Mark Weidenbaum, MD - ColumbiaDoctors

Dr. Michael G. Vitale specializes in the non-operative and operative treatment of complex pediatric scoliosis and other spinal disorders, and performs approximately 200 scoliosis procedures every year, half of which are in children less than 8 years of age. Dr. Vitale has a special interest in innovative treatments for younger children with scoliosis, including the use of a magnetic spine lengthening device (MAGEC) which eliminates the need to perform repeat spinal surgeries every 6-9 months on growing children, non-fusion procedures such as vertebral stapling and vertebral tethers, growing rods, and the Shilla procedure. As part of his commitment to innovation in Scoliosis treatment, Dr. Vitale helps to lead the Childrens Spine Study Group, which conducts extensive multicenter international research focused on improving the care of young people with scoliosis. Dr. Vitale also leads the Conservative Treatment of Scoliosis Center, with Co-Director Hagit Berdishevsky. One of the only programs of its kind, the Center focuses on avoiding surgery with attention to scoliosis specific Schroth physical therapy and state-of-the art expert brace options including the Rigo System Cheneau brace. For the youngest children with scoliosis, Dr. Vitale runs an active Mehta casting program and has successfully used this method to reverse spinal curvature in numerous patients. For those who need surgery, Dr. Vitale, also the Chief Quality Officer for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, has a focus on making sure every procedure is done in the safest possible way. In fact, Dr. Vitale has written extensively on best practices in the care of patients with scoliosis.In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Vitale serves as director of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Research Group and leads the clinical research team in their efforts, which are often funded by multi-year grants, published in leading medical journals, and presented at national and international conferences. Under Dr. Vitales leadership, the group has published over 150 peer reviewed publications in the field.In recognition of his clinical and academic leadership, Dr. Vitale has received numerous national awards from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America including the Arthur H. Huene Memeorial Award, the Angela M Kuo Award Young Investigator Award, the Robert Hensinger Scientific Paper Award, as well as the Hansjorg Wyss Research Award, the Frank Stinchfield Research Award, the Rosamond Kane Award in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, and the Harrison Mclaughin Award.Dr. Vitale also serves numerous roles in the national governance of the field currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, chairing the International Pediatric Orthopaedic Society, leading the efforts of the Scoliosis Research Society on Advocacy for Unmet Needs of Children for Pediatric Medical Devices, serving on the Executive Committee of the Childrens Spine Study Group, and is a Member of the prestigious International Pediatric Orthopaedic Think Tank. Dr. Vitale is the recipient of the Castle Connolly Top Doctors award for 5 consecutive years and has been named Top 50 Physicians in the US in the area of Scoliosis Care by Beckers Spine Review. An avid skier, marathon runner and recreational triathlete, Dr. Vitales biggest pleasure is spending his free time with his wife and four Sons.

Dr. Katherine Rosenwasser is the Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) / Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York (MSCHONY).She is an expert in the operative and non-operative treatment of lower extremity deformity and musculoskeletal trauma in pediatric patients from infants to adolescents. Her practice focuses on caring for children with limb-length discrepancies, clubfoot, congenital deformities, and those requiring complex lower extremity reconstructive surgeries. Dr. Rosenwassers advanced training allows her to leverage the latest surgical techniques and non-operative therapies to provide life-altering interventions for young patients.After receiving her medical degree from Columbia Universitys Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Dr. Rosenwasser remained at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian where she completed residency training in orthopedic surgery, serving as executive chief resident. Following her residency, Dr. Rosenwasser completed dual fellowships in pediatric orthopedic surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and pediatric limb lengthening and reconstruction under the direction of Dr. John Herzenberg at the Sinai Hospitals Ruben Institute for Advanced Orthopedics in Baltimore, Maryland.Dr. Rosenwasser is an active member of the academic orthopedic community, both as a member of numerous national organizations and as an active researcher with a variety of ongoing research projects focused on improving patient outcomes for children who require complex orthopedic care.

Dr. John Cooper is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstructive surgery, with a focus on primary and revision hip and knee joint replacement, hip preservation surgery, and hip and knee arthroscopy. He is skilled in minimally invasive total joint arthroplasty, including anterior approach hip replacement, as well as advanced techniques in managing complications of failed or painful hip and knee replacements. Dr. Cooper has published numerous articles and book chapters on clinical outcomes and complications of hip and knee replacements. Topics include: diagnosis and management of periprosthetic joint infection, implant loosening, bearing surface wear and osteolysis as well as periprosthetic fractures. He is considered an expert on corrosion at modular junctions in total hip arthroplasty and the body’s reaction to metal wear debris. He has been an invited speaker on these and other topics at national and international orthopedic meetings. Originally from South Carolina, Dr. Cooper graduated summa cum laude from Duke University with a degree in mechanical engineering and materials science and a second major in biological anthropology and anatomy. He completed his medical education in New York at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and his orthopedic residency at Lenox Hill Hospital. Dr. Cooper completed his fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery at the renowned Rush University Medical Center / DuPage Hospital combined program in Chicago.