  • The HSS pediatric orthopaedic fellow will be trained in the diagnosis and treatment of a full spectrum of conditions. With over 23,000 pediatric outpatient visits and 3,000 pediatric surgical admissions annually, our fellows receive extensive exposure to all facets of pediatric orthopaedics and have an opportunity to pursue special interests.
  • As the year progresses, the fellow has the opportunity to structure his or her training to access more advanced exposures to a subspecialty. This occurs during two elective blocks at the end of the fellowship which for some may preclude the need for a secondary fellowship.
  • Our program is structured to allow fellows (HSS accepts one pediatric orthopaedic fellow per year) to work one on one during surgeries and patient evaluations with each member of the service over the academic year. The year is structured to include 4 base rotations and 2 elective blocks; this facilitates competency in each of our surgeon's subspecialty areas of interest:

Cerebral Palsy

  • Multilevel surgery and hip deformity
  • Gait lab

Clubfoot

  • Ponseti and recurrence surgery

Foot Deformity

  • Complex reconstructions

Hip Preservation

  • PAO and surgical hip dislocations
  • Hip arthroscopy

Limb Deformity

  • Lengthening/osteotomies
  • Growth plate surgery

Pediatric Sports Medicine

  • ACL, JOCD, patellar dislocation, tibial spine fracture, shoulder instability

Pediatric Fractures/Trauma

Skeletal Dysplasia

Spine Deformity

  • AIS
  • Neuromuscular
 

 

  • Comprised of 9 attending surgeons who bring together a variety of subspecialty training backgrounds with a strong commitment to teaching, the pediatric orthopaedic service consistently receives the best teaching evaluations from HSS fellows.
  • The fellow will also take advantage of all the exciting offerings of New York City. There is subsidized housing within walking distance to the hospital on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, close to the East River and Central Park.
  • The Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (AGGME) since 1990 and is also an accredited POSNA fellowship.

Clinical Training Components

Clinical

  • Surgical experience: 3–4 days per week
  • Outpatient practice: 1–2 days per week
  • Research: 1/2 day per week
  • Call: 1 day per week, 1 weekend per month

Trauma

In addition to weekly trauma seen at HSS, our trainees are an integral part of the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital–Cornell Medical Center trauma team and are on first call one weekend per month and one weekday per week.

We perform pediatric trauma cases at both HSS and the adjacent NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH). NYPH has a pediatric residency program training 20 residents per year with 140 pediatric faculty, 23 PICU beds, and 50 NICU beds. The HSS pediatric orthopaedic attendings provide 24 hour coverage for the NYPH pediatric emergency room.

A weekly orthopaedic trauma surgery indications conference enables our fellows the opportunity to evaluate the operative cases performed at NYPH-Cornell Medical Center.

Leon Root, MD Motion Analysis Laboratory

This laboratory incorporates force sensors for gait evaluation as well as multiple high-speed video cameras to conduct formal video analysis of human motion. In addition, the laboratory also allows telemetered electromyographic evaluation of muscle function.

Academic Curriculum/Didactic Lectures and Conferences

  • Core weekly conferences:
    • Wed 7:00-8:00 am – pediatric orthopaedic didactic lectures
    • Thur 7:30-8:30 am – scoliosis and spinal surgery indications conference
    • Fri 7:00-8:00 am – HSS grand rounds/visiting professor lecture series
    • Fri 8:15-10:00 am – pediatric orthopaedic indications conference
  • Supplemental didactic conference opportunities:
    • Mon 7:30-8:30 am – general orthopaedic didactic lectures (rotating services/topics, curriculum rotates yearly)
    • Tue 7:15-8:30 am – orthopaedic trauma surgery indications conference (NYPH)
    • Wed 7:00-8:00 am – hip preservation
    • Thur 7:00-8:30 am – sports medicine core conference
  • Additional conferences
    • Thur 7:30-9:30 am – gait analysis conference
    • Monthly 5:30-7 pm – pediatric orthopaedic journal club

Skills Curriculum

  • Bioskills cadaver lab sessions: scheduled based on subspecialty interests

National and International Meetings

The Pediatric Orthopaedic Service supports fellow attendance at 2 meetings or conferences per year. Conferences include:

  • POSNA: Annual Meeting
  • AAOS: Annual Meeting
  • IPOS
  • SRS
  • AOSSM
  • PRISM

Research Components

Fellows are encouraged to participate in 2 research projects during the academic year. Research resources include:

  • Mentorship
  • Research support staff
  • Access to internal funds for study support (by application)

Biomechanics Laboratory

The mission of the Department of Biomechanics at HSS is to apply the principles of engineering and material science to solve orthopaedic problems by conducting basic and applied research that translates to the development of orthopaedic devices and instrumentation aimed at improved patient care. The Biomechanics Laboratory houses a robotics system that allows sophisticated testing of joint mechanics.

Core Research Facilities

The HSS Core Research Facilities include epidemiology and biostatistics, flow cytometry, musculoskeletal repair and regeneration, analytical microscopy, imaging, and mechanical and material assessment.

Simulation Learning & Training Center (SLTC)

Established in 2000, the SLTC simulates surgical procedures with equipment that is, in many instances, identical to that in the HSS operating rooms. This allows fellows to become more familiar with the myriad devices currently used in surgery. The procedures in the lab can be performed on cadaver specimens or sawbones – plastic models of bones and joints.

Hip Preservation Cadaver Laboratory

The hip preservation service performs PAO/surgical dislocation monthly.

Compensation and Housing

Fellows are provided a stipend and benefits based on the cost of living in New York City, competitive with those of other institutions. The current salary is $103,880.85 (plus benefits, payable in biweekly installments).

Subsidized housing is available (by application) within walking distance of the hospital.

How to Apply for the HSS Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship

Application Information

HSS will participate in the San Francisco Matching Program (SFMP). To apply register for the SFMP and select the Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Match.

Application Form

The pediatric orthopaedic fellowship program at HSS accepts applications via the Central Application Service (CAS). Register with the SFMP and complete the CAS application. SFMP will then send the application to HSS electronically.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2020.

Interview Dates: November 12, 2020, December 10, 2020, December 17, 2020, January 7, 2021, January 22, 2021 and February 19, 2021.

Pediatric Orthopaedic Faculty

Roger F. Widmann, MD
Chief, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical School: Yale University
Residency: Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Surgery Program
Fellowship: Boston Children’s Hospital (Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery)
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: Scoliosis and Spinal Surgery, Limb Deformity and Reconstruction

John S. Blanco, MD
Medical School: Cornell University
Residency: New York Medical College
Fellowship: Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery)
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: Scoliosis and Spinal Surgery, Limb Deformity and Reconstruction, Foot and Ankle, Clubfoot

Aaron Daluiski, MD
Medical School: University of California – Los Angeles
Residency: University of California – Los Angeles
Fellowship: Hospital for Special Surgery (Hand and Microvascular Surgery)
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: Hand and Upper Extremity, Congenital Upper Limb Deformity

Emily R. Dodwell, MD, MPH, FRCSC
Research Director, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical School: Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Residency: University of British Columbia
Fellowship: Hospital for Sick Children (Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery)
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: Limb Deformity, Neuromuscular Conditions

Shevaun Mackie Doyle, MD
Medical School: New York Medical College
Residency: Hospital for Special Surgery
Fellowship: A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children (Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery)
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: General Pediatric Orthopaedics, Trauma

Peter D. Fabricant, MD, MPH
Education Director, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical School: Yale University School of Medicine
Residency: Hospital for Special Surgery
Fellowship: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery)
Fellowship: Boston Children’s Hospital (Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy)
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy, Trauma/Fractures

Daniel W. Green, MD, MS, FAAP, FACS
Fellowship Director, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
Residency: Hospital for Special Surgery
Fellowship: Children’s Hospital – Los Angeles (Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery)
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy, Skeletal Dysplasias / Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Cathleen L. Raggio, MD
Medical School: Cornell University
Residency: Hospital for Special Surgery
Fellowship: A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children (Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery)
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: Skeletal Dysplasias

Paulo RP Selber, MD, FSBOT, FRACS
Medical School: Pontífice Catholic University of Campinas State of São Paulo, Brazil
Residency: Jundiaiense Institute of Orthopedic Surgery and Trauma + Paulo Sacramento Hospital, Jundiaí, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Fellowship: Association for Assistance of the Disabled Child (AACD), São Paulo, Brazil
Memorial Children's Hospital, Northwestern University, Gillette Children's Hospital
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: Neuromuscular Conditions / Cerebral Palsy

Jessica H. Heyer, MD
Medical School: New York University School of Medicine
Residency: George Washington University Hospital
Fellowship: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery)
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: Scoliosis/Spinal Surgery, Early Onset Scoliosis, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Fracture Care

David M. Scher, MD
Education Director, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical School: Duke University
Residency: NYU – Hospital for Joint Diseases
Fellowship: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA (Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery)
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: Neuromuscular Conditions / Cerebral Palsy, Foot and Ankle, Clubfoot

Ernest L. Sink, MD
Medical School: University of Texas - Southwestern
Residency: University of Texas - Southwestern
Fellowship: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA (Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery)
Primary Clinical/Research Interests: Hip Preservation, Developmental Hip Dysplasia

Where Are Our Fellows Now?

HSS pediatric orthopaedic fellows graduate with an unshakable foundation to build their pediatric orthopaedic surgery practice. Our innovative hospital, which focuses exclusively on the musculoskeletal system, has well- rounded, educated pediatric orthopaedic faculty dedicated to teaching. They provide our fellows with the environment to optimize their knowledge base, skill set, and network. This environment enables our fellows to take charge in any practice situation.

Several of our fellows work in busy private groups, while others in academic centers.

Folorunsho Edobor-Osula, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor at Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Pediatrics, states, “The year I spent as a fellow at HSS was the best year of training for me. I loved the ‘make your own adventure’ concept. It gave me the ability to tailor my fellowship to my clinical interests and gave me a well-rounded clinical experience. All of the attendings were amazing to work with. I am forever grateful for the dedication and commitment to teaching displayed by the clinical faculty.”

Kathryn Palomino, MD, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, State University of New York Upstate Medical University reflects, “I can say with certainty that every day my process and actions are influenced by my training at HSS. Not only did I work with the entire exceptional pediatric orthopaedic faculty, but I was able to get an in depth exposure to the many of the other outstanding subspecialties at HSS. Without hesitation, I would recommend the HSS Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship.”

Please see the list of our alumni below.

Terry Amaral, MD
Chief, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Cohen Children’s Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York

Tracey DeLucia, MD, PhD
St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Tampa, Florida

Matthew Dow, MD
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina

Folorunsho Edobor-Osula, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor at Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Pediatrics, Newark, New Jersey

Vladimir Goldman, MD
Senior Physician, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel

Mr. Emmanouil Morakis
Orthopaedic Consultant, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester, England

Kathryn Palomino, MD
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, New York

Rubini Pathy, MD
Shriners Hospitals for Children, Springfield, Massachusetts

Kristi Wood, MD, MSc, FRCSC
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario

HSS Alumni and Network

As a graduate of HSS, you are among an illustrious group of alumni from the oldest orthopaedic hospital in the country. Education for alumni does not end with your fellowship.

There are educational resources through online CME offerings, access to Lonesome Doc (full-text versions of articles from the Kim Barrett Memorial Library), and a subscription to the HSS Journal.

Our Alumni Cocktail Reception at the annual AAOS Meeting provides an opportunity to connect and collaborate with other leaders in orthopaedic surgery.

In addition, you will be invited to the annual HSS Alumni meeting in New York each November.

Download the Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship brochure.

Learn about the application process.

 

 

 

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