Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you choose to enter a medical profession?

My father, Dennis, was certainly influential in my decision to become a physician. To this day, even when I’m contemplating the consequences of a decision, I can still hear his voice in my head, “Hey big shot (me), are you thinking about yourself again?” This constant reminder of selflessness and humility has helped me find my way.

I still remember freshman year at Tulane, bouncing between the political science department, liberal arts building, and engineering school trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I “grew up”. Did I want to be someone who was considered important by others, or did I want to actually be important to others.

Once I removed the job titles and labels from all of my choices, my father’s voice made my choice very simple. As a physician, I could serve, nurture, and be important to others. And in reality, that’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do.

Why did you choose to specialize in orthopaedic surgery?

As a 19 year old sophomore in Tulane's school of engineering, I had a feeling I would become an orthopaedic surgeon. The principles of engineering were simple enough... keep rigid structures from moving and prevent moving structures from becoming rigid.

Orthopaedics would allow me to continue my love of mechanics and materials, but instead of building airplane wings in California (my first job offer out of college), I would instead reconstruct a pitcher's “bum wing” in the operating room.

If there was a message you could get to the people reading the ads and articles, what would you say?

I know what it's like to work hard and come home tired. I also understand the frustration of going through a typical work day with an ongoing physical ailment; I had a bone cyst in my thoracic spine that took three years to diagnose. The emotional and psychological strain became as frustrating as the physical pain itself.

I see my patients for more than just a “knee strain” or “torn rotator cuff”; I hope they leave my office knowing I addressed their concerns.

Who is most likely to refer business to you (nursing home, home health, family physicians, etc.)?

Orthopaedic surgeons typically have a wide variety of referrers. The staple of our elective practice comes from family physicians, therapists, and athletic trainers. We also have good relationships with musculoskeletal sub-specialists such as rheumatologists and physiatrists. Many companies rely on us for care of their employees after on-site injuries. More urgent referrals typically come from emergency rooms, nursing homes, and inpatient consultations.

Do you have an area of specialization or a particular interest? Why?

In addition to my five years of core orthopaedic training, I have spent an additional two years in sub-specialty training or fellowships. The first of those years was devoted to hip and knee replacement research with Dr. Robert Barrack; formerly of Tulane and now chief of Staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, Missouri. This research provided me with the opportunity to operate and investigate with one of the premier adult reconstruction surgeons in the country. I have published several papers in this regard over the past several years.

The other year of fellowship training was spent in Memphis, Tennessee at the prestigious Campbell Clinic Foundation under the direction of Dr. Freddie Azar. This year was devoted to sports medicine and arthroscopy. I had to pleasure of assisting with the Memphis Grizzles (NBA team), the RedBirds (AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the St Louis Cardinals), the Division I University of Memphis athletics teams, and the other surrounding colleges and high schools.

As a result of my fellowships, I have two separate goals:

• With the assistance of Dauterive Hospital, I will develop a joint replacement “center of excellence” that will serve the region.
• Develop a sports medicine center of excellence in conjunction with Dauterive Hospital, Louisiana Athletic Care, and the other healthcare providers in the area.

From pediatric and adolescent athletes to “weekend warriors” to octogenarians, I want to nurture the athlete in everyone. My particular fields of interest are in throwing injuries, knee ligamentous reconstructions, female athletic injuries, and contact injuries.

Are you Board Certified?

I am Board Eligible. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS) administers a two-part examination. I passed step one in July, 2008. I am now eligible to sit for the second part in 2010.

I am also a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine (AOSSM), and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA).