14 Bringing health care news to your home Michael Pitner, MD, orthopedic surgeon Pitner grew up in a medical family — his father and grandfather were orthopedic surgeons, and his mother and several aunts were nurses. “We always joked that it was a good family to get hurt in,” he said. “I saw my friends get sutured at the kitchen counter not infrequently.” In high school and college, Pitner gravitated toward science classes. The orthopedic care he received for a sports injury further solidified his career choice. Pitner earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, followed by a surgical residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. He then completed a fellowship in sports medicine at TRIA/University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Matthew Delarosa, MD, orthopedic surgeon Delarosa grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He knew he wanted to practice medicine from a young age. “I always wanted to be a doctor,” he said. “My dad was a pediatric dentist, and I just enjoyed the concept of health care and taking care of people.” Delarosa completed his medical school training at Louisiana State University in New Orleans and stayed there for his residency. He then completed a fellowship in hand and wrist surgery at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Your hands are how you interact with the majority of the world,” he said. “When they don’t work well, it makes it challenging.” Delarosa aims to restore his patients’ “freedom to live and function within the world they love,” he added. Some of the upper-extremity conditions he can address include: ● Carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes. ● Tendon injuries, such as trigger finger and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. ● Arthritis. ● Broken fingers, wrists and elbows. When conservative treatments aren’t enough, several procedures may help. Minimally invasive hand and elbow “scopes,” which allow for minimal downtime for his patients, and surgeries to replace elbow joints and small joints of the hands are a few of the surgical options he can offer his patients. Delarosa believes in communication and collaboration. “I provide as much information as possible on the path that we’re taking,” Delarosa said. “We’re a health care team. I want my patients to have a say in their health care.” Orthopedic care isn’t a one-size-fitsall approach, Delarosa noted. That’s why he strives to listen to patients and understand their condition and how they use their hands in their daily routine. He then offers a personalized treatment plan specific to their needs. The team approach at Columbus was one of the things that drew him to provide care here. “The hospital and the folks within Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic are really invested in the community,” he said. “And it truly is a team approach. We get to know the therapists, and we get to know the athletic trainers. It feels like everybody knows everybody, and everyone in our circle is committed to patients getting the best care. And the care provided is really top-notch.” Delarosa enjoys spending time with his family and endurance running. He participates in endurance races a couple times a year.
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