Duke Orthopedics

🌟 We are proud to celebrate Colleen Forbes, RN, BSN, ONC, an oncology nurse navigator with the Duke Sarcoma Center, who has been named a 2026 Sarcoma Foundation of America Compassionate Care Award recipient.

This national honor recognizes Colleen’s unwavering commitment to guiding sarcoma patients and their loved ones with empathy, advocacy, and presence—often long before their first appointment and well beyond treatment. Her care extends far beyond clinical coordination, reflecting what compassionate, patient‑centered care truly means.

Please join us in congratulating Colleen on this well‑deserved recognition. https://duke.is/n/ampm

This spring, Duke faculty, staff, and students returned to Peru to advance a growing global health partnership with Vidawasi Children’s Citadel. Working alongside Peruvian clinicians, the team delivered hands-on care, led educational workshops, and engaged with the local community—strengthening skills while learning together in a resource-limited setting.

We’re proud to support meaningful, collaborative global health experiences that prioritize sustainability, mutual learning, and impact. 🌎💙 https://duke.is/2/vkdq

🎉 Congratulations to Our PGY4 Residents on Their Fellowship Matches!

We are thrilled to share exciting news about our PGY4 residents, who have successfully matched into outstanding fellowship programs. This important milestone reflects their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence in orthopaedic surgery.

Their success is also a testament to the incredible support and mentorship provided by our faculty, staff, and colleagues throughout their training. Together, we are shaping the future of orthopaedic surgery. We look forward to seeing their continued impact as they advance in their careers. https://duke.is/w/wmaa

“Mission work gets you back to the basics of health care and why most of us chose this path in the first place. The compassion, skill sets, and values you’ve developed become your greatest offering—and the blessings you receive in return are far greater than any dollar amount.”
— Brian S. Parsley, MD, FAAOS

At the 16th Annual Emily Berend Adult Reconstruction Symposium, Dr. Parsley shared powerful reflections on the life-changing impact of medical mission work:
✨ Rediscovering Purpose
Stepping away from daily pressures helps reconnect with the core mission—to heal and serve those in need.
💙 Gratitude in Its Purest Form
Caring for patients without access to treatment brings unmatched appreciation and human connection.
🙏 Spiritual Fulfillment

Mission work blends calling and craft—using your gifts to serve something greater than yourself.
A meaningful reminder of why we do what we do.

🎉We’re excited to introduce our incoming PGY1 residents and invite you to get to know this remarkable group! 🎉
🎥 Watch the video: https://duke.is/g/2bj5

We look forward to welcoming this talented class in July and to the energy, curiosity, and excellence they will bring to our community.

How can research improve everyday care for U.S. veterans?

A large national study led by Duke faculty is helping answer that question by identifying new, practical ways to expand veterans’ access to non‑drug treatments for back pain. The collaborative effort brings together experts from Duke Orthopaedics, departments across Duke University, the Duke Clinical Research Institute, UNC–Chapel Hill, Duke Health, and the Durham VA Health Care System.

The findings point to real‑world strategies that can help veterans more easily access evidence‑based, non‑pharmacologic care—supporting better outcomes while reducing reliance on opioids.

Learn how this research is shaping veteran‑centered care: https://duke.is/m/2e8a

Congratulations and welcome to our Match Day 2026 residents! We’re thrilled to have you join Duke Orthopaedic Surgery. 💙

⭐ Congratulations to Dr. Erica D. Taylor!

We are excited to announce that Dr. Erica D. Taylor, MD, MBA, an associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke, has received the AAOS Impact Award. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding leadership, service, and significant contributions to the orthopaedic field.

The award was presented to Taylor by her colleague and the current AAOS President, Dr. Ned Amendola, at the 2026 AAOS Annual Meeting. This accolade highlights her dedication to improving patient care, advancing education, and demonstrating leadership in orthopaedics. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Taylor's well-earned achievement! https://duke.is/c/2z7m

Inspiring! Research Day Symposium: Aligning Science & Society
We explored how to bridge the gap between discovery and public impact with dynamic sessions from leaders across medicine, media, and policy:
💬 Jeff Baker, MD, reminded us that earning public trust starts with acknowledging history—and building from a foundation of transparency and humility.
📺 NBC Health Reporter Erika Edwards shared strategies for taking science from our labs to the living room, helping researchers communicate clearly, accessibly, and with purpose.
🏛️ Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, highlighted why it’s essential for clinicians and scientists to advocate for healthcare education, research funding, and policy—and how we can meaningfully engage with state and federal lawmakers.
🧠 Jocelyn Wittstein, MD, encouraged us to meet audiences exactly where they are—delivering short, unscripted, digestible insights paired with quick action items to drive real understanding.