Rasesh R. Desai, MD, FAAOS

I'm in a unique position because I have three different specialties. I'm fellowship trained in spine surgery, in pediatric orthopaedic surgery and in joint replacement surgery. This gives me an opportunity to see patients from all age groups and allows me to see the patient as a whole. Sometimes patients come in with pain in their leg, hip or knee, and we find out that their actual problem is coming from the spine.

When we treat the patient, especially if they are going to need any surgical treatment, I always encourage them to bring their family members along with them. Surgery is not only about the patient, it involves the family, too. It is very important to keep everyone informed about what the surgery is going to accomplish and when they can expect the patient to get back on their feet. I believe involving the whole family together in the decision-making process and helping them understand about the rehabilitation process helps a lot and goes a long way in the patient's recovery.

My favorite thing about my profession is getting the patient out of pain. When they come to us with severe pain, with their life being debilitated because of pain, helping them get past the pain and get on with their life is our highest priority. When they come back in the clinic and tell me that my pain is gone and I see them walking again the satisfaction that I get is priceless. This is what inspired me to choose a profession in orthopaedic surgery.