Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon to perform surgery for you or your loved ones is never an easy task. Orthopedic conditions may worsen if an inexperienced surgeon is engaged. A skilled and experienced surgeon is of utmost importance. If you have a musculoskeletal system injury, you have to engage their assistance. What the surgeon does will have a direct impact on your health, now and in the future.
Asking around for opinions
Word of mouth is the most powerful tool out there. One of the most efficient ways is to ask your family members, neighbors and friends if they know of any skilled and quality orthopedic surgeon. Ask about their personal first hand experiences. You may also seek for advices and recommendations on the internet and there are comprehensive sources of information available. However, do not fully believe everything on the internet.
Establishing credentials
After you have shortlisted a few surgeons, do a search of them on the internet and call their respective clinics and hospitals to find out more about them. You may also arrange appointments with them. Ask them for their educations, area of specialization and experience in the particular field. Have they gotten the necessary education required and are those recognized?
Getting second opinions
Once you are happy with the last few shortlisted surgeons, arrange for an appointment with him/her. Ask him for his take on the surgery and what his plans are for you. After receiving his arrangement, take your time to think about it. In the mean time, schedule another appointment with another surgeon. Compare the results of different surgeons and see which one has the best approach and you are most at ease with. As this concerns your own health, do not do it hastily. You have all the time in the world to decide.
Going with your instincts
After you have in mind the right surgeon to perform the important surgery, ask yourself, are you comfortable with him and most importantly, do you trust him? A positive doctor-patient relationship is important and makes sure that the treatment plan and recovery plan your surgeon recommended is in line with what you expect.
Preventive care
Is your surgeon leaning towards preventive care? Measures such as exercising to lose weight and encouraging a smoke free lifestyle can make a huge difference in the recovery process. A surgeon who emphasizes all the little changes is one that is not only concerned with the current complication but also long term health.
Focus on your life after surgery and make a commitment to recover and stay healthy in the shortest time. When you have fully recovered and in the pink of health, it is now your turn to recommend your surgeon to those who need him most.
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