
Mara Karamitopoulos, MD
Photo: °µĶųTV Langone Staff
Mara Karamitopoulos, MD, a renowned specialist in neuromuscular conditions, has been appointed chief of the in the at °µĶųTV Grossman School of Medicine and lead for pediatric orthopedic surgery services at Hassenfeld Childrenās Hospital at °µĶųTV Langone.
Dr. Karamitopoulos, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, is a leader in the field of pediatric orthopedic surgery, having managed multidisciplinary teams since she joined °µĶųTV Langone in 2016. She treats a variety of pediatric orthopedic conditions, specializing in care for children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other neuromuscular conditions. She heads a multidisciplinary neuromuscular clinicāone of just a few in New Yorkāat the Center for Children, part of Hassenfeld Childrenās Hospital. In her new post, she hopes to continue developing programs and facilities for general orthopedic issues in children such as sports injuries, hip dysplasia, lower extremity and foot deformities, and gait disorders while developing treatment plans specific to each childās medical, physical, and emotional needs.
āI am so excited to continue growing our amazing pediatric orthopedics program at Hassenfeld Childrenās Hospital,ā Dr. Karamitopoulos said. āIt is such a joy to help a child get back to doing what they love, and I hope to bring this feeling to any child who comes through our doors, whether it is through surgery, compassionate communication, or simply listening.ā
For children born with neuromuscular conditions and other disabilities, there are often significant barriers to care. Dr. Karamitopoulos, who also holds a masterās degree in public health from °µĶųTV, has a strong focus on social determinants of health and is particularly passionate about the importance of multilingual care for those who may not speak English as their first language or struggle with accessing care in other ways due to socioeconomic status, geographical location, and other factors.
āWe are thrilled to elevate Dr. Karamitopoulos as the divisionās new leader,ā said Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD, the Walter A.L. Thompson Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. āHer combined knowledge, compassion, and dedication to her patients makes her a perfect fit to steer the continued growth of pediatric orthopedic services across the institution.ā
Dr. Karamitopoulos is also a member of Hassenfeld Childrenās Hospitalās surgical services leadership team, serving as associate director for quality improvement, ensuring quality and safety remain at the core of every point of care in the surgical treatment for children. Her role played a part in the program becoming a Level 1 Childrenās Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons, the highest level of surgical verification, and one of only two pediatric hospitals in New York State to achieve this designation.
āWhether itās a broken arm, a sports-related injury, or a complex condition, Dr. Karamitopoulos and our team of pediatric orthopedic surgeons are committed to providing comprehensive family-centered care during the early formative years of a childās life,ā said Jason C. Fisher, MD, director of childrenās surgical services at Hassenfeld Childrenās Hospital and the William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Associate Professor of Pediatric Surgery. āHer leadership adds another dimension to an already outstanding division.ā
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Karamitopoulos is known as a dedicated mentor and teacher. She is associate program director of the at °µĶųTV Grossman School of Medicine and previously founded a four-week intensive summer program for female high school students throughout Brooklyn. She is especially excited about getting young women into medicine and has dedicated her career to helping diversify the field of orthopedic surgery.
Media Inquiries
Colin DeVries
Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Phone: 212-404-3588
Colin.DeVries@°µĶųTVLangone.org
Katie Ullman
Hassenfeld Childrenās Hospital
Phone: 212-404-3511
Kathryn.Ullman@°µĶųTVLangone.org