Just a few years ago, arthritic knees hobbled Art Certosimo – he struggled to climb stairs or play a round of golf. This year, he’s sprinting across the street and planning a ski trip.
“I can do things I never thought I’d do again,” Art says, thanks to a double knee replacement surgery performed by Yair Kissin, M.D., at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Art and his wife, Terry, have pledged $100,000 to support the orthopedic residency training program and help purchase advanced surgical simulation equipment. Dr. Kissin, vice chair of the orthopedic department at Hackensack, is also an associate professor at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Nutley.
“Dr. Kissin is a magician and his team is outstanding,” says Art, who had his first knee replacement in August of 2023 and the second in March of 2024. Art, 69, said pain levels were manageable during recovery and physical therapy and he is thrilled with his regained mobility. “I stink at golf, but now it’s really enjoyable,” he jokes. “I have no pain walking the course.”
Art had severe and painful arthritis – bone-on-bone – that made him bow legged and restricted his activities. About five years ago, he was golfing with Hackensack’s head of orthopedics, Michael A. Kelly, M.D. By the third hole, Dr. Kelly told him to schedule an appointment at his office.
Dr. Kelly, a pioneer in knee replacement surgery and a beloved physician, passed away in 2022 and Art became a patient of Dr. Kissin, who said the orthopedic program at the medical school will continue to build on the foundation created by Kelly and “implement future innovations in his honor.”
“The generous donation from the Certosimos will help us augment the state-of-the-art equipment that is part of our comprehensive training for orthopedic residents,” says Dr. Kissin. “The couple is making an important investment that will help many patients in the future.”
Art says “virtual reality” simulation equipment as a training component is a good fit for the latest generation of orthopedic surgeons. “These students can really respond to this. It seems to be a great idea to me to use technology to that extent,” says Art. “My wife and I like to support students and give young people the opportunity to follow their dreams.”
Art currently serves as CEO of LiquidX, a global fintech platform. He and Terry are long-time residents of Rutherford and have two children. “I was lucky to have a very successful career on Wall Street and I’m happy to give back now.”
We thank Art and Terry for their generous giving, and know our students will benefit from their tremendous support! To learn more about how you can make a gift to Hackensack University Medical Center, visit GiveHMH.org/HUMC or contact Richard Knupp, vice president of Development, at richard.knupp@hmhn.org.
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