MOI-South-Knee

Getting you back to what matters most

When you have a knee injury and even walking is hard, you want relief. And you might even be thinking about how long it will be before you can get back to running, basketball, baseball or just playing with the kids. We understand because sports were a big part of many of our providers’ lives, and we know you want nothing more than a return to being active. If your knee hurts, MedStar Orthopaedic Institute specialists can evaluate your injury at 14 convenient locations spanning the Washington, D.C. region:

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Relief from knee pain starts here

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How we can help

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Hear from our patient and expert stories

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We can help relieve your knee pain

Our comprehensive care includes non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical treatment options.

Reasons to See a Specialist
ACL, LCL, MCL, or PCL tear

Anterior knee pain: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Bursitis

Dislocation

Fractures

Impingement, injuries of the fat pad

Meniscus tear

Overuse injuries

Partial & total joint replacement

Patella instability
Pediatric growth plate disorders

Shin splints

Strains and sprains of the muscle, tendon, cartilage, bone, and soft tissue

Subluxation

Tendon rupture

Tendonitis

Torn and displaced supporting structures, such as cartilage and meniscus
Treatment Options
Treatment Options

Non-operative treatment, including physical therapy

Knee arthroscopy

ACL reconstruction and repair, including pediatric ACL reconstruction

PCL reconstruction and repair

LCL/MCL reconstruction and repair

Multi-ligament reconstruction

Meniscus reconstruction and repair

Meniscus transplant

MPFL Reconstruction

Patellar realignment

Cartilage repair and restoration

Joint preserving osteotomies (High Tibial Osteotomy/Distal Femoral Osteotomy)

Relief from knee pain starts here.

Closeup side view of a doctor examining the knee of a woman during an appointment. The doctor is gently touching the tendons around the knee and the knee cap and trying to determine the cause of pain.

Don’t let knee pain stop you from living your best life. Take our free assessment now to learn about your treatment options.

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For more information, call

202-295-0511

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Hear from our experts and patients

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine: Ask Dr. Ryan Murray

Dr. Murray is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in pediatric orthopedics and sports medicine. His areas of special interest and expertise include pediatric and adolescent sports medicine and general pediatric orthopaedics including hip dysplasia, limb deformity, and fractures.
Knee, Hip and Shoulder Surgery - Ask Dr Postma

Dr. William Postma is an orthopaedic surgeon in the MedStar Orthopaedic Institute’s Sports Medicine Department at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He specializes in arthroscopic surgical repair of the hip, knee and shoulder.
Cutting-Edge ACL Repair Puts Patients Back on Top Quickly

Kaniya Brown of Accokeek, Md., has returned to running after a devastating knee injury. The track star tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing soccer. ACL tears are common sports injuries that often require surgery, followed by months of rehabilitation. Instead, Kaniya underwent an innovative procedure that repairs the ACL, allowing for quicker recovery and less pain.
ACL Repair or Reconstruction? Dominic Nwanji’s Story

When Dominic Nwanji injured his knee on the basketball court and injured his ACL, his research brought him to orthopaedic surgeon William Postma. See how Dominic bounced back and why he chose repair over reconstruction.

Knee Injury During Squash Match Does Not Keep College President Down

Margee Ensign underwent successful arthroscopic surgery at MedStar Health.

Dickinson College President Margee Ensign, PhD, was in a heated match with the men’s and women’s squash coach last November—and winning by a score of 9 to 4—when she heard a pop and fell to the court. Collegiate players on the team who were watching the college administrator beat their coach immediately came to help.

Click here to read more.

Team partnerships

Many professional teams choose our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists, including:

Meet our expert physicians

From sports medicine to trauma care, our specialists at MedStar Orthopaedic Institute are shaping the future of medicine. Our knee team is one of the largest in the Washington, D.C. region, and includes orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine experts, along with therapists, educators and care coordinators who work together to develop a treatment plan just for you.

Emmanuel Atiemo, MD
MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
Leonardtown

Vestinia Bridges, MD
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Brandywine
White Plains

Wiemi Douoguih, MD
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Bethesda
Lafayette Centre

Daniel M. Hampton, MD
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Brandywine
Lake Ridge

John Kuri, MD
MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
Leonardtown

Carter Mitchell, MD
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
Chevy Chase

Ryan S. Murray, MD
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Gaithersburg
Teleytown
McLean

William Postma, MD
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Chevy Chase
Lafayette Centre
McLean

Steven Svoboda, MD
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Lafayette Centre

Melissa Ann Yadao, MD
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Alexandria
Lafayette Centre
Lake Ridge

Knee Experts
Emmanuel Atiemo, MD
MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
Leonardtown
Vestinia Bridges, MD
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Brandywine
Waldorf

Vestinia Bridges, MD

Dr. Bridges is a member of the MedStar Orthopaedic Institute and performs surgery at our MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center location. Dr. Bridges' specialties include:

Knee Conditions

Fracture Care

Shoulder Conditions

Sports Medicine

Hand Conditions

Elbow Conditions

Foot & Ankle Conditions

Education:
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowship Program: Temple University Hospital
Residency Program: Howard University Hospital
Internship/Residency: Howard University Hospital
Internship Program: Howard University Hospital
Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
Wiemi Douoguih, MD
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Bethesda
Lafayette Centre

Wiemi Douoguih, MD

Dr. Douoguih is an orthopaedic surgeon and a member of the MedStar Orthopaedic Institute. He serves as Regional Medical Director of MedStar Sports Medicine and Director of Sports Medicine at MedStar Washington Hospital Center's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Georgetown University.

He is a graduate of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA and the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. Dr. Douoguih is an alumnus of the Union Memorial Residency Program.

Dr. Douoguih serves as Regional Medical Director of MedStar Sports Medicine. He also serves as the Senior Orthopaedic Consultant for the Washington Wizards (NBA) Washington Mystics (WNBA) and as Medical Director for the Washington Capitals (NHL). He is a consultant for the Baltimore Ravens (NFL) and NFL Players Association. He served as Medical Director and Head Team Physician for the Washington Nationals (MLB) for seven years, up through 2015. Dr. Douoguih has also served as assistant team physician for the Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Angels, and Anaheim Mighty Ducks, as well as for the teams of Loyola Marymount University. He has successfully operated on numerous professional and elite athletes in a wide range of sports.

Dr. Douoguih is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and holds a subspecialty certification in sports medicine. He specializes in arthroscopic treatment of the shoulder, elbow and knee. An award winning researcher who has published multiple articles in peer reviewed journals, he has lectured internationally on various sports medicine topics. Dr. Douoguih was an All-American and Hall of Fame lacrosse player at Washington and Lee University. He also won a national judo championship in 2001.

Education:
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowship Program: Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic
Residency Program: MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
Internship Program: MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University

Awards:

Washingtonian Top Doctor Award:2010, 2012, 2014-2020

Winner of MHRI Research Symposium First Place Award. Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparison of tibial inlay suture and bone block fixation. 3rd Annual MedStar Health Research Symposium 2014.

AOSSM 2013 Aircast Award: Best Basic Science Paper Presented by a Fellow Conjoined Tendon Transfer vs. Modified Bristow in a Glenoid Bone Loss Model: a Biomechanical Study. 2012

Washington and Lee Athletic Hall of Fame: Inducted 2017 for Varsity Lacrosse

Montclair Kimberly Academy Athletic Hall of Fame: Inducted 2013, Varsity Lacrosse
Daniel M. Hampton, MD
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Brandywine
Lake Ridge

Daniel M. Hampton, MD

Originally from Southern California, Dr. Hampton was drawn to the field of orthopedics by the opportunity to help people regain function and get back to activities they enjoy. Dr. Hampton earned his medical degree at Georgetown University. He stayed in Washington, D.C., completing his orthopedic residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Hampton then went on to complete a fellowship specializing in sports medicine/knee and shoulder surgery at Harvard's Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. There Dr. Hampton was also involved in teaching Harvard orthopedic residents and medical students.

Dr. Hampton enjoys working with patients to achieve their goals. He believes in a collaborative approach to patient care, working with other doctors, therapists and the patients themselves to reach those goals. Dr. Hampton specializes in sports-related injuries, but also treats general orthopaedic problems. He has treated athletes at the professional, collegiate, high school, and amateur levels. Dr. Hampton treats complex problems of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle, performs all types of ligament reconstruction, arthroplasty of the hip, knee and shoulder, and a complete array of arthroscopic surgeries. His special interest areas include shoulder surgery, cartilage restoration/transplant surgery, adolescent and adult sports medicine, primary and revision arthroscopic surgery and minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. Hampton serves as assistant Team Orthopedic Surgeon for the Washington Wizards and previously served as chief medical officer and head team physician for D.C. United. He currently is chief of Orthopedics as well as President of the Medical Staff at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center.

Dr. Hampton enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. In his free time, Dr. Hampton enjoys the outdoors. He is an active runner and enjoys rock climbing. He also tries to surf whenever he is near the ocean.

Education:
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Fellowship Program: Brigham and Women's Hospital
Residency Program: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Internship Program: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine

Top Doctor Northern Virginia Magazine - 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
John Kuri, MD
MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
Leonardtown

John Kuri, MD

Dr. John A. Kuri II is an experienced, board-certified orthopedic surgeon who treats patients with a range of orthopedic issues. His areas of special expertise include sports medicine, shoulder and elbow surgery, and trauma, but he also participates in general orthopedic care. Before joining MedStar Orthopaedic Institute, while in training, Dr. Kuri participated on the medical team for the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies.

Dr. Kuri’s goal is to provide high-quality, compassionate orthopedic care without compromise to every patient so that each patient can reclaim his or her pre-injury life. He does this through active listening, attention to detail, and by maintaining cutting-edge expertise in orthopedic surgery. He believes in educating all patients about their diagnosis and treatment options so they can make informed decisions. He spends time with each patient providing all the information needed to make these decisions and answering all questions. He views treatment as a partnership between the patient and healthcare team and helps patients be active participants in their care.

Education:
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowship Program: University of Pennsylvania
Fellowship Program: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Residency Program: Montefiore Medical Center
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Carter Mitchell, MD
Montgomery
Chevy Chase

Carter Mitchell, MD

Dr. Mitchell is the Director of Sports Medicine at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center. He is board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery as well as Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. Dr. Mitchell specializes in arthroscopy and treats all types of sports injuries, including injuries to the shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, and foot. Dr. Mitchell has specific training in the treatment of cartilage defects of the knee with articular cartilage implantation and meniscal transplantation.

Dr. Mitchell has a specific interest in the throwing athlete and has published on UCL reconstruction with Dr. James Andrews. Additionally, he has conducted biomechanical research on meniscal repair.

A native of Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Mitchell graduated from St. Albans school. He attended Brown University and graduated with a degree in Law and Public Policy in 1997. He then conducted basic science research at the National Institutes of Health for a year before attending the Georgetown University School of Medicine for medical school. Dr. Mitchell continued at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital for both his general surgery internship and his orthopaedic residency. After completing his orthopaedic training, Dr. Mitchell moved to Birmingham, Alabama to do a fellowship in orthopaedic sports medicine with Dr. James Andrews at the American Sports Medicine Institute.

Dr. Mitchell has worked with the Washington Nationals and DC United and is currently the team physician for several area high schools. He has been a team physician for the University of Alabama, the University of West Alabama, and the Birmingham Barons AA baseball team. Dr. Mitchell is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons as well as the American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine.

Dr. Mitchell has a special interest in in ACL injury prevetion and is the Founder and CEO of FitSense Inc. FitSense's mission is to combine wearable technology with validated training protocols to revolutionize injury prevention, performance, and rehabilitation.

Education:
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Fellowship Program: American Sports Medicine Institute
Residency Program: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Internship Program: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Ryan S. Murray, MD
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Gaithersburg
Teleytown
McLean

Ryan S. Murray, MD

Dr. Murray is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in pediatric orthopedics and sports medicine. His areas of special interest and expertise include:

Pediatric and adolescent sports medicine, including: Ligamentous injuries of the knee (ACL, including physeal sparing techniques), Patellar instability, Cartilage and meniscus pathology, Shoulder instability and dislocations, and Sports-related injuries

General pediatric orthopaedics including hip dysplasia, limb deformity, and fractures

Dr. Murray is an active researcher and has written book chapters and been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and Orthopaedics.

He focuses on shared decision making with patients and their families, working together to achieve each patient’s goals. He has a special interest in helping young athletes cope with injury and the psychological barriers to recovery.

In addition to treating patients, Dr. Murray is also an assistant team physician for Georgetown University athletics.

Outside of work, Dr. Murray enjoys spending time with his wife, who is a pediatrician, and their two daughters. He also enjoys playing golf, traveling, and sports.

Education:
Fellowship Program: Children's National Medical Center
Fellowship Program: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Residency Program: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine (2014)
William Postma, MD
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Chevy Chase
Lafayette Centre
McLean

William Postma, MD

Dr. Postma is the Chief of Sports Medicine at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Department of Orthopedic Surgery. His areas of specialty include arthroscopy of the knee, hip, and shoulder with an emphasis on ACL and knee ligamentous reconstruction, hip arthroscopy and labral repair procedures, Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), and rotator cuff tears.

Dr. Postma serves as the Head Orthopaedic Surgeon for the Washington Wizards and for Georgetown University Athletic Department. As such he treats a variety of athletes from high school to the professional level. He additionally is heavily integrated with the Medstar Georgetown Orthopaedic Surgery Residency program and is the Vice Chairman of Education. He is also involved in the Georgetown University School of Medicine where he serves as the Clerkship Director of Surgical Subspecialties and the Clerkship Director of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. William Postma is an empathetic and dedicated Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine specialist serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Dr. Postma is an alumnus of the Medical University of South Carolina where he earned his medical degree. He completed his internship and residency in Orthopedic Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He, then completed his Fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery Sports Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

Dr. Postma is fluent in English and Spanish. He conducts his appointments with the personalized care and attention that he would expect for his own family.

Education:
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Fellowship Program: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Residency Program: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

Awards:

Washingtonian Top Doctor Award: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018

VA Top Doctor 2021 and 2020

Marquis Who's Who Award

2016 Medical Honoree Jingle Bell Run

Chief of Sports Medicine- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Kenmore Award-Outstanding Teaching MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 2015

Leadership Award- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital 2009

Synthes Resident Teacher Award- 2008, 2009, 2010
Steven Svoboda, MD
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Lafayette Centre

Steven Svoboda, MD

Colonel (retired) Steven Svoboda, MD is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a sub-specialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Svoboda is associated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center and serves as a team physician for the NHL’s Washington Capitals, Major League Rugby's Old Glory DC Rugby Club, and Prince George’s County High Schools.

Dr. Svoboda practices at the MedStar Orthopaedic and Sports Center at Lafayette Centre, where he works to build a better healthcare environment in the Washington, D.C. area. Joining MedStar Health after a 23-year military career, with the last 10 years at the United States Military Academy at West Point’s Keller Army Community Hospital, Dr. Svoboda seeks to apply what he has learned caring for American soldiers to the community in the District, Maryland, and Virginia.

An accomplished clinician-scientist, Dr. Svoboda firmly believes that evidence-based outcomes assessment of patient care is essential to improving orthopaedic sports medicine care. Dr. Svoboda serves as the Director of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Research at MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre. He is helping to lead MedStar Health’s efforts in patient-reported outcomes assessment within the orthopaedic sports medicine domain.

A native of Bowie, MD, Dr. Svoboda attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where upon graduation, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree and commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He graduated from medical school at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine, in Baltimore. Dr. Svoboda completed a Transitional Internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., and a Fellowship in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at the COL John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship in West Point.

Dr. Svoboda’s research regarding major knee joint injuries in the athletic population of Cadets at the United States Military Academy has won the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine O’Donoghue Award for Sports Injury Prevention and has received multiple United States patents. While leading the John A. Feagin Sports Medicine Fellowship at West Point, Dr. Svoboda was also the site Principal Investigator on the NCAA-DoD Grand Alliance CARE Consortium studies on concussion in college-level athletes.

During his military career, Dr. Svoboda served as Chief of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center and the Director of Orthopaedic Research, US Army Institute for Surgical Research, both located at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas, from 2005-2007. He was the Program Director of the COL John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship, the Department of Defense’s only program of this type, at West Point from 2009 to 2017. In that role, he was responsible for training all of the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine sub-specialists in the US Army.

Dr. Svoboda is a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and has been a member of its Fellowship Accreditation Task Force and its Enduring Education Committee, and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) and has been a member of its Advocacy Committee. He is a member of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA). He is also a reviewer for the American Journal of Sports Medicine, the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, and the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

Education:
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Fellowship Program: Keller Army Community Hospital
Residency Program: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Internship Program: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Awards:

Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery

Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine

Fellowship Program: Keller Army Community Hospital (2005)

Residency Program: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (2002)

Internship Program: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (1996)

Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine (1995)
Melissa Ann Yadao, MD
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Alexandria
Lafayette Centre
Lake Ridge

Melissa Ann Yadao, MD

Dr. Yadao is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with sports medicine fellowship training. Her practice specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries but also includes general orthopaedics. Her surgical expertise is reconstructive and arthroscopic (minimally-invasive) procedures of the shoulder, knee, elbow and hip.

A native of Alexandria, VA, Dr. Yadao attended St. Agnes School. She graduated from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA where she studied art history and played field hockey. After college, she taught A-level art history and coached various sports at Bryanston Public School in England. Dr. Yadao returned to the US and completed medical school and orthopaedic surgery residency at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in Richmond, VA. She subsequently completed a sports medicine and arthroscopy fellowship at the Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Jackson, Mississippi. She has been in the Washington, D.C. area since 2003.

Dr. Yadao continues teaching through her busy sports medicine practice. She is the team physician for West Potomac High School, TC Williams High School, Hayfield High School and a consultant for Edison High School. She also joins Dr. Saddler as team physician for the Potomac Nationals baseball team, the minor league A-level affiliate of the Washington Nationals. She gives talks on various orthopaedic topics throughout the community. Dr. Yadao will serve as the president of the Washington Orthopaedic Society in Fall 2009.

Dr. Yadao's approach to patient care is personal, dynamic and interactive. She strives to build a solid relationship with each patient so together they can understand the injuries, explore the treatment options and create a treatment plan that addresses the patient's needs. Dr. Yadao looks forward to caring for your orthopaedic injuries and helping you get back to the activities you enjoy.

Education:
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowship Program: Mississippi Hosp & Rehab Center
Residency Program: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
Residency Program: Medical College of Virginia McGuire VA Medical CTR
Internship Program: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Awards:

President of the Washington Orthopaedic Society

Team physician for West Potomac H.S.

Team physician for TC Williams H.S.

Team physician for Hayfield H.S.

Consultant for Edison H.S.

Team physician for the Potomac Nationals baseball team (minor league A-level affiliate of the Washington Nationals)