Our Team

Meet the surgeons, researchers, and staff driving innovation in shoulder and elbow care at NYU Langone Health.

Faculty

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Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD

Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD

Walter A.L. Thompson Professor of Orthopedic Surgery

My clinical fellowship was in reconstructive surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and then I joined the NYU Langone family in 1984, specializing in orthopedic surgery. I now perform up to 350 shoulder, hip, and knee replacements each year. My research focuses on the outcomes of shoulder replacement surgery, treatments for shoulder fractures in older adults, and methods to improve orthopedic resident education. One of the most important and meaningful things about working at NYU Langone is that it allows me to be a part of a vibrant community of professionals who provide the best, most personalized care to our patients. I sometimes wonder how the weeks go by so fast—it’s fun to come to work every day, and it has been this way for many years.
Mandeep S. Virk, MD

Mandeep S. Virk, MD

Professor

After seeing how drawn I was to medicine, my parents and brother encouraged me to become a doctor. Their hard work and dedication inspired me to dive in, and it wasn’t long before I was particularly interested in orthopedics. Upon experiencing firsthand how engaging and full of action this specialty is, I was convinced that it was the perfect fit for me. At NYU Langone Orthopedic Center and NYU Langone Ambulatory Care West Side, I help people who have all types of shoulder and elbow conditions. I have special interest and expertise in partial, total, reverse, and computer-navigated shoulder replacements, as well as arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs and labral repairs. I am also a leading specialist in Latarjet surgery—a surgical procedure designed to treat recurrent shoulder dislocations. I always put myself in my patients’ shoes and aim to provide the quality of care that I would want for my family and loved ones. It’s my priority to be an excellent physician, researcher, and innovator, but it’s just as important for me to be an excellent teacher who is affable and available. One of the most meaningful aspects of my profession is the opportunity to alleviate people’s pain and improve their function. I believe that achieving successful patient outcomes requires a collaborative team to develop a treatment plan focused on meeting the specific needs and expectations of every single patient. Research is an integral part of my academic career, allowing me to constantly improve the way I take care of my patients, as well as giving me the opportunity to find innovative solutions for challenging shoulder and elbow problems. My research focuses on computer-navigated shoulder arthroplasty; outcomes related to rotator cuff repairs, shoulder instability, and shoulder arthroplasty; shoulder preservation surgery in young arthritic shoulders; and biologic treatments for shoulder and elbow conditions, including using growth factors and stem cells. I am fortunate to be recognized by peers, colleagues, and experts with numerous awards, including the Ludwig J. Pyrtek MS Research Paper Distinction Award, Arciero-Warner Best Research Paper Award, Chitranjan S. Ranawat Award, and Cavazos Residency Fellowship Award. I actively publish in peer-reviewed orthopedic journals and textbooks. I am editor for the shoulder and elbow section of Techniques in Orthopaedics and serve on the editorial and reviewer board of leading orthopedic journals, including American Journal of Orthopedics, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, and Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. I am member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), and I am a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS).
Young W. Kwon, MD, PhD

Young W. Kwon, MD, PhD

Associate Professor

Orthopedic surgery appealed to me because I have always loved the idea of helping people with injuries return to their daily routines—whether it’s being able to carry groceries or play baseball in the park again. I want my patients to live without limitations and without pain. As a shoulder and elbow subspecialist at NYU Langone Orthopedic Center, I treat patients with all types of shoulder and elbow conditions, including frozen shoulder, shoulder instability, rotator cuff tears, shoulder labral tears, shoulder arthritis, shoulder and elbow fractures, golfer's elbow, tennis elbow, elbow arthritis, and elbow contractures. In addition to nonsurgical treatments, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures, I also specialize in open reconstructive procedures of the shoulder and elbow. I offer patients treatments that are customized to their specific needs and demands. Whenever possible, I recommend nonsurgical options before assessing whether surgery is necessary. Because of my expertise, other orthopedic surgeons routinely refer patients who require complex procedures, such as revision shoulder replacements or muscle tendon transfers to me. I also perform clinically relevant research in shoulder and elbow surgery. I have authored or coauthored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. These research projects allow me to stay up-to-date on all advanced surgical techniques so I can provide the best possible patient care.
Jie J. Yao, MD

Jie J. Yao, MD

Associate Professor

As a shoulder and elbow surgeon at NYU Langone Health, I am dedicated to providing care that prioritizes the unique needs and goals of each individual. My approach involves clear communication and a deep understanding of shoulder mechanics and pathology, ensuring that my patients feel supported and informed throughout their treatment journey. I specialize in managing a wide range of shoulder and elbow conditions, from simple sprains to complex revision surgeries. My training at one of the largest and most historic shoulder and elbow fellowships in the country has equipped me with the expertise to handle both straight-forward and complex shoulder and elbow issues. I perform a high volume of shoulder and elbow replacements, arthroscopies, and fracture surgeries. This experience allows me to offer advanced and effective treatments tailored to each patient’s specific condition. Throughout my career, I have focused on the application and development of novel technologies in shoulder and elbow surgery. My research interests include the application of artificial intelligence to clinical care, the mechanics and biological underpinnings of cartilage and tendon healing, as well as the host-implant interface between metal ingrowth surfaces and bone. These research efforts inform my clinical practice, enabling me to provide cutting-edge care while maintaining a balanced approach to patient safety. My journey into medicine was driven by a desire to help people and a passion for science. I chose shoulder and elbow surgery because of my fascination with the complexities of these joints and the opportunity to make a significant impact on my patients’ lives. My training at a busy trauma center and shoulder and elbow referral center have further honed my skills in managing complex injuries and making sound decisions under pressure. At NYU Langone, I am proud to collaborate with a team to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for my patients.
Dennis A. DeBernardis, DO

Dennis A. DeBernardis, DO

Associate Professor

As an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with shoulder and elbow conditions. My approach emphasizes proactive healthcare engagement, ensuring that patients are well-informed and actively involved in their treatment plans. I find great fulfillment in helping them regain their mobility and quality of life through both surgical and non-surgical interventions. I specialize in treating a wide range of shoulder and elbow conditions, including shoulder and elbow replacement, fracture care, and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries. My clinical interests also extend to sports-related injuries of the upper extremity, particularly in throwing athletes. With over 900 complex and fundamental shoulder and elbow surgeries performed during my fellowship at the Cincinnati Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship, I bring extensive experience and expertise to my practice. I am board-certified and fellowship trained, having scored in the top 10% nationally on my medical and orthopedic board examinations. Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in orthopedic research, contributing to the advancement of shoulder and elbow surgery. I have authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in major orthopedic journals and have presented my research at national orthopedic society meetings. My commitment to research ensures that I stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in the field, which directly benefits my patients. My journey into medicine began at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, where I earned my medical degree. I completed my residency in orthopedic surgery at Jefferson Health of New Jersey, serving as chief resident and overseeing residency research activities. My passion for orthopedic surgery was further solidified during my fellowship, where I had the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field. Inspired by the ability to make a tangible difference in my patients' lives, I am proud to be part of the NYU Langone team, where I collaborate with a diverse group of specialists to provide coordinated and seamless care.
Andrew S. Rokito, MD

Andrew S. Rokito, MD

Professor

The majority of surgeries I perform are minimally invasive procedures for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions involving the shoulder, elbow, and knee. I repair rotator cuff tears and perform anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions using small incisions and arthroscopic techniques that allow patients to return to activities quickly. My team at NYU Langone Orthopedic Center offers a unique, diversified approach to treatment. We’re comprised of specialists and surgeons, all trained in minimally invasive surgery, and top-rated musculoskeletal radiologists who use advanced imaging technology, including MRI and ultrasound. We also have a state-of-the-art physical therapy center, and an electronic medical record system that allows me to monitor my patients’ progress. We like to think of ourselves as a one-stop-shopping facility, with most of our surgeries being performed under the same roof with unparalleled continuity of care. Given these resources, I can provide individualized, comprehensive evaluation and treatment to my patients. Orthopedic surgery is a field in which the advancements are ever expanding, and the way we do things is constantly changing and improving. In addition to my clinical care, I conduct research on treatment outcomes to ensure that people are provided with the best and newest options. My writing has been widely published, and I’ve received awards for my clinical practice and research. I am a long-standing member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine. I am also proud to have served as the team physician for the New York Mets from 2001 to 2004.
Jean S Yun, MD

Jean S Yun, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

Clinical Fellows

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Tej Joshi, MD

Tej Joshi, MD

Clinical Fellow

Tej Joshi, MD, is the current shoulder and elbow fellow at NYU Langone Orthopedics. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Rutgers Health New Jersey Medical School and earned his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. His research interests include shoulder arthroplasty and the application of innovation and artificial intelligence to improve patient-reported outcomes in shoulder and elbow surgery.
Caroline Granruth, MD

Caroline Granruth, MD

Clinical Fellow (2026 - 2027)

Incoming
Caroline Granruth is an incoming shoulder and elbow fellow at NYU. She is completing her orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania and earned an MD/MPH degree with a focus in Epidemiology from the Tulane School of Medicine and School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Her research interests include outcomes after shoulder surgery, resident education, and mentorship.
Mike Fort, MD MPH

Mike Fort, MD MPH

Clinical Fellow (2026 - 2027)

Incoming
Maria Kammire, MD

Maria Kammire, MD

Clinical Fellow (2027 - 2028)

Incoming
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Sirjanhar Singh, MD

Clinical Fellow (2027 - 2028)

Incoming

Research Personnel

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VK

Valerie Kweon

Research Coordinator

Arthur S. Perry, BS

Arthur S. Perry, BS

Research Fellow

Arthur Perry is a research fellow in the NYU Shoulder & Elbow Division, where his work centers on orthopedic research with an emphasis on innovation and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. He graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and spent three years as a product engineer in the medical device industry. He plans to begin medical school in 2027.
RA

Rhea Arvind, BS

Research Fellow

VB

Vinay Bijoor, BS

Research Fellow

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