Redefining the "Community" Surgeon: A Surgeon's Perspective

Description

The transcript details a talk by Lane Dielwart discussing the concept of 'community orthopedic surgeons' and the various perspectives related to this field. Dielwart notes that the topic arose from a request to conduct webinars for orthopedic surgeons across Canada, emphasizing the lack of clarity and often negative connotations associated with the term 'community orthopedic surgeon.' He outlines the learning objectives of the talk, with a focus on the diverse experiences of surgeons, residents, and academics in both community and academic settings.



The speaker reflects on his own experiences during training, where 'community' was often linked to complications, thus fostering biases against community surgeons. He argues that complications in cases arise from various factors, not simply the environment in which they occur. Dielwart challenges the audience to reconsider what defines a community orthopedic surgeon and highlights the need for collaboration between academic and community practices for better care outcomes.



Throughout the presentation, he details the unique challenges faced by orthopedic surgeons in community settings, such as lack of resources, absence of advanced trainees, and varying access to support services. Dielwart underscores that community surgeons are increasingly specialized and possess multiple fellowships, evolving the definition of a community orthopedic surgeon to those who serve their community's specific needs rather than conforming to traditional categorizations.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-222016

Specialties