Teamwork Is Crucial in Limb Lengthening
Zachary Edelman, PA-C, is a Physician Assistant for the Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service (LLCRS). His love of medicine was fostered at a young age as a volunteer EMT in his hometown in New Jersey. After receiving surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery during his undergraduate studies, he knew he had found his niche in orthopedic surgery. Zachary is a proud graduate of Wagner College in Staten Island, where he completed the dual degree BS/MS five year PA program. During his course of studies, Zachary especially enjoyed the medical mission trips to Guatemala and Peru where he provided care and training to those in remote villages. Zachary is passionate about helping his patients live their lives to their full potential, and enjoys working together with the talented surgeons on the LLCRS team to make that a reality. In his free time, Zachary enjoys woodworking, hiking, trying new foods and spending time with his family and friends.
Tara Schmidt, PA-C, MS, has been at HSS since 2012 working on the Spine, Trauma and Foot services and is the current PA Manager of the Combined Specialty Services at HSS. Tara also has eight years of experience in Neurosurgery inpatient/clinic/OR. She recently participated in a submission to the AAPA which led to HSS becoming a recipient of the inaugural Employer of Excellence Award. Tara has an MS in Geophysics and worked for several years as a Licensed Professional Geologist prior to making the transition into medicine. She completed her degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2010 and she is fluent in Spanish.
Maxine Goyette, PA-C is a Physician Assistant at the NYLLCRS. She attended UC Santa Barbara where she ran Division 1 Cross Country and Track and Field and graduated with a Bachelors in Physiology. Between undergraduate and graduate school she worked as a physical therapy aide and an EMT, shadowed an orthopedic surgeon, and volunteered in the local hospital emergency department. These experiences combined with her background in athletics led Maxine to pursue a career as a PA with a strong interest in orthopedic surgery. She graduated from Weill Cornell Physician Assistant Program with a Masters in Medical Science. As a student at Cornell, she had the opportunity to complete several orthopedic surgery clinical rotations, including one at HSS. After rotating at HSS with an insight into LLCRS, Maxine was convinced this was where she wanted to take her career. Outside of work, Maxine enjoys running, biking, CrossFit, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Bridget Ford, PA-C is a Physician Assistant at the NYLLCRS. She attended Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. On weekends and during the summer, she frequently traveled back home to New Jersey to volunteer as an EMT, which fostered her interest in medicine. She later graduated from Marist Physician Assistant Program with a Masters in Medical Science. Her love of orthopedics was cemented when she did a clinical rotation working with Division 1 and professional team physicians in Denver, Colorado. Bridget joined HSS in 2021 as an inpatient PA, where she quickly gained interest and experience with Limb Lengthening Service and knew that she wanted to further her career in the specialty. In her free time, Bridget is an avid reader and enjoys learning to cook, exploring NYC, and visiting the beach in her hometown in the warmer months.
Benjamin Odamtten, PA-C is a nationally certified Physician Assistant with the LLCRS. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Utica College of Syracuse University. He then went on to receive his degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Touro College. Prior to joining HSS, Ben worked as an Inpatient Adult Medicine Physician Assistant for six years at Montefiore Medical Center. With a strong medical background and a great passion for the restoration of mobility, Ben could not be happier to be part of the Limb Lengthening Team.
Anna Martinez Kim, PA-C has been at HSS since 2015 after graduating from Wagner College where she developed her strong interest in orthopedics. She started her career at HSS covering overnight Team 1 Services. Anna then transitioned to a day time position covering the Trauma, Foot & Ankle, and Limb Lengthening service in 2017.
Erica Lenihan, RN is the Nurse Clinician for the Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service (LLCRS) working with Dr’s Rozbruch and Fragomen. She began working at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) upon graduating from Dominican College with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She transitioned to the LLCRS after working on the Adult and Pediatric in patient floor at HSS for six years. Her interest and dedication to Limb Lengthening patients gives her the desire to improve and enhance their experiences whenever possible.
Nancy McGuire is the LPN for the NYLLCRS. She facilitates the day to day patient flow, and provides direct patient care in the office. She joined us with twelve years of previous experience in geriatric care, long-term care, sub-acute rehabilitation, and sports medicine. She is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and has strong interests in nutrition and well-being. Her background, expertise, and motivation makes her an integral part of our team.
Omaira Dean is Dr. Rozbruch’s Executive Assistant and Office Manager at the Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service. Ms. Dean attended NYCT in Brooklyn, NY. She began working at HSS in 1998 and joined Dr. Rozbruch at the Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service (LLCRS) in 2001. She is an essential member of our team.
Kathiria Torres (Kathy) is the Office Manager for Dr. Fragomen at the Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service. She attended St. John’s University with a business major. She joined Dr. Fragomen in the Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service (LLCRS) in 2007. She plays a significant role in Dr. Fragomen’s practice.
Rosa Mora is the medical secretary for Dr. Rozbruch’s team at the Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service. Rosa attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice with liberal arts major. She then transferred to Hostos Community College to continue her education in liberal arts. She joined LLCRS in July of 2008 and has remained devoted to providing excellent service ever since.
Hennessy Sosa is the Medical Secretary for Dr. Fragomen in the LLCRS. She previously worked for Dr. Rozbruch for almost three years. She attended Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie and majored in Human Services; graduating in May of 2015. Hennessy majored in Human Services because she enjoys working with people by being able to help them and fulfill their needs to the best of her abilities. In her free time Hennessy enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys listening to music and shopping.
Shantel Robertson has joined our practice as a Patient Care Coordinator. As an HSS employee since 2015 , her skill sets have contributed to many orthopedic specialists and physical /occupational therapists. Shantel is a universal lover of music and enjoys crime documentaries. With a BA in Healthcare administration she looks forward to sharing and furthering her education to the public health.
Wilma Cortez is the Billing Manager for the NY Limb Lengthening & Complex Reconstruction Surgery PLLC. She has worked as a Billing Professional Since 2000. She has a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration Summa Cum Laude in Business Management. She works with the patients and insurance to get the best possible reimbursement. She takes pride in her job and the service she provides.