As my kids have left my wife and I as empty nesters, I am facing new challenges and opportunities as the next phase of my career begins. No longer the novice learner, I have been exposed to just about any problem that a shoulder can develop. This early career time has allowed me to learn by experience, by understanding our orthopedic literature, and also by interaction with other shoulder colleagues. Knowledge is precious, and comes honestly. I have been given the time and the vehicle to now share what I have learned with others – whether it be patients, physicians, therapists, or anyone interested in better understanding shoulder problems.
Much credit belongs to my mentors, Rick Matsen and Kevin Smith, still practicing and teaching in Seattle, WA (although Kevin has formally begun a partial retirement). The lessons they have taught are invaluable, and I will be certain to highlight what they have shared. I think I can speak for all my University of Washington Shoulder Fellows that what we do for our patients comes from the fertile soil they provided for our development as Shoulder Experts. We all have our strengths – maybe mine will be communication through this blog.
The “4 S’s” comprise the vast majority of shoulder problems that I see and treat. Credit belongs to Dr. Matsen. This “4 S” framework will be shared in my next post – stability, strength, smoothness, and stiffness. This will lead to further discussion about the many aspects of shoulder replacement, the entire spectrum of rotator cuff problems, shoulder dislocations, and frozen shoulders.
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