Preston Memorial Launches Orthopedic Surgery Department

Preston Memorial Hospital continues serving its mission to enhance the health of Preston County and surrounding communities by expanding medical services available to patients. PMH has reached a significant milestone through the launch of its Orthopedic Surgery Department. Patients now have access to a team of professional orthopedic surgeons with the common goal of improving the lives of their patients.

The Orthopedic Surgery Department consists of three general orthopedists trained to deliver a wide range of services.  Each orthopedist has his or her own area of specialty as well. Two of the three Orthopedic Surgeons, Dr. Daniel Milam and Dr. Linda Jackson, began seeing new patients and performing procedures in July. Dr. Milam has a special interest in sports medicine injury repair and shoulders, while Dr. Jackson specializes in upper extremity and hand procedures. Dr. John Britt, another accomplished Orthopedic Surgeon, has an anticipated start date of September.

PMH Administration began recruitment of a full-time orthopedic surgeon nearly seven years ago. Finding the right fit has taken some time.  Dr. Fred Conley, Preston Memorial Hospital’s Physician Liaison explained that this service has been added for the convenience of the community. “Access to the orthopedists will be an amazing improvement for the public,” Conley said. Orthopedic cases were the second most reason for transfers to other hospitals in recent years. “The era of going somewhere else is over,” Dr. Linda Jackson stated. “You don’t need to go anywhere else.”

Melissa Lockwood, President and Chief Executive Officer, noted the importance of choosing orthopedists with strong community values. “Our search criteria included surgeons who valued rural communities and recognized the importance of community partnerships,” Lockwood said. Milam expressed that he is looking forward to getting involved in extracurricular activities at Preston High School and neighboring communities. He is also looking forward to meeting people at the many senior centers throughout Preston County to let them know about the orthopedic services that Preston Memorial now offers.

Jackson explained that she chose to come to Preston Memorial because she enjoys getting to know her patients and their families, and it was important for her to find a community where she could best serve people. “The concept of a small environment appeals to me,” Jackson said.

Comprehensive Orthopedic services will treat conditions of the feet, ankles, hips, elbows, shoulders and hands, among others. Types of procedures to be performed will include ACL reconstruction, meniscus repairs, rotator cuff surgeries, hand surgeries, sports injuries, among many others. Patients will be able to schedule elective procedures including full replacements of the hips, knees and shoulders. However, total revisions will not be scheduled until Fall 2018 to allow the program to get established.

The Orthopedic Surgeons will rotate shifts on a 10-day basis. The orthopedists are residing in Preston County full time while on rotation. They will be on-call on weekends and in the Emergency Department to meet patient needs. “When they’re here, they’re here,” Conley explained.

The Orthopedic Surgery Department is accepting new patients. Appointments may be scheduled by contacting the Preston Memorial Physician Center at 304.329.4701.