WHEN I SPEAK with Kentuckiana doctors for stories in MD-Update, I always ask them, “When and why did you know you wanted to be a doctor?” Their answers always include variations on three themes. “I wanted to help people. I liked science in school. I wanted to be like the doctor in my family, or in my childhood.”
Orthopedists and surgeons often add that they like working with their hands and enjoy seeing immediate results in their patients’ well-being. For all the doctors that I speak with, their patients’ gratitude is a common motivation for why they do what they do.
When I spoke with the Shriners Children’s pediatric orthopedic surgeons for this issue’s cover story, I heard the same responses, but with a level of enthusiasm and passion that was remarkable. Maybe it’s because they work with children and there’s so much joy, resilience, and optimism that comes from helping the youngest of patients.
All four Shriners Children’s pediatric orthopedic surgeons basically said the same thing, “This is the best job I could hope to have.”
I hope you enjoy reading the story about Shriners Children’s Lexington as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
Joint Replacement, Rehabilitation, or Preservation?
We cover multiple options for worn-out joints in our Special Section stories with Drs. Malkani, Chattha, Puckett, Hughes, Eades, Mazloomdoost, and Hunt. Repair, replace, preserve, or rejuvenate. We have options and doctors who can do what needs to be done.
Loss of Consortium and Boundaries
Our legal columnist Andrew DeSimone discusses a changing environment in the medical malpractice claim of “loss of consortium” as it relates to child and parents. Dr. Jan, our resident mental wellness expert, takes on “Boundaries.” If you’ve encountered the question of “Is This Mine to Decide—or Ours to Negotiate?,” Dr. Jan has some helpful strategies.
Big Person Toys
I’m not a big fan of car shows, but my experience at the Concours d’Elegance at Keeneland in August was fun. The restored classic automobiles were truly amazing to see. Nowadays, when all the sedans and SUVs look so similar, it is a delight to see the craftsmanship and artistic design of the early models of the machines that changed the USA.
Plus, it was for a great cause, benefitting UK Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Drop me a line if you have a story to tell.
Until next issue in October, all the best,
Gil Dunn
Editor/Publisher MD-Update
