Our Team

Dr. Ateef Khan is an academically driven orthopedic surgeon with over seven years of clinical experience, specializing in the research and treatment of musculoskeletal trauma, arthroscopy, and joint reconstruction. He earned his degree in Orthopaedics from India, where he conducted extensive thesis work on sports injuries and meniscal pathologies. Currently working as a Consultant at a tertiary healthcare center, Dr. Ateef has prioritized clinical data integrity, demonstrating expertise in surgical logging, implant tracking, and the collection of patient-reported outcome scores (PROMs). Having completed a specialized Joint Replacement Fellowship focused on advanced modalities like robotic arthroplasty, he possesses a deep understanding of surgical metrics and complex case analysis.

His current research includes "Check-Rein Effect of Modified Lemaire Lateral Extrarticular Tenodesis in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Pilot RCT on Clinical Stability and Psychological Readiness in High-Risk Athletes."

Driven by the conviction that exceptional surgeons must deeply understand the evidence base behind their procedures, Dr. Khan looks forward to leveraging his clinical background as a Research Fellow at the Palm Beach Global Foundation. In this role, under the guidance of Dr. Mamun Al Rashid he aims to design robust protocols, accelerate manuscript generation, and advance impactful, evidence-based orthopedic research.

Samantha Glifort, MD is a researcher pursuing a career in Orthopedic Surgery. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Utah before completing her Doctor of Medicine degree with honors from Saint George's University School of Medicine in 2025.

Her background in dance fostered an early appreciation for human movement, musculoskeletal health, and biomechanics, leading to research in anatomy and human development and later work as a certified cytogenetics technologist and analyst. These experiences helped shape her interest in medicine, scientific inquiry, and orthopedic surgery. She recently completed a preliminary year in General Surgery at a high-volume academic health system in northern New Jersey, where she developed a strong foundation in operative and perioperative patient care while remaining actively engaged in orthopedic surgery through dedicated trauma elective experiences, mentorship, and independent study.

Dr. Glifort's clinical and research interests include orthopedic trauma, bone health, fragility fractures, patient outcomes, surgical site infection prevention, and strategies to optimize recovery following musculoskeletal injury. Her research has focused on outcomes-based orthopedic investigations, including surgical site infections following total knee arthroplasty and factors that influence recovery after musculoskeletal injury. She is particularly interested in improving fracture care across the lifespan, with a focus on bone health optimization, secondary fracture prevention, and preserving long-term mobility and independence. She plans to pursue residency training in Orthopedic Surgery and is passionate about helping patients return to the activities and quality of life that are most meaningful to them. Outside of medicine, she enjoys backcountry skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, yoga, and spending time in the mountains.

Rylee King, DO, is an orthopaedic surgery researcher with interests in upper extremity pathology, arthroplasty, trauma, and sports medicine. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to medical school, she built a strong foundation in orthopaedics as a medical scribe, where she gained exposure to musculoskeletal evaluation, diagnostic assessment, and operative planning. She is an active member of the Student American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics and the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.

Her research contributions include multiple peer-reviewed abstracts and presentations within the field of clinical anatomy. She has presented posters at national meetings, including the American Association of Clinical Anatomy Annual Meeting at Weill Cornell College of Medicine and the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons Student Section conferences. She has also co-authored work submitted to the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma and the Journal of Orthopaedics.

As she pursues a career in orthopedic surgery, Dr. King is passionate about contributing to innovative research and helping patients return to the activities they love through evidence-based musculoskeletal care.

Dr. Lina Elias recently graduated from the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix and joins the Palm Beach Global Foundation as an Orthopaedic Research Fellow. Her interest in orthopaedic surgery began during her undergraduate years as a sports medicine technician, where she worked alongside athletic trainers, physical therapists, and physicians caring for collegiate athletes. She later spent five years in orthopaedic clinical practice as a clinical assistant and durable medical equipment coordinator, gaining extensive experience caring for patients with sports-related injuries and degenerative musculoskeletal conditions. These experiences, combined with her clinical training, solidified her commitment to a career in orthopaedic surgery.

Dr. Elias has developed a strong interest in clinical outcomes research, with a particular focus on shoulder arthroplasty and sports medicine. Her research has examined postoperative complications, anesthesia techniques, and patient outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty, and she has presented her work at multiple national orthopaedic meetings. She is passionate about translating clinical research into evidence-based practices that improve patient care while expanding her expertise in shoulder surgery and the management of athletic injuries.

As she pursues a career in orthopaedic surgery, Dr. Elias is committed to advancing equitable musculoskeletal care through clinical research, mentorship, and education. Drawing from her own journey into medicine, she hopes to mentor future physicians from diverse backgrounds while helping expand access to high-quality orthopaedic care for underserved communities.

Hadi Saada, MD is an Orthopaedic Research Fellow at Palm Beach Global Foundation with a focus on adult reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, and orthopedic trauma. He recently earned his medical degree in Lebanon and has contributed to multiple clinical research projects, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and outcomes-based studies focused on advancing evidence-based orthopedic care.

Prior to joining Palm Beach Global Foundation, Dr. Saada completed a clinical observership and served as an orthopedic research volunteer at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, gaining exposure to one of the world's leading orthopedic centers. He aspires to pursue a career in academic orthopedic surgery, where he can contribute to advancing musculoskeletal care through clinical excellence, research, and innovation.

Hareem Khalid, MD, is a physician and researcher with a focus on trauma and reconstructive surgery. She earned her medical degree from Pakistan and gained clinical experience at high-volume tertiary care trauma centres, which consolidated her interest in orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Khalid's research endeavors include evaluating the effects of surgical interventions and post-operative approaches to improve clinical care and contribute to meaningful healthcare practices by establishing evidence-based guidelines, promoting patient safety, and recovery. Her research interests include multisystem musculoskeletal injuries and regenerative medicine, hand and upper extremity surgery, arthroplasty, and arthroscopic techniques.

As Dr. Khalid pursues a career in orthopedic surgery, she is dedicated to providing and improving patient care through research and innovation, fostering a learning environment for healthcare professionals, and mentoring healthcare systems in various communities.

Marium Naeem is an MBBS graduate from Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan, with clinical experience in orthopaedics. At Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, she gained experience in the assessment and initial management of fractures, dislocations, and traumatic injuries under senior supervision, including fracture reduction, casting, splinting, wound management, and participation in orthopaedic procedures.

Her research interests include orthopaedic trauma, clinical outcomes, and evidence-based surgical practice. She has experience in clinical research, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and research methodology.

She is currently pursuing further research experience with the goal of developing a career in academic orthopaedic surgery, with a particular interest in clinical research and improving outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal and traumatic injuries.

Ginevra Di Porto is a medical student pursuing her degree in Medicine and Surgery at the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Italy. Her clinical and research experience has primarily focused on regenerative medicine, spine surgery, and robotics.

She gained research experience at the Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic and Spine Research, part of the Bethel Musculoskeletal Research Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she worked as a short-term scholar, primarily focusing on regenerative approaches in spine surgery. She also expanded her clinical experience through a clinical observership with the Spine Surgery Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

She has recently been appointed Community Developer for University Representatives at AO Spine Europe and Southern Africa.

Inayat is a second-year medical student who earned her B.S. in Biology from Florida State University before beginning medical school. Her interest in medicine developed through firsthand clinical experience working as a medical assistant in pain management and orthopedics, which offered an early window into patient care and the practical challenges clinicians face.

That experience sparked a broader interest in evidence-based medicine and research methodology, which she has since pursued through academic work including a publication on prenatal fentanyl exposure and multiple poster presentations. Beyond research, she is passionate about advocacy in medicine and currently holds a statewide leadership position focused on advancing advocacy efforts within the field. She is committed to applying rigorous, evidence-based approaches to clinical practice throughout her medical career.

Ferdinando Fumo is a fourth-year medical student at Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Italy, with a clinical focus on spine and orthopedic surgery. He is currently completing a clinical and research Internship Trainee in the Orthopedics and Traumatology department of Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Italy, and recently completed a clinical and research elective at BG Klinikum Bergmannstrost in Halle (Saale), Germany, where he assisted in trauma and orthopedic Spine surgeries and contributed to ongoing research projects. He was recently appointed AO Spine Community Development through Universities Regional Coordinator of Europe, working to engage young surgeons and trainees across universities in the region. He joins the Palm Beach Foundation as Research Fellow.

Daniel Boudani, MD is a matriculating Preliminary General Surgery Resident at Montefiore Medical Center with a dedicated academic and clinical focus on Orthopaedic Surgery. He earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed a T32 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His research interests span orthopaedic trauma, sports medicine, osteoporosis, cartilage regeneration and clinical outcomes research.

Dr. Boudani has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations, including studies on fracture care, rotator cuff repair outcomes, pediatric orthopaedic injury prevention, and emerging biologic therapies. He is also a reviewer for Editorial Board of Regenesis Repair Rehabilitation (RRR) and Frontiers. He plans to continue pursuing a career in Orthopaedic Surgery, integrating clinical excellence, innovation and translational research to improve Orthopaedic patient care.

Dr. Sereen Halayqeh is a physician and orthopedic clinical researcher with a focus on spine surgery, musculoskeletal outcomes, and regenerative medicine. She earned her medical degree from the University of Jordan and has conducted research at leading institutions, including the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York. Her work focuses on clinical outcomes research, biologic therapies, and improving evidence-based patient care.

Dr. Halayqeh has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to multiple book chapters, and presented over 90 scientific abstracts at national and international meetings. She serves as a peer reviewer for leading spine and orthopedic journals and has received several honors, including recognition as a 2025 North American Spine Society (NASS) “20 Under 40” honoree, multiple competitive research travel grants, and abstract awards and recognitions from national and international orthopedic and spine societies. As she pursues a career in orthopedic surgery, her goal is to combine clinical excellence, research, and mentorship to advance musculoskeletal care and expand access to high-quality treatment for patients worldwide.