Dr. George Ritz

David Kolessar is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip replacement surgery and subspecializing in adult reconstructive surgery. He is chief of Adult Reconstruction for the Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute, Northeast Region.|Dr. Kolessar has an in-depth understanding of the details and complexities involved in primary and revision hip and knee replacements. He offers outpatient hip and knee replacement surgery and online preoperative and postoperative exercise and therapy programs. Dr. Kolessar's clinical interests include management of knee and hip arthritis or deformity in adults, post-traumatic joint damage, and hip disorders such as dysplasia and femoroacetabular impingement. His research interests include joint replacement topics. Dr. Kolessar focuses on contemporary surgical techniques using computer navigation, robotic-arm-assisted surgery and multimodal pain management protocols.|Dr. Kolessar earned his medical degree from Temple University. He completed his internship and residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center and a fellowship in adult reconstruction and total joint replacement at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He has academic appointments as clinical associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Temple University School of Medicine and at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Dr. Kolessar is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.|A native of the Wilkes-Barre area, Dr. Kolessar attended The University of Scranton for his undergraduate degree. Dr. Kolessar is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteoarthritis. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Osteonecrosis, Bursitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Philosophy of care | I see my role as helping people understand their medical condition and helping them make informed decisions about their treatment options. | Why I entered medicine | I found the challenge of understanding the science of the human body and using that knowledge to improve patients lives irresistible. | Community involvement | Arthritis Foundation, Pennsylvania Orthopedic Society Board of Directors (past), American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Board of Councilors (past), Vestry of Church of the Epiphany, Chair of Water Quality Committee of Lake Wino | Image | Lehigh Valley Hospital is ranked 25th in the country for orthopedic care on the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals list. Our team of more than 200 orthopedic specialists provide award-winning, nationally-recognized care with experience, expertise and leading-edge technology. |. Dr. Schmaltz is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteoarthritis. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement.

Philosophy of care | The patient always comes first. My goal is to treat a patient's arthritic hip or knee pain and return them to doing the activities that they enjoy as soon as possible. At times surgery is necessary. But if I can treat the patient without surgery and alleviate their pain, then that is a win for the patient and that makes it a win for me. | Why I entered medicine | I have always enjoyed the sciences. My father is a dentist, and I always enjoyed watching him care for patients. As long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a physician. My job is exciting and never boring. Forming long lasting bonds with patients makes my job one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. | Community involvement | I am involved in multiple charities including police and fire associations, cancer societies and education programs. I also do community outreach projects and make multiple radio show appearances to educate the community on health issues. | Personal interests | First and foremost, I spend time with my wife and our two children. I also enjoy tennis, golf and fitness. | Image | Lehigh Valley Hospital is ranked 25th in the country for orthopedic care on the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals list. Our team of more than 200 orthopedic specialists provide award-winning, nationally-recognized care with experience, expertise and leading-edge technology. |. Dr. Lebby is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteoarthritis. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement.