Orthopaedic Surgery Residents

PGY-I

AzamMohammad Azam, MD

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Undergrad School: Stony Brook University 
Medical School: Upstate Medical University Norton College of Medicine
What drew me to Orthopaedics: The combination of restoring function, complex problem-solving, and hands-on interventions drew me to orthopedic surgery. Each surgery is unique and presents challenges requiring creative solutions, a process that I thoroughly enjoy.  Furthermore, I love learning and participating in innovative research within orthopedic surgery.   
What do I like to do in my free time: Hiking, weightlifting, playing basketball, and cooking different cuisines. Traveling and learning about different cultures.

 

Oliver Sogard, MDOliver Sogard, MD

Hometown: Williston, ND
Undergrad School: University of Minnesota​​​​​​​
Medical School: University of North Dakota​​​​​​​
What drew me to Orthopaedics: Orthopaedic surgery offers a myriad of solutions for patients, spanning both surgical and non-surgical interventions. We take pride in helping patients rediscover the joy of activities previously impeded by pain. We help patients who need their musculoskeletal health to earn a living return to work after significant injuries. We provide early correction of musculoskeletal deformities in infants and young children, mitigating adverse physical and mental health outcomes as they grow up. The surgical interventions provide a welcome physical and mental challenge to the entire team. After a complex surgery, the sense of satisfaction amongst the orthopaedic surgery team is second to none!​​​​​​​
What do I like to do in my free time: Spending as much time with my wife and daughter, golf, hockey, softball, watching bad reality tv (Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules)

 

Shaya Shahsavarani, MDShaya Shahsavarani, MD

Hometown: Los Angeles​​​​​​​
Undergrad School: University of California, Berkeley​​​​​​​
Medical School: Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell​​​​​​​
What drew me to Orthopaedics: I love orthopaedic surgery since it unifies concepts of physics, engineering, and medicine and it gives me the opportunity to use my hands to help heal physical maladies. There is no more gratifying and truly fun work than analyzing a problem, considering the best solutions, and executing the plan to heal a person. I cannot see myself in any other occupation.​​​​​​​
What do I like to do in my free time: Cooking, baking, traveling, lifting weights, being with friends and family

PGY-II

WatersMichael Elder Waters, MD

Hometown: Cottonwood, ID
Undergrad School: University of Idaho
Medical School: University of Washington
What drew me to Orthopaedics: The combination of comradery, excellence, and passion for Orthopaedic Surgery among the physicians remains unparalleled throughout my clinical experience. Orthopaedic surgery boasts countless opportunities to make palpable, life-altering differences in the lives of our patients. When you pair these surgeons with a patient population that is motivated to improve their quality of life, amazing things happen.
What do I like to do in my free time: Playing basketball or volleyball, hunting, hiking, running, wakeboarding, snowboarding, reading, and playing guitar.

 

lachanceAndrew Lachance, MD

Hometown: Manchester, ME
Undergrad School: Bates College
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
What drew me to Orthopaedics: The combination of interesting anatomy, constantly evolving technology and satisfied patient population drew me to orthopedic surgery. The field allows patients of all ages to get back on their feet to enjoy the activities and lifestyle they love.
What do I like to do in my free time: Weightlifting, supporting all New England pro sports teams, playing tennis, fishing, spending time with family at our lake house in Maine.

 

SteikaRoman Steika, MD

Hometown: Newark Valley
Undergrad School: SUNY Binghamton
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
What drew me to Orthopaedics: The field of orthopedic injuries is fascinating to me. I am very interested in learning how to treat high energy traumas, athletic injuries, developmental deformities, and many other musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic surgeries tend to be a good mix of both minimally invasive procedures and cases with more extensive and complicated dissections. I look forward to learning how to operate on acute presentations as well as chronic problems to restore function or improve quality of life.
What do I like to do in my free time: Traveling, hiking, camping, fishing, weightlifting, volleyball, hockey, and snowboarding.

PGY-III

MacDonaldJustin MacDonald, MD

Hometown: Billings, MT
Undergrad School: Montana State University
Medical School: University of Washington
What drew me to Orthopaedics: Orthopaedic surgery provides ample opportunities to dramatically impact the lives of patients by helping them to get back to the activities that they enjoy most.
What do I like to do in my free time: Hunting, woodworking, wakesurfing, wakeboarding, slalom skiing, spending time with my wife and French Bulldog.

 

MooreMichelle Moore, MD

Hometown: Morehead City, NC
Undergrad School: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Medical School: University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine
What drew me to Orthopaedics: I really enjoy the orthopaedic patient population and the ability to help people get back to the activities and active lifestyle that they love. My initial exposure to orthopaedic surgery was from my father, and I am proud to be following in his footsteps!
What do I like to do in my free time: I love spending time with my husband,  four older brothers, four sisters-in-law, and four nieces; there is never a dull moment with the Moore family! I am a true crime podcast/documentary fanatic #Crimejunkie. I also like to bake and cook whenever I get the chance. I enjoy going to the beach or doing anything outside to soak up some sun and fresh air!

PGY-IV

CrymesColt Crymes, MD

Hometown: Athens, GA
Undergrad School: Presbyterian College
Medical School: University of Queensland-Ochsner Clinical School
What drew me to Orthopaedics: The hands-on nature of surgery drew me in. I enjoy the atmosphere in the OR and the combination of critical thinking and technical skill required to provide care for patients.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy hunting and fishing

 

EdelsteinAlexander Edelstein, MD

Hometown: Great Neck
Undergrad School: University of Rochester
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
What drew me to Orthopaedics: Orthopaedics is the best specialty! From the variety of injuries and conditions to the many different surgical techniques, Orthopaedics is hands down the best specialty.
What do I like to do in my free time: Playing the drums, watching football, going to the gym, playing tennis.

 

WardellWilliam Wardell, DO

Hometown: Jackson, NJ
Undergrad School: The College of New Jersey
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Orthopaedics: The anatomy and integrated function of the human musculoskeletal system has always fascinated me. The ability to restore anatomy and function, while improving patient quality of life, is what drew me to Orthopaedic surgery. Using my knowledge and hands on skills to help my patients achieve their dreams, is a lifelong dream come true.
What do I like to do in my free time: Watching baseball, football, hockey and basketball. I enjoy Snowboarding, Golfing, and playing any other sports. As well as hanging out with my dog.