10/12/2025
These feet. They haven’t even learned to walk yet. They know only love and met needs. When he cries he has some one always listening and responding.
I started my Direct Specialty Practice (DSC) in Non-Surgical Orthopedics and Sports Medicine 4 weeks ago. I’ve had 10 patients so far. They all have something in common…problems finding some one who will listen. Truly listen to what they have to say. Some of them have been trying to find a listening ear for 10+ years. Some have seen 30+ providers/clinicians. Most have been told they will just have to live with it or a version of “I don’t know, so not my problem”.
I have found that ‘Every person tells THEIR story”. I can usually narrow down 5 or less differential diagnoses (DDx) after listening to some one tell their version of their story. I then confirm and narrow down the DDx with follow up questions and a thorough physical exam (going one joint above and below).
Clinicians miss the biggest hint when we try to get the person to tell THEIR story in OUR language (medical jargon).
My first patient visit is 75min, almost every person so far has gone over this time just telling their story. There is this look of trepidation followed by relief when they get to a part of their story that everyone else has interrupted or ignored.
Now, I rarely figure out their problem within the first visit. Nearly every one has heard “I won’t give up on you if you won’t give up on me.”
I’m so thankful to be able to start Equity Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and give the care that I know every person deserves. I want to give the care that the feet I hold (my one year old son) deserves if he ever finds himself in the situation of my patients.
