Page 43 - ISAKOS 2019 Newsletter Volume 1

Lab Work
Most of my time in the lab was spent with Dr. Erika Leonardi, an orthopaedic surgeon originally from Italy who is now working as postdoc with Dr. Chu. As part of our work in the lab, we processed stem cells from fat and bone marrow, expanded cell cultures for stem cells, changed media, prepared media, observed the different morphology of cells in the microscope, and ran flow cytometry to evaluate the different cell populations. We also discussed the different theoretical concepts around stem cells and new research frontiers like those including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Last, we performed dissections of rat knees in order to analyze the anatomy of the joint, the menisci, and the ACL and also evaluated the effect of a torn ACL in rats. Dr. Leonardi was an amazing teacher who generously shared her knowledge and helped me to develop new lab skills.
06
With Dr. Marc Safran in the OR.
Lateral meniscal transplant surgery with Dr. Dragoo.
07 With Dr. Jason Dragoo in the OR.
03 In the lab, processing bone marrow and fat
with Dr. Erika Leonardi.
During my visit, I was able to travel to Oregon for the weekend and run the first edition of the Grants Pass Marathon. The course tough and hilly, but the scenery was beautiful. Running is one of my passions and helps me to better understand my patients, whether they are professional athletes or amateurs like me.
Marathon
FELLOWSHIP REPORTS
08
04 Processing fat to obtain stem cells and
culture them.
Surgery
05 Dissecting rat’s knees in the lab and evaluating the ACL.
09 Running the Grants Pass Marathon.
Conclusion
10 Eating the best sushi in bay area with Dr. Erika Leonardi and
Dr. Constance Chu.
While at Redwood City, I was able to attend surgery with Dr. Marc Safran (who demonstrated hip arthroscopy) and Dr. Jason Dragoo (who performed some very interesting joint-preserving procedures such as meniscal transplantation, the treatment of cartilage lesions with osteochondral allograft, the treatment of cartilage lesions with fat-derived stem cells, and ACL reconstructions).
This program helped me grow as a both surgeon and a researcher and enabled me to improve my knowledge and skills, enrich my project, and become a better physician for treating my patients. I have already begun making improvements in our hospital regarding the use of orthobiologics. I want to thank ISAKOS, the Scientific Committee, Dr. Constance Chu, Dr. Erika Leonardi, and the whole Stanford team, for this amazing experience, which will make a difference in the quality of practice and research in our hospital and city. Finally, I want to thank my wife (Ana Sofia) for her continuous support during this fellowship, and my sister (Catalina) and brother-in-law (Sebastian) for cheering me on during the marathon.
ISAKOS NEWSLETTER 2019: VOLUME I 41