Jonathan Fox, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, practices with OrthoArizona, Arizona Orthopaedic Associates. He earned his medical degree form the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He completed his internship and residency at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. Dr. Fox is a member of the American Fracture Association, Orthopedic Surgeons of North America and Arizona Orthopedic Association. Q: Why did you choose to become an orthopedic surgeon?Dr. Jonathan Fox: When I was in junior high and high school I was always interested in the sciences. I volunteered at the Children's Hospital in Omaha, Neb., where I grew up. My goal was to become a physician. My desire to become an orthopedic surgeon was based on my other interests as I was growing up. I had a passion for figuring out how things worked, so I spent a lot of time taking mechanical devices apart and putting them back together. That led to restoring and rebuilding old cars and motorcycles. The skills and techniques I learned from those activities then led me to pursue orthopedic surgery because it is a very mechanically oriented specialty. It requires many of the same types of tools for both restoring cars and restoring worn out joints and fixing fractures.
Q: How has orthopedics changed since you began to practice?
JF: Orthopedic surgery has changed extensively in all aspects. The surgery techniques have improved and have become more efficient. The study of metallurgy and plastics has allowed orthopedic surgeons to implant better and longer-lasting devices, which have helped patients to return to activities that would not have been considered or allowed in past years. There is a lot of research being done on retaining and repairing damaged joints and tissues so that someday the need to do major reconstructive surgeries may be diminished.
Q: What advice do you have for surgeons just entering the field of orthopedics?
JF: My advice to orthopedic surgeons entering the field includes working hard at being very attentive to patient's needs and listening closely to their concerns. If this is done, one can build a thriving practice very quickly. Studying very hard and reviewing frequently is important to keep up with new techniques. I still review surgical procedures even if I have done hundreds of them. I almost always learn something, and if not, I can at least confirm that I am doing procedures with techniques that are similar to the experts. Willingness to put in long hours is imperative.
Q: Are there any research developments you are currently excited about?
JF: I am amazed at the research being done in cell biology that can someday lead to restoration of damaged or diseased tissues without doing surgery.
Q: What changes do you see on the horizon for orthopedic surgery?
JF: The changes I see on the horizon for orthopedic surgery are many. Some are related to the extensive research being done to improve surgical procedures to assist the surgeon to do surgeries more quickly, safely and with better outcomes. There are also some governmental issues that may be of concern in the future. For example, new techniques and products might not be used because of lack of Medicare dollars to pay for these advances. Some of the surgeries that we take for granted now, such as joint replacement procedures, may not be offered to many people for economic reasons.
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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Problem Solving & Moving Forward in the Field of Orthopedics: Q&A With Dr. Michael Wilmink of Arizona Orthopaedic Associates
Technology in the World of Orthopedics: Q&A With Dr. Paul Papierski of MidAmerica Orthopedics
Achieving Goals With Orthopedic Care: Q&A With Dr. Jeffrey Carlson of Orthopaedic & Spine Center