Edward N. Hanley, Jr., MD
Undergraduate: Dartmouth College
Medical School: University of Vermont
Residency: University of Pittsburgh
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Hanley is chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is the medical director of CMC’s Outpatient Clinics and Telemedicine Program and a Clinical Professor of Surgery/Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Hanley has served as president of the Academic Orthopaedic Society, the Cervical Spine Research Society, the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine and the American Orthopaedic Association. He’s a former chair of the Committee on the Spine for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. Dr. Hanley’s clinical and research interests are primarily in the area of spinal diseases and their treatment. He’s spoken extensively on these subjects in the United States and around the world, and has authored over 200 articles on orthopaedic topics.

Jeffrey S. Kneisl, MD
Undergraduate: Northwestern University
Medical School: Northwestern University
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University
Fellowship: Musculoskeletal Oncology, University of Chicago

Dr. Kneisl specializes in the treatment of tumors of the musculoskeletal system. He is Director of Musculo-skeletal Oncology in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Carolinas Medical Center and Medical Director of Blumenthal Cancer Center at Carolinas Medical Center. Dr. Kneisl is a member of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, the Society for Surgical Oncology, the Children’s Oncology Group and the International Society for the Study of Limb Salvage. He specializes in the area of bone and soft tissue tumors and serves as leader of the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Group, coordinating multidisciplinary care for patients with these complex conditions.

David R. Mauerhan, MD
Undergraduate: Duke University
Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California

Dr. Mauerhan began his orthopaedic practice and affiliation with Carolinas Medical Center in 1983. He recently rejoined the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at CMC after returning from his post as chairman of surgery and chief of orthopaedic surgery at Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Dr. Mauerhan specializes in adult reconstruction and total joint replacement. He has developed several implants used in total hip and total knee replacement surgeries, and has lectured and published articles on these topics internationally. He has served as the chairman of the Board of Councilors of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and as president of the Society for Arthritic Joint Surgery.

Michael J. Bosse, MD
Undergraduate: US Naval Academy
Medical School: University of Maryland
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Naval Hospital of San Diego
Fellowship: Trauma Surgery, Baltimore Shock Trauma Center

Dr. Bosse specializes in the treatment of traumatic musculoskeletal conditions and complications resulting from injury. He is past president of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association and is actively involved in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Association. Dr. Bosse is a leader in clinical research of traumatic injuries of the musculoskeletal system and has published extensively in this area. He directs an active research program aimed at developing multi-institutional studies on complex injuries. Current research interests include outcomes following major injury, treatment of open fractures and pelvic/acetabular fracture reconstruction. In 2003, Dr. Bosse received the prestigious Kappa Delta Award for his multi-center study on severe lower extremity injuries.

James F. Kellam, MD
Undergraduate: University of Toronto
Medical School: University of Toronto
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toronto
Fellowship: Orthopaedic Traumatology, AO Research Center Davos, Switzerland and University of Washington, University of Toronto 

Dr. Kellam specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. He is vice chair of the department of Orthopaedic Surgery and directs the Orthopaedic Trauma Program. He is an adjunct professor of bioengineering at Clemson University; Dr. Kellam is also on the editorial board of many journals. He’s a former president of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association and AO Foundation. Dr. Kellam has spoken extensively throughout the world on the care of patients with multiple injuries and fractures and has contributed numerous scientific publications in this area.

Stephen H. Sims, MD
Undergraduate: Clemson University
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Medical College of Virginia
Fellowship: Orthopaedic Trauma, Switzerland

Dr. Sims specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and fractures. He teaches surgical techniques for the treatment of such injuries throughout the world, and has served as course director on many occasions for educational activities throughout North America. He is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Association and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. Dr. Sims has contributed extensively to the scientific literature on the care of injured individuals.

Steven L. Frick, MD
Undergraduate: George Washington University
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center
Fellowship: Pediatric Orthopaedics, Children’s Hospital of San Diego

Dr. Steven L. Frick is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at the Levine Children's Hospital and the Residency Program Director in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. A native of Greenville, South Carolina, he attended The George Washington University, where he graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology (Phi Beta Kappa). At GWU he was a 4-year letterman in basketball and a two-time Academic All-American. He received his medical education at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, graduating in 1991(Alpha Omega Alpha). He has practiced pediatric orthopaedics on the faculty at Carolinas Medical Center since 1998, where he is also a member of the orthopaedic trauma service caring for injured adults and children at our level I trauma center. His main interests are clubfoot, pediatric trauma, hip dysplasia, growth, leadership, professionalism, and graduate medical education. Dr. Frick is the author of 35 peer-reviewed publications and 7 book chapters. He has been honored with induction into The George Washington University Athletic Hall of Fame, and as a North American Traveling Fellow and an American-British-Canadian Traveling Fellow by the American Orthopaedic Association, and as a Leadership Fellow by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is active in organized medicine, and is currently the chair of the Leadership Development Committee of both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Association. He is the 2010 annual meeting program chair for the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, an editor for the resident curriculum project of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, and on the Executive Committee of the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society. He lives in south Charlotte with his wife Lisa, and their children, Eric and Rachel.

Madhav A. Karunakar, MD
Undergraduate: Pomona College, Claremont California
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati
Fellowship: Trauma Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center

Dr. Karunakar specializes in the treatment of traumatic musculoskeletal conditions, fractures and complications resulting from injury. He is actively involved in the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the American Orthopaedic Association.  Dr. Karunakar is active in clinical research of traumatic injuries and has published extensively in this area.   His research has been recognized at the annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association.  He also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma.

Joshua Patt, MD
Undergraduate School: Brown University
Medical School: Tulane University
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center
Fellowship: Musculoskeletal Oncology and Spine Surgery, University of Washington
Specialty: Musculoskeletal Oncology and Spine Surgery

Dr. Patt specializes in Musculoskeletal Oncology and Spine Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and AO Spine International. Dr. Patt earned his master's degree in public health from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. His primary research interests are clinical outcomes in oncology and spinal tumors. Dr. Patt's clinical practice includes the treatment and evaluation of sarcomas, as well as the comprehensive management of spinal disorders with a particular interest in traumatic and oncologic diagnoses.

Brian K. Brighton, MD
Undergraduate School: Boston University
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
Fellowship: Pediatric Orthopaedics, Children's Hospital Boston

Dr. Brighton grew up in Barnegat, NJ and attended Boston University.  He graduated with a BS in Health Sciences (Magna Cum Laude) in 1997. He graduated Cum Laude and Alpha Omega Alpha from Boston University School of Medicine in 2002 with his MD as well as an MPH (Masters Degree of Public Health) from Boston University School of Public Health.  Dr. Brighton completed residency at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH and fellowship at the Children's Hospital Boston.  He received a Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) Research Grant in 2007 to perform outcomes research in pediatric orthopaedics.   He is interested in scoliosis and spinal deformity, pediatric trauma, and general pediatric orthopaedics. He lives in Charlotte with his wife Erin and three children, Quinn, Julia, and Noelle.

CMC LINCOLNTON

Daniel T. Davis, MD
Undergraduate School: Pennsylvania State University
Medical School: Tulane University
Residency: University of Pittsburgh
Specialty: Total Hip and Knee Replacement, Arthritis and Arthroscopic Surgery

Joanne Labriola, MD
Undergraduate School: Duke University
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
Fellowship: Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Fondren Orthopaedic Group, Texas Orthopaedic Hospital

Dr. Labriiola is a member of CMC Orthopaedics. She joined LHS Orthopaedics in outreach efforts to bring subspecialty care to Lincolnton, NC and Denver, NC. With expertise and advanced training in shoulder and elbow surgery, Dr. Labriola's practice focuses on treatment of shoulder and elbow injuries and arthritis. Dr. Labriola has gained recognition for her clinical and research accomplishments and has received numerous awards for her achievements. She has authored over 30 scientific papers, abstracts, and book chapters in the field of shoulder and elbow surgery. She has presented her findings to local, regional, and national audiences. Her current research interests are in arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery and shoulder arthroplasty. Dr. Labriola's professional affiliations include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Southern Orthopaedic Society, the North Carolina Orthopaedic Association, and the American Medical Association. 

ORTHOCAROLINA FACULTY

FOOT AND ANKLE

Dr. Robert Anderson

• B.S., University of Mississippi
• M.D., Medical College of Wisconsin
• Internship, Carolinas Medical Center
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center
  Fellowship, Foot and Ankle, Medical College of Wisconsin

Joining Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina) in 1989, Dr. Anderson has found a way to combine his love of medicine with his love of football. From his days at the Medical College of Wisconsin, he formed a consulting relationship with his childhood team, the NFL's Green Bay Packers, to treat some of the players' most challenging cases. He has since been a consultant to nearly every team in the NFL, as well as to teams in the NBA and MLB. He also serves as the foot and ankle consultant to Major League Baseball's Umpire Division.

A Carolinian since 1983, Dr. Anderson is now the assistant team physician of his adopted home team, the NFL's Carolina Panthers. With a fellowship in the foot and ankle specialty, he offers keen insight into the treatment of these injuries. He also applies this experience to helping local area high school football and basketball players get back into action.

Dr. Anderson founded the O.L. Miller Foot and Ankle Institute in 1989, and it has grown to become one of the most recognized centers for the treatment of common and complex foot and ankle disorders in the country. He and his colleagues have become leaders in the advancement of orthopedic foot and ankle education, research and technology.  In 2008 Dr. Anderson served as President of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and although he recently retired from his post at Carolinas Medical Center as President of the Medical Staff, he remains Chief of the Foot and Ankle Service and Vice Chief of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. Bruce E. Cohen

• B.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• M.D., Medical College of Georgia
• Internship, Carolinas Medical Center
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center
• Fellowship, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin
• Fellowship, Foot and Ankle Surgery, American Sports Medicine Institute

Raised in Atlanta, Dr. Cohen joined Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina) in 2001. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Medical College of Georgia, he performed fellowships in foot and ankle surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the American Sports Medicine Institute. Prior to his return to Charlotte, Dr. Cohen served as an orthopedic surgeon at the Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic in Tallahassee, FL.

Dr. Cohen and his colleagues are leaders in the education of foot and ankle disorders. He helps edit a highly acclaimed journal and currently serves as the fellowship director of the nationally recognized Foot & Ankle Fellowship of OrthoCarolina. He also serves as a clinical faculty member of the orthopedic surgery residency program of Carolinas Medical Center.

Dr. W. Hodges Davis

• B.S., Duke University
• M.D., Tulane University School of Medicine
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine
• Fellowship, Foot & Ankle Surgery, St. Luke's-Roosevelt and the Hospital for Special Surgery

When Dr. Davis chose medicine as his profession, he was following in some big footsteps. A third-generation physician, Dr. Davis grew up observing his grandfather, a family practice physician and dermatologist for 50 years, and his father, a cardiovascular surgeon, taking care of people in times of need. His family's dedication and example, along with his own desire to help find solutions for difficult problems, has motivated Dr. Davis throughout his career.

A specialist in foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Davis joined Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina) in 1992. He now serves as director of the OrthoCarolina Foot & Ankle Center. He is also a foot and ankle consultant for multiple regional and national dance companies. He is a former assistant orthopedic consultant for the New York City Ballet. A father of five boys, Dr. Davis also donates his time during each fall providing medical care for local high school football teams.

He has published dozens of articles and book chapters and edits a peer-reviewed journal. He has also delivered over 100 presentations, both nationally and internationally, on topics ranging from shoe wear to surgery for foot deformities and trauma.

Dr. Davis and his colleagues are involved in the development of leading-edge technologies and techniques for foot and ankle surgery.

Dr. Carroll Jones

• B.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• M.D., Medical College of Georgia
• Internship, University of North Carolina Hospitals
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, University of North Carolina Hospitals 
• Fellowship, Foot and Ankle Surgery with Michael Coughlin, M.D., in Boise, Idaho

A native of Atlanta, Dr. Jones joined Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina) in 2004 as a specialist in foot and ankle surgery. He received a bachelor's degree in biology with highest honors from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. His training continued at the Medical College of Georgia, where his passion for surgery and anatomy inspired him to pursue a career in orthopedics. He completed his orthopedic residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery with Michael Coughlin, M.D., in Boise, ID.

Dr. Jones is a member of the nationally recognized O.L. Miller Foot and Ankle Institute and has become an expert in new techniques for the management of complex deformities.

When he is away from work, Dr. Jones enjoys mountain biking, water skiing, golf, and spending time with his family.

HAND

Dr. James Boatright

• B.A., University of Texas
• M.D., Washington University School of Medicine
• Internship, Surgical, University of Cincinnati Hospital
• Residency, General & Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children

Dr. Boatright joined Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina) in 1974 after serving two years at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Charleston, SC. A specialist in hand and elbow surgery, he and his associate, Dr. Richard Peindl, share a patent for their invention of an apparatus that measures the abduction strength of a patient's thumb. 

Dr. Boatright is a frequently published author and is widely considered to be an authority on thumb mobility and carpal tunnel syndrome. He currently serves as chief of hand service for the department of orthopaedic surgery at Carolinas Medical Center and is an active staff member at all area hospitals.

Dr. Glenn Gaston

• B.S., Biology, University of Georgia
• M.D., University of Tennessee at Memphis
• Internship, Atlanta Medical Center
• Residency, Atlanta Medical Center
• Fellowship, Hand and Upper Extremity, The Indiana Hand Center, Indianapolis 

Dr. R. Glenn Gaston earned his bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Georgia where he was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He then returned to his home state of Tennessee where he received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Memphis.

His internship and orthopedic surgery residency were completed at the Atlanta Medical Center where he served on the hospital ethics committee as well. He was awarded a distinguished hand surgery fellowship at the Indiana Hand Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.  

Dr. Gaston is heavily involved in upper extremity research and has received numerous honors, including awards from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). He lectures regularly at both regional and national upper extremity conferences. Dr. Gaston enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, their two sons and daughter. He is an avid golfer and fisherman.  

Dr. Erika Lumsden

• B.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• M.D., Harvard Medical School
• Internship, General Surgery, New York and Presbyterian Hospital
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery 
• Fellowship, Hand, Upper Extremity and Microvascular Surgery, Duke University Medical Center

A native of Charlotte, Dr. Lumsden joined Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina) in 2004 as a specialist in hand surgery. She graduated with distinction and highest honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received her medical degree at Harvard Medical School. She was an intern at the New York and Presbyterian Hospital, and completed her residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Before coming to Miller, she completed a fellowship in hand and microvascular surgery at Duke University under the direction of Dr. James Urbaniak.

Her areas of interest include wrist and elbow fractures and arthritic conditions of the hand, wrist and elbow. She has expertise in microvascular surgery and routinely sees patients with conditions ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome to rotator cuff tears.

Dr. Lumsden has served as a volunteer at Queens Hospital in Barbados, West Indies, with FOCOS, an organization dedicated to treating scoliosis patients. She also served as a volunteer with VOLU, a non-governmental agency in Ghana, Africa, that builds schools. In Charlotte, she serves on the board of the Julian Brown Memorial Fund. In her spare time, Dr. Lumsden enjoys spending time with her family, running, tennis, politics and knitting.

Dr. Alan Ward

• B.S., Franklin and Marshall College
• M.D., University of Pittsburgh 
• Internship, Surgery, West Virginia University Hospital
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, West Virginia University Hospital 
• Fellowship, Hand and Microvascular Reconstruction, University of Louisville, Louisville Hand Surgery

At age 12, Dr. Ward knew he wanted to be a physician. As a youngster, he always enjoyed repairing and building things, so when he realized that orthopedics could "fix" people, he chose to pursue the field. As an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Ward now specializes in the repair of the hands and upper extremities. The most rewarding moment in his career came when one of his patients, a child, painted him a picture with their "new hand."

Dr. Ward has been in orthopedic practice in Charlotte since 1985.  His interests include hand, elbow and shoulder surgery. He recently participated in the Phase 2 and 3 speed fracture healing.  Other interests include joint replacements of the wrist and hand for arthritis, peripheral nerve surgery and arthroscopic surgery.

When he is not providing advanced surgical techniques or teaching orthopedic residents at Carolinas Medical Center, Dr. Ward enjoys the beach and triathlon training.

Dr. Daniel R. Lewis

• B.S., Biology, Youngstown State University (Ohio)
• M.D., Medical College of Ohio
• Residency, Michigan State University, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies
• Fellowship, Indiana Hand Center, Hand & Upper Extremity

As a fellowshipped trained specialist, Dr. Lewis brings a wealth of knowledge to the OrthoCarolina Hand Center. His educational career began in the state of Ohio where he obtained his undergraduate and medical degree. Dr. Lewis made the Dean's List each year and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Youngstown State University.

While obtaining his medical degree, Dr. Lewis developed an interest in orthopedic research and served as a Research Assistant for the Medical College of Ohio - Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. His background in collecting data has served him well and he has gone on to contribute to several papers and presentations dealing with orthopedic interests.

Throughout his career, Dr. Lewis has participated in extracurricular and charitable projects. By actively raising fund for both "Race for the Cure" and the Humane Societies he has been able to give back and become a well rounded member of the communities he supports in a medical capacity.

Dr. Chris Chadderdon

• B.S., Biochemistry, Bowdoin College (Maine)
• M.D., Dartmouth Medical School (Hew Hampshire)
• Residency, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Fellowship, Philadelphia Hand Center at Thomas Jefferson University

After completing an extensive orthopedic education in the northeast portion of the nation, Dr. Chadderdon has relocated to Charlotte to join the OrthoCarolina Hand Center. He brings with him the expertise of Dartmouth Medical School and the Philadelphia Hand Center at Thomas Jefferson University, where he received valuable training and experience in orthopedic hand surgery.

Dr. Chadderdon's research interests include gene therapy. He has contributed to several publications throughout his career and his award winning work has been published in international journals of orthopedic medicine. 

ADULT RECONSTRUCTION

Dr. John Masonis

• B.S., Lehigh University
• M.S., Thomas Jefferson University
• M.D., Jefferson Medical College
• Internship, Carolinas Medical Center
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center
• Fellowship, Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction / Joint Replacement, London Health Sciences Center, London, Ontario, Canada

Dr. Masonis joined the OrthoCarolina Hip & Knee Center in 2002. He is a graduate and former football captain of Lehigh University. He earned his medical degree, graduating summa cum laude, from Jefferson Medical College. After completing his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Carolinas Medical Center, Dr. Masonis received an internationally recognized fellowship in adult hip and knee reconstruction at the London Health Sciences Center in Canada. His additional training in hip and knee preserving surgery was completed in the University of California at San Diego and Oxford University in England. He serves as the faculty chief of adult hip and knee reconstruction for the Carolinas Medical Center residency program and continues his passion as a surgeon, researcher, and educator.

Dr. Masonis is actively involved in clinical research and developing improved surgical techniques for hip and knee replacement surgery. He has published numerous scientific articles and authored multiple book chapters on the topics of hip joint preservation and hip replacement. His recent research has focused on the study and design of bone conserving hip surgery implants in hopes of developing a better solution for young adults with disabling hip arthritis.

Outside of his professional life, Dr Masonis enjoys the North Carolina outdoors. His interests include: fly-fishing, hiking and cycling.

PEDIATRICS

Dr. Virginia Casey

• B.A., Anthropology, University of North Carolina
• M.D., University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
• Residency, University of Utah Department of Orthopedics
• Fellowship, Pediatric Orthopedics and Scoliosis, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Dr. Casey is a physician at OrthoCarolina's Pediatric Center. She is well versed in all areas of children's orthopedic conditions, from simple strains to complex reconstructive hip surgery. She treats children of all ages, including  newborns, adolescents and young adults. Her special interest is in hip disorders.

Dr. Casey earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina and her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine in Oklahoma City. After completing her residency at the University of Utah's department of orthopedics, Dr. Casey began her specialization in pediatric orthopedics by completing a fellowship at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas.

Academic achievements range from awards for outstanding resident research to excellence in academic performance and potential for contributions in the field of medicine.

In her spare time, Dr. Casey enjoys spending time with her husband, Kevin, and their two children, Turner and Claire. She stays active by biking, hiking and camping.

Dr. Christian Clark

• B.S., Microbiology, University of Rochester
• M.D., Georgetown University
• Internship, University of Hawaii
• Residency, National Naval Medical Center
• Fellowship, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Nemours Children's Clinic, Florida

Dr. Clark earned his bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Rochester.  Moving on to the nation's capital, he attended the Georgetown University School of Medicine to obtain a degree in medicine.

Dr. Clark has a solid record of naval service with ten years of Active Duty spanning from 1997 to 2007. His military career included a tour in Iraq along with stints in Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina. He served as a General Medical Officer before specializing in orthopedic surgery and completed his surgical residency at the National Naval Medical Center of Bethesda, Maryland.

His free time is centered around spending time with his wife, Cynthia and their two children, Alexis and Grant.

Dr. Michael Wattenbarger

• B.S., University of Texas
• M.D., University of Texas Southwestern
• Internship, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern
• Fellowship, Pediatric Orthopedics and Scoliosis, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children  

In 1996, Dr. Wattenbarger joined Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina) and launched the region's first comprehensive pediatric orthopedic center. He enjoys treating healthy children with acute injuries as well as special-needs children who need extensive orthopedic care.

Growing up in Littleton, CO, Dr. Wattenbarger first became interested in orthopedics in the ninth grade, after he broke his arm in wrestling. But first followed in the career footsteps of his grandfather, father and brother, spending two years as a petroleum engineer. After deciding that medicine should be his chosen career, Dr. Wattenbarger attended the University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas, where he also completed his orthopedic surgery residency. Prior to joining Miller Orthopaedic Clinic, he completed a fellowship under Dr. Tony Herring at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. There he was involved in research on scoliosis and elbow fractures in children.

Dr. Wattenbarger has a special interest in scoliosis and spinal reconstructive surgery in children, including thorascopic spinal surgery. He is involved in the care of children with special needs such as cerebral palsy and myelomeningocele, and children with skeletal dysplasias and other congenital problems, including congenital amputations. Dr. Wattenbarger also specializes in the treatment of clubfoot, developmental dysplasia of the hip, Perthes and other unusual childhood orthopedic problems.

He is actively involved in training the orthopedic residents at Carolinas Medical Center and continues to publish and lecture on both the local and national levels. Currently, he continues his basic science work in the healing of physeal fractures.

SPINE

Dr. Theodore Belanger

• B.S., University of Wisconsin
• M.D., University of Wisconsin
• Internship, Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan State University/Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan State University/Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies
• Fellowship, University Hospital Spine Institute/Case Western Reserve School of Medicine

Dr. Belanger has extensive clinical expertise in a wide variety of spinal disorders, focusing on problems of the neck and back. He treats patients of all ages for disc disease, nerve impingement, spinal cord impingement, cancer, infection, fracture, spinal cord injury and spinal deformities, such as scoliosis. 

He completed his undergraduate degree and medical school training at the University of Wisconsin as part of a combined medical scholars program for accelerated students with an early commitment to medical training. He then completed orthopedic surgical training at the Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies. He further developed his expertise by completing a fellowship focusing on spinal surgery and spinal cord injury at the University Hospital Spine Institute in Cleveland, OH, under the direction of Dr. Henry Bohlman.

Dr. Belanger is Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and an active Fellow of the American Academy or Orthopaedic Surgeons.  He has authored numerous research papers, review articles and book chapters on various topics related to spinal disorders. 

He is an avid outdoorsman with interests that include golf, swimming, martial arts, running and cross-training.

Dr. Craig Brigham

• B.S., University of Oregon
• M.D., Northwestern University Medical School
• Internship, Northwestern University
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center
• Fellowship, Orthopedic Spine Surgery, State University of New York

Dr. Brigham has specialized in spine surgery since 1988.  His areas of expertise include scoliosis and adult deformity surgery, minimally invasive surgery and athletic spine injuries.  He has been chief of the spine teaching service of the Carolinas Medical Center Orthopedic Residency since 1990.  Dr. Brigham is a member of the Scoliosis Research Society, the Cervical Spine Research Society and the AOA.  He also serves as a spine consultant to the NFL. A former decathlete, Dr. Brigham participated in the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Trials and trained for the 1980 Olympics.

Dr. Daniel B. Murrey

• B.A., Religion, Davidson College
• M.P.P., Harvard University JFK School of Government
• M.D., Harvard Medical School 
• Internship, General Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center 
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center 
• Fellowship, Spine Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center

Dr. Murrey is a member of the physician staff of the OrthoCarolina Spine Center. He specializes in the treatment of both surgical and nonsurgical spinal disorders, with special interest in cervical spine surgery, spinal deformities and disk replacement.

A native of Tennessee, Dr. Murrey is a graduate of Davidson College and Harvard Medical School. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Vanderbilt University and was awarded a fellowship to further his study in spine surgery at Carolinas Medical Center.

While at Harvard, he developed an interest in studying healthcare delivery systems. This pursuit resulted in his earning a Masters Degree in Public Policy. In addition to his practice, Dr. Murrey wants to help find ways to make access to healthcare more efficient and easier for patients.  To this end, he serves in leadership roles in OrthoCarolina and local hospital systems.  He is involved in teaching and training other surgeons as well as in developing new spine technologies.  He frequently presents his research at national meetings and invited lectures.  He is a member of the prestigious Cervical Spine Research Society and the Scoliosis Research Society. 

Married and the father of two children, Dr. Murrey enjoys cooking, woodworking and golf.

SPORTS

Dr. Patrick Connor

• B.S., Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
• M.D., University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK
• Internship/Residency, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
• Fellowship, Shoulder Surgery, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York Orthopaedic Hospital, New York, NY, Elbow Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Dr. Connor joined Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina) in 1996 as the region's first physician who was fellowship and specialty-trained in shoulder and elbow surgery. Dr. Connor is the head team physician for the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Knights and Joe Gibbs' Racing, Inc. In addition to treating Charlotte area patients, he is a recognized regional and national source of specialty in the areas of arthroscopic and reconstructive shoulder and elbow surgery, sports medicine, and arthroscopic and reconstructive knee surgery. 

Actively involved in resident and fellow education, Dr. Connor is also a leader in orthopedic research and development. His knowledge and expertise are vital in the evolution of surgical techniques such as hamstring ACL reconstruction, arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery, elbow arthroscopy, and shoulder and elbow replacement surgery.

Dr. Connor serves as chairman of the board for the OrthoCarolina Research Institute and is on the executive committee of the NFL Physicians Society. In 2008, he became one of the first orthopedists in the nation to take and pass the new subspecialty certification exam in orthopedic sports medicine administered by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

Dr. Connor has been a tennis professional with over seven years of experience in instruction, and was formerly ranked in the top 10 in the NCAA Division I Men's Tennis.

Dr. Donald D'Alessandro

• B.S., Princeton University
• M.D., Georgetown University
• Internship, Deaconess Hospital Surgical Service, Harvard University
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center
• Fellowship, Sports Medicine, Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic

Since joining Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina) in 1989, Dr. D'Alessandro has been a leading sports medicine physician in the orthopedic community. He specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery and arthroscopic and reconstructive knee surgery.  He has been an innovator in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and bioresorbable suture anchors and continues to advance the newest techniques in ACL reconstruction.

From 1994 to 2001, Dr. D'Alessandro served as the first team physician for the NFL's Carolina Panthers. Today, he is the team physician for Davidson College and Charlotte Country Day School. He has been recognized for meritorious community service by the North Carolina Athletic Trainers Association in 1997, when he received the Sports Medicine Person of the Year Award. In 2000, Dr. D'Alessandro earned the Walt Disney Award, which recognized more than a decade of service for his medical staff volunteer work with the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.

In 1991, Dr. D'Alessandro was named Chief of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at Carolinas Medical Center, where he is actively involved in training future orthopedic surgeons. He has published numerous papers and lectures nationally on sports medicine topics. He also serves as the medical advisor for OrthoCarolina Physical Therapy and the Epicenter sports performance enhancement center.  In 2008, Dr. D'Alessandro became one of the first orthopedists in the nation to take and pass the new subspecialty certification exam in orthopedic sports medicine administered by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
 
He and his wife, Sally, live in Charlotte with their sons, Billy, Tommy and David. The family is active in community service and recreational athletics.

Dr. James Fleischli

• B.A., Dartmouth College
• M.D., Baylor College of Medicine
• Internship, Rotating, Carolinas Medical Center
• Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center
• Fellowship, Sports Medicine, American Sports Medicine Institute

Dr. Fleischli is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Baylor College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at Carolinas Medical Center. After choosing to focus his career on sports-related injuries, Dr. Fleischli spent a yearlong fellowship working with Dr. James Andrews, learning leading techniques in arthroscopic surgery. After completing his fellowship, he joined Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina), where he specializes in sports medicine, shoulder and elbow surgery and knee reconstructive surgery.
 
Dr. Fleischli serves as the Director of the OrthoCarolina Sports Medicine Fellowship program and regularly engages in teaching orthopedic residents and fellows.  He is actively involved in research related to sports medicine and his areas of interest include arthroscopic shoulder surgery, ligament reconstruction and new techniques for treating cartilage disorders, such as cartilage and meniscus transplantation. While these procedures are not for all patients, they and other new techniques represent exciting developments in the ever-changing field of sports medicine. 
 
In addition, Dr. Fleischli functions as the head team physician for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) and a team physician for the Charlotte Knights. He also takes care of several high schools in Charlotte, and coordinates medical coverage for public high school football in Mecklenburg County.

Dr. Dana Piasecki

• B.S., Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• M.D., Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
• Residency, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
• Fellowship, Sports Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois

Dr. Dana Piasecki's medical career has taken him all over the nation.  His education began with an undergraduate degree in Biology at Harvard University.  He then moved south to obtain his doctorate in medicine from Vanderbilt and back north to New York to complete an orthopedic surgery residency at the esteemed Hospital for Special Surgery.  Dr. Piasecki completed his Sports Medicine Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center, where he also served as Assistant Team Physician for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, and Head Team Physician for the Chicago Steel hockey squad. During his fellowship year, he instructed orthopedic surgery residents and authored more than twenty peer reviewed publications.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Piasecki has a long personal history with athletics. He is a former rower, waterpolo player, Division I NCAA swimmer, and was a member of the United States National Flatwater Sprint Kayaking Team (1996-2000). He was a U.S. Olympic Training Center resident athlete for two years, narrowly missing a 2000 Olympic kayaking berth and winning medals at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, U.S. National Championships, World sprint Team Trials and Canadian National Championships.

Beyond his love of sports, Dr. Piasecki greatly enjoys traveling with his wife - who is a neonatologist - daughter and son.