Dr. Christen Russo and Dr. Grace Plassche, MD are passionate about the mission of Distance Traveled. Together they launched Distance Traveled workshops in New York City. Their journeys in orthopedics are the catalyst for Distance Traveled, sparking their desire to help others receive early exposure to orthopedics and support along the journey to a career in orthopedics.
Founder, Distance Traveled
Christen Russo, MD FAAOS FAOA
Dr. Christen Russo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in pediatric orthopedic surgery. She is Associate Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Russo is the immediate past President of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS), the nationally recognized women’s orthopaedic society. She is the first in her family to go to college, and the only to attend medical school. Dr. Russo often shares the story of her “Distance Traveled” with her mentees, which are primarily women and other underrepresented minorities in orthopedic surgery.
“I am using my incredible journey to orthopedic surgery to guide others toward the same.”
Christen Russo, MD FAAOS FAOA
“I recognize how important it is for young people to have an example of what is possible.”
Grace Plassche, MD
Co-founder, Program Director, Distance Traveled
Grace Plassche, MD
Dr Grace Plassche is a PGY1 in Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University. Throughout her time as a student-athlete at Brown University, a medical student at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians, and now as a resident, the common thread has been the incredible mentorship and community that has surrounded her. Each leg of the journey has taught her something about the type of doctor, teammate, and human she hopes to be. Dr Plassche's role models, most importantly co-founder Dr. Christen Russo, have instilled the importance of having ‘grit and grace’, which she hopes to pass along to her future mentees. As she heads into residency, she is grateful for the handful of thoughtful, kind mentors who gave her the gift of an early exposure to the field. She recognizes the importance of teamwork and diversity in that setting, which she will prioritize as a woman in orthopedics.
Emma Tomlinson is a 3rd year medical student at Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons who will be applying into Orthopedic Surgery for residency. She majored in Biology and Psychology at Tufts University and played for the Tufts Women’s Lacrosse team. While Emma’s first experience in orthopedics took the form of (her own) torn ACL, she was inspired by the amazing team who helped her return to doing the things she loves. Emma is grateful for the incredible support and mentorship she received along her “Distance Traveled,” from struggling patient to current medical student pursuing a career in orthopedics. She is eager to promote inclusivity and create opportunities for early exposure to the field, as well as share her passion for orthopedics with others.
“I am grateful for the incredible support and mentorship I have received for my personal 'Distance Traveled.'”
Emma Tomlinson, MD Candidate
“My experience as a competitive athlete and financial analyst ultimately led me to orthopedics.”
Danielle Nicosia, MD Candidate
Distance Traveled Strategic Coordinator
Danielle Nicosia, MD Candidate
Danielle Nicosia is a second-year medical student at SUNY Downstate Medical School. After graduating from Duke University in 2019, Danielle worked as a financial analyst at J.P. Morgan. Her passion for medicine led her to complete Columbia University's premedical postbaccalaureate program from 2020 to 2022. Subsequently, she worked as a clinical research associate at Mount Sinai's Center for Interventional Cardiovascular Research and Clinical Trials. Danielle's background as a competitive athlete and her experience on a trading floor have fostered her affinity for the dynamic, collaborative, and team-oriented environment of orthopedics. She is also committed to community-focused patient care, dedicating her free time to work at the Brooklyn Free Clinic.
We are just getting started! Be part of a organization that breaks the barriers for those under-represented in medicine specifically in orthopedic surgery!
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