I. Leah Gitajn, MD

  • Orthopaedics
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I. Leah Gitajn

Locations

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

About me

I became an orthopaedic trauma surgeon because I wanted to be able to help people in a very tangible way. As a trauma surgeon, I usually meet people on one of the worst days of their lives. I do my best to put them at ease and let them know we will help them get back to being able to do the things they want to do.

In my care, communication is key. Trauma events are stressful by nature and people behave differently under stress. I try to understand what my patients are going through and help them understand what their treatment choices are.

Trauma is a team sport. I am fortunate to be able to work with dedicated providers in plastic surgery, general surgery, trauma surgery, emergency medicine and neurosurgery. We all work closely as a coordinated team to help our patients get back to their work, recreation, sports and hobbies.

Specialties

  • Orthopaedics

Areas of focus

  • Orthopaedic trauma
  • Periprosthetic fractures
  • Complex fractures and dislocations of the upper and lower extremities
  • Treatment of the polytraumatized patient
  • High-energy injuries
  • Fracture complications
  • Malunions and nonunions

Titles and faculty positions

  • Section Chief, Orthopaedics
  • Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth

View my Geisel School of Medicine profile

Awards and achievements

  • 2024 Top Doctor (named by Castle Connolly, published by New Hampshire Magazine)
  • 2023 Top Doctor (named by Castle Connolly, published by New Hampshire Magazine)

Year joined

  • 2016

Department websites

Education

Medical school

  • MD, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 2010

Internship

  • General Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 2011

Residency

  • Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 2016

Fellowship

  • Orthopaedic Trauma, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD, 2016

Board certification

  • Orthopaedic Surgery

Research and publications

Publications

Clinical trials