A total of six surgeons from University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA) have been named 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors, an honor bestowed on only 7 percent of licensed physicians nationwide each year. The recognition underscores the physicians' standing in their specialties and their contributions to orthopaedic care in the region.
The recognized physicians include Hesham Abdelfattah, MD; Christopher Doumas, MD; David A. Harwood, MD; Timothy P. Leddy, MD; James T. Monica, MD; and Kenneth G. Swan, Jr., MD. All are board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons affiliated with UOA, a practice with five decades of experience providing comprehensive musculoskeletal care, pioneering research, and local health initiatives throughout New Jersey. As part of OrthoNJ, the state's largest orthopaedic group, these physicians share a commitment to clinical excellence, medical education, and community wellness.
UOA's medical team evaluates and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including traumatic orthopedic injuries, degenerative joint diseases, sports-related injuries, spinal disorders, fractures, hand and upper extremity conditions, and complex musculoskeletal deformities. The surgeons perform advanced therapeutic interventions such as joint replacements for the ankle, hip, knee, and shoulder; robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery; spine surgeries and motion-preserving disc replacements; advanced hand, wrist, and upper extremity reconstructions; minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures; and complex fracture fixation and trauma reconstruction.
The practice enhances patient care through an integrated network of specialized on-site features and facilities. These include advanced diagnostics, high-resolution imaging, dedicated physical therapy, hand and occupational rehabilitation, and sports performance training. For outpatient procedures, UOA partners with the University Center for Ambulatory Surgery (UCAS) in Somerset, which is recognized on the U.S. News & World Report "Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers" list and features advanced, opioid-sparing pain management protocols, as noted on their website ucasc.com.
The physicians completed their medical education, residencies, and elite fellowship training at leading institutions nationwide. Their academic foundations span joint reconstruction, sports medicine, trauma surgery, hand and upper extremity surgery, foot and ankle surgery, spinal surgery, physiatry and pain management, and non-operative musculoskeletal treatment. Beyond clinical responsibilities, they hold academic appointments at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, participating in medical education and clinical research. Additionally, they serve as official orthopaedic consultants and team physicians for Princeton University, Rutgers University, Rider University, the Somerset Patriots, and multiple local high schools.
Top Doctors are nominated by peer physicians and selected by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team. Castle Connolly publishes its Top Doctors list at castleconnolly.com and in partner publications. Nominations are open to board-certified MDs, DOs, and DPMs, and honorees are chosen based on criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected.
