Newswise — BROOKLYN, NY, NOVEMBER 29, 2018 — Kola Jegede, MD, a Brooklyn native, has joined NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn with the hope of giving back to his home borough as an orthopedic spine surgeon who can relieve pain and improve his patients’ quality of life.
As a spine surgeon, Jegede treats patients of all ages on the spectrum of spine disease, ranging from cervical (neck) spine fractures, degenerative disc disease, and scoliosis (curvature of the spine) to slipped discs. He also works closely with the orthopedic team, including specialists who operate on the hand, foot, and ankle, spine, sports, and trauma-related injuries, as well as reconstructive joint replacement.
Jegede has been appointed director of quality and safety for NYU Langone–Brooklyn’s spine service. “In this role, Dr. Jegede will oversee our initiative to emphasize value-based medical care and to insure the best possible outcome for patients treated for spine disorders at NYU Brooklyn,” says John A. Bendo, MD, chief of the spine service, NYU Langone Health.
Raised in Flatbush, Jegede graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School. He attended the University at Albany where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. He attributes his interest in medicine and orthopedics, in particular, to a personal experience with sickle cell disease.
“A family member developed hip arthritis at a young age as an offshoot of sickle cell anemia, which had a negative impact on all aspects of her life. After she had hip replacement surgery, her pain, appearance, and functionality improved immediately,” says Jegede. “I was impressed by the significant change in her quality of life.”
He went on to Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven and earned his medical degree and a master’s degree in clinical research as a Doris Duke Charitable Foundation International Clinical Research fellow. In 2011, Yale awarded him the Farr Scholar Award for Excellence in Research and the Calvin Martin Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
Jegede completed an internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at NewYork Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. He also was a fellow in spine surgery at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital and did some of his training at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn.
Jegede’s research interest focuses on the evaluation of the standing balance of the spine and the effect of small spinal fusions on standing balance and ways to help patients avoid surgery.
In addition to doing spine surgery, Jegede gives back to the Brooklyn community through outreach at a school in Brownsville. “I talk to students about opportunities that are within their grasp if they are willing to work hard,” he says. “I want to inspire young people to dream big and consider a career in medicine.”
To schedule an appointment with Jegede, please call 929-455-2000.
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