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Orthopedic Trauma is one of the newer settings an AT can work while being employed in the physicians practice setting.
Daniel Ruedeman joins Sandy Harris and me to discuss what Orthopedic Trauma is and how Daniel is setting the stage for AT growth in the field
Daniel, where are you working right now?
University of Colorado/ UC Health
Orthopedic Trauma
Limb restoration – Patients with non-union fractures
Infections
Prevent amputations
Osseointegration – interactive way to help amputees with their artificial limbs
Doing AT for about 20 years
Daniel has worked in the PT, college and secondary setting
“I do not want patients to come in and have just a doctor appointment. I want it to be a relationship and a positive experience.”
He was the first one hired in the hospital setting at UC Health
When they first hired him they did not know what his role was and he was able to build that from the ground up
What was the transition like from the traditional setting?
Started with him shadowing the physician
That lead to a team focused approach so nursing, MA, AT, Doc all communicating the same thing to patients
Being the pilot AT Daniel was able to set the stage for bringing on an AT and the office manager connected them.
Departments like Oncology was asking how they could get an AT to work with them.
He was also an office manager at a private practice between clinical sites and his current setting.
What does a week look like in the Orthopedic Trauma center?
Works 4/10s
40 patients between 7-2
Taking brief history
Allows the med students to do the exams
Preps the patient for what to expect
Schedule next appointments
Scheduling and setting up PT
Home exercise programs
Off Tuesday
Wednesday is half office time / half clinic
Thursday/Friday are full of clinic time
Trauma doesn’t stop during COVID
Tell us more about your Orthopedic Trauma job setting
They use EPIC for the EMR.
Daniel feels the open line of communication is important.
The whole team is important.
He touches base with each of his professionals almost daily
What are you seeing in Orthopedic Trauma?
Sees a lot of tibial plateau fractures
Do not do spine or hand stuff
“Any student that does a rotation or internship with me, I want them to Look at the x-ray and understand the injuries, but also think through the process of how the injury happened.”
What do you not love about Orthopedic Trauma?
Constantly building relationships
Life balance has become a key focus
Daniel leaves work at work
How does Sandy create life balance?
It is tough since they are both ATs and host an AT podcast
They do have a dog
Do you have a hard close time?
There are no rain delays or extra innings in the OT center
They schedule their last patient at 3:30 so they have time to get out by 5:30
He has flexibility to leave at 4:30 or earlier if needed
He was furloughed during COVID and then switched to hourly. Now he has to watch his hours.
What are some of the cool tools you see?
Worked on a leg ring like Alex Smith used.
Got to see a rod running through a pelvis
Discuss the talks you do across the country and where someone should search to learn more?
COPA
ATPPS
Email Daniel for more
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