As September Program Chair Chris McNeill said, "This is part economic development news for Paducah," No, he wasn't talking about a new manufacturing plant, he was introducing Rotarians to Paducah's newest surgeons, who have formed the Orthopedic Institute of Western Kentucky.

This is welcome news since the Paducah area has been "underhanded" in that area for a number of years. Dr. Brian Kern and his partner, Dr. Brandon Strenge are southern Illinois natives, are pleased to have the opportunity to locate their young families near home.

Dr. Kern, a former player for the Oakland A's, specializes in sports medicine, which includes all injuries (sports related or not) to the shoulder, hip, knee or ankle. Dr. Strenge is a specialist in spine surgery, primarily the relatively new spinal disc replacement surgery. A third partner, Dr. Clint Hill, also specializes in the spine and is a native of east Tennessee.

The group is steadily growing, first merging practices with Paducah surgeons Stodghill and Jackson, and are now moving to incorporate two more local surgeons, Dr. DeWeese and Dr. Patel, into the practice. Another surgeon, specializing in the hand, will be joining the group next year. In addition, they have formed a partnership with Biokinetics to provide physical therapy for patients.

The larger group means both Paducah hospitals will now have 24-7 orthopedic surgical on call in the near future. Dr. Strenge said it is the first step toward for the medical community to move toward trauma care. Often patients suffering traumatic injuries are transported to larger hospitals for emergency treatment. The group is hoping to recruit a traumatologist specializing in those injuries in the future.

Both surgeons praised their new hometown by saying "this community sells itself" whenever interested physicians make an initial visit to Paducah.

NEXT WEEK

TO BE ANNOUNCED

Chris McNeill--September Program Chair