A total of six University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA) surgeons have been named 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors, an annual recognition that distinguishes only 7 percent of licensed physicians nationwide for their specialties in their regions. 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. All are board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons with UOA, a leading practice known for providing comprehensive musculoskeletal subspecialty care, pioneering research, and local health initiatives throughout New Jersey for five decades.
As part of OrthoNJ, the state's largest orthopaedic group, these physicians 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 further 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 medical education, residencies, and fellowship training at leading institutions nationwide, with academic foundations spanning 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 and 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. According to Castleconnolly.com, nominations are open to all board-certified MDs, DOs, and DPMs. Honorees are chosen based on criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected.
