Dr. Novak and Dr. Marrero Appointed to New Student-Focused Roles in LSU Orthopaedics
As of July 21st 2025 Drs. Chris Marrero and Avrey Novak have been appointed to two new student-focused roles within the Orthopaedics program.
Dr. Marrero was appointed to the position of Specialty-Specific Careers Director.
He will serve as the primary departmental advisor for all students (Years 1–4) pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery. In this role, he will:
- Serve as the lead contact for all student career advising in orthopaedics
- Recruit and mentor additional departmental advisors
- Collaborate with the Office of Student Affairs to ensure unified and accurate messaging
- Participate in student-focused sessions like Meet the Clinician
- Track and guide students throughout the match process
- Advise the Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group (OSIG)
- Stay current with AAMC Careers in Medicine and national trends
- Conduct faculty development in areas like research, summer planning, elective structuring, national involvement, and application strategy
- Assist in compiling departmental chair letters
Dr. Novak was appointed to the position of Senior Student Rotation Director (Effective October upon her arrival)
She will take the lead in managing and enhancing senior student rotations. Her responsibilities will include:
- Directing departmentally administered senior rotations, including the Residency Boot Camp
- Organizing orientation sessions, schedules, and rotation objectives
- Coordinating communication with students, residents, and faculty
- Working closely with our departmental coordinator and the Office of Student Affairs on logistics, visiting students, and course catalog updates
- Representing our department in LCME and ACGME accreditation efforts
In the words of Dr. Zura:
"These appointments represent a significant investment in student success, and we are deeply grateful to Dean DiCarlo and Dr. DeSilvia in the Office of Student Affairs for their continued support of departmental initiatives. Their partnership has allowed us to formalize these vital roles and better position our students for successful careers in orthopaedic surgery."
"Both Dr. Marrero and Dr. Novak are tireless, experienced educators who are deeply committed to student mentorship. I’m confident their leadership will offer meaningful guidance and continuity to all students exploring orthopaedics."
From everyone here at LSU Orthopaedics we would like to congratulate Dr. Marrero and Dr. Novak on this appointment.
