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Kootenay Boundary welcomes new orthopedic surgeon

Dr. Susan Ge brings expertise to KBRH
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Dr. Susan Ge is the first foot and ankle fellowship trained surgeon to work at KBRH. Photo: Submitted

When she’s not in scrubs performing life-changing orthopedic surgeries at the hospital in Trail, Dr. Susan Ge can be found enjoying a little down time with her fur baby or cooking up a storm in her new home.

Dr. Ge moved to the Trail area to start her practice at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) just over one month ago.

She’s a much needed talent at KBRH, given it’s the regional service hub for orthopedic surgery and trauma services in the Kootenay Boundary.

And she’s a perfect fit for the Kootenays because along with her medical expertise comes a love for snow and all things wintertime.

“I have always wanted to live in a smaller town closer to nature and outdoor activities where my dog has more space to run around,” Dr. Ge shares.

“I am also completely enchanted by the mountains of the west coast and am one of those strange people who always wishes winter could last longer and there could be one more snowfall.”

The Trail/Rossland area sounded like it could fit all those criteria, she adds.

“KBRH is also just a warm and welcoming community, and as cheesy as it sounds, it really does feel like ‘coming home.’”

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“I have always wanted to live in a smaller town closer to nature and outdoor activities where my dog has more space to run around,” Dr. Ge shares. Photo: Submitted

As Light-Up the Hospitals! Pledge Day nears, having a chat with KBRH’s new orthopedic surgeon is especially timely, given the annual fundraiser is focusing on the Orthopedic Enhancement Project, a $750,000 campaign.

And, interestingly, Dr Ge brings with her a “first.”

She is the first foot and ankle fellowship trained surgeon to work at KBRH.

Her expertise means Dr. Ge can offer surgeries such as total ankle replacements and minimally invasive procedures that have never been available locally to patients who live and play here. Offering this surgery locally is a win-win because patients won’t have to take as much time off work or be away from loved ones and dependents because they don’t have to travel outside of town.

“I would like to help patients in the Kootenays have easier access to high-quality specialized foot and ankle care instead of having to travel long distances for consultation, surgery and follow-ups,” Dr. Ge explains. “It means better follow-up care and faster management of any potential unforeseen complications.”

Being able to offer minimally invasive surgical options also means quicker recovery, decreased wound complications, and faster return to work and activities, Dr Ge adds.

“Ultimately my goal is to help people get back to their activities sooner and restore their quality of life.”

KBRH Health Foundation’s biggest day of charitable giving — Light-Up the Hospitals! Pledge Day — goes Friday, Dec. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Waneta Plaza.

Specialized equipment, such as the Stryker Pi drive and MICA burr (used to create an ‘osteotomy,’ or a cut in bone), is available to KBRH orthopedic surgeons through the foundation’s campaign.

For example, the MICA burr is high torque and low speed, different from standard burrs being used today.

Dr. Ge explains,”These allow minimally invasive procedures to be performed while decreasing the risk to surrounding nerve and soft tissue structures.”

Pledge day’s live entertainment begins with St. Michael’s School Choir from 11:30 a.m. to noon; Golden City Fiddlers, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 pm; singer Kyla Hanna, 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Step It Up dance team, 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Trail Gymnastics Club from 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.; and the Trail Harmony Choir wrapping it up from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa will be taking place in centre court between 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

“The KBRH Health Foundation is asking for your support of our newest initiative, the Orthopedic Enhancement Project, which will help provide the best of care, closer to home,” says Lisa Pasin, executive director, KBRH Health Foundation.

“Equipment purchased will allow the surgical team to continue their excellent work providing hip and knee replacement; hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, hand and wrist repair; and trauma surgeries,” she adds.

“This will also allow for increased capacity to provide more orthopedic surgeries and decreased wait lists.”

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Sheri Regnier

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