Dr. Ralph Salvagno and the late Dr. Tom Altizer joined together in 1996 to found the Center for Joint Surgery & Sports Medicine in Hagerstown, Maryland. Both doctors embraced their vision to more fully improve the quality of patients’ lives through total joint replacement, while engaging with the local community through charitable and philanthropic causes to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

Dr. Roberta “Bobbie” Rothen joined the group in 2001. After previously serving 16 years in the U.S. Navy, including spending time as the General Medical Officer on a base in South Korea,  she brought with her a wealth of experience in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries and sports medicine. As the practice continued to grow, the division added the expertise of Dr. Wayne Leadbetter, an orthopaedic surgeon with over 40 years of experience and a specialty in providing nonsurgical knee treatments. Most recently, Dr. Alvaro Cabezas came onboard, focusing on total joint replacements to help round out the Center for Joint Surgery & Sports Medicine’s offerings. Dr. Cabezas is a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving under Operation Enduring Freedom. Being fluent in Spanish, he has helped bring comprehensive care to a wider range of patients.

Under founder Dr. Salvagno’s leadership, the Center for Joint Surgery & Sports Medicine emphasizes giving back to the local community through a variety of initiatives. Starting 18 years ago, the division hosts an annual “Joint Reunion” for all former patients to recognize their successful return to active lifestyles. With 600 confirmed attendees, this year’s gala promises to be the largest to date, a true testament to the deep bonds the doctors and staff have forged with their patients. The entire staff volunteers their time to help with serving meals, and the annual get-together has become a cherished event for all involved.

In honor of Dr. Altizer, the division endowed an annual scholarship program, providing assistance each year to two high school seniors who have shown strong academic excellence, commitment to civic engagement and perseverance in the face of adversity. The 2014 recipients – Cora Cozia and Taylor Brooke – will be pursuing studies in medicine at Temple University and Hagerstown Community College, respectively. In addition, Dr. Salvagno developed a Joint Cruise program, which provides the opportunity to sail the seas with former total joint replacement patients, celebrating their health and providing continued orthopaedic education. This past May, 95 patients joined the cruise, departing from the Port of Baltimore before traveling on to the Bahamas. The wonderful vacation included a game of “Joint Jeopardy,” specialty tailored exercise lessons, lectures by Dr. Salvagno and a culminating cocktail party.

Realizing the importance of empowering the private practice model to deliver the highest-quality and most compassionate orthopaedic care, the doctors were excited to join The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics to preserve this unique physician/patient relationship. While still being able to keep their own autonomy and unique identity, the Center for Joint Surgery & Sports Medicine enjoys the opportunity to share the best practices and referrals across the entire organization. Moving ahead, the doctors look forward to continuing to grow as an organization, working more cohesively to achieve the same unifying goal – to improve the delivery of orthopaedic care.

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