Editor’s Note: Here is an enlightened approach to improving the lives of a specific subset of orthopaedic patients. In the spirit of keeping this account relatively anonymous, many descriptive facts have been deleted.
I trained in and practiced a “different” orthopaedic subspecialty. It was not sexy. It was not popular. It required hard work and innovation. I learned from one of the best.
Wartime orthopaedics necessitated that effort be directed toward those wounded who had a chance of survival. More modern-day trauma care has traditionally continued to use some of those same guidelines. Since just survival is now less of an issue, shouldn’t concern for quality of life after survival be factored in? I devoted my career to this pursuit both as an educator and as a surgeon.
My mentor taught me many things but one of the most important was that if I was being innovative and doing something “different”, that I had the responsibility to review my results carefully and report this information in the Orthopaedic literature. Hence, the importance of follow-up studies to determine if the innovation truly was beneficial to the patient. She also reminded me that “a good operation is one that any well-trained orthopaedist can perform.” In other words, the details of how it is done, and the expected outcome must be clearly communicated so its successful use can be widespread.
Later, after my fellowships and early career, I was recruited into a leadership role. It was a first for a woman. My mentor told me “Just because you’re the first, better be the best!” She was right, of course. This role could not have been more satisfying. I had all the opportunities: to lead, teach, do research, and take care of patients. As I look back, I would not change a thing.
Through my clinical work in my unique subspecialty, I have learned to admire my patients and their families. The patients work hard with grace and are very happy to have someone who cares for them. Their family support system also contributes significantly to the recovery process.
My lived experience is that women in orthopaedic surgery have made some significant contributions. They have “taught” men to be comfortable working with women and how to approach patients in an empathetic manner. Women have become “one of the team, not one of the boys.” This means that we have all learned together.
I am deeply moved by several quotes taken from a dedication piece written by two of my former residents and mentees:
“She became a thought leader and internationally recognized clinician.”
“She viewed the patient as a whole and surgery as only one means to an end. The function of the patient was supreme.”
“She was revolutionary in her understanding that surgery is sometimes more conservative and cost-effective than non-operative management.”
What do I see as special challenges for future orthopaedics?
There is a great advantage to having specific and detailed experience in the treatment of one joint or limb. This specificity, however, may limit our overall view and may interfere with collaboration. This could undermine the strength of our specialty.
The stigma associated with pregnancy. Young women and men wish to have children when they are young which often means during residency. Education systems have the capacity to make this possible and not a liability. Women are strong and can work up close to their delivery dates. They then should be given the opportunity to have time off to learn the basics of being a mother. Men should also have time to develop parenting skills. To take compassionate care of patients, we must be compassionate with ourselves and peers.
To stay globally interactive. There is now an international, multi-specialty group of physicians dedicated to my unique subspecialty. Our group meets biennially in France. In addition, another group of like practitioners from Canada organizes four educational webinars annually. The webinar format allows healthcare providers from all countries to participate without fees. The webinars also provide an opportunity for the physicians to have ongoing conversations and collaborations. This is an excellent model.