About Norele J. Cutrera, MD
Dr. Norele Cutrera is a board-certified Orthopaedic Surgery specialist who treats patients from Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center at 4060 Lakeland Highlands Rd. in south Lakeland.
Her areas of expertise include minimally invasive hip & knee reconstruction and replacement, complex orthopaedic trauma, anterior approach (muscle sparing), robot-assisted joint replacement, pelvic and acetabular procedures, unicompartmental knee replacements, same-day fracture care evaluation, fracture nonunion and malunion, sports injuries, degenerative conditions, infections and congenital musculoskeletal disorders.
Dr. Cutrera received her medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY. She went on to complete her residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, her fellowship in Orthopaedic Trauma at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN, and an additional fellowship in Adult Hip/Knee Reconstruction at Community Health Network/Shelborne Institute in Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Cutrera is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
1. What inspired you to get into healthcare?
I was drawn to healthcare because I wanted to help people during some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives. That became especially clear to me through Orthopaedic trauma, where patients often arrive, unexpectedly, in pain and genuinely distressed. I found meaning in being able to step into those moments, solve complex problems and help patients begin moving forward. Over time, I wanted to expand the ways I could help patients. That led me to pursue additional training in hip and knee reconstruction, allowing me to address complex orthopaedic problems while helping patients regain their mobility and independence through joint replacement. For me, the field combines the challenge of solving difficult problems with the opportunity to make a tangible difference in each patient's life.
2. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Cycling, fishing, and reading.
3. What brought you to Central Florida?
I began my career in Lakeland, and after spending time working in larger metropolitan areas, I realized how much I value the sense of community and small town feel that Lakeland and Central Floria offer. I have always enjoyed the warm weather and the ability to be outdoors year-round. Central Florida offers a great balance of a close-knit community with access to everything the region has to offer.
4. What brought you to Watson Clinic?
Watson Clinic's emphasis on excellence, compassionate care and meeting the healthcare needs of the region made it a natural fit. I also appreciate the opportunity to work in an environment that supports physician independence while keeping the patient at the center of every decision. Joining Watson Clinic allows me to combine my background in orthopaedic trauma with my expertise in hip and knee reconstruction while contributing to a respected organization with deep roots in Central Florida.