Michael Robert Cesarek, M.S.
Curriculum Vitae
Professional Aspiration: Medical Doctor (MD)
Education
Tulane School of Medicine
08/2022 - Present
New Orleans, Louisiana
Pursuing Medical Doctorate Degree
Step 1: Passed; First Attempt
Leadership
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2026 - Gold Humanism Honor Society
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2024 - 2026 Owl Club President
The Owl Club is the Student Organization for Academic Excellence. Founded in 1921, the Owl Club is a service organization committed to fostering improved relationships between the medical student body and the faculty to achieve continual improvement of medical education. The club consists of 40 elected members who serve as liaisons between students and faculty. The club strives to achieve continued excellence in medical education by inspiring superior teaching and by promoting high ethical standards.
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2022 - 2023 T1, 2023 - 2024 T2, 2024 - 2025 T3, 2025 - 2026 T4 Owl Club Coordinator
- 2023 - 2026 Peer Assisted Learning (PALs) Tutor
Peer Tutors are medical students who have successfully completed the courses for which they provide tutoring and have been recommended by course directors due to their exceptional academic performance.
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2023 - 2024 Owl Club Secretary
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2022 - 2023 Goldie Mintz Award Recipient
This award is given to the students with the top 3 highest overall academic performance in structural and cellular biology courses.
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2022 - 2023 TA for Anatomy and Histology Courses
197 hours of teaching experience both in individual and large group settings.
Clerkships
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Family medicine: Honors
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Surgery: Honors
KUDOS Award for Surgical Clerkship - (Click Here for Additional Information)
Taylor Wearda, MD PGY-5 General Surgery Resident shared a Kudo with the Professional Program about his time with Michael, he wrote:
"Michael:
- Took proactive steps to make sure patients felt comfortable. Noticed multiple patients praised him multiple times for his level of care for them.
- Took initiative to help the residents any way he could whether it meant getting gauze from the other end of the hospital or just getting us gloves.
- Came prepared in the OR when it came to his surgical skills and was at times better than the intern.
- Would always be present on rounds before the intern and maintained constant communication with him.
- He was a team player and I have no doubt that he will be an exceptional resident down the line 10/10!"
L. Lee Hamm, MD Senior Vice President & Dean, Tulane School of Medicine, wrote:
"Thank you for demonstrating the School of Medicine's guiding principles of Communication, Respect, Drive for Excellence, and Accountability. Your dedication to patient care, proactive support for your team, and readiness in the OR highlight your commitment to excellence and teamwork. Your efforts to ensure patients' comfort and your initiative to assist your colleagues reflect your respect and accountability. Thank you for your efforts!"
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Pediatrics: High Pass
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Neurology: Honors
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Psychiatry: Honors
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Obstetrics & Gynecology: Honors
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Internal Medicine: High Pass
Current Projects
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"Impact of Spine Fellowships on the Prestige of Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs
E-poster presented at Louisiana Neurosurgical Society Conference; March 28-29, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana
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"Impact of Moderate Leg Length Discrepancies on Lenke 5 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis"
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Investigating Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) in Adult Spinal deformity specifically in relation to historical use, methods of utilization, limitations, and how to improve efficacy in diverse populations.
Research
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Publications
Cesarek MR, Gerard NO, III, Griswold BN, et al. Forty-Two Percent of Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Are Using Psychotropic Medications. Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation.
(Click Here for Link to Publication)
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Posters / Presentations
"Impact of Moderate Leg Length Discrepancies on Lenke 5 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis"
Two podium presentations:
- 2024 Louisiana Orthopaedics Association annual conference, New Orleans, LA
- 25th Annual G. Dean MacEwen Lecture conference, New Orleans, LA
Orthopaedic Summit of Evolving Techniques 2023 - Boston, MA
High Rates of Psychotropic Drug Use in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgeries.
Nicholas O. Gerard III, MS, Michael R. Cesarek, MS, Brianna N. Griswold, BS, Mia V. Rumps, MS3, Michael J. O'Brien, MD, Felix H. Savoie III, MD, Mary K. Mulcahey, MD.
(Click here for Link to Presentation)
National Medical Association 2023 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly - New Orleans, LA
High Rates of Psychotropic Drug Use in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgeries.
Nicholas O. Gerard III, MS, Michael R. Cesarek, MS, Brianna N. Griswold, BS, Mia V. Rumps, MS3, Michael J. O'Brien, MD, Felix H. Savoie III, MD, Mary K. Mulcahey, MD.
Volunteer Effort: 50+ Hours
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Bluedoo Run
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Bridge House Preceptor
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Habitat for Humanity
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Glass Half Full
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New Orleans Mission Dinner Service
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St. Baldricks
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TISM Physicals
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Crescent City Farmers Market Clinic
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Second Harvest Food Bank
Tulane School of Medicine
08/2020 - 05/2022
New Orleans, Louisiana
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Mastery of Science in Clinical Anatomy; GPA: 4.0
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2022 Clinically Oriented Graduate Neuroscience Teaching Assistant in Brain Lab Lecturer
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2022 Coordinator for the Cadaveric Donor Memorial Ceremony for the Structural and Cellular Biology Department
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2021 - 2022 Certificate of Teaching Appreciation
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144 hours of Teaching Experience both in individual and large group settings
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2021 - 2022 TA for Anatomy and Histology Courses
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2021 - 2022 Tutoring in Anatomy Dissection Lab - T1 TUSOM Medical, Graduate & ACLP
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2021 - 2022 Anatomy Practical Reviews & Practical Exam Set-ups
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2021 - 2022 Medical Histology Review Instructor and TBL Facilitator
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2021 - 2022 Courses Taught and Student Profile (Click Here for Additional Information)
- Human Gross and Developmental Anatomy, T1 medical students and Anatomy master students
- Medical Histology, T1 medical students, and Anatomy master students
- Clinically Oriented Graduate Neuroscience, Anatomy master students
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Excerpts from Student Evaluations:
- "Michael is incredibly compassionate and pays close attention to make sure we are all okay during lab."
- "He is very approachable and easy for us to ask for help. Also, when he is teaching, rather than giving us information, he teaches us how to think so that we can participate in answering our own questions."
- "He always was ready to help, actively demonstrating mastery of material, and came more prepared than anyone else..."
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2020 - 2021 Best Overall Academic Performance Award
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2020 - 2021 Best Academic Performance in Graduate Neuroscience Award
Research
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Clinical Anatomy Publications
Cesarek, M, Tubbs, R.S. (2023). Sex- and Age-Related Differences in the Corpus Callosum. In: Turgut, M., Tubbs, R.S., Turgut, A.T., Bui, C.C. (eds) The Corpus Callosum. Springer, Cham.
(Click Here for Link to Publication)
Cesarek M.R, Olewnik Ł, Iwanaga J, Dumont AS, Tubbs RS. A previously unreported variant of the auriculotemporal nerve. Morphologie. 2022 Dec;106(355):310-313. doi: 10.1016/j.morpho.2021.10.003. Epub 2021 Nov 17. PMID: 34799245.
Texas A&M University
08/2015 - 05/2020
College Station, Texas
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Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Texas A&M GPA 3.75; cumulative 3.794
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Double Major: Molecular & Cellular Biology and Basic Exercise Physiology
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Honors: Genetics 302, Biology 213, Biology 214
Texas A&M University
09/2016 - 12/2016
College Station, Texas
Research for Dr. Jeffrey J. Guidry
Conducted research in the field of Minority Health evaluating health disparities resulting from access to quality healthcare and assisting int he determination of the effect of those disparities on economic and community welfare.
Work Experience
Texas A&M Molecular and Cellular Medicine
2017 - 2020
College Station, Texas
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Prior to employment, volunteered over 150 hours as of October 2017
Team Undergraduate Leader, research program specifically conducting cancer and stem cell research. Hands on experience with tissue culture, animal handling and testing, histology, ELISA Assays, micro-CT imaging, as well as other cell assays and testing. Maintained cancer cell lines, stem cell lines, conducting growth curves, killing curves, viral transfection and selection. Helped maintain lab materials, including making of various reagents, solutions and logistical maintenance. Average 13 hours per week.
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Publications
Pan, S., Cesarek, M., Godoy, C. et al. Morpholino-driven blockade of Dkk-1 in osteosarcoma inhibits bone damage and tumour expansion by multiple mechanisms. Br J Cancer 127, 43–55 (2022). (Click Here for Link to Publication)
McNeill EP, Zeitouni S, Pan S, et al. Characterization of a pluripotent stem cell-derived matrix with powerful osteoregenerative capabilities. Nature Communications. 2020;11:3025. (Click Here for Link to Publication)
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Posters
DKK-1 in Osteosarcoma: Targeting Dual Mechanisms
Simin Pan, Andrew Haskell, Michael Cesarek, Kelbi Padilla, Carl A. Gregory
(Click Here for Link to Poster)
Medical / Health Related Internships/ Volunteer Efforts
Texas A&M College of Sports Medicine Student Quiz Bowl
2020
College Station, Texas
One of six members selected to represent Texas A&M, competing at the Texas ACSM meeting. ACSM is a multi-disciplinary professional and scientific society dedicated to the generation and dissemination of knowledge concerning the motivations, responses, adaptations and health aspects of persons engaged in sport and exercise.
Aggie Special Olympics Texas Volunteers
2019
College Station, Texas
Aggie Special Olympics Texas Volunteers, as a student organization fosters the ideals of the Special Olympics Texas that is "dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition."
Motykie Medspa
2019
Beverly Hills, California
Shadowed Gary Motykie MD, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon: witnessing breast augmentation, body contouring, rhinoplasty, and facial rejuvenation as well as numerous other cosmetic surgical procedures.
Testimonial from Gary Motykie MD:
“Michael Robert Cesarek was remarkable and enthusiastic during his time shadowing in my operating room. His eagerness to learn, attention to detail, and ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team was truly impressive. He shows a genuine interest in the intricacies of surgery and asked thoughtful questions that reflected a deep understanding of the material. I have no doubt that he will excel in the surgical field as he continues to progress through his medical training.”
Texas Children's Hospital: Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Group
2018
Woodlands, Texas
Shadowed ten surgeons and two cast technicians at the Texas Children’s Pediatric Orthopaedic Group, ranging in specialties from pediatric scoliosis to general orthopedics. Spent time observing patient clinics and patient processing, in addition to time spent in the operating room. Overall shadowing time of approximately 126 hours.
Testimonial from Jennifer Broome RN for Chief Surgeon, Complex Care Orthopaedic Surgery:
“All physicians and staff spoke highly of their interaction with Michael. He demonstrated significant professionalism, had a strong desire to learn and always had a positive attitude. Michael was compassionate and caring in his interaction with patients and was a pleasure to work with.”
Texas A&M Player Development Center
2017 - 2018
College Station, Texas
Administered physical fitness testing, such as DEXA scans, VO2 Testing, Cardiovascular Stress testing, and Pulmonary Function Testing to Texas A&M athletes, local police, and fire department personnel. Direct patient interaction provided the opportunity to become proficient in Fitness testing and for medical situational personal skill development. Volunteered approximately 60 hours.
INOV8 Orthopedics
2016 - 2017
Houston, Texas
Reported directly to Stefan Kreuzer M.D. Assisted in research, specifically analyzing/providing measurements from CT Scans of femoral head anteversion/retroversion to determine the effect on patient overall hip health, pre and post-surgical. Dr. Kreuzer is a pioneer in the development of Minimally Invasive and Computer/Robotic Assisted hip and knee replacement surgery. Additional 60 hours in operating/procedure room shadowing.
Testimonial from Stefan Kreuzer MD:
"It is with great enthusiasm that I provide a testimonial for Michael Cesarek, a remarkable medical student whose dedication, leadership and academic excellence set him apart. Michael is well on his way to becoming an excellent physician. During his time shadowing in the operating room, Michael displayed an eagerness to learn and an impressive ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team. Michael showed a keen understanding of the intricacies of orthopedic procedures and constantly asked thoughtful questions that reflected both his curiosity and growing knowledge of surgical techniques in a surgical setting. He has the potential to make meaningful contributions to the field of medicine…"
DISC Sports & Spine Center
2015 & 2019
Marina Del Rae / Newport Beach, California
Reported to Robert S. Bray, Jr. MD, DISC CEO & Founding Director, Board Certified Neurological Spine Surgeon, Joseph Barrows MD, Anesthesiologist, and Michael Port MD Pain Management, Anesthesiologist. DISC is one of the leading facilities specializing in spine, orthopaedics and sports medicine with one of the most technologically advanced outpatient surgical centers, alongside next-generation diagnostics, non-surgical conservative care, pain management and rehabilitation. 100 hours in Operating Room, 60 hours in surgical center.
Testimonial from Robert S. Bray MD Founding Director DISC:
“Michael did an observational internship at DISC prior to starting medical school. His interest level far surpassed, and expectations and he showed a true passion for surgery. He engaged in research and review projects and interacted with all the staff in a truly mature manner. I have taught many years of residents and fellows in orthopedic and neurological surgery. Michael has what it takes to excel.”
Special Forces Charitable Trust
2015-2016
Houston, Texas and Los Angeles, California
The Special Forces Charitable Trust understands that the Soldier's Family carries the greatest burden and sacrifice during training cycles and multiple deployments. We seek to further SF Families by providing support in a way that strengthens and highlights their extraordinary resilience. Volunteered at two 3-day fundraising events.
Methodist Hospital System
2014
Houston, Texas
Internship with the Primary Care Sports Medicine (PCSM) Fellowship Program: reported to Dr. Scott Rand, Director of the Human Performance Lab, a national leader in PCSM education. Assisted in primary research to determine statistically significant factors influencing concussion recovery in athletes. Approximately 140 hours.
Testimonial from Scott E. Rand MD FAAFP CAQSM:
“I have been training medical students and residents for over 25 years. In my career I don't think I have met a student more suited to the medical profession than Michael Cesarek. He is remarkably intelligent but possesses the caring, insightful demeanor that is often missing in medical students. I am proud that he will be joining my profession and I am confident that he will make an outstanding orthopedic surgeon.”
Personal Notes
Outside of Medicine, I enjoy spending my time with family and friends, weightlifting, running, snowboarding, scuba diving, reading, hiking, and watching college football. I have been married for four years to my high school sweetheart, who is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and is currently pursuing a residency in Veterinary Cardiology. Together we have three pets, two rescue dogs, and a blind cat. I have a strong passion for family, exercise, nutrition, the outdoors, and educating others.