Every month, more than 200,000 patients across the U.S. provide online feedback about their experiences with their doctors. They rate various components such as bedside manner, doctor-patient face time, degree of follow-up, courtesy of office staff, and overall opinions

Contact: Krista Townsend
Orthopedic Institute
405.609.6019 (O)
ktownsend@ortho-ok.com

Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health Helps Uninsured OKC Resident

Foundation’s ‘WORK’ program provided surgery at no cost

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 10, 2010) – The Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health, a non-profit branch of the Orthopedic Institute, recently helped an uninsured Oklahoma City resident by providing her with much-needed surgery at no cost to her. Physicians at the Orthopedic Institute donate their time to care for uninsured patients.

Shelma White, 55, is disabled due to a severe back injury sustained when she fell from a roof while installing Christmas lights. Since that time she has been unable to work and cannot afford health insurance coverage. White applied for assistance from the foundation and received a grant for the surgery and follow-up care.

“The foundation is such a blessing,” said White. “I don’t know what I would do without it. I have been in such pain from my injury – I’m just so thankful they were able to perform the surgery I needed.”

Dr. C.L. Soo, spine surgeon with Orthopedic Institute, performed the surgical procedure on June 9th which consisted of removal of hardware followed by an interbody fusion in the lumbar region. According to Soo, the surgery performed on White is valued at approximately $80,000 to $100,000. All costs for the surgery were raised through private and corporate donations to the foundation.

“The procedure for Shelma went very well,” stated Soo. “After an initial recovery period and some time dedicated to physical therapy, Shelma should expect an overall decrease in back pain and improved quality of life.”

Soo said he expects White to return to normal activities within six months and that her chances to return to work should be much improved at that time.

Shelma’s surgery falls under the WORK program which stands for Working Oklahomans Receive Kindness. This program is a primary focus of the foundation. Through the WORK program, medically uninsured working Oklahomans may apply to receive health care assistance. Applicants accepted into the WORK program may receive clinic visits, laboratory work, MRIs, physical therapy and in some cases, surgery. All costs for the patient’s care are covered by the Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health.

About Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health
The Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health (OFOH) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1996 by the founder of the Orthopedic Institute, Dr. Houshang Seradge. OFOH promotes a higher standard of care through innovative research, education and treatments focusing on orthopedic and arthritis care. OFOH is dedicated to developing a higher standard of patient care in the medical community by creating an expanded interest in and understanding of medicine and specialty areas as well as providing continuing medical education opportunities for health professionals.

###

Contact: Krista Townsend
Orthopedic Institute
405.609.6019 (O)
405.314.8481 (C)
ktownsend@ortho-ok.com

Edmison Named Director of
Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 7, 2010) – Oklahoma Foundation of Orthopedic Health recently appointed Mike Edmison to serve as its director.

As foundation director, Edmison will oversee day-to-day operations including overall strategic planning and development, creation of a board of directors, coordinating fundraising efforts, community relations and financial management of donations.

“With more than eight years of non-profit experience, Mike brings just the right mix of talent and knowledge to lead the foundation,” said Dr. Houshang Seradge, orthopedic surgeon and founder of Orthopedic Institute. “Mike has a strong vision for growing the foundation and expanding community outreach efforts. We are pleased he has joined the team.”

Edmison most recently served as the creative director for St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. In that role, Edmison was responsible for presenting the mission of St. Luke’s to the community by planning, developing and executing a weekly program to large groups with an emphasis on recruitment and retention of volunteers, donors and staff to reach its mission.

Edmison is a graduate of Oklahoma City University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in religion with an emphasis in religious education.

About Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health
The Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health (OFOH) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1996. OFOH promotes a higher standard of care through innovative research, education and treatments focusing on orthopedic and arthritis care. OFOH is dedicated to developing a higher standard of patient care in the medical community by creating an expanded interest in and understanding of medicine and specialty areas as well as providing continuing medical education opportunities for health professionals.

###

Contact: Krista Townsend
Orthopedic Institute
405.609.6019 (O)
405.314.8481 (C)
ktownsend@ortho-ok.com

Local Surgeon First in Oklahoma to Offer New Procedure for Debilitating Hand Affliction

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 25, 2010) – Nationally-recognized hand surgeon Dr. Joel Frazier of Orthopedic Institute is bringing cutting-edge technology to the Oklahoma orthopedic community with a new, non-surgical procedure for a debilitating condition affecting the hands.

Dupuytren’s Contracture is a hereditary disease resulting from the buildup of collagen in the hands that causes thick, rope-like cords of tissue to form, preventing the fingers from relaxing and straightening normally. Approximately 7 to 14 million people in the U.S. currently suffer from this condition. Dupuytren’s is present in all races and both genders, but most cases affect men over age 50.

Patients suffering from Dupuytren’s will now have a less invasive option for restoring hand function through a new FDA-approved treatment. Xiaflex™, a biologic product drug-derived from a living organism, is injected into the collagen of the hand which helps break down the excessive collagen buildup that results in the debilitating contractures.

“Our goal is to find the best long-term results for some of the most common conditions our patients experience, said Dr. Frazier. “Xiaflex™ is an exciting new treatment option with minimal risks that allows us to help Dupuytren’s patients overcome a progressively debilitating disease that keeps them from fully participating in life.”

Frazier said that hand surgeons nationwide have been working towards a treatment for Dupuytren’s that would provide long-lasting results with the least amount of disruption to patient’s daily lives – and Xiaflex™ is the answer to that.

A recurrent recipient of America’s Top Orthopedists Award and the Patients Choice Award by the Consumer’s Research Council of America, Dr. Frazier is a board-certified orthopedic and hand surgeon specializing in hand, wrist and elbow surgery.

About Orthopedic Institute
Founded in 1980 by Dr. Houshang Seradge, Orthopedic Institute is Oklahoma City’s most comprehensive orthopedic care center in a single location. Orthopedic Institute’s physicians are on the leading edge of their respective fields in orthopedics, rheumatology and pain management. OI treats all musculoskeletal conditions through the use of the most advanced techniques in orthopedic care. Physicians at OI are dedicated to helping patients return to a healthy lifestyle.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Townsend Joins Orthopedic Institute as Communications and Outreach Director

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 4, 2010) – Orthopedic Institute of Oklahoma (OI) recently selected Krista Townsend, MPH, as their communications and outreach director.

In this position, Townsend will work with senior management and OI physicians to develop and implement communication strategies to broaden the awareness of OI’s services in the community as well as maintain and develop new markets.

“We are pleased to add Krista to our management team,” said Dr. Houshang Seradge, orthopedic surgeon with OI. “With more than 18 years of experience, Krista brings valuable knowledge and expertise in communications and marketing that will benefit our facility and our practice.”

Townsend’s previous experience includes managing clients in the health care industry for two local public relations firms as well as serving as a spokesperson and public relations specialist for the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Townsend also served as a news reporter for eight years.

Townsend graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Townsend is a member of the Oklahoma City chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators. Townsend has been honored by the Society of Professional Journalists for news release writing and by PRSA for radio/TV script writing and marketing campaigns.

Founded in 1980, Orthopedic Institute is Oklahoma City’s most comprehensive orthopedic care center in a single location. OI’s physicians are on the leading edge of their respective fields in orthopedics, rheumatology and pain management. OI treats all musculoskeletal conditions through the use of the most advanced techniques in orthopedic care. Physicians at OI are dedicated to helping patients return to a healthy lifestyle.

###

Dr. Chaudhary earned his medical degree at Tufts University and MBA in Healthcare Management at Tufts, Brandeis and Northwestern Universities. He served his residency in orthopedics at University Hospital in New Jersey. Dr. Chaudhary has also completed a Combined Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Spine Fellowship at the The Cleveland Clinic. Orthopedic Institute Founder Dr. Houshang Seradge, said “We are excited to add another Doctor of superior training to our staff. We are certain that his multidisciplinary experience will provide his patients with the best available treatment for their unique situations.”

Dr. Chaudhary obtained a broad experience treating the entire spectrum of spinal conditions using both traditional and minimally invasive techniques as well as emerging technologies. He is excited to begin his practice and Oklahoma City. Dr. Chaudhary said, “Orthopedic Institute is an excellent facility with exciting goals and ideas to better serve the Oklahoma City community and I am looking forward to being a part of such a dynamic group.”

Media Contact:

About Orthopedic Institute

Orthopedic Institute of Oklahoma is a comprehensive orthopedic care clinic, hospital and surgery center offering the most sophisticated and newest technologies as well as the state’s leading physicians all focused on a patient-centered treatment. The physicians and staff at Orthopedic Institute are dedicated to improving the quality of life and health of our patients by advancing our medical expertise on how to prevent, diagnose and treat orthopedic diseases and conditions.

http://newsok.com/for-fort-sill-soldiers-surgeons-offer-healing-hands/article/3388568