Surgeon leaves UPMC for AGH

One of UPMC Health System's top orthopedic surgeons has joined rival Allegheny General Hospital.

The move by Dr. Dean G. Sotereanos is expected to give AGH's orthopedic program a significant boost. Sotereanos, a highly respected hand surgeon, performs about 700 surgeries a year.

Sotereanos, 44, of Hampton Township said he joined AGH because of its reputation in patient care.

"It's an opportunity to work with an outstanding group of doctors," said Sotereanos, who spent about 13 years at UPMC. His brother, Dr. Nicholas Sotereanos, is director of AGH's division of adult reconstructive surgery. "It's also a much more patient-friendly environment."

Three other orthopedic surgeons have left UPMC within the last year. UPMC spokeswoman Jane Duffield said officials at the Oakland-based hospital network are not concerned. The orthopedic department there has 41 physicians.

"This is an expected turnover," Duffield said. "At major academic centers like ours, faculty members move on frequently to advance their research and education."

UPMC is actively recruiting doctors to fill four vacancies in orthopedic surgery, she said.

Sotereanos is known for developing a special nerve decompression treatment for patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome, a common disorder caused by repetitive movements, such as typing. One of his research interests involves the diagnosis and surgical treatment of avascular necrosis, a potentially crippling disease of the hip joint that strikes younger people.

Because of a noncompete clause in his contract with UPMC, Sotereanos will not be allowed to practice in Allegheny County for one year. However, he will treat patients at two facilities outside Allegheny County that are affiliated with Allegheny General: Alle-Kiski Medical Center, which has a surgery center in New Kensington, Westmoreland County, and Canonsburg General Hospital, in Washington County. In addition, his office will be located in Cranberry Township, Butler County.