Howard Levy, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Levy has expertise in knee and shoulder arthroscopy and sports medicine. He is an attending orthopedic surgeon at Beth Israel Medical Center and Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Dr. Levy provides sports medicine consultation for several college level athletic teams and is the founding director of GAME, a non-profit foundation designed to treat student athletes. Q: Why did you choose to become an orthopedic surgeon?
Dr. Howard Levy: I had a major hand injury at the age of 13; an orthopedic surgeon saved my hand and became my mentor.
Q: How has orthopedics changed since you began to practice?
HL: Procedures that used to take three hours with large incisions can now be performed in less than an hour with minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques.
Q: What advice do you have for surgeons just entering the field of orthopedics?
HL: Orthopedics is very emotionally and physically demanding field that requires dedication and passion. Join a practice or a situation that fits well with your values and personality.
Q: Are there developments in the areas of knee and shoulder surgery you are currently excited about?
HL: Advances in surgical techniques, instrumentation and technology have made orthopedics a very exciting and innovative field. The arthroscopic shoulder (rotator cuff and labrum repair) and knee (ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair) procedures are constantly evolving with the support of orthopedic device companies and brilliant surgeons. As an instructor for arthroscopic surgery courses, I am able to witness the education process first hand.
Q: What changes do you see on the horizon for orthopedic surgery?
HL: As healthcare reform continues to evolve, practices will become increasingly hospital-based. As far as innovation is concerned, surgical techniques will continue to develop with minimally invasive techniques and shorter operative times. We are excited about new frontiers using stem cells, adipose tissue, PRP (platelet rich plasma) and cartilage regeneration.
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