Four orthopaedic surgeons celebrated an end to their residencies recently, praising the program that shaped the beginning of their professional lives at a banquet on Saturday, June 28.
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Pictured, from left, are Charles Rockwood, M.D., Kevin Garvin, M.D., Jason Browdy, M.D., Joshua Urban, M.D., Kristoffer Breien, M.D., and John Sojka, M.D. |
Kristoffer Breien, M.D., Jason Browdy, M.D., John Sojka, M.D., and Joshua Urban, M.D. completed their residencies in the Creighton/Nebraska Health Foundation Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program. All of the residents completed a five-year residency program with the exception of Dr. Urban, who completed a six-year residency, which included one year of research. The residency program is a joint program between UNMC and Creighton University. Each of the four graduates will pursue a fellowship.
Kevin Garvin, M.D., chairman of the UNMC department of orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation and director of the residency program, said the graduates displayed a tremendous amount of talent, dedication, resiliency and willingness to learn during their residencies.
During the graduation ceremony, Dr. Garvin reminded the graduates that Charles Rockwood, M.D., an internationally acclaimed orthopaedic surgeon who gave two presentations during the graduation weekend, had placed a high value on family and had downplayed his numerous professional accomplishments. Dr. Rockwood also stressed the “family” of orthopaedic surgeons, whom he feared were breaking into too many sub-specialties in the mid-1980s. Dr. Rockwood helped to keep that professional family together during his term as president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in 1984-1985.
“On behalf of the faculty here, I’d ask that you never forget about your family or your orthopaedic family here at UNMC,” Dr. Garvin said.
Two of the resident graduates were recognized for their research and academic excellence. Dr. Urban received the John F. Connolly, M.D., Award for Outstanding Research, and Dr. Breien received the Frank P. Stone, M.D., Award for Academic Excellence.
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Physicians who presented at the orthopaedic alumni meeting included, from left, Lynn Crosby, M.D., David Brown, M.D., David Clare, M.D., Steven Hagan, M.D., Stephen Brown, M.D., Edward Fehringer, M.D., Charles Rockwood, M.D., Armodios Hatzidakis, M.D., Brian Conroy, M.D., Patrick Clare, M.D., and Michael Gross M.D. | The graduating residents and their wives are, from left, John Sojka, M.D.; Whitney Sojka; Kristoffer Breien, M.D.; his wife, Amy Kelly, M.D.; Megan Browdy; Jason Browdy, M.D.; Amy Urban; and Joshua Urban, M.D. They are pictured with Kevin Garvin, M.D., right, residency program director. |
“Being me is the easiest thing in the world,” Dr. Breien said.
The theme of crediting family, faculty and friends was constant from the four graduating residents.
“I’m proud to be part of this program,” Dr. Urban said. “The faculty gave me guidance in what will be my life’s work.”
Dr. Browdy noted that he would continue with “a little piece” of all of the surgeons who have guided and taught him. He credited the department’s sense of family with being “an excellent example for (wife) Megan and me.” The couple has two boys, Will and John.
Dr. Sojka, who took a non-traditional path to orthopaedic residency – via an undergraduate degree in engineering – indicated his indebtedness to those who provided him with opportunities.
“People took a chance on me. I hope that I will continue to realize my expectations,” Dr. Sojka said.
Matthew Mormino, M.D., an assistant professor in the department, earned a fifth Outstanding Teaching Award from all of the program’s 21 residents. Honored this year, along with Dr. Mormino, was Michael Clare, M.D., also an assistant professor in the department.
“Every five years, we say goodbye to four of you, and we hope you carry on the tradition of teaching to those you encounter throughout the rest of your careers,” Dr. Mormino said.
Resident profiles
Kristoffer M. Breien, M.D.
Jason A. Browdy, M.D.
John M. Sojka, M.D.
Joshua A. Urban, M.D.