Here are five orthopedic surgeons in the news this week.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Werner Brooks, MD, won the Physician of the Year award at the Hendersonville, N.C.-based Pardee Hospital Foundation's annual gala. Dr. Brooks specializes in general orthopedic surgery, knee and shoulder surgery, sports medicine and total joint replacements.
The Department of Justice charged three Oklahoma-based physicians, including an orthopedic surgeon, Krishna Balarma Parchuri, DO, with violating the anti-kickback statute for their role in a scheme dating back to November 2012.
Dusty Smith, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Gadsden, Ala.-based Riverview Regional Medical Center invented a new medical device, Sagittae, for spinal fusions. Sagittae is a lateral lumbar interbody fusion device which is customizable to each patient.
Robert Handy, MD, filed a complaint against his former practice and partners, alleging unlawful termination. He alleges the defendants, which include Doylestown, Pa.-based Bucks County Orthopedic Specialists and its physician shareholders violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and Pennsylvania Military Affairs Act when he was terminated last month.
Kevin Black, MD, an orthopedic surgeon, will replace Craig Hillemeier, MD, on July 1, when Dr. Hillemeier retires as dean of the college and senior vice president for health affairs. Dr. Hillemeier is also the CEO of Penn State Health.