Physician of the Quarter

Rooted in Rhode Island: Dr. Anthony DeLuise on Leadership, Family, and the RIOS Community

By Matthew Lawrence

“Don’t sit on the sidelines. The more we participate, the better we can serve our patients.”

For nearly two decades, Dr. Anthony DeLuise has been a trusted presence in Rhode Island’s orthopedic community — known not only for his surgical expertise, but for his steady leadership, sense of humor, and dedication to the profession. His story is one rooted in family, community, and the small-world connections that make Rhode Island special.

“My wife and I are both from Rhode Island, and we always knew we wanted to come home.”

A Steady Leader in RIOS

Dr. DeLuise’s involvement with the Rhode Island Orthopedic Society began, as he puts it, “by chance — and in a very Rhode Island way.” While working at The Miriam Hospital and the Southern New England Surgery Center in Attleboro, he became friends with several physicians who were active in RIOS.

“A few of the doctors I worked with were involved in committees, and they encouraged me to get involved,” he explains. “I started as a member-at-large and then gradually took on more responsibility — treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president.”

When asked what stands out most about his time with RIOS, Dr. DeLuise points to the society’s renewed energy and direction. “When I became president, one of my main goals was to rebuild our structure and re-engage members after the pandemic,” he says. “We’ve come a long way since then — we’re organized, active, and have a strong foundation for the future.”

He credits the turnaround to a team effort. “The RIMS staff, Stacy and Ali, were both instrumental in getting us back on track since taking over as our management company at the end of 2022,” he says. “They helped modernize how we operate, and the results speak for themselves.”

“We’ve come a long way as a society — we’re organized, active, and have a strong foundation for the future.”

Beyond the Operating Room

Outside of medicine, Dr. DeLuise’s life is grounded in family, tradition, and community. He and his brother co-own DeLuise Bakery in Cranston — a continuation of a family legacy that started decades ago in Providence.

“My grandfather owned the original DeLuise Bakery in the Mount Pleasant section,” he says. “When my brother and I reopened a bakery years later, it was a way to honor that legacy. I handle some of the business side, and my brother runs the day-to-day. Around Christmas, I still like to help make the cookies — it’s rewarding work.”

Dr. DeLuise and his wife have two children — a daughter who’s a freshman at Clemson University and a son in his senior year at La Salle Academy. When he’s not in the OR or at the bakery, family time is his priority. “I stay active playing in an adult baseball league and tennis,” he says with a grin. “And I’m also an assistant football coach at Ponaganset High School. It’s great to work with students, see their growth, and stay connected to the community.”

“Around Christmas, I still like to help make the cookies — it’s rewarding work.”

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Community involvement has long been a part of Dr. DeLuise’s professional and personal life — and sometimes in unexpected ways. “Years ago, a local dance studio organized an event called Dancing with the Doctors, modeled after Dancing with the Stars,” he recalls. “My grandparents were big ballroom dancers, so I thought it would be fun to participate. At the end of the program, you perform in front of a big crowd — I even won Most Entertaining that year!”

That experience sparked a lasting connection with local fundraising efforts. The following year, organizers asked him to emcee the event, which benefited the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). From there, he became deeply involved in the organization’s Man of the Year (now Visionaries of the Year) campaign — a ten-week competition where participants raise funds for blood-cancer research. “I was honored to be the first participant to raise over $100,000,” he says. “It was a team effort, and it felt amazing to know we were making a real difference.”

Philanthropy soon became a family affair. When LLS launched its Student of the Year competition, Dr. DeLuise’s partner’s daughter joined the first class of student fundraisers, and last year his own son took part, raising more than $25,000. “Seeing young people get involved and learn the value of giving back — that’s incredibly rewarding,” he says.

After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, Dancing with the Doctors returned in 2025 and continues to be one of his favorite community events. “It brings people together for a great cause,” he says. “And it reminds us that doing good can be fun — it doesn’t always have to be serious.”

“It brings people together for a great cause — and it reminds us that doing good can be fun.”

Words of Wisdom

When asked what advice he’d give to students and early-career physicians, Dr. DeLuise pauses thoughtfully. “For college students, I’d say: really take the time to explore medicine before committing to it. Shadow physicians in different specialties, understand the lifestyle, and know what you’re signing up for. It’s a commitment — but a meaningful one.”

“For medical students, I’d offer three pieces of advice,” he continues. “First, learn Spanish — it will help you connect with more patients. Second, learn the business side of medicine; it’s something we’re not taught in medical school, but it’s essential to thriving in practice. And finally, pick a field that you truly enjoy, even on the most routine days. Every specialty has its daily patterns — so find one that fits your curiosity and personality.”

For younger physicians already in practice, he emphasizes advocacy. “The business side of medicine is constantly changing,” he says. “That’s why it’s so important to get involved — with your professional societies, with legislation, with advocacy. Don’t sit on the sidelines. The more we participate, the better we can serve our patients.”

“The business side of medicine is constantly changing — that’s why it’s so important to get involved.”