Celebrating New Beginnings: A Look at SPRI's Fellowship Ceremony
Honoring the Future of Orthopaedics at SPRI
Every year, Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) and The Steadman Clinic come together to celebrate a pivotal tradition—honoring the achievements of outgoing fellows while also welcoming a fresh cohort of aspiring surgeons. This summer, a special ceremony was hosted at Donovan Pavilion, marking an essential chapter in the journeys of surgical fellows who have committed a year to rigorous subspecialty training.
Transformational Moments in Surgical Training
The recent “Hail and Farewell” ceremony not only recognized the accomplishments of the 2024–25 fellows but also ushered in the incoming class for 2025–26. It was a heartfelt gathering that included mentors, staff, and peers coming together to celebrate both growth and new beginnings. Ten commendable fellows commenced their extensive 12-month training program, surrounded by the guidance of internationally recognized surgeons, scientists, and medical researchers.
Various prestigious fellowship programs exist at SPRI, such as the ACGME-accredited Sports Medicine Fellowship, the AOFAS-accredited Foot and Ankle Surgery Fellowship, and an exciting addition this year, the Spine Fellowship, which welcomed its inaugural fellow.
From Learners to Leaders
As new fellows began their education, ten outgoing members marked their transition to advanced roles in some of the nation's most respected clinics and hospitals. Their experience at SPRI and The Steadman Clinic embodies not only technical proficiency but also a profound commitment to collaborative care and pioneering research initiatives.
Dr. Marc J. Philippon, Managing Partner at The Steadman Clinic and Chairman of SPRI, reflected on two decades of excellence, stating, “Our fellows’ program has produced some of the most distinguished orthopaedic surgeons nationwide. Their impact resonates across the field, and notably, nine members of our current surgical team began their journey here as fellows.”
Integrative Learning and Research Opportunities
At SPRI, fellows engage in hands-on clinical training, significantly contributing to the advancement of orthopaedics through original research endeavors. Each fellow undertakes the role of author for peer-reviewed projects, presenting their findings to both the SPRI Research Faculty and the Scientific Advisory Board as a prerequisite for graduation.
“What truly differentiates our program is the profound level of mentorship and the collaborative spirit that weaves through both SPRI and The Steadman Clinic,” shared Dr. Matthew T. Provencher, Co-Director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship. “Fellows are fully integrated into patient care and research initiatives, fostering relationships that create lasting foundations.”
Esteemed Faculty Support
The fellowship program is bolstered by a dedicated group of esteemed faculty:
Sports Medicine: Co-Directors Drs. Marc J. Philippon and Dr. Matthew T. Provencher; Faculty Drs. Thomas R. Hackett, Peter J. Millett, Armando F. Vidal, Leslie B. Vidal, and Jonathan A. Godin
Hip Preservation & Reconstruction: Co-Directors Drs. Marc J. Philippon and Joel M. Matta
Foot & Ankle: Co-Directors Drs. C. Thomas Haytmanek, Jr. and Jonathon D. Backus
Spine: Co-Directors Drs. Michael Gallizzi and Dr. Sonny S. Gill
Collaborative Research for Future Innovations
The incoming fellows also gain invaluable support through close collaboration with Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Johnny Huard and his dedicated team at SPRI. Their groundbreaking research on biologic treatments and healthy aging is leaving a substantial mark on orthopaedic clinical care. The institute's departments encompass Biomedical Engineering, featuring Robotics, Biomotion, and Surgical Skills Laboratories, along with a focus on clinical outcomes research.
Through these clinical fellowships, SPRI and The Steadman Clinic are devoted to cultivating the next generation of orthopaedic leaders, emphasizing surgical excellence, patient-centric care, and the vital role of research in clinical practice.
The Incoming Class of 2025-26 Fellows
The new 2025-26 class of fellows includes:
Sports Medicine
Monica Arney, M.D., University of Virginia
Mikalyn DeFoor, M.D., CAPT, U.S.A.F., M.C., San Antonio Military Medical Center/Brooke Army Medical Center
Shane Korber, M.D., University of Southern California
Devin Leland, M.D., Mayo Clinic
Charles Lin, M.D., New York University Langone Health
Lucy Meyer, M.D., Duke University
Brendon Mitchell, M.D., University of California San Diego
Colby Wollenman, M.D., Vanderbilt University
Foot & Ankle
Elise Grzeskiewicz, M.D., Vanderbilt University
Spine
Patrick Young, M.D., University of South Alabama
Celebrating the Outgoing Class of 2024-25 Fellows
The outgoing fellows from the Class of 2024-25 have secured notable positions:
Sports Medicine
Neil Blanchard, M.D., Penn State Health
Joseph Featherall, M.D., University of Utah
Samuel Huntley, M.D., M.P.H., Orthopedic Centers of Colorado
Jason Long, M.D., M.B.A., Nebraska Orthopedic Center
Colin Murphy, M.D., Southeast Orthopedic Specialists
Benjamin Rothrauff, M.D., Ph.D., Atrium Health
Jordan Teel, M.D., United Regional Health Group
Tyler Uppstrom, M.D., Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Foot & Ankle
Chase Matthew Romere, M.D., Texas Orthopedics
Hip
Mazen Mohamed Ibrahim, MBBCh, M.Sc., M.D., Ph.D., Children’s Bone and Spine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the “Hail and Farewell” ceremony?
The ceremony serves to honor the achievements of outgoing fellows while welcoming the new class, celebrating their upcoming journey in surgery.
How many fellows are welcomed each year at SPRI?
This year, ten new surgical fellows joined SPRI, marking an essential addition to the ongoing fellowship programs.
What notable positions have outgoing fellows secured?
The Class of 2024-25 fellows have transitioned to prestigious positions in various leading clinics and hospitals across the nation.
What specialties are offered in the fellowship programs?
SPRI offers fellowships in Sports Medicine, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Hip Preservation and Reconstruction, and Spine Surgery.
How does SPRI integrate research into the fellowship training?
Fellows are actively involved in research projects and are responsible for presenting their findings, ensuring a blend of practical experience and academic contribution.
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