Acclaimed surgeon William M. Ricci, M.D. is the new chief of the Combined HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) /NYP (NewYork-Presbyterian) Orthopedic Trauma Service.
HSS wrote in its August 29, 2017 news release, “Orthopaedic trauma is the core of orthopaedic surgery,” said Todd J. Albert, M.D., surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. “Dr. Ricci is a skilled surgeon whose depth and breadth of leadership experience will only enhance the hospital’s commitment to delivering quality patient care.”
“Dr. Ricci succeeds David L. Helfet, M.D. as the chief of the Orthopedic Trauma Service (OTS). Dr. Helfet came to HSS 26 years ago to develop an Orthopedic Trauma Program. It has grown substantially and is now world renowned for surgical expertise, research and education. He will continue his surgical practice and to be an integral part of HSS and will collaborate with Dr. Ricci moving forward.”
Dr. Ricci, current president of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, joins HSS after serving as chief and fellowship director of the Orthopedic Trauma Service, and vice-chair of Orthopaedics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees at Duke University, then undertook a residency at HSS and a trauma fellowship in Tampa.
As HSS wrote in its news release, “His clinical focus includes fractures of the arms, legs, pelvis and acetabulum (hip), and managing nonunions (improperly healed fractures). In this area, Dr. Ricci has presented his research nationally and internationally; published over 125 peer-reviewed articles; more than 25 book chapters; multiple surgical technique videos; and has edited multiple textbooks including the internationally renowned Rockwood and Green’s textbook on fracture treatment.”
“Recruiting a distinguished leader, such as Dr. Ricci, is critical in keeping HSS at the forefront of musculoskeletal health care,” said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of HSS. “Under his guidance, our trauma service will grow its position as a world renowned center devoted to clinical care, research and education.”
Dr. Ricci commented to OTW, “Initially, I will be focused on establishing working relationships with key personnel to the Combined HSS/NYP Orthopaedic Trauma Service (OTS). Among the short term goals will be to identify areas of particular strengths of the OTS that can be expanded upon, and to define opportunities to maximize services, patient care excellence, trainee education, and impactful research. Consideration will be given to all ideas that will help unify the trauma team toward these shared goals. It has been extremely gratifying to find universal support at all levels, quickly making clear why HSS has maintained a position as a global leader in orthopaedic care. It is truly exciting to have the opportunity to help shape the future of the HSS/NYP Trauma Program.”
