Samaritan Health Services

Luis R. Vela, DO, has been appointed as the orthopaedic surgery residency program director for Samaritan Health Services (SHS). Vela will be instrumental in the preparation and development of the Corvallis-based orthopedic surgery residency program, which welcomes residents in June 2010.

"Dr. Vela brings exceptional skill and training to the position along with a sense of teamwork and camaraderie that will distinguish this program for years to come," said SHS Director of Medical Education Alissa Craft, DO, MBA.

Vela earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, N.C., and a medical degree at Nova-Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine in North Miami Beach, Fla. He completed an internship at Botsford General Hospital in Farmington Hills, Mich., and residency training in orthopedic surgery at Garden City Hospital in Garden City, Mich. Vela completed fellowships in upper extremity, hand and microvascular, and shoulder and elbow surgery at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery and has a special interest in sports medicine of the shoulder and hand.

“I have a real passion for teaching and am excited to be a part of this new program as it launches from the ground up,” said Vela. “With the development of this new state-of-the-art program, we will continue to bring new techniques and procedures to the residents of our community.”

“The collaborative efforts from area organizations including Samaritan, The Corvallis Clinic and private practice physicians and surgeons, are truly innovative and will help with the creation of the newest generation of exceptional orthopedic surgeons,” said Vela.

Vela notes that, “With only one other program in Oregon training orthopedic surgery residents, we have the opportunity to expose medical students and residents to the beautiful place we live, with the hopes that these young physicians ultimately choose to live and practice here.”