Question: Dr. Jason Fond, describe the injury you sustained as a child.
Dr. Fond: As a teenager, I sustained a significant neck injury in a diving accident. As a result, I suffered an unstable cervical spine. The injury put me at risk for paralysis, and I underwent a cervical spine fusion to stabilize my neck. Without the surgery, I would have been unable to participate in the sports I excelled at including football, basketball, and baseball. The surgery was successful and I have been able to participate in almost any activity.
Question: Dr. Fond, how did this injury motivate you to become a doctor?
Dr. Fond: As a young athletic teenager, it was very difficult to sustain a serious spine injury. However, I was under the care of an excellent and caring orthopedic surgeon who prepared my family and I for the treatment ahead. I successfully recovered from the procedure and I was able to return to all of my activities. I was motivated to become a surgeon from this experience in order to help patients return to their active quality of life.
Question: Dr. Fond, how has your history of injury helped you better relate to your patients?
Dr. Jason Fond: When patients suffer an injury, they have significant emotional and mental stress in addition to their physical trauma. As a result of my injury and surgery, I can better relate to the patient’s concerns and trepidation.
Dr. Fond: As a teenager, I sustained a significant neck injury in a diving accident. As a result, I suffered an unstable cervical spine. The injury put me at risk for paralysis, and I underwent a cervical spine fusion to stabilize my neck. Without the surgery, I would have been unable to participate in the sports I excelled at including football, basketball, and baseball. The surgery was successful and I have been able to participate in almost any activity.
Question: Dr. Fond, how did this injury motivate you to become a doctor?
Dr. Fond: As a young athletic teenager, it was very difficult to sustain a serious spine injury. However, I was under the care of an excellent and caring orthopedic surgeon who prepared my family and I for the treatment ahead. I successfully recovered from the procedure and I was able to return to all of my activities. I was motivated to become a surgeon from this experience in order to help patients return to their active quality of life.
Question: Dr. Fond, how has your history of injury helped you better relate to your patients?
Dr. Jason Fond: When patients suffer an injury, they have significant emotional and mental stress in addition to their physical trauma. As a result of my injury and surgery, I can better relate to the patient’s concerns and trepidation.