Jarrod Shapiro, DPM
Joined Mountain View Medical
&
Surgical Associates of
Madras, Oregon July 2008 |
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he ortho-podiatry relationship has always been an interesting and storied one. Most, if not all of us, have at least some experience with an orthopedist, whether it's a patient of yours who has seen one, rotations you've done in school or residency, or a colleague in the community. Speaking to various podiatrists around the country, I have witnessed a very mixed interaction. Are they friendly colleagues, with a mutual interest in bone and joint pathology? Or, are they a foe, out to steal our patients, and trying to prevent us from doing surgery? I would argue the true answer depends on the specific doctor. |
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My orthopedic experience has been mixed. I had no orthopedic rotation at CSPM. In residency, we rotated with a foot and ankle orthopedist who treated the podiatric residents with little respect.
On the surface, he was polite and, in fact, had no trouble asking for our advice on cases. No, he was not pimping us – you can tell when someone is quizzing you and when they truly want your advice. The OR was a different story. Since he also had orthopedic residents, the podiatry residents did not first assist his cases. This isn't necessarily a bad thing.
I believe you can have a full educational experience without being the first assist — you just have to look for the opportunity. What was truly bothersome was his ignoring the podiatry residents in spite of the fact that we were clearly more prepared than the ortho residents were. Whether it was comprehension of the anatomy involved or the procedures themselves, the podiatry residents always had superior knowledge. Unfortunately, he was not the best surgeon. For instance, he almost transected the sural nerve during an open gastrocnemius recession. Again, it's just as important to know what not to do!
While practicing in Lansing, Michigan I had a better relationship with ortho. I was on good terms with a local foot and ankle orthopedist who regularly referred me patients. Additionally, other orthopedists referred patients my way, predominantly for wound care and diabetic foot complications. This was a much more collegial relationship with a great deal of mutual respect.
Now in Oregon, I've found, again a good relationship with an orthopedist. My hospital has a visiting orthopedist who does clinic once per week and weekly elective surgeries, as well as covering the ER for trauma. He has made it quite clear that I am the “go to” person for foot and ankle trauma. Additionally, he has proctored several of my cases without a complaint (new surgeons on staff are required to have their first ten cases proctored before full surgical privileges are granted). He has made my arrival in the area much easier.
So what's the answer? Friend or foe? As in anything in life, the surface appearance often requires further investigation to gather the truth. We really have to give each orthopedist we meet the benefit of the doubt. Give them the chance to create a mutually beneficial relationship — but be wary of that doctor who might think you're stepping on his turf.
What has been your orthopedic experience? Write in with your stories, complaints, and issues.
Jarrod Shapiro, DPM
PRESENT New Docs Editor
[email protected]
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