In medical practice, the foundation of any successful outcome lies in accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment. This is evident in interventional spine physiatry, where physicians strive to address the intricacies of back problems and alleviate the burden of back pain. As every patient presents with a distinct set of circumstances, addressing back problems and the associated pain requires a comprehensive understanding of individual cases.

In this episode, Dr. Faisel Zaman joins Lauren for a conversation about medical care for the spine or other musculoskeletal issues. Dr. Zaman is a fellowship-trained, interventional spine physiatrist. He is an expert at diagnosing and treating medical conditions that cause pain and limit function. Also called physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, Dr. Zaman provides a full spectrum of care - from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation - to restore maximum health and quality of life. Dr. Zaman's goal is to safely return the injured individual, worker, or athlete, back to his or her prior level of function, productivity, or performance.

A leader in his field with nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Zaman talks about his procedure for diagnosing and treating back pain. He also discusses his treatment plan after all conservative measures have been taken, how he helps overcome their fear of in-office procedures, and how he values team collaboration when providing patient care.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:57 - Backstory of Dr. Faisel Zaman

02:28 - What drove Dr. Zaman to specialize in spine physiatry

04:11 - Dr. Zaman's patient demographics

07:08 - How Dr. Zaman diagnoses and treats back pain

10:41 - Dr. Zaman's treatment plan after all conservative measures have been taken

15:12 - How Dr. Zaman helps patients overcome their fear of in-office procedures

20:19 - How Dr. Zaman values team collaboration when providing patient care

22:27 - Dr. Zaman's thoughts on how healthcare has changed over the years

Favorite Quotes

04:46 - "The basis behind any successful medical outcome is making the right diagnosis. You really can't treat back problems or back pain generically." - Dr. Faisel Zaman

07:53 - "I like to empower patients with the tools they need to optimize their function and take control of their healthcare and future." - Dr. Faisel Zaman

11:44 - "There's a whole host of differential diagnostics that, as physicians, we need to have in the back of our minds to make sure that we are having the correct route of treatment and not end up going down a rabbit hole of stuff that will not help the patient." - Dr. Faisel Zaman

15:40 - "The concept of needing sedation or needing to be put to sleep for procedures like the spine is a regional issue. Communicating to patients in a way that they can understand, breaking things down to them in terms that they will understand, is very helpful." - Dr. Faisel Zaman

Click HERE to book with Dr. Faisel Zaman

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Robotic surgeries introduce a new era of personalized care. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, surgeons can meticulously plan and execute procedures tailored to each patient's specific needs. From the precision of surgical procedures to the comprehensive approach to recovery, the focus has shifted from merely treating injuries to providing personalized care that supports long-term health. As technology advances, this innovative method promises to revolutionize the field, enhancing patient outcomes and pushing the boundaries of physical performance.

In this episode, Shannon Peterson talks with Dr. Dan Volpini, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. With a Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Fellowship under the tutelage of the renowned Dr. Felix H. "Buddy" Savoie, III and Dr. Larry Field at Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Dr. Volpini talks about robotic surgery in sports medicine. He also speaks about the importance of physical therapy after surgery or after an injury, what a robotic total joint replacement entails, and the prep and post-op process of a patient who underwent robotic surgery.

Dr. Dan Volpini was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and moved to Dallas, Texas at the age of 17. Growing up, Dr. Volpini had a strong passion for sports, especially for playing soccer from a young age. He earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas, all under a full scholarship. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Volpini chose to stay in San Antonio where he completed his Orthopaedic surgery residency.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:57 - Backstory of Dr. Dan Volpini

02:13 - What motivated Dr. Volpini to become a physician

03:10 - Dr. Volpini's role in sports medicine

04:40 - What it's like to preserve a young person's joint before replacement

06:06 - How stem cell procedures can be performed

07:44 - How important is physical therapy after surgery or after an injury

09:55 - What a robotic total joint replacement entails

12:15 - The preparation process for robotic surgery

14:09 - Post-op recovery of a patient who underwent robotic surgery

15:59 - Dr. Volpini's work at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas, Forney 

17:29 - How sports medicine has changed over time

Quotes

04:22 - "The goal of modern medicine is to preserve the native joints. We move on to joint replacement for those beyond repair." - Dr. Dan Volpini

07:58 - "Physical therapy is a crucial part of treatment. You can see very different results from the same surgery depending on the amount of therapy, the type of therapy they're doing, and how compliant those patients are." - Dr. Dan Volpini

11:08 - "The difference in robotic-assisted joint replacement is that it is a more precise, custom-made, or custom-planned joint replacement for a specific patient. We replace the damaged joint and keep the patient's normal alignment and normal anatomy in place." - Dr. Dan Volpini

20:47 - "Not only that we treat the injuries, but we also educate. During rehab, we also use preventive medicine, where we want to not only treat the injured joint but also strengthen the other joints so they can prevent further injuries in the future." - Dr. Dan Volpini

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Research has become an indispensable cornerstone of advancing medical science, unlocking new possibilities for patient care and treatment. For North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI) and Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas (OSD), the importance of research resonates at the core of their long-term objectives. With an unwavering dedication to enhancing patient outcomes, they recognize that pioneering treatments, cutting-edge techniques, clinical trials, and collaborative partnerships are key to providing the highest level of care.

For the second time on the Modern Orthopaedics podcast, Lauren speaks with Jeff Neumann, CEO of the North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI). Dedicated to conducting research studies, both for clinical and benchwork, Jeff speaks about the importance of research at North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI), why NTMRI research studies are incorporated into Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas, and how NTMRI and OSD outcomes affect people.

Jeff Neumann has been a clinical coordinator on multiple studies ranging from academic/single investigator studies to NIH-granted studies, including device and drug studies. As one of the Founding Members and CEO of North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI), Jeff hopes that this invaluable experience as a lead coordinator and as a clinical leader in his role as a Physician Assistant (PA) will help guide NTMRI to be a part of something greater and positively contribute to our overall medical knowledge base.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:57 - What research is really about at North Texas Medical Research Institute 

01:36 - How research is driven

02:47 - The long-term goal of NTMRI

03:32 - How research studies are developed

04:15 - Why research studies at NTMRI are incorporated at OSD

06:24 - The critical role physician assistants play in medicine

09:52 - How physician assistants' role in healthcare has evolved over time

11:04 - How physician assistants can stay up-to-date on their education

12:44 - The impact that NTMRI and OSD outcomes have on people

18:55 - What Episurf research is about and how it works

22:18 - How can patients get in touch with Jeff

Favorite Quotes

02:52 - "Our long-term goal is to help Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas in how we treat our patients. We want to be on the leading edge of changing how we treat and care for our patients." ~ Jeff Neumann

03:09 - "Patients to us are not just numbers. They're people. And we want to make them better." ~ Jeff Neumann

05:33 - "When I look at someone at their knee, I'm not looking at just their knee. This is someone's knee that affects their life and sometimes affects their back. So, when we look at the patient, we look at them as a whole person." ~ Jeff Neumann

Learn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

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Get in touch with Jeff Neumann

• North Texas Medical Research Institute
• North Texas Medical Research Institute on LinkedIn
• North Texas Medical Research Institute on Facebook

Foot and ankle health should never be taken for granted. The lower extremities endure tremendous stress and strain on a daily basis, carrying individuals through life's journeys. Yet, the significance of early intervention and preventive measures often goes unrecognized. Neglecting foot and ankle health not only jeopardizes one's mobility but can significantly impact overall well-being. The consequences can be especially dire for individuals with conditions such as diabetes or neuropathy. How can our feet be proactively taken care of, and what treatments could restore mobility?

In this episode of Modern Orthopaedics, Shannon talks with Dr. Matthew Britt. Focused on evidence-based medicine and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Britt speaks about foot health, the factors that contribute to having Charcot foot, and the role of biologics, such as stem cells, in foot or ankle surgery.

Dr. Matthew Britt is a Podiatric Surgeon at the Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. He is Board Certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Britt is a fellow member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine. He is also actively involved in training and educating residents about foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Britt looks forward to expanding the practice with a community-based approach focused on patient education and understanding.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

01:00 - Backstory of Dr. Matthew Britt

02:00 - How Dr. Matthew got into Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

04:02 - What Dr. Matthew has to say about foot care

06:27 - Dr. Matthew's specializations beyond general foot care and diabetic foot treatment

10:54 - Factors that contribute to Charcot foot

11:57 - Recurrence rates of Charcot foot

13:11 - Among the other complex procedures Dr. Matthew performs

16:26 - Why ankle replacement surgeries are rarely performed

19:08 - The role of biologics, such as stem cells, in foot or ankle surgery

22:05 - The possibility of biologic injections being covered by insurance in the future

Favorite Quotes

03:28 - "It's so important to be aware of foot and ankle health. Many people neglect it, and it takes us to a point where treatment becomes more difficult. Surgery can be prevented by being proactive with your health, especially your feet health." ~ Dr. Matthew Britt

07:01 - "Charcot arthropathy is one of the main reasons diabetics or neuropathic type patients lose their legs. The problem is, when you lose portions of your limb, your life expectancy drops considerably." ~ Dr. Matthew Britt

20:05 - "Our feet and our ankles are farthest away in our circulation. They're like the borders of our bodies. So naturally, it takes a little bit longer in the foot and ankle realm to heal." ~ Dr. Matthew Britt

Connect with Dr. Matthew Britt

Learn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

As healthcare evolves and advances, research plays an increasingly critical role in improving patient outcomes. Clinicians across various medical fields understand that staying on the cutting edge of new discoveries and advancements can be the key to providing the highest quality care to their patients. For them, data is king, and the more they can learn from it, the better equipped they are to tackle new challenges and improve patient outcomes.  

In this episode, Lauren shares a conversation with Jeff Neumann. A researcher at heart, Jeff talks about what research means for clinicians, the NTMRI (North Texas Medical Research Institute) research projects, and the importance of data in research and patient care.

Jeff Neumann's interests are deep set in research, both for clinical and benchwork. He has been a clinical coordinator on multiple studies ranging from academic/single investigator studies to NIH granted studies, including device and drug studies. As one of the Founding Members and CEO of North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI), Jeff hopes that this invaluable experience as a lead coordinator and as a clinical leader in his role as a PA will help guide NTMRI to be a part of something greater and positively contribute to our overall medical knowledge base.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

01:01 - What North Texas Medical Research Institute (NTMRI) is about.

02:15 - What research means to clinicians

04:03 - How to get involved in clinical research

05:17 - NTMRI's research projects

12:18 - How patients are incentivized to participate in research

13:37 - The vision of Jeff in the field of research

14:51 - The importance of data in research and patient care

21:03 - How research and bundle payments can be integrated to provide the best outcomes for patients

23:09 - How Jeff assesses patients for knee replacement

25:32 - An example of a case in which a patient could be disqualified for surgery

Quotes

11:44 - "We're trying to be on the cutting edge of many different things and looking at other investigative studies. So, we're always looking at different things to research and make things better." - Jeff Neumann

13:43 - "My vision with research is to push the idea of making us better and not just to Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. The whole goal is to help our patients, and we want to make sure we're a part of that process. We also know there's so much more we can do to do better for our patients." - Jeff Neumann

26:18 - "The North Texas Medical Research Institute was born out of helping our patients and working together with Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. There's a good synergistic relationship because we want to make things better across the board." - Jeff Neumann

Learn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

North Texas Medical Research Institute

In orthopaedics, the ultimate goal for both patients and surgeons is achieving the best possible outcome. However, the definition of a successful outcome can vary depending on various factors, including the patient's unique condition, individual goals, and the specific surgical procedure performed. What are some of the latest techniques and technology that improve patient outcomes in the hand, wrist, and elbow areas?

In this episode, Shannon talks with Dr. Nilpesh Patel. Dr. Patel shares why he chose to specialize in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, the complex procedures he performs, and why office-based surgery is beneficial.

Dr. Nilpesh M. Patel is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2000 with a Political Science and Chemistry degree. He continued his education at the University of North Carolina, receiving his medical degree in 2004. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and completed a five-year residency in orthopaedic surgery at Emory University. Dr. Patel has a special interest in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, including sports-related injuries, fracture treatment of the upper extremity, Dupuytren's contracture, traumatic conditions, including tendon repairs and reconstruction, and nerve-related conditions.

In this Episode

00:15 - Backstory of Dr. Nilpesh Patel

01:12 - What motivated Dr. Patel to become a physician

03:13 - The reasons Dr. Patel chose to specialize in hand, wrist, and elbow 

06:29 - Some of the complex procedures that Dr. Patel performs on hands, wrists, and elbows

09:37 - What a Tommy John Surgery is

13:46 - What stem cells have to do with surgery on the hands, wrists, and elbows

16:55 - The difference between stem cells and PRP

18:04 - The procedures Dr. Patel performs in his office

20:12 - Why office-based surgery is beneficial

22:22 - Some of the complex wrist and hand procedures that Dr. Patel performs

25:30 - Why occupational therapy is important after surgery

Favorite Quotes

05:01 - "Patient outcome is always something we look to in orthopaedics. That is looking at how patients do, not just from studies, animal models, and biomechanics. It's how patients are satisfied." - Dr. Nilpesh Patel

18:12 - "We are moving to a world of trying to help patients get out of the surgery suites and get them back to activity faster. And a big push has been doing things in the office, including surgical procedures." - Dr. Nilpesh Patel

26:15 - "Occupational therapy is important after surgery, especially in the hands and wrist. It's always good to have the guidance of an occupational therapist to help patients protect the things that need to be protected before and after surgery in the right way." - Dr. Nilpesh Patel

Learn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

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The healthcare industry is evolving, creating new opportunities and challenges for professionals in the field. For some, that means transitioning from a specialized role within a medical practice to management and leadership roles, steering the organization toward growth and success. While the transition can be exciting, it requires a shift in mindset and skillset.

In this episode, Shannon sits with Lauren Podina, CEO of Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. Passionate about patient care and consumer experience, Lauren talks about her transition from being a physical therapist to the management side, what it is like to be the CEO of a rapidly growing medical practice, and her visions for Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas in five years.

For the past ten years, Lauren has served as Director of Therapy at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. She is now the CEO of the organization, where she takes care of employees and patients on the front end and providers and the healthcare system on the back end.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

01:16 - Lauren's career history at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

03:38 - What motivated Lauren to move into management

04:54 - What it is like to be the CEO of a rapidly growing medical practice

05:47 - The biggest challenge in healthcare over the last few years

07:32 - How COVID has changed the healthcare system

08:31 - What Lauren envisions for Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas in five years

09:08 - What do Lauren's daily activities look like in her role as CEO

11:44 - What Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas can bring to the community

14:00 - The initiatives Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas will implement in the years to come

17:58 - How Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas can give back to the community

Favorite Quotes

03:47 - "I love consumerism. I love patient care. I love people, and I find value in them. Customer service is the heartbeat of this organization. Without patients coming in the door, we don't have jobs." - Lauren Podina

06:40 - "We're on the cusp of balancing our providers and our staff and providing excellent service while enabling the patient to have excellent care and easy access." - Lauren Podina

08:49 - "We provide the best opportunity to see a provider easily, receive top-notch service, and then patients have incredible outcomes. And if we produce good outcomes in a short period of time, it will only allow us to grow." - Lauren Podina

20:05 - "If what we can do is service internally through leadership and then externally through the community, that's what will build our organization." - Lauren Podina

Connect with Lauren Podina on LinkedIn

Learn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

Healthcare systems across the globe are facing the critical challenge of providing high-quality care that prioritizes the well-being and outcomes of patients. Rather than focusing solely on volume-driven metrics, such as the number of patients seen or procedures performed, healthcare providers are shifting towards a more value-based approach. This shift focuses on providing high-quality services that positively impact patients' lives and requires a fundamental rethinking of healthcare delivery.

In this episode, Lauren talks with Dr. Umar Burney. Dedicated to helping patients change their lives, Dr. Burney speaks about his international mission, what inspired him to do non-profit work, and how he can help transform the American healthcare system.

Dr. Umar Burney is the Founding and Managing Partner of Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas, North Texas Medical Research Institute, and Complete Operations Management Solutions. Dr. Burney serves on many hospital committees and is the Sports Medicine Director and Joints Program Director for Texas Health Presbyterian of Rockwall. His primary focus is sports medicine and joint replacement. 

Enjoy!

In This Episode

01:07 - Backstory of Dr. Umar Burney

02:29 - The most dramatic change in healthcare in the last 17 years 

04:50 - What Dr. Burney's international mission entails

07:36 - What the healthcare system looks like in the future

11:39 - How patients can access public-private hospitals

13:32 - How Dr. Burney provides patient care in Pakistan

16:37 - What inspired Dr. Burney to do non-profit work in Pakistan

20:20 - Dr. Burney's perspective on the American healthcare system

21:50 - How Dr. Burney can help transform the American healthcare system

29:03 - How hip arthroscopy works

Favorite Quotes

05:54 - "Being in medicine involves being empathetic to those that I confront on a daily basis. And if my mission work and charity work improve that empathy and continue to fuel that character trait of mine, it's worth it." - Dr. Umar Burney

06:37 - "If you don't care for the person you're taking care of, don't be in it. The day you lose the ability to care for the person who just walked in to seek your medical help, that's the day you should hang it up." - Dr. Umar Burney

22:47 - "We've got to shift away from volume-driven individuals to quality-based individuals. As opposed to seeing every individual as another number, another statistic, we will be more incentivized and driven to look at what we are giving them and how we are changing their life." - Dr. Umar Burney

Learn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

North Texas Medical Research Institute

Many people may need to get in touch with a physical therapist at some point in their lives, whether it's to recover from a sports injury, manage chronic pain, or regain strength and mobility after surgery. While physical therapy is often associated with athletes and sports injuries, it is a versatile form of treatment that can benefit people of all ages and activity levels.

In this episode, CEO Lauren Podina shares a conversation with Madison Dillow, Director of Physical Therapy at Orthopaedics Specialists of Dallas. Committed to providing a hands-on treatment approach to optimize patient outcomes, Madison talks about the difference between an occupational therapist and a physical therapist, what drew him to sports medicine-driven therapy practice, and what his TPI program is all about.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

01:23 - How Madison feels about working with Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

02:58 - The first thing to consider when doing physical therapy

03:55 - Examples of goals patients want to achieve

06:14 - How to get in touch with a physical therapist at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

07:59 - The difference between an occupational therapist and a physical therapist

09:17 - What drew Madison to sports medicine-driven therapy practice

10:08 - Why you should see a physical therapist even if you are not in pain

12:08 - The most common upper extremity issues among athletes

13:23 - What Madison's TPI program is all about

15:21 - The approach Madison takes to deal with knee pain

21:10 - How often do patients return to therapy after surgery

22:29 - What physical therapists do after rotator cuff surgery

23:52 - What patients need to know about postoperative care for rotator cuff injuries

26:47 - Other medical practices physical therapists and occupational therapists do

30:06 - What inspired Madison to pursue a career in therapy

Favorite Quotes

03:02 - "If a patient has a goal or something they're trying to achieve, they work harder, comply with their exercises, and just do better. Whereas when someone comes in because they were told they needed to go to physical therapy, you need to do a job to identify what they really want. Otherwise, they don't want to do therapy." - Madison Dillow

09:24 - "One of the aspects we're trying to incorporate is the return to sports protocol. And we want to make sure that patients have gone through the motions, skills, and everything they'll need to get back into their sport." - Madison Dillow

31:01 - "The big thing that I've loved about physical therapy is that you get to know people, talk to them, and be invested in their lives as well. That's a big part of our profession. Their buy-in is a part of us just being good human beings and being able to talk and interact with people." - Madison Dillow

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Orthopedic sports medicine doctors are crucial in keeping athletes and active individuals at the top of their game. They specialize in diagnosing and treating orthopedic problems arising from sports injuries, overuse, or general wear and tear. Having a goal of getting their patients back to their active lifestyles, what are some ways doctors can quickly and safely help athletes regain their range of motion and achieve optimal health and performance?

In this episode, Shannon sits with Dr. John Zavala, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic problems, Dr. Zavala speaks about what it means to be a sports medicine doctor, how joint and knee replacements have evolved over the years, and what sets orthopedics surgery apart from other practices.

Dr. Zavala earned his medical degree from the University of Texas–Southwestern Medical School, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He subsequently completed his Internship and Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. While in residency, he served as administrative chief resident and was elected to participate in the American Orthopaedic Association Resident Leadership Forum. Following his residency training, he was awarded a fellowship in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Reconstruction at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas under the direction of renowned shoulder surgeon Richard Hawkins. He then completed a mini-fellowship in Ankle and Foot injuries under Angus McBryde at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama.

His research interests have included fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, multimodal analgesia in total knee arthroplasty, and complications of reverse shoulder arthroplasty. 

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:42 - Backstory of Dr. John Zavala

01:21 - How Dr. Zavala and Dr. Burney established Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

02:43 - What motivated Dr. Zavala to become a doctor and why he chose orthopedics

03:27 - What it means to be a sports medicine doctor

06:41 - Additional practice Dr. Zavala performs besides sports medicine

07:14 - How joint and knee replacements have evolved over the years

10:05 - Cartilage preservation and stem cell therapy

11:16 - The difference between PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and stem cell therapy

15:42 - What sets orthopedics surgery apart from other practices

20:03 - Why being a surgeon is humbling

21:33 - The most rewarding part of working with patients. 

Quotes

04:27 - "A lot of sports medicine is just orthopedics. Now, it's tailored more toward treating sports injuries, keeping people active, and keeping people doing the activities they want to do." - Dr. John Zavala

07:14 - "Shoulder replacement patients are some of the happiest because they don't experience that much pain postoperatively and are extremely happy with their functional gains and pain relief after surgery." - Dr. John Zavala

22:09 - "The biggest reward is when you have patients that you get them functional and they can do things they lost the ability to do, and they don't have pain. And for athletes, it's just taking a potential injury that requires surgery and getting them back to doing the sport and activity they love." - Dr. John Zavala

Learn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas