Researchers at the Orthopaedic Institute at Mercy Hospital Finalists in State-Wide Research Competition.

MIAMI -- Michele D'Apuzzo, M.D., research director and Victor Hugo Hernandez, M.D., co-director of research at the Orthopaedic Institute at Mercy Hospital, are finalists in the 2005 Florida Orthopaedic Society (FOS) Residents and Fellows Research Competition.

The Orthopaedic Institute at Mercy Hospital contributed two of the four finalists to this year's competition and is the only non-university affiliated entity to achieve such a distinction.

Dr. D'Apuzzo entered the study, "Resident Education and Physician Extenders in Joint Replacement Surgery: A Cost-Effectiveness Study" and Dr. Hernandez submitted the research study, "The Patellar Meniscus in Total Knee Arthroplasty." Before a winner is chosen, each finalist will be required to conduct a 10-minute presentation at the annual FOS meeting with three of the 10 minutes dedicated to a question and answer session.

"The researchers at the Orthopedic Institute at Mercy Hospital endeavor to perform research that improves the quality of orthopaedic care. It is gratifying to see their efforts recognized by such an important body, as is the FOS," said Carlos Lavernia, M.D., F.A.A.O.S., medical director of the Orthopaedic Institute at Mercy Hospital.

Dr. D'Apuzzo, is no stranger to this competition, he received the prestigious award in 2004 for his two-year study on patients who received primary total hip replacement surgery without cement and had thigh pain postoperatively.

The award-winning Orthopaedic Institute at Mercy Hospital specializes in providing the most advanced surgical techniques for joint replacements, hip and knee surgeries and arthroscopies available today. The Institute was established at Mercy Hospital in 2003 and has quickly become one of the top orthopaedic programs in South Florida. The program conducts extensive basic and clinical science research.

Mercy Hospital, nationally recognized for its commitment to clinical excellence and patient satisfaction, is Miami-Dade's only Catholic Hospital. Established in 1950, it is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph and a part of Catholic Health East. A 483-bed acute care hospital, staffed by over 900 physicians representing 28 medical specialties, its Centers of Excellence include: The Heart Center at Mercy Hospital, the Miami Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital, and the Orthopaedic Institute at Mercy Hospital. Mercy Hospital is located at 3663 S. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL. http://www.mercymiami.com.