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Dr. Ruzbarsky
Orthopedic Surgeon
Dual Board Certified Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Joseph J. Ruzbarsky
Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Ruzbarsky helps active people return to the activities and sports they love. Specializing in hip, shoulder, knee, and elbow preservation in addition to extremity trauma, hip and shoulder arthroplasty, and sports medicine.
The Steadman Clinic & Steadman Philippon Research Institute
Dual Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine and Hip
US Ski & Snowboard
Head Snowboard Team Physician
Aspen Valley Health
Board of Directors
Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club
Medical Director
Specialties
Areas of Expertise
By the Numbers
A Record of Excellence
650+
Surgeries Performed Per Year
120+
Peer-Reviewed Publications
About
About Dr. Joseph J. Ruzbarsky
Dr. Ruzbarsky comes to Colorado via the Northeast. He is originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania and attended college at the University of Pennsylvania where he competed for 4 years on the men's varsity track and field team primarily as a javelin thrower. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Biology in 2010 and was elected to the school's chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
He remained in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania for medical school as a 21st Century Scholarship recipient, graduating in 2014 as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Following medical school, he moved to Manhattan for his surgical internship at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and his Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
He then moved to Vail for his sports medicine fellowship at The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute where he provided medical coverage for the US Ski and Snowboard teams and remained for a second fellowship focusing on hip preservation with Drs. Marc Philippon and Joel Matta. In 2021, he was awarded as the North American representative for the ISAKOS Global Traveling Fellowship.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Ruzbarsky enjoys pursuing outdoor activities including skiing, alpine touring, hiking, and cycling and taking advantage of all that the majestic Roaring Fork Valley has to offer with friends and family.
Currently active clinical and translational research interests and ongoing projects include the topics of instability, acromioclavicular joint injuries, clavicle fractures, primary and revision hip arthroscopy, synovial fluid analysis, lower extremity alignment and osteotomy, and ACL injuries. For more information and for most up-to-date studies, please reference his recent publications below.
Our Team
Meet the Team
Kelly Johnson, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant
Kelly Johnson is a certified Physician Assistant with over 10 years of clinical experience. She partners with Dr. Ruzbarsky to deliver thoughtful, individualized care in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients. Kelly has been practicing alongside Dr. Ruzbarsky from day 1 of his practice and has played a key role in its growth and day-to-day management over the past 5.5 years.
She is passionate about helping patients return to an active, healthy lifestyle and values building lasting relationships with those she treats. A lifelong member of the Roaring Fork Valley community, Kelly developed her interest in medicine at a young age while volunteering as a Junior Ski Patroller at Aspen Highlands. This experience sparked her commitment to helping others recover and stay active.
Outside of the clinic, Kelly enjoys taking full advantage of the Colorado outdoors. She spends her free time skiing, rafting, and enjoying nature with her family. She also loves playing with her two Labrador retrievers.
Nick Broom, MMS, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant
Nick was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and earned his Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Saint Louis University.
Nick has been a dedicated member of Dr. Ruzbarsky’s practice for about a year and a half, where he applies a high-performance mindset to every patient encounter. Guided by the belief that “We may not save lives, but we save lifestyles” — a philosophy instilled by a mentor in orthopedics — Nick is committed to restoring the activities and pursuits that make life meaningful for each person who walks through the door. At this practice, every patient is treated as an athlete in their own right.
Outside of the clinic, Nick embodies the active lifestyle he champions for his patients. Whether hitting the trails, cycling, snowboarding, or seeking out any adventure on the water, he understands firsthand the importance of staying active and the impact that musculoskeletal health has on quality of life.
Compassionate, dedicated, and deeply passionate about patient care, Nick strives to meet every individual where they are — and help them get back to where they want to be.
Sarah Orr, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant
Sarah is a certified Physician Assistant with a passion for helping patients stay active and healthy. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia before working as an AEMT for Grady Emergency Medical Services and as an Emergency Department Technician at Emory University Hospital Midtown. Her experience in emergency medicine fostered a calm, hands-on approach and a deep commitment to patient care.
She later earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University and now brings her enthusiasm for active lifestyles to orthopedic care. Sarah relocated to the Roaring Fork Valley in November 2025 with her husband and their dog. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, hiking, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors in all seasons.
Rae Lamborn
Practice Manager
Rae Lamborn is originally from Tennessee and made her way to Vail in 2002 after graduating from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She began her career at The Steadman Clinic that same year, working at the front desk, before transitioning into a Medical Assistant role alongside Dr. Richard Steadman. Most recently, Rae served as Practice Manager for Dr. Tom Hackett.
After spending roughly 20 years in Vail, Rae returned to Tennessee to be closer to family, where she managed the daily operations for an orthopedic clinic in the Nashville area.
Rae is excited to be back in the mountains and to join Dr. Ruzbarsky and team as Practice Manager.
Outside of work, Rae enjoys hiking, camping, skiing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She also loves adventures with her dog, Paityn.
Supporting Staff
Locations
Clinic Locations
Remote Consultation
Image Reviews
Outside the country, state, or region? You don’t have to travel for an initial assessment. Dr. Ruzbarsky offers remote image reviews of your X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, providing an expert opinion on your condition and treatment options from wherever you are.
Testimonials
Patient Testimonials
Don't Let an Injury Keep You Off the Trail
Whether you ski, ride, climb, or run, Dr. Ruzbarsky's goal is the same as yours: getting you back to doing what you love, stronger than before.
Caring for the active people of the Roaring Fork Valley, and beyond.