Chairman receives Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service

Stephen A. Albanese, MD

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Pediatrics

 Dr. Stephen Albanese’s career has been characterized by widespread service, collaboration and generosity of his time and expertise. He has consistently demonstrated superior service to Upstate Medical University, to the profession of Orthopedic Surgery through service in its national organizations, all the while excelling as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and providing leadership to his department, in the College of Medicine and at Upstate Medical University.

Dr. Albanese is a tenured professor of Orthopedic Surgery in Upstate’s College of Medicine, where he joined the faculty in 1986. He has served as chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Residency Program director since 2000. He has a joint appointment in the Department of Pediatrics. He carries a full-time teaching load, teaching both medical students and orthopedic residents.

His service at Upstate is one of the most substantial of our current leaders, through numerous clinical, research and educational activities within his department. He has chaired and participated in many key committees in the College of Medicine. He is past chair of the integrated Upstate University Medical Associates at Syracuse and involved in other activities in the hospital, the university and the community. “His clinical work is grounded in a superb fund of knowledge, technical excellence as a surgeon, thoughtful analysis of patient problems and the literature, a true commitment to lifelong learning, and a genuine caring for his patients and their families,” said a nominator.

His numerous contributions to national professional organizations are also remarkable, including terms as President of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. He has served as a director on the Board of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), Chair of the ACGME Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Review Committee, and a director on the Board of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He has been an invited visiting professor at a number of organizations across the U.S.

It is very rare to see a leader of such sterling and consistent character who is humble, unassuming while incisive and highly effective. This blend of traits makes an ideal leader. “Steve is all about service. He has shaped both our profession and his University,” commented one nominator.

Dr. Albanese graduated cum laude from Bucknell University in 1976 with a BS in electrical engineering. He completed his MD degree at the University of Buffalo, his residency in orthopedic surgery at Upstate Medical University, and a pediatric orthopedic fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario. He has two sons, Matthew and Kevin, both graduates of Upstate Medical University College of Medicine. He lives in Manlius with Eileen, his wife of 35 years.

“There are few people who have done as much to elevate the education and certification of orthopedic surgeons, and ensure outstanding patient care as Dr. Albanese,” aptly summed a nominator.