Orthopedic Surgery Alumni
Welcome to the Montefiore Einstein Orthopedic Surgery Alumni Page — a hub created to celebrate our shared legacy, strengthen connections, and keep you engaged with the ongoing progress of our department. We honor the tremendous impact each of you has made on the field, and this space serves as your gateway to reconnect, share updates, and stay informed about the innovations shaping our program today.
The Montefiore Einstein Orthopedic Surgery Department continues to grow and advance in meaningful ways. Our U.S. News & World Report ranking has risen from 46 just a few years ago to 21 in 2025, placing the program in the top 1% of all orthopedic surgery programs nationwide. The Adult Reconstruction program has been recognized by the Joint Commission as an Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Center, and our Wakefield campus has earned Magnet Hospital Status for nursing excellence. In addition, Becker’s Hospital Review named Montefiore Einstein among the Top 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Orthopedic Programs. These distinctions reflect the dedication, investment, and contributions of so many—including our alumni—who share our values, vision, and mission of delivering outstanding care to all who need it.
Engage with our growing alumni network and stay informed about departmental achievements and opportunities.
As medicine continues to evolve, we are pursuing new avenues to meet growing demand. Our reach has expanded beyond the Bronx to Manhattan, Westchester, Nyack, Mount Vernon, and New Rochelle—bringing world-class orthopedic care closer to the diverse communities we serve. Today, our program includes a core faculty of more than 50 orthopedic and podiatric surgeons, 20 additional surgeons in Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care offices, and over 30 physician extenders. Our commitment to advancing care and meeting the clinical needs of our patients has never been stronger.
Chairman, Orthopedic Surgery
Neil J. Cobelli, MD
Chairman, Orthopedic Surgery
Ferdinand J. Chan, MD
Director, Sports Medicine Research
Vanessa Charubhumi, MD
Attending Physician, Orthopedic Surgery
Benjamin Berenfeld, MD
Attending Physician, Orthopedic Surgery
David Gonzalez, MD
Chief, Sports Medicine
Alexa J. Karkenny, MD
Director, Pediatric Orthopedic Education
Jonathan D. Krystal, MD
Chief, Spine
This year marks several exciting initiatives. We have begun planning a state-of-the-art Sports Medicine office at our Hutchinson Campus, designed to serve athletes of all ages and skill levels. At our Moses Campus, a full renovation of our MAP 6 office is underway, expanding clinical spaces and modernizing the look and feel of the entire floor.
Vice-Chairman, Strategy and Innovation
We are proud to host the 14th Annual Musculoskeletal Repair and Regeneration Symposium, the only program of its kind in the NYC tri-state region. This event explores basic, translational, and clinical aspects of musculoskeletal disease, featuring relevant technologies and cutting-edge strategies to improve our understanding and treatment of these conditions.
Professor Emeritus, Orthopedic Surgery
Residency
Montefiore Einstein has always been defined by its depth of clinical experience, the intensity of its learning, and the camaraderie forged in shared purpose. Today, that legacy continues. Residents still train in a culture that prizes collaboration, mentorship, and innovation. They gain unparalleled surgical exposure, learn from leaders across every subspecialty, and carry forward the same spirit of curiosity and compassion that shaped generations before them.
Over the past several years, our residents’ OITE performance has shown an impressive upward trajectory with scores in the top 25% nationally, reflecting a deep commitment to learning and excellence. In recognition of this success, the ACGME has granted us a seventh residency position, allowing us to further expand our program’s reach and educational impact.
Director, Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program
Fellowships
Montefiore Einstein Orthopedic Surgery has expanded its academic offerings beyond the residency experience many of our alumni remember. Today, the department offers five one-year fellowships in subspecialties including orthopedic oncology, pediatric orthopedic surgery, shoulder and elbow reconstruction, hand and upper extremity, and adult reconstruction. These fellowships provide advanced clinical depth and rich research opportunities, preparing the next generation of orthopedic leaders while building on the existing foundation established by our alumni.