Our Physicians

Dr. Chris LaRussa is a Birmingham, Alabama native who earned his bachelor's degree from Auburn University in 1988. He then attended medical school and residency at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, completing his training in 1996. Dr. LaRussa is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He participates in annual recertification through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology to ensure he maintains currency in his practice.

 

Dr. LaRussa has practiced in central New York for 24 years since relocating from Alabama in 2002 and currently practices at St. Joseph's Health. He has been a member of several local and national professional organizations during his career and has held several leadership positions as well. This includes being a past vice chairman of District II, Section 5, of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as well as serving as the vice chairman of the obstetrics and gynecology department in the Baptist Health system in Alabama and St. Joseph's Health in Syracuse, the latter of which is where he currently practices. He was also a founding member of M.O.R.E OB in 2005, a comprehensive patient safety, quality improvement, and professional development program for hospital obstetrical units. Of note, St Joseph's Health was the first hospital in the U.S. to incorporate this forward-thinking program to improve the safety of obstetrical services.

 

Dr. LaRussa practiced in Montgomery, Alabama for six years prior to joining Associates for Women's Medicine in 2002. He recently stopped practicing obstetrics after 34 years of serving women in both Alabama and Central New York and now focuses on gynecology. His expertise continues to expand, and his interests include urinary incontinence, perimenopausal/menopausal disorders, and minimally invasive surgical options that include both basic and robotic laparoscopic surgeries. He is always accepting new patients.

 

Dr. LaRussa has always had an interest in nutrition and exercise and sees both as important aspects of every woman's health, and especially those transitioning into menopause to help manage their symptoms. He welcomes conversations about this complex issue. In his spare time his primary focus is his family, although he and his wife enjoy strength training, running, and time with their golden retriever at the dog park. They live in Jamesville and are proud parents of 4 fine young men, and now two grandchildren!