Physician Sets Up Practice in Pennsylvania
At a time when reimbursement and medical liability issues chase many physicians from Pennsylvania, there are some who chose to move here.
Martin Gillespie, MD, is one of them.
Nearly a year ago, Excela Health in Westmoreland County offered the sports medicine specialist and Pennsylvania native an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up.
“It was an opportunity to come home and make a difference in the local area,” Dr. Gillespie said.
Now that Dr. Gillespie has set up practice at Excela Health Orthopedics, patients in Westmoreland County don’t have to drive an hour to Pittsburgh to see a sports medicine specialist.
“Most people want to be able to be seen where they are. It is very gratifying to have patients say, ‘I’m so glad that I don’t have to drive anymore,’” Dr. Gillespie said.
Having a sports medicine specialist nearby is a boon for local athletes from Little League to college.
“By applying a sports medicine approach to some common injuries, we can allow these kids to get back in the game safely,” Dr. Gillespie said.
“Sports medicine orthopedics is 90 percent general orthopedics, but that other 10 percent—your attitude, how you deal with athletes, rehab protocols to get them back, your ability to communicate with athletes and coaches at all different levels—makes a huge difference in people’s outcomes,” he added.
Dr. Gillespie’s said the people of Westmoreland County have been receptive to his new approach, although it has required a change in physicians’ referral patterns and perception of orthopedics.
“To establish a new program takes time, commitment, and relationships, and it’s early in the process,” he said.
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Last Updated: 8/27/2008