Distinctly Montana Magazine

79 w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m sometimes not. I understand the frustration of being sidelined and the fear of not returning to the same level. That experience makes me very focused on function, not just imaging or timelines. I try to meet patients where they are emotionally, not just anatomically. HOW DOES TREATING ATHLETES IN MONTANA COMPARE TO TREATING ATHLETES AT THE D-1 OR PROFESSIONAL LEVEL? ARE THE INJURIES DIFFERENT, OR JUST THE CONTEXT? The injuries themselves are often similar—the ACL doesn't care if you're a pro or a high school athlete—but the context is very different. In Montana, athletes often don't have layers of trainers, nutritionists, or recovery resources. They may also have jobs or family responsibilities that affect rehab. The treatment plans have to be more individualized and realistic. SPORTS MEDICINE COVERS EVERYTHING FROM WEEKEND WARRIORS TO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES TO RANCHERS WHO'VE BEEN WORKING CATTLE FOR 40 YEARS. HOW DO YOU THINK ABOUT TREAT- ING SUCH DIFFERENT POPULATIONS WITH SUCH DIFFERENT DEMANDS ON THEIR BODIES? I start by asking one key question: What do you need your body to do? For some people, that's returning to competitive sport. For others, it's being able to work, ride horses, or lift grandchildren. The diagnosis might be the same, but the treatment goals—and sometimes the treat- ment itself—are very different. WHAT'S THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTION PATIENTS HAVE ABOUT ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES OR RECOVERY? WHAT DO YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD BEFORE THEY CAME TO SEE YOU? Many patients think surgery is either a quick fix—or something to fear at all costs. In reality, surgery is just one tool. Recovery is a partnership between the surgeon, the patient, and the rehab team, and the patient plays a huge role in the final outcome. I wish more people understood how much their effort, consistency, and mindset truly matter. YOU DID YOUR FELLOWSHIP AT UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO—WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU LEARNED THERE THAT'S PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TO PRACTICING IN MONTANA? Judgment. Knowing when not to operate is just as important as know- ing how to operate. Here, success means restoring strength and reli- ability that patients can trust—on the field, on the mountain, or on the ranch. ARE THERE INJURIES OR CONDITIONS YOU SEE MORE FREQUENTLY IN MONTANA BECAUSE OF HOW PEOPLE LIVE AND WORK HERE? WHAT DOES THE MONTANA LIFESTYLE DEMAND FROM OR- THOPEDIC CARE? Overuse injuries, shoulder and knee problems, and trauma related to skiing, ranch work, and outdoor recreation are very common. Montana demands durability. Orthopedic care here has to focus on longevity and resilience, not just short-term recovery. WHEN YOU'RE TREATING SOMEONE WHO MAKES THEIR LIVING RANCHING, LOGGING, OR DOING OTHER PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORK, HOW DOES THAT CHANGE YOUR APPROACH TO TREAT- MENT AND RECOVERY? Time away from work isn't just inconvenient—it can be financially dev- astating. I think very carefully about timelines, work modifications, and whether non-operative options can safely get them back sooner. When surgery is needed, we plan rehab around real-world demands, not text- book ideals.

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