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Issue 11 | October 2025
People
Welcome to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Steven Liss
Title: Clinical Research Coordinator I
Start Date: September 29, 2025
I grew up in Northbrook, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago as the middle child of three boys. When I was not playing hockey, I spent much of my childhood bicycling and working on puzzles. These hobbies sparked my interest in mechanical systems and problem-solving and led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which I completed this past spring. As an undergraduate, I became especially interested in the intersection of engineering and medicine. I explored this through biomechanics research focused on understanding the early development of osteoarthritis, with the goal of informing early diagnosis and preventative strategies. I am excited to build upon the research foundation I developed as an undergraduate and bring my interest in orthopaedic discovery to clinical research at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Outside of
work, you can find me biking around Wauwatosa or playing hockey at the Pettit National Ice Center.
Amin Farokhrani, MD, MSE
Title: Family Medicine - Sports
Start Date: December 15, 2025
Dr. Amin Farokhrani is a board-certified family medicine and sports medicine physician with a distinguished career spanning clinical care, academic leadership, and medical education. With dual degrees in biomedical engineering and medicine from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, respectively, Dr. Farokhrani brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to patient care and innovation. He has held prominent roles at Northwestern University and currently serves as Head Team Physician and Staff Physician at Harvard University, where he integrates his expertise in sports medicine with a commitment to student wellness. His leadership in medical education, research mentorship, and wellness advocacy underscores a career dedicated to advancing healthcare through compassionate practice and academic excellence.
Departures: Oliver Scotting MD (10/3/25), Jacob Pfeiffer DO (10/31/25)
Life Events
Welcome Logan Lee Johnson!
Born: September 16, 2025
Measurements: 8lbs 3oz & 21 inches long
Parent: Megan Perinovic-Johnson, PA-C
Welcome Liam James Buttke!
Born: October 11, 2025
Measurements: 7lb 3oz & 20 inches long
Parents: Jane & Luke Buttke, MD - Sports Med Fellow
Welcome Marin & Wesley Lenz!
Born: October 14, 2025
Parents: Kylie & Troy Lenz, MD - PGY4 Resident
Education
2025 AAOS National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC)
September 14-17, 2025
JW Marriott, Washington, D.C.
Left to right: Stefan Zachary MD, Paulina Szakiel MD (PGY4 MCW Resident), Jonathan Campbell MD, Jeffrey McLaughlin MD, Jon Henry MD, and Matthew Beilfuss MD (PGY4 UW-Madison Resident)
As he did at the September 2024 Conference in Madrid, Spain, Dr. Shi served again as a keynote speaker and a member of the scientific committee at Ortho London – September 15-17, 2025.
Conference Program
Ortho Speakers
Following the meeting, Drs. Shi and Chen traveled to Switzerland and enjoyed a visit with Dr. Joe Schwab and his wife, Sarah.
In September our PGY2’s attended the annual AO Basic course and enjoyed some free time in La Jolla, CA. The annual Wisconsin Orthopedic Society meeting took place just a few weeks ago, at which Katie Manswell MD (PGY2) and James MacLeod MD (PGY1) presented some excellent research. The MCW ortho residents also completed against UW Madison residents in annual Jeopardy and took home the crown! (for the 6th year in a row!!) Summer, referred to as “hot trauma summer”, came to a reluctant end and we all look forward to the fall season upon us.
FY2026 Quarter 1 Volumes
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Project ADAM - 25th Anniversary National Conference
On 9/10/25, Dr. Kevin Walter and Kat Tase presented at the Project ADAM National Conference on "Supporting Youth Sports and Athletic Events: What Do Sports Groups Need From Us and Ways They Have Collaborated with Project ADAM." Thanks to Project ADAM, area high schools and youth organizations are best prepared and equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies! Learn more here: https://projectadam.com/Adam
Workday Transformation Initiative
Check InfoScope for more information on the Workday Transformation Initiative.
Inclusion & Outreach Committee
2025-2026 School Year Dates:
Sept 30th - Fractures & Casting
Oct 28th - Finance
Dec 16th - Holiday Party
Jan 27th - Sports Medicine
Feb 24th - Athletic Training
March 24th - Careers
April 28th - PT/OT
May 26th - Research
June 9th - Field Trip to MCW
The events occur once per month from 1:00pm - 2:20pm. All are welcome to join. Staff do not need to be able to attend every event to participate. If you are interested in participating in any of the scheduled dates, please contact Cindy Dusel cdusel@childrenswi.org.
Photos are from the September 30th Pipeline to Ortho with the topic being Fractures & Casting.
Breast cancer statistics by ethnicity from the National Breast Cancer Foundation: In the United States, breast cancer occurs within every racial and ethnic group. However, there are variations in statistics and outcomes across the different groups. Learn more about how NBCF is addressing disparities in breast cancer here.
Black Women:
-The average age of Black women diagnosed with breast cancer is 60 years old, compared to an average age of 62 for white women.
-Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.
-Black women have the lowest 5-year relative breast cancer survival rate of any racial or ethnic group.
-1 in 5 Black women with breast cancer are diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, which is harder to treat. This is higher than any other racial or ethnic group.
Hispanic Women:
-Overall, Hispanic women have a 20% lower incidence rate of breast cancer than other groups.
-Hispanic women are more likely than white women to be diagnosed with breast cancer at later stages when it is more difficult to treat.
-Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for Hispanic women.
Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Alaska Native Women:
-Asian and Pacific Islander women are more likely to be diagnosed with localized (earlier stage, more treatable) breast cancer than other groups.
-Asian and Pacific Islander women have the lowest death rate from breast cancer.
-American Indian and Alaska Native women have the lowest incidence rate of developing breast cancer.
-Chinese and Japanese women have the highest breast cancer survival rates.
October is also a time to focus on Mental Health:
-National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month
-Health Literacy Month
-ADHD Awareness Month
-Bullying Prevention Month
Observed focus weeks throughout October are:
-Mental Illness Awareness Week (First week of October)
-OCD Awareness Week (Second week of October)
-National Health Education Week (Third week of October)
Observed focus days include:
-National Depression Screening Day (October 10)
-World Mental Health Day (October 10)
Learn more here: American Behavioral Clinics
Filipino-American Heritage Month is an annual observance in October that recognizes the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States. The month was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2009 and commemorates two key events: the first recorded landing of Filipinos in America on October 18, 1587, and the birth month of Filipino-American labor leader Larry Itliong. Visit the FAN Historical Society website to learn more.
November is National Native American Heritage Month or
National American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month
Consider reading a book written by or about Native Americans:
David Grann's Killers of the Flower Moon is a nonfiction account of the systematic murders of Osage Nation members in the 1920s to steal their vast oil wealth. This period became known as the "Reign of Terror." If you prefer movies, the book was adapted to film and directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone.
Tommy Orange's wondrous and shattering novel, There There, follows twelve characters from Native communities: all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow, all connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize.
View this Goodreads list for more popular books by Native American Authors.
Disclaimer: The book recommendations shared in this newsletter are provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in the recommended books are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of MCW or its employees. MCW does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the content, accuracy, or suitability of the material referenced. Readers are encouraged to use their own judgement and discretion when engaging with any of the recommended content.
December is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month
Raises awareness about the impact of seasonal changes on mental well-being and offers resources for coping with winter-related depression. Link: 10 Ways to Help Manage Seasonal Depression
Key Observances and Days in December:
World AIDS Day (December 1): An international day to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3): Highlights the contributions of people with disabilities and promotes their inclusion.
Human Rights Day (December 10): Celebrates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizing human dignity and equality.
October Interfaith Holy Days
October 2 – Jewish: Yom Kippur*
The holiest day in Judaism, dedicated to atonement and repentance. This is one of the most important Jewish high holy days.
October 7-13 – Jewish: Sukkot*
A week-long festival celebrating the fall harvest.
October 20 – Hindu: Diwali
The festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
October 22 – Baha’i: Birthday of the Bab*
Celebrates the birth of the Baha’i co-founder.
October 31 – Pagan and Wiccan: Samhain*
Celebrates the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter.
November World Religion Calendar
November 1 – Christian: All Saints’ Day
Honors all saints, known and unknown.
November 2 – Christian: All Souls’ Day
Commemorates all the faithful departed.
November 21 – Eastern Orthodox Christian: The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
Celebrates the presentation of Mary in the temple.
November 24 – Sikh: Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib
Honors the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru.
November 30 – Christian: Advent
Marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year leading up to Christmas.
December 2025 Major Religious Holidays
December 6 – Christian: Saint Nicholas Day
Celebrates Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children.
December 8 – Buddhist: Bodhi Day
Commemorates the enlightenment of Buddha.
December 15-22 – Jewish: Hanukkah*
The Festival of Lights, celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple.
December 21 – Pagan and Wiccan: Yule*
Celebrates the winter solstice and the rebirth of the sun.
December 25 – Christian: Christmas
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
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Ortho News is a bi-monthly departmental newsletter aimed at enhancing departmental engagement through information and good news sharing.
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