An orthopedic surgeon at Sharonville, Ohio-based Beacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine became his own patient after performing hand surgery on himself, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Aug. 9.
Mohab Foad, MD, a hand surgeon, was injured in July while playing paintball with one of his sons. Dr. Foad fell and tore a ligament in his left thumb.
He didn't initially consider surgical treatment until a colleague pointed out, "The community needs healthy doctors. You need to be healthy yourself to take care of them."
Sam Koo, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Beacon, assisted Dr. Foab during surgery. Dr. Foab set up an anchor, Dr. Koo set it in place, and they structured the thumb ligament back into place. The surgery took 41 minutes to complete.
Dr. Foab is recovering and won't perform surgery for a few weeks, but he's still consulting patients.