Orthopedic Surgery Residency
Welcome to the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical University, located in Syracuse, New York. The primary objective of the SUNY Upstate Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program is to provide a well-balanced educational and hands-on experience for residents that will allow them to develop into knowledgeable, competent, compassionate, and ethical orthopedic surgeons.
We accept five residents each year into a comprehensive five-year program focusing on patient care, education and research to train physicians to excel in the practice of orthopedic surgery. As the only academic hospital-based facility in Central New York, we serve the entire five-county region with treatment of the full spectrum of orthopedic conditions and injuries.
Welcome to the SUNY Upstate Orthopedic Surgery Residency. With over 60 years of tradition, we have developed a comprehensive training program, in which our residents leave extremely well trained and ready to start a fellowship, join a general practice or serve as a military orthopaedic surgeon.
Early integration into the operating room is a foundation of the Upstate ortho residency. Our interns spend 2-3 months on our high-volume hand service, working one-on-one with an attending in a preceptorship model. They spend upwards of 3 days per week in the operating room. Our interns also spend 2-3 months on our trauma service preparing for their second-year trauma consult rotation. Finally, we have developed a comprehensive surgical skills curriculum, which all interns are fully immersed into every October. This is considered one of the highlights of the residency program.
Conferences are a pillar of our educational curriculum. Residents participate in conference five days per week, with Wednesdays being highlighted by Grand Rounds or Morbidity and Mortality conference. Conference formats range from attending/resident lead lectures, to small group discussions, to journal clubs and cadaveric dissections. All specialties are well represented and attending participation is high.
With each passing year, our residents gain more autonomy and confidence in the operating room. Resident education is paramount to our teaching faculty and this is evidenced by the exceptional surgical skills and decision-making abilities with which our residents leave. Our hand and spine fellows complement our residents and never detract from them.
We hope that you will give SUNY Upstate Orthopaedics a strong look. We are very proud of our program and our residents.
Sincerely,
Matthew Sullivan, MD
Residency Program Director, Orthopaedic Surgery
Education is a high priority at Upstate Orthopedics. As outlined in the note from Residency Program Director Matthew Sullivan, residents receive a comprehensive education at Upstate that prepares them for a successful career in orthopedic surgery.
The Upstate Orthopedic faculty includes skilled surgeons representing all the major subspecialty areas of orthopedic surgery. The clinical experience is a well-balanced mix of highly specialized and primary musculoskeletal care. University Hospital is the regions only Level 1 trauma center. Outpatient clinics are at a modern musculoskeletal care facility that includes an outpatient surgery center.
There is a productive research program that has been consistently recognized with a high level of NIH funding. Residents have ample opportunities to pursue clinical and basic science research projects at our outstanding research facilities. The program faculty and graduates have included many prominent leaders in orthopedic surgery.
Orthopedic surgery is a rewarding career. Upstate Orthopedics considers it a great honor to prepare the next generation of leaders in our field.
Sincerely,
Stephen Albanese, MD
Department Chairman, Orthopaedic Surgery
The first year consists of several off-service rotations and six months of orthopedic surgery. One of the 6-month rotations (orthopedic surgery) is devoted to an orthopedic surgical skills curriculum taught by the orthopedic attendings and senior residents. Rotations during the subsequent four years are devoted to orthopedic surgery and are organized to provide graduated responsibility to the trainee.
The majority of orthopedic rotations are devoted to subspecialty services in all areas with a community based general orthopedic rotation present in the third year. Residents work in a variety of hospital settings, including:
- Crouse Hospital,
- SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital Community Campus,
- Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center,
- Golisano Children’s Hospital (located at SUNY Upstate Downtown Campus),
- Upstate Bone and Joint Center, and
- SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital Downtown Campus (the Region's Level 1 Trauma Center).
These locations allow residents the opportunity to learn in a variety of settings and experience all subspecialties of orthopedic surgery throughout their training. All campuses are located within the Syracuse area and are accessible with a short drive.
Attending physician coverage on all services is provided by both full-time and voluntary faculty at each of the affiliated hospitals.
Learn more about our residency program:
The rotations are based in a variety of centers in Syracuse with the main hub of the program at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital Downtown Campus, where residents usually meet for conferences daily. There is no requirement for rotations in different cities. The subspecialty rotations include:
- Hand and upper extremity surgery (PGY 1, 3 & 5)
- Sports medicine (PGY 2 & 5)
- Spine surgery (PGY 2 & 4)
- Orthopedic oncology (PGY 4)
- Arthroplasty (PGY 3 & 4)
- Foot and ankle surgery (PGY 4)
- Pediatric orthopedics (PGY 2 & 5)
- Trauma (PGY 1, 3 & 4)
- Orthopedic Consult Service (PGY 2)
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center Rotation (PGY 2 & 5)
- General Orthopedics Community Rotation (PGY 3)
- Research (PGY 3)
- Elective (PGY 5)
All rotations include General Trauma Call at the SUNY Upstate University Hospital Downtown Campus.
Appointments are renewable annually at the discretion of the resident and the Department Chairman. Evaluation of each rotation is completed at the conclusion of the rotation.
Our residents participate in the annual Orthopedic In-Training Examination (OITE) administered by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), as well as an annual verbal exam which is administered by the department to further evaluate the development of skills essential to a good practice of orthopedic surgery.
Residents are provided with four weeks of vacation each year during the PGY-1 through PGY-5 years.
Funding for academic and research programs is also available at our institute. Funding is provided for resident trauma courses that are taken during the junior resident year, as well at the annual meeting of the AAOS during the PGY-5 year. Funding for presentation of original research at major North American orthopedic meetings are also held by the department of orthopedic surgery. In addition, the department also provides funding for microsurgical loupes.
Night call varies from rotation to rotation, but generally involves one night of overnight in-house emergency department/floor coverage at Upstate University Hospital and one night of home call for the community hospital during the PGY-2 and PGY-3 years. Call schedules are varied during the PGY-4 and PGY-5 years, but calls are usually taken at home once a week. Call on all rotations conforms to New York State Code 405 regulations and the latest ACGME standards.
No professional employment outside of the required house staff responsibility is permitted.
PGY-1
Shuting Lu, MD, Weill Cornell Medicine- Nigel Marine, MD, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo
- Paige Miller, MD, Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University
- Kyle Murphy, MD, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
- Charles Schoonover, DO, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Shuting Lu, MD, Weill Cornell Medicine
Nigel Marine, MD, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo
Paige Miller, MD, Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University
Kyle Murphy, MD, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Charles Schoonover, DO, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic MedicinePGY-2
- Kayleigh Corrado, DO, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Timothy Hartman, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine
- Jason Kreinces, MD, New York Medical College
- Rachael Turner, MD, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
Kayleigh Corrado, DO, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Timothy Hartman, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine
Jason Kreinces, MD, New York Medical College
Rachael Turner, MD, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of MedicinePGY-3
Sean Cannizzaro, MD, SUNY Upstate Medical University
Dante Capriotti, MD, SUNY Upstate Medical University
Divakar Lal, MD, SUNY Upstate Medical University
Conor Lynch, MD, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Taylor Willenbring, MD, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas HSC at Houston
PGY-4
Thomas Bedard, MD, SUNY Upstate Medical University
Christopher Benoit, MD, Meharry Medical College
Michael Koulopoulos, MD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Stephen Meixner, MD, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Daniel Sylvestre, MD, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
PGY-5
Nikhil Adapa, MD, Ohio State University College of Medicine
Fellowship: Mount Sinai School of Medicine Spine Surgery Fellowship, New York, NY
Sachin Gandhi, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine
Fellowship: Cooper University Medical Center Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship, Camden, NJ
Andrew Laychur, MD, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Fellowship: Rutgers Health - NJMS Orthopedic Trauma & Reconstructive Surgery, Newark, NJ
Jacob Vaughn, MD, The University of Toledo College of Medicine
Fellowship: University of Southern California Boyes Hand Surgery Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA
2023
Miller MA, Hardy WR, Oest ME, Mann KA. Potential for supraphysiologic fluid shear stresses in a rat cemented knee replacement model. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 2023; 41(1). 94-103. PMID: 35332943.
Amendola RL, Miller MA, Kaupp SM, Cleary RJ, Damron TA, Mann KA. Modification to Mirels scoring system location component improves fracture prediction for metastatic disease of the proximal femur. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2023; 24(1). 65. PMID: 36694156.
Cinats DJ, Harley BJ, Loftus JB. Ateriovenous vascular loop in latissimus free flap reconstruction of cervical and cervicothoracic spine wounds. Journal of Hand Microsurgery. 2023; 15(1). 53-58. No PubMed ID.
Bauer MR, Albanese SA. Prescribing Braces After Forearm Fracture Does Not Decrease Refracture Rate.Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B. 2023; 32(2). 152-156. PMID: 35696723.
Flood MG, Bauer MR, Sullivan MP.Radiographic considerations for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B.2023; 32(2). 110-116. PMID: 35357346
Setter K, Cavallaro S, Jann D, Setter N. Stemless shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral arthritis with underlying varus malunion of the proximal humerus – A case report with mid-term follow up. Journal of Orthopaedic Experience and Innovation. 2023. No PubMed ID.
2022
Kurra S, Cahill PJ, Albanese SA, Betz RR, Toole T, Lavelle WF. Evaluation of Shoulder Balance in Early Onset Scoliosis After Definitive Fusion and Comparison with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Shoulder Balance. Spine Deformity. 2022; 10(1). 183-188. PMID: 34347286.
Flood MG Jr, Wie BJ, Sullivan MP. Perforation of the Knee Joint Following Antegrade Intramedullary Nailing of a Comminuted Femoral Diaphyseal Fracture: A Case Report. Cureus. 2022; 14(5). e24747. PMID: 34347286.
Chebolu V, Werner FW. Effect of Various Wrist and Forearm Motions on Distal Radius Forces. Journal of Wrist Surgery. 2022; 11(5). 416-424. PMID: 36339073.
Choi T, Moghamis IS, Alhammoud A, Lavelle WF, Metkar US. The Effectiveness of Interbody Fusion Devices in Adult Spine Deformity. Seminars in Spine Surgery. 2022; 34(4). 100990. No PubMed ID.
Alhammoud A, Korytkowski PD, Lavelle WF, Metkar US. Proximal Junctional Kyphosis in Adult Spinal Deformity: An up-to-date Review. Seminars in Spine Surgery. 2022; 34(4). 100992. No PubMed ID.
Serinelli S, Mookerjee GG, Stock H, De La Roza G, Damron T, Gitto L, Zaccarini DJ. Low-grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma with Heterotropic Bone Formation: Case Report and Review of Literature. Applied Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Morphology. 2022; 30(9). 640-646. PMID: 36121293.
Albanese KM, Schreck MJ, Werner FW, Esper GW, Ordway NR. A Biomechanical Comparison of Fixation Techniques in Metacarpal Shaft Fractures. Journal of Wrist Surgery. 2022;12(1). 46-51. PMID: 36644722.
2021
Oluyede DO, Werner FW, Esper G,Schreck M. Biomechanical Comparision of Dart-Throw Motions After Partial Wrist Fusions. Journal of Wrist Surgery. 2021; 11(1). 69-75. PMID: 35127267.
Loidolt T, Kurra S, Riew KD, Levi AD, Florman J, Lavelle WF. Comparison of Adverse Events Between Cervical Disc Arthroplasty and Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A 10-Year Follow-up. Spine Journal. 2021; 21(2). 253-264. PMID: 33080376.
Mann KA, Miller MA, Rossow JK, Tatusko ME, Horton JA, Damron TA, Oest ME. Progressive Loss of Implant Fixation in a Preclinical Rat Model of Cemented Knee Arthroplasty. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 2021; 39(1). 2353-2362. PMID: 33382095.
Sullivan MP, Telgheder ZL, Kleweno CP. Three-Dimensional Computed Tomagraphy Posterior Iliac Oblique Images Enhance Preoperative Planning for Acetabular
Fracture Surgery. Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances. 2021; 30(1). 50-54. PMID: 33861195.
Figueroa J, Werner FW, Travers PM, Short WH. Carpal Motion in Chronic Geissler IV Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Wrists. Journal of Hand Surgery. 2021; 45(6). 368-376. PMID: 33766437.
Telgheder ZL, Sullivan MP. Utilizing 2.0 mm Plates as a Supplemental Fixation Aid: A Technique for Complex Fractures. Techniques in Orthopedics. 2021; 36(2). 179-182. No PubMed ID
Albanese KM, Deshmane P, Patil N, Larsen DA, Ordway NR. Dual-Mobility Articulations in Femoral Neck Fractures: A Systemic Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis of the Outcomes.The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2021; 29(12). e618-e627. PMID: 32925381.
Telgheder ZL, Sullivan MP. Anatomic Considerations for Retrograde Fibular Medullary Screw Insertion: A Cadaveric Study. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery Traumatology. 2021; 31(3). 435-440. PMID: 32910265.
2020
Kurra S, Rashid A, Yirenkyi H, Castle P, Lavelle WF. Outcomes of Negative Pressure Wound Therapies in the Management of Spine Surgical Site Wound Infections. International Journal of Spine Surgery. 2020; 14(5). 772-777. PMID:33046536.
Werner FW, Tucci ER, Daly BT, Harley BJ. Changes in Scaphoid and Lunate Position and Loading at Two Wrist Pushup Positions. Current Rheumatology Reviews. 2020; 16(3). 201-205 PMID: 30526465.
Telgheder ZL, Kistler BJ. Ski and Snowboard-Related Orthopedic Injuries. Orthopedic Clinics of North America. 2020; 51(4). 461-469. PMID: 32950215.
Heitner HD, Werner FW, Cavallaro SM, Willsey SR, Harley BJ. Biomechanical Evaluation of Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability and Adams Procedure. Journal of Hand Surgery. 2020; 45(10). 909-917. PMID: 32690338.
Telgheder ZL, Albanese MA, Bloom DS, Kurra S, Sullivan MP. A Comparison of Complications and Union Rates in Intramedullary Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures Treated with Open Versus Closed Reduction. Orthopedics. 2020; 43(2). 103-107. PMID: 31881084.
2019
Mann KA, Miller MA, Amendola RL, Cyndari KI, Horton JA, Damron TA, Oest ME. Early Changes in CementBone Fixation Using a Novel Rat Knee Replacement Model. Journal of Orthopedic Research. 2019; 37(10). 2163-2171. PMID: 31206747.
Sismondo RA, Werner FW, Ordway NR, Osaheni AO, Blum MM, Scuderi MG. The Use of a Hydrogel Implant in the Repair of Osteochondral Defects of the Knee: A Biomechanical Evaluation of Restoration of Native Contact Pressures in Cadaver Knees.
Clinical Biomechanics. 2019; 67. 15-19. PMID: 31054437.
Yi JL, Glover M, Charitable J, Ramcharran H, Kurra S, Tallarico RA, Sun MH, Lavelle WF. Perioperative Intravenous Corticosteroids and Radiographic Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling in Anterior Cervical Fusion for Degenerative Disease. World
Neurosurgery. 2019; 125. e784-e789. PMID: 30738939.
Metkar US, Kurra S, Loidolt T, Lavelle WF. Thoracolumbar Fractures: Flexion-Distraction and Fracture Dislocation Injuries. In: Browner B, Anderson P, Jupiter J, Krettek C ed. Skeletal Trauma 6th Edition, Elsevier, Philadelphia PA. 2019.
2025
Spine Surgery - Mount Sinai School of Medicine Spine Surgery Fellowship, New York, NY
Trauma Surgery - Cooper University Medical Center Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship, Camden, NJ
Trauma Surgery - Rutgers Health - NJMS Orthopedic Trauma & Reconstructive Surgery, Newark, NJ
Hand Surgery - University of Southern California Boyes Hand Surgery Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA
2024
Hand Surgery – University of Florida Hand & Upper Extremity Fellowship, Gainesville, FL
Sports Medicine – Emory University Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, Atlanta, GA
Adult Reconstruction – Brown University Adult Reconstruction Fellowship, Providence, RI
Sports Medicine – University at Buffalo Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, Buffalo, NY
Sports Medicine – Orthopaedic Research of Virginia Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Fellowship, Richmond, VA
2023
Hand Surgery – University of Miami/Jackson Health System, Miami, FL
Adult Reconstruction – University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Hand Surgery - Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Sports Medicine – Southern California Orthopaedic Institute, Van Nuys, CA
Sports Medicine – New England Baptist, Boston, MA
2022
Sports Medicine – Steadman Philippon Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, Vail, Colorado
Pediatric Orthopedics – Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Trauma – Campbell Clinic, Memphis, TN
Trauma – Wake Forest School of Medicine Trauma Fellowship, Winston-Salem, NC
Trauma – University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship Cleveland, OH
2021
Hand Surgery – University at Buffalo Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship, Buffalo, NY
Hand Surgery – Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Adult Reconstruction – University of Kentucky Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction and Hip Preservation, Lexington, KY
Sports Medicine – University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA
2020
Hand Surgery – University at Buffalo Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship, Buffalo, NY
Sports Medicine – Twin Cities Orthopedics, Minneapolis, MN
Adult Reconstruction - Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Trauma – Florida Orthopedic Institute/Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL
2019
Hand Surgery – Florida Orthopedic Institute, Tampa, FL
Sports Medicine – University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Shoulder and Elbow – Hospital of Special Surgery, Manhattan, NY
Spine – Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
2018
Sports Medicine – Orthopaedic Sports Medicine & Shoulder Surgery Fellowship at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee
Sports Medicine – University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Sports Medicine Fellowship in Houston, Texas
Sports Medicine - The Orthopedic Research Institute of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia
Orthopedic Spine - The University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah
2017
Sports Medicine Fellowship - Wake Forest, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Hand Fellowship – Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY
Shoulder/Elbow Fellowship - San Francisco Shoulder, Elbow & Hand Clinic
Hand/Upper Extremity Fellowship – University of Alabama
Affordability/Accessibility- Syracuse has a population of about 147K according to the US Census Bureau. The cost of living in Syracuse is relatively lower than the surrounding cities in the region. Not only is Syracuse affordable but it is easy to get from place to place. With many clinical sites being in downtown Syracuse, you are able to get there by walking or transit.
Eat and Play- In the mood for something quick to eat or a nice sit-down dinner? Downtown Syracuse is the place for that. With hundreds of restaurants and eateries, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re craving! Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Destiny USA and its many attractions, dining options, and amazing shopping experiences. You can also visit various State and County Parks in the area with many activities to choose from for all different ages.
Sports- The home of the Syracuse Orange! Named one of the Final Four best cities for college basketball. Syracuse University features 18 Division l men’s and women’s teams with the famous JMA Wireless Dome as the largest structure of its kind on a college campus.
Looking to catch a baseball game? Head on over to the NBT Bank Stadium to watch the Syracuse Mets with Scooch, the team mascot.
The Syracuse Crunch knows how to keep it hot during the winter months! The professional ice hockey team has provided enjoyment at the Upstate Medical University Arena since 1994.
Location- Our location in Central New York has limitless multicultural experiences to offer. We are within 350 miles of many areas including New York City, Boston, Toronto, and Philadelphia. Take a day trip to some of your soon-to-be favorite locations such as the Adirondacks, one of the many great lakes, Canada, Niagara Falls, New York City, and many more.
Learn more about Syracuse:
For a Digital Visitors Guide to Syracuse, click here.
- 1st year post-MD = $64,869
- 2nd year post-MD = $69,452
- 3rd year post-MD = $72,495
- 4th year post-MD = $75,303
- 5th year post-MD = $78,610
House officers are covered by an institutional medical malpractice insurance policy. Health and hospital insurance is provided through the Upstate Medical University.
There are ample affordable housing opportunities for residents around Syracuse. There is a wide variety of neighborhoods and types of residences to live in during your training. Our residents are always happy to offer advice and help to the incoming residents in regard to housing.
More formally, a list of available rooms and apartments is maintained by the director of residence halls, and the Interns-Residents Spouses' Club helps new house officers in obtaining appropriate living facilities. Additional information regarding housing can be obtained by writing to:
Director of Residence Living
SUNY Upstate Medical University Residences
175 Elizabeth Blackwell Street
Syracuse, New York 13210
or
Interns-Residents Spouses' Club
c/o House Staff Office
SUNY Upstate Medical University
750 East Adams Street
Syracuse, New York 13210
or
Graduate Medical Education Offices
SUNY Upstate Medical University
750 East Adams Street, Room 1814
Syracuse, New York 13210
For inquiries regarding the application process and for more information, please visit the Upstate Hospital website.
The SUNY Upstate Medical University orthopedic surgery residency education program takes great pride in the quality of the education program.
The purpose of this manual is to provide you with a clear description of the residency program. This manual provides critical information that will be of value throughout your years in the program. Please carefully read through this manual:
Applications to the program are accepted through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service). Interviews will be arranged only after a complete ERAS application has been submitted. No candidates are accepted without an interview.
Invitations for interview dates will be sent through the ERAS system.
The final selection process is through the National Resident Matching Program. Senior students will be matched into the overall five-year program. There are no positions offered out of the match.
Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program
Upstate University Hospital - Downtown Campus
750 East Adams Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: (315) 464-6448
Fax: (315) 464-6470
Name: Ms. Jessica O'Connor, Resident/Fellow & Research Program Administrator
Email: OConnJes@upstate.edu
For more information, read about our graduate medical education.
The SUNY Upstate Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program has been recognized by Pride Ortho as an LGBTQ+ Friendly Residency Program.
For more information, visit https://prideortho.org/.
