Michael A. Wilmink, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing with OrthoArizona, Arizona Orthopaedic Associates. He earned his medical degree from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Dr. Wilmink is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Canadian Orthopedic Association. Here he discusses applying problem solving to orthopedics, focusing on quality care and his current research in the treatment of knee arthritis. Q: Why did you choose to become an orthopedic surgeon?Dr. Michael Wilmink: I like to solve problems and orthopedics provides multiple versions of problems to be solved on a daily basis.
Q: How has orthopedics changed since you began to practice?
MW: It has become much more focused on quality outcomes and helping patients to spend their healthcare dollars in an efficient manner.
Q: What advice do you have for surgeons just entering the field of orthopedics?
MW: Expect to learn a lot during your first five years on your own and have wise partners to help you out.
Q: Are there any research developments you are currently excited about?
MW: I am currently developing a long acting steroid injection for the treatment of knee arthritis. We have animal studies under way and hope to initiate human studies in 2013 pending FDA approval.
Q: What changes do you see on the horizon for orthopedic surgery?
MW: Surgeons will become seen more so as technicians as we see the massive swell of patients coming through in the next 10 years with not enough providers to care for them. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners will be the front line of patient care, feeding long lists of surgeries to be done by the attending orthopedic doctors. That is the only way we will be able to keep up with the demand.
A series of articles featuring orthopedic surgeons on issues ranging from personal background to current research developments is published weekly. We invite all orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists to participate.
If you are interested please email cpallardy@beckershealthcare.com.
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