From left to right: Ben Alman, Tim Kreulen, Elshaday Belay, and Brian Brigman

We are delighted to announce that Tim Kreulen and Elshaday Belay were selected as the inaugural students in the combined medical school – orthopaedic residency program at Duke. They were selected following a rigorous process including an application, interviews, and observation on a mini-rotation on the orthopaedic service. Following their second year of medical school, they will begin a focused third year experience before entering orthopaedic residency training. The program has undergone several years of planning, with input from scores of individuals in the school, residency, as well as various regulatory bodies. Bill Hardaker was especially passionate about this program, and played a leadership role in it until his untimely passing.

Tim was born in Scranton, PA, and raised in nearby Clarks Summit. He studied chemistry at Duke University as an undergraduate. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, running, and going to the gym.

Elshaday is originally from Ethiopia but grew up in Houston, TX. He studied biochemistry as an undergraduate at Case Western Reserve University, where he also played soccer. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and skiing.

Both Tim and Elshaday report that they are also avid Duke Basketball fans.

Please join us in welcoming Tim and Elshaday to our orthopaedic family, and thanking Brian and Fraser for all of their hard work in the implementation and selection process.