cj1986
05-17-2009, 09:19 PM
How did everyone find their surgeons?
I'm looking for a surgeon, and am trying to find the "best" in my area (Chicagoland). Every doctor I come across online ofcourse says they specialize in bunions and foot and ankle reconstruction... and I doubt that one doctor would refer me to another that isn't in his practice. So my question... how did you guys all find your surgeons? Just by word of mouth?
I'm looking for a surgeon, and am trying to find the "best" in my area (Chicagoland). Every doctor I come across online ofcourse says they specialize in bunions and foot and ankle reconstruction... and I doubt that one doctor would refer me to another that isn't in his practice. So my question... how did you guys all find your surgeons? Just by word of mouth?
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Titchou
05-17-2009, 09:54 PM
I asked my PCP (whom I trust implicitely and who is listed as one of the best internists in B'ham) who was the best foot surgeon in town. He gave me a name and then I researched him - online, asked other people, etc. Turns out he is one of the best in the country. Ask any sports med doc if they know who Andrews and Lemak in B'ham are and they will gush over them. My doc was the foot guy in thei practice when they were together. (Brett Favre was just here seeing Andrews about his arm)
So, if I were you in Chicago, I'd find out who the Bulls and the Bears use and go see those folks. Or, I'd come to Birmingham and see Dr. John Gould at UAB Orthopedics!
So, if I were you in Chicago, I'd find out who the Bulls and the Bears use and go see those folks. Or, I'd come to Birmingham and see Dr. John Gould at UAB Orthopedics!
janewhite1
05-17-2009, 11:02 PM
Definitely, you want someone who is either an orthopedist who is board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, or (for some problems) a podiatric surgeon with extensive experience. (Do NOT go with a podiatrist who is not a podiatric surgeon.)
Your family doctor is indeed a good place to start, as are teaching hospitals in your area.
Your family doctor is indeed a good place to start, as are teaching hospitals in your area.
cj1986
05-17-2009, 11:43 PM
Thank you for your answers!
I'll look up the other pro sports teams around here and see who they use.
I have actually seen the doctor for the Bulls and Sox, but unfortunately was not to impressed. He sent me for a bone scan and MRI, both of which were conducted poorly (I don't blame him, but other doctors that saw the scans later on said they were almost unreadable and would have ordered re-scans). Anyways, he would spend very little time with us and said he didn't see anything in the scan so that there was nothing wrong with me, and I should just take Advil. Each time we saw him at two different offices we waited over 1.5 hours for him to spend 5 minutes with me. He ended up referring me to a podiatrist who we also had an unpleasant experience with (uncertain answers, billing for procedures I never had done, etc).
I'll look up the other pro sports teams around here and see who they use.
I have actually seen the doctor for the Bulls and Sox, but unfortunately was not to impressed. He sent me for a bone scan and MRI, both of which were conducted poorly (I don't blame him, but other doctors that saw the scans later on said they were almost unreadable and would have ordered re-scans). Anyways, he would spend very little time with us and said he didn't see anything in the scan so that there was nothing wrong with me, and I should just take Advil. Each time we saw him at two different offices we waited over 1.5 hours for him to spend 5 minutes with me. He ended up referring me to a podiatrist who we also had an unpleasant experience with (uncertain answers, billing for procedures I never had done, etc).
jflash3
05-18-2009, 01:49 AM
The bears and blackhawks ankle specialist is Armen Kelikian. He is out of Northwestern hospital. Just google him and you'll get all the info you want. He is one of the best in chicagoland.
Titchou
05-18-2009, 08:14 AM
Yes, he should be a certified foot and ankle ortho.
cj1986
05-18-2009, 11:33 PM
Jflash... have u seen this doctor before? had surgery with him?
emmie54
05-19-2009, 06:30 PM
My regular ortho referred me to the Foot and Ankle specialist ortho. If you have a regular ortho you may want to start there. A good ortho should have no problem referring to someone with more experience and/or training in a particular area. Whoever you are referred to check out his experience and education, as in where he did his foot and ankle fellowship, etc. My surgeon did his at Harvard Medical School. As I know Harvard is difficult to get into, this told me a lot about his ranking in his class, grades, etc.
You know the old joke: "what do you call the medical student who finished last in his class?...Doctor". :eek: Pretty scary when you think about it.
don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Best of luck to you.
emmie:wave:
You know the old joke: "what do you call the medical student who finished last in his class?...Doctor". :eek: Pretty scary when you think about it.
don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Best of luck to you.
emmie:wave:
jflash3
05-21-2009, 06:14 PM
Cj1986 yes i have had surgery performed by him twice now. He performed an oats allograft to my talor dome in apr 2008, and just couple days ago he scoped my ankle again to clean out scar tissue. My OCD was very severe so i will never be 100 percent healed. I think he has done an excellent job. I have seen three of the top ankle specialists in the chicago area, and kelikian by far has the most experience. The other two were(Dr. Michael Pinzer from loyola, and Dr. Steven Haddad he works for the Illinois Bone and Joint clinic.) You will be fine if you choose any of these docs. Good luck to you and let me know if i can help you any further. Jflash
cj1986
05-21-2009, 07:21 PM
I tried calling the Northwestern Orthopedic Instititute and it took a while to get a person on the phone, but finally got through. I asked to speak to either Dr. kelikian or Dr. Kodros, explaining that I wasn't looking for medical advice over the phone, just don't want to waste my time or his if its not a condition he is real experienced with. They said the doctor was too busy to do phone calls (which I expected, but couldnt hurt to ask). They directed me to Dr. Kodros's head nurse saying that she might be able to advise me, so we'll see.
I wish there was a way to contact the doctor and speak with them ahead of time. I don't want to waste the time or money to see a doctor that won't be able to help me.
I wish there was a way to contact the doctor and speak with them ahead of time. I don't want to waste the time or money to see a doctor that won't be able to help me.
aed2113
05-22-2009, 02:38 AM
Cj1986, I started in PT before I ever had surgery and I really trust my PT and asked her who she would recommend. She gave me a name of who she thought I should call first and when I was apprehensive about the surgery even gave me a name of who she thought I could talk to that wouldn't necessarily just say what the other person said because of professional courtesy....Even if you call up a PT place and ask to talk to someone, or if you know any PTs...I was really happy with the surgeon I ended up with and I think it makes sense that the PTs would know who is good to see because they get patients from all over and see who ends up with the best results. Good Luck!
cj1986
05-28-2009, 08:23 PM
JFlash... I hadn't heard back from Dr. Kodros at Northwestern, so I called today and left a message for Dr. Kelikian's assistant/nurse/whoever she was. She called back within 5 minutes which really impressed me a great deal. I explained my situation (23 year old female, very active, born with flat feet, tore my arch, suspected partial tear in PTT, and severe heel pain). I told her I just wanted to know if he has experience in treating this in someone my age and with my active lifestyle. She said it was a common problem and that she thinks he could help me. I'm going to set up an appointment within the next few weeks and see if he can help me out.
bball24
05-30-2009, 01:15 PM
How are you able to search and locate local sports team doctors? I live in Houston and I'm trying to google the local team doctors but i can't seem to find them. Is there a way that is easier?
cj1986
05-30-2009, 03:09 PM
I just kept googling and thats how i found them. orthopedic surgeon for ___(team)___. You could also try calling the team's front office and I'm sure they can direct you to them.
Titchou
05-30-2009, 08:50 PM
Or try their media guide or contact the sports writer who covers their beat for the local newspaper.
ggola
05-31-2009, 12:26 AM
There is nothing like a good PT. I went to my orthopedic surgeon who replaced both of my knees last summer. He started out treating me and then referred me to a foot and ankle specialist after I had exhausted all treatments he was willing to do. I tried so hard to have him do my surgery but he told me that he had not performed that type of extensive foot surgery in more than ten years and that he would not send me to someone he didn't have confidence in. I'm thankful for the referral.
anklehelp
05-31-2009, 02:17 AM
How are you able to search and locate local sports team doctors? I live in Houston and I'm trying to google the local team doctors but i can't seem to find them. Is there a way that is easier?
Hey bball, didn't know you live in Houston. Try calling Dr. Baxter. I had my surgery with one of the best orthopaedic surgeons for
OCD lesions in NYC. I live in Austin and my Dr suggested I call Dr. Baxter in Houston in case I decided not to go to NY. He also recommended a guy in Dallas, if you're interested. I don't know much about Dr. Baxter cause I never called or visited with him, but it might be worth a phone call? Hope it helps.
Hey bball, didn't know you live in Houston. Try calling Dr. Baxter. I had my surgery with one of the best orthopaedic surgeons for
OCD lesions in NYC. I live in Austin and my Dr suggested I call Dr. Baxter in Houston in case I decided not to go to NY. He also recommended a guy in Dallas, if you're interested. I don't know much about Dr. Baxter cause I never called or visited with him, but it might be worth a phone call? Hope it helps.
jflash3
06-01-2009, 12:05 AM
Cj1986 i think your doing the right thing for sure. Dr kelikian does surgery for the blackhawks and bears ankle issues. This guy has tons of experience, and i think the bears and hawks would only choose someone as such to work on their players. Let me know how it goes. Jflash
bball24
06-01-2009, 12:05 PM
anklehelp,
Thanks! I just googled Dr. Baxter and he looks very experienced with many awards and publications. He also made several international presentations. nice! Thanks anklehelp for the....ummmm....ankle help :D
Also let me know about the guy in Dallas as well. Thanks.
Thanks! I just googled Dr. Baxter and he looks very experienced with many awards and publications. He also made several international presentations. nice! Thanks anklehelp for the....ummmm....ankle help :D
Also let me know about the guy in Dallas as well. Thanks.
anklehelp
06-01-2009, 06:40 PM
Great to hear that Bball, glad I could be of some help!!! Ok, the guy in Dallas is Dr. James Brodsky. He's a foot and ankle orthopaedist and I believe their office is affiliated with the Dallas Cowboys. My doctor also recommended Dr. Brodsky to me as well. I think their office is pretty busy, so if you make an appointment there, make it well in advance.
jaim60
06-01-2009, 10:14 PM
totally agree his bedside manner is terrible, try Dr League, Ill bone and joint, will explain everything very patient, two people referred him a doctor and pt hope that helps
2ScrewedUp
06-18-2009, 01:11 PM
I live in Cincinnati, OH & looked at all our orthopaedic websites dr. bios to see who specialized in foot/ankle. I found my surgeon at Wellington Orthopaedic. The interesting part was on his bio where he listed a special interest in OCD's of the Talus (exactly what I had). I did some Internet research on my injury/surgery options, then asked him MANY questions. A colleague at Wellington recommended him. I liked him from the 1st visit - great bedside manner! He took time to explain, draw pictures, & really listened to/answered my questions. He was my 2nd ortho surgeon opinion but became my 1st ortho surgeon. I've had 2 follow-up visits & I like him even more. If anyone lives in/near Cincinnati or doesn't mind roadtrips for a great surgeon, here's his info.: Dr. John C. Linz, MD; 7575 Five Mile Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45230; * link to commercial website and contact information removed by hb-mod, moderator * He has a special interest in total ankle replacements & osteochondral lesions of the talus. Fellowship at Univ. of Pittsburgh School of Med. on OCD of Talus. Lectures on foot/ankle topics in Cincinnati/Nationally. He was also a PT for 5yrs. Volunteer professor who trains ortho. surgeons at the Univ. of Cincinnati. Hope this was helpful.
skylergrace
08-06-2009, 03:48 PM
Hi, this message is for jflash3 and cj1986 - if you are still on this Board please let me know how you are doing since your surgeries with Dr. Kilikean. I have seen this doctor myself. I know he is one if the best, if not the best, foot doctor in Chicago. I did not like his bed side manner; realizing it's the surgeon you choose, and not his personality, how are you doing today? I need to have a big toe fusion and am very frightened by what I have read on the internet regarding how difficult the recovery is. This will be the 3rd surgery I have had in 4 years on my left foot. Do you believe this doctor is the best and only one to use, or have you since heard of anyone else as a recommendation? I have also seen Dr. Simon Lee out of Rush - has anyone heard anything about this particular doctor? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
cj1986
08-06-2009, 04:42 PM
I was almost through with my post and it got deleted. shoot.
Ok, well ur post is good timing. I actually had surgery with Dr. Kelikian this past Tuesday. He performed a gastroc release (aka slide/recession) to treat my flat foot/torn arch/pttd/and heel pain. Prior to Dr. Kelikian I had seen a number of top doctors in Illinois. I saw Dr. Holmes out of Rush and did not care for him one bit! My first appointment with Dr. Kelikian was interesting. He was slightly abrupt, but we kind of chalked it up to experience. Sometimes I did feel a little cut off, like I would start to describe something and he would kind of cut me off and finish my sentence... but he was right and usually knew what I was getting at. Unfortunately, we kind of got the whole "time is money" kind of feeling. I would have liked a little bit more time to fully explain myself, but it did seem like he already knew where I was going with it. He did take a non-urgent personal call during the appointment which I was a little taken aback by. The first appointment he did suggest surgery, and freely offered up the name of another surgeon (dr. anand vora from IBJI). I laughed, as I had already emailed this doctor describing my problem and my heel pain, and he replied that he didnt think he could help me and doesn't work on heels (even though his website talks about treating heel pain). Oh well.
On the day of my surgery I only spoke with Dr. Kelikian briefly as he marked me up, since we were already behind schedule. He spoke with my mom after surgery and updated her. I was surprised that he called me the day after to see how I was feeling and if I had questions. Usually its a nurse that calls, so this was nice that if I had questions I could have asked him directly.
I have seen and dealt with doctors throughout the years... some with an absolutely AMAZING bedside manner, and some that could barely remember my name. I put Dr. Kelikian somewhere in the middle. All of this was taken into consideration when I made my final decision. We weighed the pros and cons and alternative options, but still thought this was the best decision for my situation. Would I have liked the bedside manner to have been better.... sure.... but then again I didn't really have too much dealing with him, and ultimately... his surgical experience was the most important thing. From everything we found and read, he seemed like one of the best in Illinois and couldn't find a reason not to go with him. Its a decision that each person has to make for themself... no right or wrong choice here. Your surgery sounds a lot more invasive and severe then mine, so you may have to deal with him more than I have. I dont know if this is of any help, but if you have any other questions, please let me know.
Ok, well ur post is good timing. I actually had surgery with Dr. Kelikian this past Tuesday. He performed a gastroc release (aka slide/recession) to treat my flat foot/torn arch/pttd/and heel pain. Prior to Dr. Kelikian I had seen a number of top doctors in Illinois. I saw Dr. Holmes out of Rush and did not care for him one bit! My first appointment with Dr. Kelikian was interesting. He was slightly abrupt, but we kind of chalked it up to experience. Sometimes I did feel a little cut off, like I would start to describe something and he would kind of cut me off and finish my sentence... but he was right and usually knew what I was getting at. Unfortunately, we kind of got the whole "time is money" kind of feeling. I would have liked a little bit more time to fully explain myself, but it did seem like he already knew where I was going with it. He did take a non-urgent personal call during the appointment which I was a little taken aback by. The first appointment he did suggest surgery, and freely offered up the name of another surgeon (dr. anand vora from IBJI). I laughed, as I had already emailed this doctor describing my problem and my heel pain, and he replied that he didnt think he could help me and doesn't work on heels (even though his website talks about treating heel pain). Oh well.
On the day of my surgery I only spoke with Dr. Kelikian briefly as he marked me up, since we were already behind schedule. He spoke with my mom after surgery and updated her. I was surprised that he called me the day after to see how I was feeling and if I had questions. Usually its a nurse that calls, so this was nice that if I had questions I could have asked him directly.
I have seen and dealt with doctors throughout the years... some with an absolutely AMAZING bedside manner, and some that could barely remember my name. I put Dr. Kelikian somewhere in the middle. All of this was taken into consideration when I made my final decision. We weighed the pros and cons and alternative options, but still thought this was the best decision for my situation. Would I have liked the bedside manner to have been better.... sure.... but then again I didn't really have too much dealing with him, and ultimately... his surgical experience was the most important thing. From everything we found and read, he seemed like one of the best in Illinois and couldn't find a reason not to go with him. Its a decision that each person has to make for themself... no right or wrong choice here. Your surgery sounds a lot more invasive and severe then mine, so you may have to deal with him more than I have. I dont know if this is of any help, but if you have any other questions, please let me know.
skylergrace
08-06-2009, 05:01 PM
Thank you for your note - it does help! I totally agree, I wish Dr. K. had a better bedside manner, but ultimately, it is his experience and "magic hands" that are more important to me. I was impressed with the fact that he called you personally to find out how you were doing. I know he is the best foot doctor in the city; has has done reconstructive work on a friend of mine who suffers from Lupus and she highly recommends him. I think he is the right one this time. I appreciate your input. Best of luck for a speedy recovery!