Olanrewaju Adekola, MD

Hasani W. Swindell, MD, is fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, joint preservation and cartilage restoration of the knee, shoulder and hip. He provides care to everyone from the weekend warrior, to the most competitive athletes using the most up-to-date, minimally-invasive surgical and non-surgical treatments. Dr. Swindell has specialized training and expertise in complex knee, shoulder and hip injuries including cartilage restoration, meniscus preservation, ligament reconstruction surgery and shoulder replacement surgery. Originally from Southfield, Michigan, Dr. Swindell is a former athlete and uses many of his prior experiences to effectively connect with patients and tailor treatment according to their aspirations and goals to return to activity. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a major in Biological Sciences and minors in Chemistry and Sociology. He subsequently earned his medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY which is also where he completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. While in residency, he was awarded the Ira Wolfe Award for Excellence in Sports Medicine as well as the Kenneth A. Forde Diversity Alliance Resident Award. He was then selected to receive advanced specialized training in sports medicine, shoulder surgery and cartilage restoration at the renowned Midwest Orthopedics at Rush in Chicago, IL. During his time in Chicago, he served as a team physician for the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Fire, Chicago Steel, DePaul University and a host of local high schools. In addition to his clinical interest, Dr. Swindell is an avid researcher and has authored a plethora of peer reviewed, articles, book chapters and abstracts. He is also involved in multiple orthopedic and sports medicine societies such as the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), and the American Orthopedic Association (AOA) As an advocate for education, and active participant in research, and patient care, Dr. Swindell remains dedicated to returning patients back to their desired activity level regardless of their level of participation or their ultimate goals. His core philosophy is centered around providing the highest level of clinical care to ensure excellent patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Dr. Ernest Megdanis received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the State University of New York at Stoneybrook with honors in senior design. After deciding to pursue a career in medicine, he returned to school at the New York College of Podiatry where he graduated with Honors. He completed his podiatric surgical residency in 1991 at NY Methodist Hospital, where he is now Associate Chief of Podiatry.

Dr. Christen Russo, associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the non-operative and operative care of pediatric patients, from pre-natal to adolescent care and consultation. She has particular interests in bone health and nutrition, conservative management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and trauma. Dr. Russo approaches care holistically, recognizing that pediatric patients are not just little adults – they have different needs based on their unique family, education and athletic dispositions. She promotes a commitment to education, so that at the end of the visit, parents and patients are comfortable and understand the pathology and treatment plans. Dr. Russo graduated from Manhattan's Stuyvesant High School at the turn of the millennium. She completed her B.A. in English Literature & Literary History from Georgetown University, while serving as a student athletic trainer for their prestigious Division I athletics program. She then earned her Doctor of Medicine from the State University of New York-Downstate. Dr. Russo completed an internship in general surgery at Brown University, and returned to SUNY Downstate for her residency in orthopedic surgery. After completing residency, Dr. Russo pursued a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics at New York-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, part of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She learned and participated in cutting edge techniques in modern pediatric orthopedics, completed research in the field of growing spine instrumentation, and was trained in the conservative management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Outside of her clinical practice, Dr. Russo is focused on quality improvement, mentoring and bone health. She serves as the Chair of Quality & Patient Safety for the Division of Orthopedic Surgery at New York-Presbyterian/Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Dr. Russo specifically mentors to the population underrepresented in orthopedics – women and minorities. Currently, she serves as the Chair of Mentoring Committee for the Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society, and as a mentor for her alma maters, SUNY Downstate and Columbia University. She loves spending time with patients who are surprised she is an orthopedic surgeon and looks forward to inspiring and guiding others into this great field. Dr. Russo is a member of the Pediatric Bone Health Committee, a study group of POSNA, which is working towards guidelines and recommendations regarding calcium and Vitamin D supplementation in the pediatric orthopedic population. Dr. Russo is a Brooklyn, New York native, and currently lives, works, and parents in Park Slope, Brooklyn. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael, who is also a physician, and their two children. An avid foodie, she enjoys both cooking and visiting the New York restaurant scene and balances her lifestyle with as much fitness as she can squeeze in whether it is spinning, running, yoga or cross training.