Philosophy of Care

With over 30 years of experience in orthopedic surgery, one principle has become increasingly important to me: every patient is different. A diagnosis is only part of the story. I want to understand the person who has the diagnosis: their circumstances, their goals, what they are trying to get back to, and how their problem is affecting their life. Two people with the same MRI or X-ray may need very different treatment.

Patient education is fundamental to my practice. I want my patients to understand what they have, why it is causing their symptoms, what their treatment options are, and what they can reasonably expect from each option. My job is not simply to tell someone what to do. It is to give them the information and perspective that come from experience so that we can make the right decision together.

That decision does not always involve surgery. The goal is the right treatment, not the most aggressive treatment. When conservative care is appropriate, I believe in conservative care. When surgery is indicated, I will recommend it clearly and explain why. Integrity means giving a patient the same recommendation I would want for myself or someone in my own family.

Trust is at the center of the doctor-patient relationship. When someone chooses me as their surgeon, they are placing an extraordinary amount of trust in me. I believe that has to be deserved, and continually earned. In the operating room, I am that patient's advocate whether anyone is watching or not. I approach surgery the same way I approach the rest of their care: with preparation, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to doing what I believe is best for that individual patient.

Not every treatment goes perfectly, and not every recovery follows a straight line. I believe in being there for my patients through the easy recoveries and the difficult ones. My responsibility does not end when the operation is finished. If there is a problem, we face it together.

Ultimately, I want to build relationships that last. I want to be the physician my patients return to when another shoulder or knee problem develops, the physician they trust with their family, and the physician that other healthcare professionals choose for themselves and their families.

Listen carefully. Educate thoroughly. Recommend honestly. Treat each patient individually. Hold myself to a high standard. And earn their trust every time.