Current Residents

Jenna Adalbert, M.D.

Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Undergraduate School: Temple University

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Jenna attended undergraduate at Temple University, where she majored in Kinesiology and minored in Spanish, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and spent a portion of her time studying at the University of Ovideo in Asturias, Spain. Upon graduation, she worked as a health volunteer for several months in Peru, Tanzania, and India, which inspired her to pursue medicine. She graduated valedictorian of the accelerated postbaccalaureate program at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA, and chose to remain at Jefferson for her medical education where she was inducted into the Hobart Amory Hare medical honor society for top third pre-clinical performance. At Jefferson, she also received the Foerderer Award for International Study and completed an orthopaedic surgery summer internship in Iloilo, Philippines where she was initially exposed to the incredible practice of orthopaedics. This experience, along with refugee population work at the Philadelphia Human Rights Clinic, inspired her to pursue her MPH, during which she worked as a Fellow for the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Opioid Foundation, designing an opioid curriculum for her medical school, and working on various projects related to the opioid public health crisis. Passionate about academics, Jenna graduated with over 10 publications in a diversity of topics related to orthopaedics and public health and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society, as well as the Delta Omega International Public Health honor society. She chose to train at Miami due to the unparalleled camaraderie within the program, incredible mentorship and operative autonomy, and strong academic support for research. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, kickboxing, searching for Philly cheesesteaks in Miami’s outstanding food scene, and soaking up sun all year round at the beach.

Jessyka Desrosiers, M.D.

Medical School: Morehouse School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Florida International University

Jessyka grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti until the age of 14. She completed high school in Miami and attended Florida International University where she earned her Bachelor's of Science in Biomedical Engineering with Cum Laude recognition.

During her undergraduate career, she worked on gait analysis and modifications in adults with knee osteoarthritis as a research assistant for The Adaptive Neural Systems Lab. Given her interest in health care disparities, she also worked as a research assistant for the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, focusing on HIV disparity in Haiti and Late diagnosis of Breast Cancer in African descent women living in underserved areas of Broward County, FL.

She then attended Morehouse of School of Medicine where she served as a co-director for the free, student-run HEAL clinic, and subsequently served on their student advisory panel. She enjoyed mentoring other students with interest in orthopedic surgery, and as a 4th-year medical student, she served as the president for the Orthopedic Surgery Interest Group (OSIG).

Jessyka developed an interest in Orthopedic Trauma and has worked on different projects focused on post-operative weight-bearing compliance in acetabulum fractures, and the increased risk for displacement and post-operative arthritis. She chose the University of Miami for a strong Orthopedic Trauma foundation and great Orthopedic Oncology exposure. Being able to train at Jackson Memorial Hospital was also important to her as she wanted an opportunity to work with the underserved Haitian population, and UM's comradery and support made it clear that this program was the right fit for her.

In her free time she enjoys drawing, painting, reading, working out and outdoor activities. She also loves traveling, trying new foods and experiencing different cultures.

Ashleigh Gibula, M.D. (Academic Resident)

Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University of Maine

Ashleigh was born in London, England and moved to Keflavik, Iceland, where she lived for six years. Despite starting her life as a serial mover, the final move landed her in Eddington, Maine, which is where she grew up. She graduated amongst the top of her cohort from Brewer High School before attending the University of Maine. There, she honed her passion for volunteerism and mentorship, coordinating multiple in-state and out-of-state volunteer trips as well as working as a tutor. After graduating summa cum laude from UMaine with a dual degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology, she attended Tufts University School of Medicine where her love for orthopaedics bloomed. In the midst of winning back-to-back intramural softball championships, Ashleigh was involved in multiple orthopaedic research projects in trauma, arthroplasty, and hand, co-authoring a book chapter in Springer’s Clinical Guide to Musculoskeletal Medicine: A Multidisciplinary Approach on ulnar-sided wrist disorders. She found it especially important to maintain her value of mentorship, leading a multitude of courses for current and prospective medical students while continuing to tutor throughout her four years at Tufts. She also served on the admissions committee and the visiting student diversity scholarship committee in hopes of helping similarly driven and passionate students realize their dream of attending medical school. 

Ashleigh chose to leave the cold behind and go to Miami because of the caliber of skill that comes with the graduated operative responsibility that Miami residents experience as well as the incredible range of orthopaedic pathology seen daily. In addition, she desired the genuine camaraderie, laughs, and lifetime of memories shared within the Orthonation family. She prides herself in being heinous at mini-golf, but her main non-work hobbies include beating her co-resident, Gil, at tennis, debating who the best Marvel character is (Tony Stark), and wondering when the Bruins will win another Stanley Cup.

Gilberto Lobaton, M.D.

Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University of Florida

Gil was born in Caracas, Venezuela and moved to the United States at the age of 5, when his mother, an OBGYN, and his father, an electrical engineer, left their careers in search of better opportunities for Gil and his siblings. Gil was raised in Coral Springs, Florida and attended the University of Florida on a presidential scholarship, graduating in 2017 with a degree in Exercise Physiology. While an undergrad, he worked in a physiology laboratory performing telemetry implant surgeries on animals to study the effects of medications on systemic and pulmonary hypertension. Among his academic achievements at UF, Gil also completed an internship at ReQuest Physical Therapy, helping many orthopaedic patients with their recovery, and was a member of the Gator Emergency Medical Response Unit. He attended medical school at Johns Hopkins and during his time in Baltimore was heavily involved with various orthopaedic surgery research projects. Gil also served as President of his Latino Medical Student Association chapter and mentored many minority pre-medical students and aspiring orthopaedic surgeons. He chose to train in Miami after completing an away rotation and experiencing the program’s friendships and collegiality between every class of residents as well as with attendings. In addition to being close to his Latino roots and helping serve the Spanish-speaking patients in Miami, Gil also aspired to train at a high-volume program with as much operative autonomy from the residents as he saw during his away. When not training, Dr. Lobaton enjoys playing tennis and soccer with friends, watching tennis and club soccer (big time Rafael Nadal and Real Madrid fan), hanging out on the beach, and spending time with his family.

Juan Lopez, M.D.

Medical School: Weill Cornell Medicine 
Undergraduate School: University of Florida

Juan was born in New York, grew up in Colombia, and moved to Miami when he was 7. He attended the University of Florida where he majored in Nutrition. After graduating, he took a gap year working at a biotech lab producing viral vectors for gene therapy. Juan then moved to New York City where he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine. The summer after 1st year, he was selected as a recipient of the competitive HSS Summer Research Fellowship where he studied ways to enhance osseointegration in a murine implant model. Afterwards, he additionally took a research year working in the same lab where he helped identify a mesenchymal stem cell involved in fibrotic tissue formation around loose implants. This work was presented in multiple podium and poster presentations at the ORS, AAOS, Knee and Hip Society Conferences. In addition to basic science research, Juan also has multiple publications in clinical and translational journals. Juan chose Miami for its operative experience, resident camaraderie, impressive fellowship match, and fantastic year-round weather. When not in the OR, Juan can be found exploring the diverse Miami food scene, working out, or watching the New York Yankees.

William Marmor, M.D. (Administrative Chief Resident)

Medical School: Stony Brook University School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Rochester Institute of Technology

Will grew up in Warwick, NY, a town located just northwest of New York City.  He attended the Rochester Institute of Technology where he graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Biomedical Sciences. He was part of the Honors Program and was awarded the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholars Award which honors the top percent of the graduating class. As an undergraduate, he worked in an organic chemistry lab focused on the development of novel educational techniques for students pursuing STEM fields. Will then completed his medical education at Stony Brook University. As a medical student, he was actively involved in clinical orthopaedic research. He completed a summer research fellowship at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), where he focused on patellofemoral joint instability. He then completed a year of research at HSS in the Department of Sports Medicine, between his 3rd and 4th years of medical school. Will was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and was awarded the Merck Book Award upon graduation, which honors the top three academically ranked medical students of the graduating class.

Will chose to train at Miami because of the unmatched camaraderie, surgical autonomy, incredible faculty, and its location in one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the country. In his free time, Will enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, playing golf, going to the beach, watching sports, and enjoying the amazing weather away from the cold winters of the Northeast.

William Rate, M.D.

Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Washington College

Will was born in Indianapolis but moved around frequently as a child before landing in Philadelphia, where he has spent the majority of his life. He attended Washington College for his undergraduate degree where he double majored in Biology and Chemisty where he played Division III college lacrosse. As a Shoreman, he made the Sweet Sixteen and Final Four of the NCAA Division III Championships before graduating as a senior captain. During undergraduate he worked performing preclinical research investigating the efficacy of percutaneous coronary interventions in New York, before transitioning to clinical research regarding emerging radiotherapies for the treatment of oligometastatic cancers. Will attended Georgetown University to obtain a Master's Degree in Biophysics before accepting a position abroad in Sub-Saharan Africa. He attended medical school at Georgetown, where he served as both the vice-chair and chair of the Medical Student Alumni Ambassador program. He chose to train at Miami after experiencing the unparalleled training opportunities, unrivaled camaraderie, and early operative experience. When not working at the hospital, he enjoys playing lacrosse, lifting, joining his fellow residents on the beach, and deep sea fishing. He regularly hosts his co-residents at his apartment downtown for weekend gatherings, and enjoys electronic music. His orthopedic research interests revolve around traumatic orthopedic injuries including the optimal management of geriatric hip fractures, as well as tibial plateau fractures in young athletes.

Selina M. Deiparine, M.D.

Medical School: Ohio State University
Undergraduate School: Northwestern University

Selina was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up swimming and playing water polo competitively. She attended Northwestern University for college, where she double-majored in Biological Sciences and Science in Human Culture, earning the Constance Campbell Prize for Basic Research and graduating with departmental honors. During her time in Chicago, she spent time working in health care consulting before returning home to Seattle as part of the Scientific Communications team at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a big data global health research institution. She attended medical school at The Ohio State University of College of Medicine, where she explored her interests in orthopaedic surgery and costs of care through shoulder and spine research. She was also heavily involved in health policy with the Ohio State Medical Association and American Medical Association. To date, she has published over 20 peer-reviewed publications and abstracts. She is thrilled to have matched at Miami for its diverse patient population, unparalleled operative experience, and excellent fellowship match. When she’s not at the hospital, Selina can be found watching the Seahawks, being overly competitive at F45 classes, drinking Cuban coffee, dragging her co-residents to The Taco Stand, or planning her next scuba/surf trip.

Daisy A. Ference, M.D.

Medical School: Wayne State University
Undergraduate School: Wayne State University

Daisy grew up in Michigan surrounded by family. In her youth she was a high-level competitive gymnast. She completed her undergraduate degree at Wayne State University graduating at the top of her class. After falling in love with the city of Detroit, Daisy decided to stay in the city and pursued her medical school education at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Daisy ranked the Miami Orthopedics program number one for their unparalleled operative experience and strong resident culture. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, lifting, trying new restaurants, enjoying the beach, and spending time with her dog.

Christina Freiberger, M.D.

Medical School: Tulane University
Undergraduate School: Boston College

Christina is originally from Massachusetts, where she grew up playing soccer and ski racing. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston College and her master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Tufts University. She subsequently worked as a researcher on the Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR) trial at Boston Children’s Hospital before attending Tulane University School of Medicine.

She has co-authored over 20 PubMed-indexed publications and delivered multiple podium presentations, including at AAOS. Christina also serves on the Membership Committee of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, an organization dedicated to supporting women in orthopaedics. She is proud to be a member of the UM program and values its high case volume, close-knit community, and diverse international patient population.

Outside of work, she enjoys skiing around the world, watching hockey, and FaceTiming her nieces and nephews.

Sagar Gulati, M.D. (Recruitment Resident)

Medical School: University of Connecticut
Undergraduate School: University of Rochester

Sagar was born and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut before attending the University of Rochester for his undergraduate degree in computational biology. He matriculated at the University of Connecticut, where his love for the musculoskeletal system led him to pursue various research and clinical opportunities in orthopaedics. As an orthopaedic surgery resident at the University of Miami, he loves weightlifting, relaxing on the beach, and exploring the wide range of golf courses Miami has to offer.

William W. Pavlis, M.D. (Chief Administrative Resident-Elect)

Medical School: University of Miami
Undergraduate School: University of Virginia

Originally hailing from Fairfield, CT, Will attended the  University of Virginia where he graduated with distinction after studying global public health and anthropology. Prior to medical school, Will moved to Chiapas, Mexico for a year, where he worked with Partners in Health (PIH) to begin a surgery program at a rural hospital in conjunction with the Ministry of Health. Will then attended the University of Miami’s dual degree MD/MPH program. While there, he continued his work with PIH as well as leadership in organizations such as the Human Rights Clinic of Miami and research in multiple fields across orthopaedics. He  graduated as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and Delta Omega National Honor Society in Public Health. Will chose to stay in Miami for residency for its early clinical autonomy, diverse pathology, strong resident comradery, and unbeatable location. When outside the hospital, he can be found enjoying Miami’s beaches and music scene, three putting on the golf course, paddle boarding, or playing basketball.

Aneesh V. Samineni, M.D. (Academic Resident)

Medical School: Boston University
Undergraduate School: Boston University

Aneesh was born and raised in Silicon Valley, California. He graduated as valedictorian from The King’s Academy and was accepted into the competitive Seven-Year Accelerated BA/MD program at Boston University School of Medicine. He received the Dean Eleanor Tyler Memorial Award, presented to the program’s outstanding graduating medical student, and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Society in recognition of his academic excellence, leadership, teaching, and commitment to service.

Since his undergraduate years, Aneesh has conducted research in pediatric orthopaedics with a focus on cerebral palsy at Boston Children’s Hospital. During medical school, he published extensively and completed a trauma sub-internship under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Tornetta. By his third year of residency (PGY-3), he has authored 27 peer-reviewed publications, 28 posters, and 15 podium presentations. His work has been recognized with multiple honors, including the prestigious 2026 Hip Society Otto E. Aufranc Award and the 2025 AAHKS Best Poster Award, in collaboration with mentors at UMiami Arthroplasty. He has also contributed to award-winning research, including the 2022 OTA Bovill Award for best orthopaedic trauma paper. Aneesh has received research grants and leads randomized controlled trials as well as prospective and retrospective studies. He was also selected by AAHKS to participate in the Orthopaedic Research Society Clinician Scholar Career Development Program (ORS CSCDP).

Aneesh currently serves as Vice Chair of the AAOS Resident Educational Committee, where he helps design and enhance educational initiatives for orthopaedic residents nationwide. He is deeply committed to teaching and has led courses in anatomy, physiology, and public health. He was honored with the 2026 Medical Student Teaching Excellence Award for his dedication to mentorship and clinical education. He also volunteers as a teacher with Special Olympics and Autism Friendly Initiative.

Aneesh is proud to be an Orthopaedic Surgery resident at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital for its renowned extensive operative experience, broad spectrum of pathology, diverse patient population, robust research, and strong camaraderie. He is grateful to his mentors, faculty, and family for fostering his development as a surgeon-scientist, educator, and for instilling a commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.
In his free time, Aneesh enjoys swimming, longboarding, learning guitar, and golf.

Olivia de Araujo, M.D.

Medical School: UNC School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Liberty University 

Olivia grew up in eastern North Carolina in a close family where she developed interests in music, Spanish and international outreach. While in college at Liberty University in Virginia, she was exposed to healthcare needs that prompted her to pursue medical school. She spent a year working as a nurse aide in her hometown community hospital and then attended UNC School of Medicine where she was fortunate to lead the Farmworker Student Health Alliance, translate for medical outreach groups, and present and publish projects with mentors in pediatric orthopaedics. She chose to train at Miami/Jackson after completing an away rotation and experiencing the program’s volume and incredibly diverse pathologies and patient population which would prepare her for practicing orthopaedics in any setting. In addition, she hoped to be able to better serve Hispanic populations like that of her hometown after training in a largely Hispanic community. When not working, she enjoys being outdoors, running, playing the piano, and spending time with family and friends.

Maykel Dolorit, M.D.

Medical School: USF
Undergraduate School: NYU

Maykel was born in Mexico City to a Cuban family before moving to Miami, FL. During his high school years, he became a state finalist and All-American wrestler, which provided him the opportunity to attend NYU for undergrad. There, he continued to wrestle competitively and earned fifth place finish as a freshman in the Northeast region. As a senior, he placed in  Mexico’s Pan America World Team Trials. As a Neuroscience major, Maykel was awarded for having the best grant proposal in molecular cell biology.

During medical school at USF, he conducted research within the spheres of orthopedic trauma and cardiothoracic surgery. Some of his research earned him finalist positions in two entrepreneurial competitions for design of a proposed spinal instrumentation device. Shortly thereafter, he and his wife couples matched at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital for residency. Maykel chose this program, recognizing the unmatched fellowship opportunities, hands-on operative experience, and strong team-oriented culture.

Outside of work, he enjoys working out, spending time with his wife, family, friend and trying new restaurants.

Joshua Levine, M.D.

Medical School: University of Minnesota
Undergraduate School: University of Colorado - Boulder

Josh was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. He received his bachelor's degree at University of Colorado - Boulder with a major in Physiology and minor in Philosophy. Afterwards, he lived in Denver where he worked full time as an EMT field training officer on an ambulance, ER tech, and personal trainer. He attended medical school at University of Minnesota. Outside of work, Josh loves snowboarding, paddleboarding, scuba diving, traveling, and spending time with family/friends. He chose to train at University of Miami for the notorious comradery, incredible operative and trauma experience, and to live by the beach.

David A. Momtaz, M.D.

Medical School: University of Texas Health Center San Antonio
Undergraduate School: University of Houston

David Momtaz, voted class leader for his cohort, graduated medical school with a concentration in research and the highest honors paired with a 99th percentile STEP 2 score. Inducted into both Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) and the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS), he excels in compassionate care and academic excellence, earning a host of other awards during medical school. His extensive research includes over 50 publications in top orthopaedic journals and nearly 200 presentations. Born in Iran, David's path to medicine involved leaving a successful career as a district manager to earn dual degrees in Biology and Psychology. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 biology GPA and a 99th percentile MCAT score, during which time he also tutored nearly every subject; he currently tutors STEP 2.

Pursuing his dream of orthopaedic surgery, his passion extends beyond the OR; he is an avid painter, gardener, and fitness enthusiast. David is also a dedicated weightlifter, lifelong wrestler, novice Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, soccer player, and enjoys competitive arm-wrestling. He is often described by close friends as a protector of loved ones and charismatic leader. David took considerable personal risks to get to where he is today, but he couldn't be happier with the success he has achieved, thanks to the unwavering support of his family, mentors, and friends.

Kevin Orton, M.D.

Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University of Miami

Kevin grew up in Chicago before heading to Miami for his undergraduate degree, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Miami. After four years of warm Miami weather, he couldn’t imagine returning to Chicago’s cold winters, so he stayed in Miami for medical school and eventually residency. With intense trauma, vast pathology, and extensive operative experience, Kevin knew Miami was the ideal program to train at to become a great surgeon. Outside the hospital, you can find him golfing, flying, playing volleyball, enjoying good food, or walking his dog, Miles.

Gabriel Pertierra, M.D.

Medical School: Drexel University
Undergraduate School: UCONN

Gabriel is a Cuban-American born and raised in Miami, FL. After attending Belen Jesuit Prep School, he attended UCONN, where he pursued an English major. After graduation, he worked for Skeletal Dynamics and later The Miami Hand Institute in product development and clinical research, respectively. His interactions with patients motivated him to go to become a care provider. His experiences in the OR and his love for working on cars, exercising, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, however, directed him towards Orthopedic Surgery.

Being a non-traditional applicant, he completed a master’s in biomedical studies at Drexel, where he led an organization that designed, and 3D printed functional prosthetics for underserved populations before matriculating into DUCOM.
Though he would miss the best Philly Cheesesteak in the world (Dalessandro’s, no contest), he decided to join OrthoNation at The University of Miami for residency. He chose this program because of its strong sense of camaraderie, unparalleled surgical experience, and the opportunity to serve the community that shaped him from an early age. Plus, he’d be a little closer to his mom’s home cooked Cuban food.

During his free time, Gabe likes to spend time with his dog, “Ziggy-Smalls,” lift weights, play pickleball, and enjoy the Miami nightlife with his co-residents. He will also find any excuse to be on a boat, whether it’s to fish, play water-sports, or just float around under the South Florida sun.

Ronald Swonger, M.D.

Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University of South Florida

Ron was born in Clearwater, Florida and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended the University of South Florida where he received his degree in Chemistry. Ron attended the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where he was elected to the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Ron chose to pursue his orthopaedic training at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital because of the unmatched operative experience, resident camaraderie, fellowship match results, and location. Outside of the hospital, Ron enjoys working out, going to the beach, playing golf, exploring Miami, and spending time with friends and family.

Maksym Bartashevskyy, M.D.

Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University at Buffalo-SUNY

Born in Lviv, Ukraine, Max spent his early years attending school in both Ukraine and the United States before settling in Brooklyn, New York. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University at Buffalo, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Biological Sciences. Max went on to earn his M.D. at Boston University School of Medicine, where he graduated with clinical distinction, received multiple honors for academic and research excellence, and was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. His extensive work in orthopaedics has resulted in numerous publications in leading orthopaedic journals, presentations at regional and national conferences, and co-authorship of a textbook chapter in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty. He credits much of his success to the support of his family and mentorship from exceptional surgeons including Dr. Xinning Li and Dr. Paul Tornetta III. During medical school, Max helped family and colleagues navigate the war in Ukraine and contributed to the training of Ukrainian surgeons in the management of battlefield injuries. Dedicated to “paying it forward,” Max is passionate about mentoring students and fostering the growth of future physicians. Dr. Bartashevskyy chose the University of Miami/Jackson Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program for its high volume and complexity of pathology, outstanding operative experience, unparalleled camaraderie, and proven record of preparing residents for elite fellowships. Outside the hospital, Max enjoys exploring new restaurants, traveling (15 countries and counting), fast cars, boating, pickleball, and making the most of Miami’s sun and beaches.

Bela Delvadia, M.D.

Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Drexel University

Bela was born in Illinois and raised in southern New Jersey, where her passion for sports began early—she played tennis, ran track, swam, and even competed in the New Jersey Girls Golf State Championship. She attended Drexel University in Philadelphia for both her undergraduate and medical education, studying biology and psychology. After her first year of medical school, she was selected for a summer research fellowship at the Rothman Opioid Foundation, which sparked a strong interest in orthopaedic research. She went on to complete a dedicated orthopaedic research year at Tulane, during which she authored over 20 papers, earned a master’s in medical science, and presented her work at numerous conferences, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Bela fell in love with the University of Miami during her sub-internship, drawn to the program’s high operative volume, hands-on training, strong resident camaraderie, and the diversity of its patients and pathologies.

Outside the hospital, Bela is most at home outdoors—whether skiing, hiking, playing pickleball with co-interns, or attending one of the many run clubs in Miami. She’s an avid foodie and has a passion for listening to and mixing house music.

Cameron Kurz, M.D.

Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University of California-San Diego

Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Cam completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego, where he played NCAA baseball. After helping lead his team to multiple DII College World Series appearances, he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 2018 MLB Draft. He spent several years playing professional baseball before retiring to pursue a career in medicine. His particular interest in orthopedics stemmed from his and his family’s sports injuries as well as his passion for injury prevention in athletes and the biomechanics of pitching. 

Cam attended the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, where he led multiple mentorship programs and conducted research focused on osteoarthritis and the application of machine learning in musculoskeletal care. He also completed a nutrition scholarly concentration program, with a focus on its role in joint inflammation.

He chose to join the University of Miami Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program for its unparalleled hands-on operative experience, strong sense of camaraderie, and robust fellowship opportunities.

In his free time, Cam enjoys golfing, surfing, and spending time with his red labrador, Rawlings.

Andres Perez, M.D.

Medical School: University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University of South Florida

Andres was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He attended the University of South Florida, where he majored in Biochemistry and played baseball. After college, he returned home to attend medical school at the University of Miami, where he served on the admissions committee, worked as an anatomy TA for medical students, and helped lead the Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group as its anatomy coordinator. Andres also completed a dedicated research year at the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, focusing on sports medicine. He chose to train at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital for its unmatched operative autonomy, fellowship placement, and the opportunity to give back to the community that raised him. For Andres, the OrthoNation culture of camaraderie, excellence, and service was the perfect fit. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys playing golf, running, lifting weights, and trying new restaurants around Miami.

Carlos Sandoval, M.D.

Medical School: NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Florida International University

Carlos was born in Barranquilla, Colombia and raised in Miami, FL where he attended Florida International University as a National Hispanic Scholar, earning a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a perfect GPA. While at FIU, he published research on genes affecting fertility, worked as a scribe in the Baptist Health South Florida network, and participated in medical missions to Peru and Argentina to serve rural, underserved Hispanic communities.

Carlos then attended NYU Grossman School of Medicine on a Deans' Scholar scholarship, where he developed his passion for orthopaedic surgery. He graduated with a Research Distinction for his involvement in multiple orthopaedic studies, some of which where published in prestigious journals including the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, Journal of Arthroplasty, and Proceedings of the Knee Society. Carlos received the 2024 Leadership Award at NYU for his work as LMSA President, NYU Admissions Ambassador, and Outreach Coordinator of the Annual LMSA Northeast Conference, as well as the 2025 John B. Cordice Award presented to one graduating medical student for outstanding academic achievements and community service.

Carlos chose Miami for his training because of its exceptional operative autonomy, team-oriented culture, diverse patient population, and proximity to family in a beautiful city. In his free time, he enjoys watching and playing any sport, weightlifting, attending concerts, spending quality time with family and friends, and exploring Miami's beaches and food scene.

Omar Tarawneh M.D.

Medical School: New York Medical College
Undergraduate School: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Originally from New York City, Omar spent his early years attending school both in Amman, Jordan and Wisconsin. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin (Go Badgers!), double majoring in Biology and Psychology, followed by a Master’s in Physiology at Georgetown University. He returned home for his M.D. at New York Medical College, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and graduated among the top of his class with research distinction.

Between his third and fourth years of medical school, Omar pursued his passion for research with a research fellowship in spine at the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute under the legendary Dr. Alexander Vaccaro. His work throughout medical school resulted in over 50 publications and national recognition, including multiple institutional and society awards for academic excellence and research.

Omar chose to train at the University of Miami for its diverse and complex patient pathology, outstanding operative experience, exceptional attending mentorship, and proven record of elite fellowships year after year. He was especially drawn to the program after an incredible experience on his sub internship, where the camaraderie and culture of the residency were unmatched.

Outside of the hospital, Omar is a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan who enjoys watching sports, working out, chess, barbecuing, and relaxing by the pool.

Roland Zama, M.D.

Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University of Maryland-College Park

Originally from Cameroon, Roland later moved to the United States and is proud to be a first-generation physician. He earned his MD at Georgetown University School of Medicine, where he served as Student Body President and co-chaired initiatives supporting diversity and mentorship. He completed a dedicated research year at the Curtis National Hand Center, leading multiple clinical studies and presenting at national and international meetings. Prior to medicine, he worked as a private contractor and project manager on classified federal projects with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Homeland Security, sharpening his leadership and organizational skills. Roland chose the University of Miami Orthopaedic Surgery program for its high operative volume, resident-led training environment, and the opportunity to care for a uniquely diverse patient population. Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing soccer and tennis, mentoring students, and following Manchester United.

Eric Kholodovsky, M.D.

Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Rutgers University 

Eric was born in Queens, NY and grew up in Manalapan, NJ. While attending high school at the Academy of Allied Health and Science, Eric participated in a mentorship program with an Orthopedic Trauma surgeon and fell in love with Orthopedics. He then attended the Rutgers university honors college for his undergraduate studies where he received his degree in cell biology and neuroscience. Eric then attended the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine with a pathway in biomedical engineering. He achieved more than 15 publications in musculoskeletal oncology, sports medicine, and spine surgery that were published in top journals such as JBJS and OJSM. After four years in Miami, Eric couldn’t imagine doing his residency anywhere else given the strong operative experience, vast clinical pathology, and the beautiful Miami weather. Outside the hospital, Eric loves golfing, grilling, exploring local breweries, and spending time in the Miami sun.

Josue Marquez, M.D.

Medical School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Undergraduate School: University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Born in Colombia and raised in Costa Rica, Josue immigrated to the United States as a teenager and completed his undergraduate education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst before attending Brown University for medical school. His experiences as an EMT, medical Spanish interpreter, mentor, and orthopaedic researcher reinforced his passion for restoring function and improving patients’ quality of life through surgery. His academic interests include orthopaedic trauma, infection, and clinical outcomes research.  

Outside of medicine, Josue enjoys spending time with his wife and son, attending church, strength training, playing tennis, learning about personal finance, and traveling. He is fluent in English and Spanish and looks forward to building a career as an academic orthopaedic surgeon while serving the South Florida community.

Megan Sardis, M.D.

Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Yale University 

Born and raised in New Jersey, Megan attended Yale University, where she majored in Global Affairs. While at Yale, she founded SNUGS National, a nonprofit organization that provides free swim instruction as adjunctive therapy for children with neuromuscular and developmental conditions. SNUGS has grown to more than 10 college-based chapters across the country and has served hundreds of children over the years. She continues to lead the organization today.

After college, she spent one year conducting clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, followed by a year working in medical technology consulting in New York City. She then attended the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she completed an accelerated three-year curriculum before beginning orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital.

She chose to continue her training at Miami for its exceptional operative experience, high-volume and complex pathology, and the strong mentorship and team-oriented culture that define OrthoNation.

Outside of the hospital, Megan enjoys swimming, staying active, spending time with friends and family, and exploring Miami’s restaurants and beaches.

Aziz Shittu, M.D.

Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: State University of New York College at Buffalo

Aziz was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where weekends spent renovating apartments alongside his father first sparked his love for working with his hands. He completed his undergraduate studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo, earning a B.S. in Medical Technology and NIH funding for research, before attending the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine on a merit scholarship.

At Miami, Aziz published across multiple orthopaedic subspecialties and presented at regional and national conferences. He served on the executive board of the Future Leaders in Surgery Symposium for Underrepresented Students and led mentorship initiatives at Miller, later publishing research that quantified their impact on students' confidence, networks, and subspecialty knowledge.

Aziz chose to stay at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital for orthopaedic residency because of what he has seen this program demand and produce: surgeons who are technically sharp, composed under pressure, and capable of operating on some of the most complex pathology in the country.

Outside the hospital, Aziz is a passionate golfer who first picked up the game as a caddie in Buffalo. He is a proud Buffalo Bills fan, chases new cities and experiences whenever he can, and keeps himself active year-round.

Levi Travis, M.D.

Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Florida Atlantic University

Levi was born and raised in Boynton Beach, Florida. He attended Florida Atlantic University for undergrad, where he majored in Biological Sciences and conducted research in aquatic botany. During college, he served as the Organic Chemistry I Supplemental Instruction Leader, grew a tutoring business focused on science, math, and test prep, and developed a love for competitive powerlifting and soccer.

Before medical school, Levi worked as a clinical research assistant at a clinical trial company, continued growing his tutoring business, and played a season as a winger for Lauderdale Soccer Club. During this time, he also founded Althea Nonprofit Organization, dedicated to coordinating prosthetic care for underserved amputees.

Levi found his passion for orthopaedics during medical school at the University of Miami through hands-on experience at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the mentorship of the incredible residents and faculty. He was drawn to the program's diverse patient population, autonomy, outstanding surgical training, and close-knit culture. Outside the hospital, he enjoys taking advantage of everything Miami has to offer, especially the Peruvian food and cafecito, the resident/physician soccer league, and year-round beach access. He is also a devoted fan of Liverpool FC.

Ximena van Tienhoven, M.D.

Medical School: Universidad Anáhuac Escuela de Medicina

Ximena was born in Portugal and raised in Mexico City, where her passion for athletics, leadership, and medicine developed early. A competitive tennis player throughout her youth, she competed in national championships and learned the discipline, resilience, and teamwork that continue to shape her approach to orthopaedic surgery today. She attended Universidad Anáhuac México for medical school, where she served as student council president and became actively involved in mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement initiatives. During this time, she also worked closely with the Shriners Hospital system in Mexico City, an experience that deepened her commitment to caring for pediatric and underserved patient populations.

Throughout medical school, Ximena pursued a wide range of academic and research opportunities, including summer research experiences in Hematology and Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania. These experiences strengthened her interest in evidence-based medicine, multidisciplinary collaboration, and academic surgery. Her passion for orthopaedics ultimately solidified during her rotation at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she was drawn to the program’s operative experience, complexity of pathology, diverse patient population, and strong culture of resident camaraderie and mentorship.

Outside of medicine, Ximena is an avid endurance athlete and lifelong sports enthusiast. In addition to her background in competitive tennis, she enjoys triathlon training and has completed multiple Ironman 70.3 races. She loves staying active outdoors, exploring Miami, and constantly seeking new personal and professional challenges.

Wilson Vaughan, M.D.

Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Tulane University

Wilson was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended Tulane University, where he studied Public Health and Spanish, before earning a Master’s degree in Pharmacology and later completing his medical education at Tulane University School of Medicine. Before this, he was an orthopaedic spine surgery research fellow at the Vanderbilt Spine Outcomes Laboratory, where he published more than 15 peer-reviewed manuscripts as well as multiple book chapters and national/international presentations. During his medical school training, he was named a DeBakey Research Scholar and further solidified his interest in orthopaedics. He chose the University of Miami/Jackson Health System Orthopaedic Surgery Residency for its exceptional exposure to every orthopaedic subspecialty, diverse and high-volume pathology, and the opportunity to train alongside leaders in the field. He is also interested in mentorship and medical education. Outside of medicine, he enjoys fishing, tennis, golf, working out, working on cars, and watching football.