Dr. Fleming presented at and chaired numerous AOFAS educational programs, and I’ve taken a lot of his views and practices to heart. I was only able to spend a very short time with Dr. Fleming, but I think about his influence on me often. He had a no nonsense approach to patient care, and he was willing to say what was needed to the patient. His ability to do this gave me the courage to act similarly. My patients have benefited from this, and I am eternally grateful.

Saying What Needs To Be Said

As physicians, we oftentimes have to walk a delicate line between being overly blunt and shielding the patient from the true nature of a situation. Coddling the patient does no good, but reprimanding them or even blaming them for their situation also tends to be an ineffective solution. You need to find a balance and drive home the reality of the situation and help a patient understand the best way to move forward in light of this information. I’ve found that many patients respond well when the facts of a situation are laid out and a plan is developed to help them make the strongest recovery possible. We don’t dwell on how you got here, we focus on where you are and how we can improve your situation going forward.

Dr. Fleming taught us that there is so much more than goes into being a physician than just performing an operation or removing stitches. Patient care is so much more than doing your best when the patient is on the operating table, and to get the most out of your patients, you need to be mindful of how you care for them pre- and post-op. A level-headed, no nonsense approach to patient care often helps patients rise to the occasion instead of cowering away from the most effective treatment methods.

It’s not always easy to be direct and have difficult conversations, but we didn’t get into this profession because it was easy. We entered healthcare because we wanted to help patients and to make a difference in this world, and Dr. Fleming certainly did that. His memory and his teachings will live on in countless providers who took his lessons to heart. He’ll continue to help patients, even in his passing, as his lessons live on in doctors who want to continue to provide the highest level of care for their patients. Our condolences go out to his family.

~ Dr. Lance Silverman

The post Remembering Dr. Lamar Fleming appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.

Because of this, we’re excited to help spread the word about Diabetes Awareness Month on our blog and with the help of the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society. As you may know, I sit on the Communications Cabinet of the AOFAS, and they are also working to spread awareness about diabetes and the toll it can take on your feet. Here’s a press release they created to help spread awareness of National Diabetes Awareness Month.

AOFAS Press Release

The post November Is National Diabetes Awareness Month appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.

The “O” in this case stands for Orthopedic Surgeon, and they are experts in all things foot and ankle. If you suffer an acute injury or just begin to notice that something feels different in your foot or ankle, look up an orthopedic expert in your area.

“Consumers don’t generally give much thought to their foot health – that is, until something goes wrong,” stated Jeffrey E. Johnson, MD, president of the AOFAS Board of Directors. “But 75% of all people experience foot pain at some point in their lives. That’s why AOFAS leadership felt it was imperative to educate consumers, so that they know how to find the best medical care before a problem arises.”

Look For The “O”

The “Look For The O” campaign stresses the importance of heading to a professional who specializes in foot and ankle conditions when you have concerns over foot or ankle pain. These professionals have distinct knowledge of common and uncommon foot disorders, and they can better diagnose and treat the condition than a primary care doctor.

The “Look for the O” campaign is grounded in five core messages, which are:

• That foot and ankle surgeons are fully trained medical doctors who can balance foot and ankle concerns with the patient’s whole body health.

• That foot and ankle surgeons complete extensive as well as ongoing medical training, which increases their expertise and effectiveness.

• That foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons don’t just operate, but provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments for everything related to foot and ankle health.

• That foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons are particularly competent at treating complicated cases.

• That consumers should seek a second opinion from a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, particularly when foot or ankle surgery is advised.

The post Have Foot Pain? Look For The “O” appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.