This month marks a major milestone for Marisa Deliso, MD ’20, MPH ’17, as she begins a sports medicine fellowship at Orlando Health—an experience that will bring her closer to her dream of working at the intersection of medicine and athletics.
During the fellowship, the St. George’s University School of Medicine alum will provide care for a wide range of athletes, from UCF collegiate teams and local high school competitors to professionals in the Orlando City and Orlando Pride soccer teams, the LPGA Tour, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and even the Orlando Ballet.
Stepping into this next chapter follows a rewarding tenure as chief resident in orthopedic surgery at Jersey City Medical Center, where she led the trauma service, managed high-acuity cases, and mentored junior residents. The role demanded a blend of clinical precision, fast decision-making, and leadership—all skills that will serve her well on the sidelines and in the clinic.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is helping patients regain their mobility and independence,” Dr. Deliso said. “There’s nothing quite like seeing a patient walk again after a devastating injury.”
A Florida native and proud new mother, Dr. Deliso continues to lead by example, whether she’s scrubbing into surgery, guiding a patient’s recovery, or navigating parenthood.
Learn more about her journey.
SGU: What will you focus on during your sports medicine fellowship?
Dr. Deliso: Sports medicine focuses on arthroscopic (minimally-invasive surgery) and open surgery techniques for treating joint instability and soft tissue injuries in the shoulder, knee, hip, elbow, foot, and ankle. It encompasses rotator cuff repair, shoulder and hip instability, ligament reconstructions (such as ACL and multi-ligament knee repair), cartilage restoration, osteotomies, and much more.
SGU: Why did you choose to get a dual MD-MPH degree? How does it advance your career?
Dr. Deliso: While I love working directly with patients, I also wanted to understand the bigger picture, like how health affects whole communities and what we can do to prevent problems before they start. The MPH gave me tools to look beyond individual care and think about things like health policies, prevention, and reducing disparities.
Having both degrees helps me not just treat patients but also work on making healthcare better on a larger scale. It has opened opportunities for me to get involved in research and community health projects, which is really important to me. Overall, it gives me a broader view of health and helps me make a bigger impact.
SGU: What made you pursue medicine?
Dr. Deliso: As a first-generation American, I was raised in a family from Italy who valued hard work and craftsmanship. Their dedication inspired me to pursue a path where I could use my hands and mind to make a meaningful impact. I was drawn to medicine, and orthopedic surgery felt like a natural fit for me because it combines technical skill with the ability to transform lives. I saw it as a way to honor my family’s values while building a new legacy of service and healing.
SGU: How do you hope to contribute to the field of medicine?
Dr. Deliso: I’m interested in restoring mobility and performance at every stage of life, whether it’s helping a young athlete get back on the field or enabling an older adult to stay independent and pain-free.
Beyond clinical care, I plan to stay actively involved in resident education. Teaching and mentoring are incredibly important to me, and I want to contribute to shaping future generations of orthopedic surgeons. I’m also excited to be part of ongoing innovation in the field, whether through research, advancing surgical techniques, or improving care delivery. My goal is to make a meaningful, lasting impact both inside and outside the operating room.
SGU: What has been a particularly memorable, rewarding, or challenging experience in your career so far?
Dr. Deliso: One of the most memorable and rewarding experiences in my career so far was the opportunity to serve as one of the team physicians covering the Philadelphia Eagles during preseason this year. Working with a Super Bowl–winning organization and being part of the medical team for such elite athletes was truly incredible. It was inspiring to see the level of performance, discipline, and dedication these players bring—and equally exciting to contribute as an orthopedic surgeon in that high-stakes, high-performance environment. It was a powerful reminder of why I love this field.
SGU: How did SGU help you achieve your dream of becoming a doctor?
Dr. Deliso: SGU gave me an opportunity as a nontraditional applicant—someone who began their journey in community college and is a first-generation American and college student. SGU believed in my potential and provided an outstanding medical education with strong foundational training and excellent teaching. More than just accepting me as a student, SGU gave me the chance to grow into the physician I aspired to become.
SGU: Why did you choose SGU?
Dr. Deliso: I chose SGU for many reasons. I had the unique opportunity to complete the first two years of medical school in paradise. The academic rigor and quality of teaching were excellent, and that strong foundation helped me achieve great board scores and confidently move into my clinical years.
What really set SGU apart for me was the flexibility of clinical training. I was able to return home to Florida for my core rotations in third year, which allowed me to stay close to family and maintain a strong support system. In my fourth year, I was able to design a schedule focused on audition rotations in orthopedic surgery, which played a crucial role in helping me match into a competitive specialty. SGU supported me in navigating a competitive field and provided the structure I needed to succeed. SGU gave me the tools, support, and freedom I needed to make my dream of becoming a doctor a reality.
SGU: Which, if any, support services did you take advantage of at SGU? How did these help you succeed?
Dr. Deliso: I heavily utilized the Department of Educational Services (DES) during my time at SGU. Attending sessions led by student facilitators early on helped me better understand complex topics and develop strong study strategies. Eventually, I became a facilitator myself, which pushed me to master the material at a deeper level. If you can teach something clearly, you truly understand it. That experience not only reinforced my learning but also contributed to my strong board scores.
I also worked closely with the Office of Career Guidance when planning for the Match. Their support was instrumental in helping me develop a focused, strategic application plan that ultimately helped me match into orthopedic surgery. These resources made a significant difference in my success.
SGU: Did you receive a scholarship? How did that help you?
Dr. Deliso: Yes, I received two scholarships during medical school and one for my MPH. These scholarships helped relieve part of the financial burden, which made a significant difference throughout my training. Knowing that some of the cost was offset allowed me to focus more fully on my education and clinical experiences without the added stress of financial strain. I’m incredibly grateful for that support. It played an important role in helping me succeed.
SGU: Why would you recommend SGU to an aspiring med student?
Dr. Deliso: If you’re driven, hardworking, and just need the right opportunity to prove yourself, SGU is the place for you. It offers a rigorous, supportive education with a global perspective and strong clinical training.
SGU is an excellent option for students who are deeply committed to medicine, even if their path hasn’t been traditional, such as mine. Many SGU alumni, including myself, have matched into highly competitive specialties like orthopedic surgery, proving that with dedication and the right support, SGU can take you anywhere.
— Published August 2025
