Page 41 - Hoag Orthopedic Institute 2018 Outcomes Report

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
Hoag Orthopedics is a non-profit corporation that exists to foster education, research and community outreach in orthopedic medicine. The committed physicians of HOI have donated more
than $1,038,000 in gifts since the inception of Hoag Orthopedics to support research and education.
Pictured left to right: Vance Gardner, MD, Hoag Orthopedics Medical Director, and Carlos A. Prietto, MD, Hoag Orthopedics Executive Director
LEADERSHIP Q&A
Dr. Prietto, how are Hoag Orthopedics’ three fellowship programs faring?
The involvement, unity and camaraderie among our growing cadre of faculty members are better than they’ve ever been. Having the top surgeons in the county, if not the state and country in what they do, enhances our education and research endeavors. Through their medical leadership, our fellows are immersed in a patient-oriented, outcomes-driven culture and gain practical
insights into how to run an orthopedic practice. In the next 10 years or so there will be a shift in
orthopedic leadership in Orange County. Surgeons who are now faculty will become program directors, and older physicians, like myself, are pleased to see the baton being passed.
All of our faculty members joined the faculty at Loma Linda University, which has proven to be
a great relationship with valuable interactions. They have helped train HOI faculty as educators, and provide faculty and fellows access to their electronic medical research library.
To help meet the growing demand for sports medicine fellowships, we decided in 2018 to expand this training opportunity from one to two fellows. Already, we have a growing group of HOI fellowship-trained surgeons who not only practice in Southern California, but throughout the country.
As our reputation has grown, so has our applicant pool of top-notch fellows. In interviewing these candidates, I have been blown away by the quality of those who apply to HOI for their final year of orthopedic training.
Dr. Gardner, what does Hoag Orthopedics look for in undertaking orthopedic research?
There are plenty of opportunities, and we are always seeking out potentially breakthrough diagnostic techniques and safe, effective treatments. The process also involves securing funding for these trials, possibly with the help of
a grant. Currently we participate in 32 clinical trials that meet this criterion.
Oftentimes excellent device or biopharma companies come up with great ideas and work
on developing a product. Hoag Orthopedics helps to validate these ideas through proper research partnerships. These collaborations help deliver the highest potential advancements to our patients through FDA clinical trials. It’s exciting to explore
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