Six surgeons from University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA) have been named 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors, a prestigious recognition given to only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians each year. The honored physicians are Hesham Abdelfattah, MD; Christopher Doumas, MD; David A. Harwood, MD; Timothy P. Leddy, MD; James T. Monica, MD; and Kenneth G. Swan, Jr., MD. These board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists are part of UOA, a leading orthopaedic practice in New Jersey known for providing comprehensive musculoskeletal care, pioneering research, and community health initiatives for five decades. As part of OrthoNJ, the state's largest orthopaedic group, they operate with a shared 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, including 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.
The physicians completed their rigorous medical education, residencies, and elite fellowship training at leading institutions nationwide, spanning specialties including 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, where they participate in medical education and clinical research. They also serve as official orthopaedic consultants and team physicians for Princeton University, Rutgers University, Rider University, the Somerset Patriots, and multiple local high schools.
Castle Connolly Top Doctors are nominated by peer physicians and selected by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team. The list is published at castleconnolly.com and in various print and online partner publications. Nominations are open to all 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.
