Having practiced with the group 28 years, Dr. David Roe is a veteran of Peninsula Orthopaedics. He watched the incredible evolution of Orthopaedics as every decade brought increased demand for specialization. Dr. Roe was one of the first surgeons to perform arthroscopy in the late 1970’s. At the time, external and internal fixations were in their infancy and joint replacement surgery was not yet an option. The learning curve escalated for those who aspired to superior care. Dr. Roe was always ahead of that curve. Over the years his surgical expertise, knowledge and skill—particularly in the arena of total joint replacement, helped thousands of patients leave his care functioning at a higher level. “Part of my job was to make sure patient’s expectations were realistic and met what we had to offer so they were not disappointed. I can’t say I fixed everything, but I always strived to minimize any pain and dysfunction suffered by my patients. It was very rewarding to see the impact of advanced surgical procedures work in tandem with the body’s remarkable ability to bounce back.”

But sometimes there is a limit to the body’s resilience. Several years ago Dr. Roe was faced with recreating himself when an injury took away his ability to perform surgery. “At first I couldn’t imagine there was life after surgery. But I have learned I still have a lot to offer, particularly with long term patients.” While Peninsula Orthopaedics is home to a cadre of surgical specialists, the majority of patients who visit Peninsula Orthopaedics do not require surgical intervention. Today, Dr. Roe evaluates both new and existing patients with musculoskeletal disorders and treats them with medications, injections and physical therapy. If surgery is advisable, he refers them to one of his associates who specialize in their condition. His time in the O.R. may be over, but his relationships with his patients have taken on a deeper significance. Dr. Roe sees the whole patient—not just the hole in the sheets. “Specialization is important, but tunnel vision is not good. Neither is being a mechanic disguised as a physician. The relationship side to medicine is what has always given me a profound sense of satisfaction. I am a dying breed who actually listens to a patient talk. The finer points of medicine may be in a constant state of flux, but people remain the same. Anonymity is very overrated. Patients want me to take the time to know them, and they want to know me. Putting my hands on a patient—both literally and figuratively helps me be a better doctor.”