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Trust is important in any relationship. When it comes to healthcare, surveys indicate trust ranks near expertise in the level of importance for most patients. The doctors at Alabama Orthopaedic Surgeons work together under the motto “The Local Name You Can Trust” because they understand building relationships is a major factor behind their success.
“The physicians at Alabama Orthopaedic Surgeons are keenly aware that a person’s health is their most important physical asset, and that no two people are the same,” said Dr. Donald Slappey Jr. founding surgeon for the clinic. “I am honored, and humbled by the fact that my patients entrust me with their health, and is an honor I take very seriously.”
Dr. Slappey followed in the tradition of his father, an orthopedic surgeon in Birmingham in the 1950s, and has been in practice for more than 30 years. The clinic features five surgeons who have specializations in different parts of the body which provides a strong level of expertise covering the entire body. Alabama Orthopaedic Surgeons is housed in the professional building at St. Vincent’s East but the surgeons work out of other locations of St. Vincent’s in St. Clair and Blount counties.
The demand for orthopedic specialists is greater than ever. Part of the reason for the increased need for orthopedic care is the aging population. The baby boom generation is now reaching senior status and, along with that increase in age, the need for more joint replacements and repairs has increased. Another reason for an increased need for orthopedic treatment could be tied to modern exercise trends. As more people engage in high impact exercise, the incidence of bone injury has increased.
The five surgeons focus on total care for each patient because every patient is different. They don’t move to surgery until other options have been explored fully. They will even refer patients out to other clinics if they feel that would best meet their needs. Additionally, the office at Alabama Orthopaedic Surgeons maintains a full physical therapy center to assist with every aspect of recovery.
“Whether it’s surgical or nonsurgical treatment, helping patients understand what is going on in their bodies and developing a treatment plan to get them back to doing the activities they enjoy is a very rewarding aspect of my job,” said Dr. Jerry Ambrosia, fellowship trained shoulder and upper extremity specialist.
“The way we differentiate our group is by providing the highest possible level of personalized service,” said spine specialist, Dr. Spain Hodges. “I look at my patients like family, never just as a number or a diagnosis.” According to Ryan Bradley, practice administrator, the family approach is simply good business. Even the employee handbook reflects the values of the doctors. It instructs each employee to treat everyone who walks in the door as if they were a family member. Not only does the personal attention create a sense of trust, but it is also good for the business of doctors who refer patients to the surgeons. The good experience reflects back on the physicians who recommended them and patients feel good about their primary care doctors as a result.
Dr. Jason Cobb adds “Each and every patient is special to me, and I customize the care I give to provide the best possible outcome,” Dr. Jason Cobb specializes in orthopedic trauma cases.
“We are fortunate to have four fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons in our group,” said total joint specialist Dr. Tim Cool. “That means we have specialists that can cover a full range of orthopedic needs including Total Joint Replacements, Spine Surgery, Trauma Surgery, and Upper Extremity Surgery. Our surgeons are experienced, highly trained, and most importantly- caring.”
Not only do the five doctors have diverse skill sets which give them the ability to meet the needs of each specific customer, but they also have more than 60 years of experience combined between them. That level of professional experience can serve as a confidence builder for patients in times that could potentially be very stressful.
Whether they are performing a reverse shoulder replacement, an anterior hip replacement, or mending a broken bone, the doctors tailor each approach to meet the goals of the patient and to provide the best recovery experience possible. Personal attention makes all the difference to the staff at Alabama Orthopaedic Surgeons.