Mega Doctor News
Orthopedic injuries caused by physical trauma are one of the major causes of mortality and disability around the globe.
In the United States, orthopedic trauma is widespread, with nearly one million hospital visits attributed to an orthopedic injury nationally, per the National Center for Biotechnology Information, making evaluation, treatment and management of these injuries a critical component of comprehensive trauma care.
Considered any sort of injury caused by sudden physical trauma to the bones, joints, muscles tendons and/orligaments, treatment of orthopedic injuries typically requires an orthopedic trauma surgeon to evaluate theircomplexity and perform surgical procedures to repair them.
Orthopedic trauma surgeons are specially trained to treat and care for injuries ranging from minor fractures to complex joint reconstruction. These surgeons possess a thorough understanding of the scope, procedures and recovery process in orthopedic trauma.
Across South Texas, orthopedic trauma injuries are common with fall-related injuries accounting for 51% of healthcare encounters and 61% of emergency orthopedic surgical procedures, per the Journal of Surgical Research.
Prepared to treat complex injuries, including those involving multiple fractures, joint dislocations and soft tissue injuries, South Texas Health System is proud to welcome Andrew Merwin, MD, a board-certified orthopedic trauma surgeon practicing with STHS Clinics, to the Rio Grande Valley.
Trained to manage more serious orthopedic injuries resulting from falls, car accidents, sports injuries and more, Dr. Merwin’s mission is to help patients live their life as best as they can after any sort of trauma.
“Often times, I’m meeting people on what could be considered the worst day of their life after they’ve experienced a high-energy trauma possibly caused by a car crash, an industrial accident, a fall or the like,” says Dr. Merwin. “Aside from broken bones or deformities, these individuals can also experience an onslaught of additional issues like pneumonia or urinary tract infections due to the lack of movement, as well as mental health challenges likedepression and anxiety as a result of their long road to recovery or diminished quality of life.”
Dr. Merwin’s goal is to help restore function and motion in his patients through advanced orthopedic medicine.
“In orthopedics, I don’t like to say we save lives, but we definitely save a person’s quality of life,” says Dr. Merwin, who’s able to understand his patients’ perspectives after being an orthopedic patient himself. “I played collegiate baseball as a pitcher and suffered a couple of arm injuries that required surgery, so I have a keen understanding of what a patient is going through. I’ve been in their shoes. I’m able to empathize with them because I know what it’s like to spend months in pain and recover from orthopedic surgery. So, I feel like that experience allows me to better connect with my patients.”
Dr. Merwin graduated from the Mercer University School of Medicine in his native Georgia. He completed his residency at John Peter Smith Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center in Fort Worth, and a fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Enamored of the Lone Star State after his five-year stint in Texas, Dr. Merwin is excited to learn all about the Rio Grande Valley after joining STHS Clinics in January.
“I love Texas and look forward to getting to know this beautiful community while offering a high-level of care to patients in need of orthopedic services,” says Dr. Merwin. “This area is unique and I’m excited to offer care that’s accessible to residents locally, so they don’t have to leave the area to receive treatment.”
In addition to working in the Level 1 Trauma Center at STHS McAllen, Dr. Merwin will practice in the STHS Clinics Ortho Trauma McAllen, located at 1801 S. 5th St., Suite 209, in McAllen. For more information or to make an appointment, call (956) 762-4030 or visit the STHS Clinics website at sthsclinics.com.
