Salt Lake City, UT — The Department of Orthopaedics welcomed faculty, trainees, and guests to the 2026 Sherman S. Coleman Graduation Seminar School of Medicine | University of Utah, an annual event celebrating graduating residents, academic achievement, and advancements in orthopaedic research. The seminar featured distinguished hand surgeon and educator Amy L. Ladd, MD, FAOA, FAAOS, as the 2026 Sherman S. Coleman Visiting Professor.
Dr. Ladd, the Elsbach-Richards Professor of Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and Vice-Chair of Academic Affairs in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, delivered two presentations during the seminar. She opened the program with a lecture on "CMC Thumb Arthritis" and later shared insights from her distinguished career in orthopaedic surgery during her presentation, "Career in Ortho & Lessons Learned."
The seminar began with a welcome and introduction of Dr. Ladd by Darrel Brodke, MD, and continued with resident presentations highlighting original research and reflections on training.
Oliver Sroka, MD, presented findings demonstrating that hardware removal following Lisfranc open reduction internal fixation resulted in improved physical function. The project was mentored by Lucas Marchand, MD; Megan Campbell, MD; David Rothberg, MD; Justin Haller, MD; and Thomas Higgins, MD, with an introduction by Anne Hakim, MD.
Logan Radtke, MD, offered a thoughtful presentation titled "(A Few of the) Things I Was Wrong About in Residency," reflecting on lessons learned throughout residency training. His mentors included Jeremy Gililland, MD; Lucas Anderson, MD; Michael Archibeck, MD; Christopher Pelt, MD; and Christopher Peters, MD, and he was introduced by Cameron Wallace, MD.
Alex Mortensen, MD, presented research demonstrating a strong correlation between smaller lateral-to-medial tibial plateau ratios and anterior cruciate ligament tears and reconstruction failures. His work was mentored by Justin Ernat, MD and Stephen Aoki, MD, and introduced by Timothy Torrez, MD.
Joshua Mizels, MD, shared translational research examining cellular senescence and low back pain, identifying ZNF865 as a disease driver and potential therapeutic target. His work was conducted under the mentorship of Brandon Lawrence, MD, and introduced by Andrea Fernandez, MD.
Additional presentations included Daniel Lewis, MD, who discussed ongoing Hip 3D Research Projects under the mentorship of Stephen Aoki, MD, and Ian Clapp, MD, who presented findings on changes in L1 pelvic angle following surgical treatment of L5-S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis.
The seminar concluded with the Sherman Coleman Resident Research Award Presentations. As the Class of 2026 embarks on the next chapter of their careers, they leave a lasting legacy of scholarship, innovation, mentorship, and compassionate patient care that will continue to shape and inspire future generations within the Department of Orthopaedics.
About the University of Utah Health
University of Utah Health is the region's premier health care provider, offering advanced treatments and exceptional care. With a focus on research, education, and patient care, University of Utah Health leads the way in providing the highest-quality health services across Utah and beyond.