First State Orthopaedics - Northern & Central Division

11/17/2025

Our CEO, David Blaeuer and Clinical Director Joe Thomas had an awesome day supporting the 2025 Delaware Police Chief's Foundation Golf Outing!

11/16/2025

Meet Samuel Mease, MD and Matthew Kowash, PA-C. Dr.
Mease is an Orthopaedic Surgeon who specializes in Orthopaedic Trauma and
Fracture Care. He also specializes in Shoulder Arthroscopy - Rotator Cuff,
Labrum, Biceps, Impingement, Bursitis Shoulder Injury-Instability/Dislocation, Fractures, Tendon Injuries Shoulder Arthroplasty (Replacement) Elbow - Injury, Arthritis, Stiffness, Instability, Epicondylitis. Dr. Mease works closely with Matthew Kowash, PA-C. Matthew grew up in Kennett Square, PA and completed his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island. He gained clinical experience working as a medical assistant at Premier Orthopaedics before completing his master's in Physician Assistant Studies at Saint Joseph's University. Learn more about Dr. Mease, Matthew Kowash and let us help you today- https://bit.ly/3yGXp4Y

11/14/2025

This November, as we observe Diabetes Awareness Month, we're highlighting the critical importance of education, prevention, and specialized care for the 37+ million Americans living with diabetes.
Diabetes can lead to serious complications, particularly affecting the lower extremities. Poor circulation and nerve damage can result in wounds that are slow to heal, potentially leading to severe infections and, in some cases, amputations.
We're proud to have Dr. Jennifer Seifert at the forefront of diabetic limb salvage and wound care for patients. Countless patients have maintained their mobility and quality of life when facing diabetes-related complications. Dr. Seifert's approach combines advanced wound healing techniques with comprehensive diabetic care to promote tissue recovery and regeneration, prevent infection progression, minimize the need for amputation, and establish personalized care plans for long-term management.
Wound Care Advantage works to enhance education and awareness about diabetes and wound care.

11/14/2025

More great reviews for Dr. Jeremie Axe! 🎉 Dr. Axe is an Orthopaedic Surgeon with Fellowship Training in Sports Medicine and the Shoulder and Elbow. He has experience as a team physician for both high school and collegiate level athletic teams. His specialties include ✔️Orthopaedics ✔️Orthopaedic Surgery ✔️Sports Medicine ✔️Shoulder & Elbow. He sees patients at our Newark, Middletown, and Smyrna locations. Learn more about Dr. Axe and the team behind First State Orthopaedics and let us help you today- https://bit.ly/3Ifgwrj

11/13/2025

Dr. Leitman and FSO had an amazing time sponsoring the Colombian National Pickleball team for their participation in the World Cup in Fort Lauderdale! 🏓

11/12/2025

Meet Dr. Grigory Gershkovich and Emma Kaplan, P.A.-C., ATC. Dr. Gershkovich is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon. He is Fellowship Trained in Hand & Upper Extremity surgery. His specialties include Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Fracture Care, and Microsurgery. Dr. Gershkovich works closely with Emma Kaplan, a dedicated Physician Assistant-Certified (P.A.-C.) and Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). Emma received her Bachelor of Science degree from Springfield College in Springfield, MA. Learn more about Dr. Gershkovich, Emma Kaplan, and the team behind First State Orthopaedics and let us help you today- https://bit.ly/3Jiruws

11/11/2025

More great reviews for Dr. Sowa! Dr. David Sowa is a
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with a Fellowship in Hand Surgery. He also
has experience in surgery of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Dr. Sowa has been
recognized repeatedly by Delaware Today as a Top Doc and has been elected by
his peers for inclusion in Best Doctors in America®. He sees patients at our
Newark Sabre Building location. Learn more about Dr. Sowa and the team
behind First State Orthopaedics today- https://bit.ly/4bEaazk

11/11/2025

First State Orthopaedics honors our employees who have served in the armed forces this Veterans Day. They express gratitude for the skills, discipline, and camaraderie gained through military service, which have shaped their careers and personal growth.

🌟SEAN RITCHIE- Air Force, Army, Delaware National Guard (Facilities/ Maintenance). Inspired by the events of 9/11 Sean joined the Air Force following high school. He left the Air Force in 2007, only to re-enlist in the Army in 2009 as Field Artillery. He was stationed at Ft. Knox, KT for 3 years with a combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2011. After being released from active duty, he joined the Delaware National Guard and finished 20 years of service in 2023.

🌟GREG MANERS- following his family's military service, he served in the Navy for five years as a Corpsman. During his service, he underwent training in the Chicago area and spent most of his time at Bethesda Naval Hospital near Washington D.C. His experiences at Bethesda Naval Hospital, especially in Labor and Delivery, orthopedic clinic, and operating room, influenced his decision to pursue nursing.

🌟CHRISSY MILLER (Navy) enlisted in the Navy after being inspired by her grandparents, both of whom were WWII veterans. Following basic training, she specialized in Hospital Corpsman training in Chicago, caring for active duty and veteran patients. Chrissy then worked at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, focusing on cardiology and later advancing to surgical technologist training. She gained experience in various surgical procedures, including craniotomies, spine surgeries, and craniofacial surgery, while also taking on leadership roles in training new surgical techs.

🌟BRETT MCNEAL served in the Delaware Army National Guard from 2008 to 2014 as a motor transport operator. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2011-2012 with the 1049th Transportation Company. During his deployment, he completed 62 missions, including over 250 combat logistic patrols in northern Afghanistan. Brett received various awards related to the global war on terrorism and commendation medals for his service.

🌟JONNA YETTER was in the United States Air Force from 1981 to 1985, where she worked as an Air Traffic Controller. She is actively involved with the American Legion and currently serves as the Commander for Post 13.

🌟Our very own, ELLIOTT H. LEITMAN, MD Lt Col. USAF, Delaware Air National Guard. Elliott H. Leitman served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1993 to 2009, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003, he worked on the surgical staff at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and directed the Troop Medical Clinic at Fort Dix, NJ. Dr. Leitman received several honors, including the National Defense Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. After a 10-year break, Dr. Leitman was commissioned with the U.S. Air Force and Delaware Air National Guard in 2019. He served as the SGH/Director of Clinical Services for the 166th Medical Group, responsible for maintaining medical readiness. Dr. Leitman retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2023. His dedication to serving his country and fellow service members is commendable.

To all who served, we thank you today and every day.

11/10/2025

Recently, Dr. Jeremie Axe had the privilege of attending his 25th reunion at Sallies alongside Tim Cochran, not just as his doctor, but as his fellow alumnus. Earlier this year, Dr. Axe performed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures on both of Tim's knees. The goal? To ensure Tim could walk pain-free at his upcoming 50th reunion.
We're grateful to Tim for allowing us to share his journey and congratulate both him and Dr. Axe on their reunion milestone. Here's to many more years of pain-free celebrations!

11/07/2025

Recently, some of our awesome staff attended this year's Modern Maturity Center Vintage Vegas Casino Night! FSO was proud to be a sponsor of this exciting event.
The Modern Maturity Center aims to serve the needs of senior citizens in Kent County. It is a place people come to relax and enjoy themselves and a place where friendships are formed. The Modern Maturity's success and popularity can be attributed to the many caring people working harmoniously together.

11/07/2025

Choosing a subspecialist means choosing a surgeon who has dedicated years to mastering a specific area of medicine—providing the confidence that your care is guided by the highest level of expertise.

Specialized surgeons at First State Orthopaedics in Delaware use surgical and nonsurgical treatments for injuries to foot, ankle, shoulder, hand, elbow, hip, knee and spine.

11/07/2025

More wonderful feedback for Dr. James Zaslavsky and PA Braxton Childers.
Read the full review here: "After recovering from a total hip replacement 3 years ago and moving to Delaware from Connecticut,I started having really bad leg pain. I was at the point that I couldn’t even walk around the block. I tried PT and injections but it didn’t seem to help. I enjoy walking, swimming, playing golf, pickleball and traveling. I wasn’t able to do any of these things. On April 3rd I decided to go ahead with the fusion of L4 L5 . It was months of physical therapy, but I’m happy to say I’m back to doing mostly everything I love to do! I am looking forward to doing everything next spring thanks to the team at First State Orthopaedics! Thanks Dr. Zaslavsky and his PA, Braxton Childers for everything!"