Restoring Quality of Life

Erik McDonald, MD, has always been curious about the mechanics of the human body. He was able to intern for a company designing medical devices and that curiosity brought him to the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. That led to a University of California, San Francisco research lab, where he evaluated and researched orthopedic implants while working alongside leaders in orthopedics. The seeds were sown for a medical career, which ultimately brought him to Washington Health’s Institute for Joint Restoration and Research (IJRR).

“The research lab led me to medical school at USCF, where I earned a master’s degree in clinical research at the same time,” Dr. McDonald explained. “Even after my work with medical devices, when I went into my residency, I thought joint replacement would be the last thing I wanted to do in orthopedic surgery. It turns out, I loved it. I realized that across the spectrum of orthopedic surgery, joint replacement had the greatest impact on people’s lives. I completed a fellowship in total joint arthroplasty at Yale, then came back home to the Bay Area to join other experts in the craft at Washington Health.”

Dr. McDonald joins the practice led by orthopedic surgeon John Dearborn, MD, and includes orthopedic surgeon and shoulder expert, John Costouros, MD. Dr. McDonald and Dr. Dearborn specialize in complex and revision knee and hip replacement surgery.

“I feel very fortunate to be collaborating with this team,” Dr. McDonald said. “Washington Health has a great system in place that allows us to evaluate new products and perform surgery to the absolute best of our abilities. There are always new things, but we take the time to use a calculated and cautious approach, to look at what will improve our patients’ quality of life and not just jump on the “new gadget” bandwagon. Our practice is committed to advancement through research and education. Our goal is to offer patients at Washington Health and the Peninsula Surgery Center innovative surgical techniques and advanced medical care in a way that supports their lifestyles and focuses on them as individuals.”

For Dr. McDonald, the goal is always to make things better for his patients. He noted total hip replacement is typically indicated for patients with severe hip pain and disability caused by conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip dysplasia or hip fracture. The damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial (prosthetic) joint.

“Most surgeons use similar implant devices, but we approach surgery a little differently,” he emphasized. “Take anterior approach to total hip replacement as an example. Some surgeons use a specialized surgical table, but having trained on that and a regular operating table, I prefer to use a regular surgical table. It allows me to have full control over the leg throughout the operation.”

Dr. McDonald explained that, in his experience, anterior hip replacement, performed through an incision in the front of the hip, provides less post-op pain and improved function for patients. The surgery typically has a small incision, which he “hides” in the fold between the leg and torso. This leads to less tissue disruption and allows for better wound healing. This approach lets Dr. McDonald treat a wide range of patients, including bariatric patients needing joint replacement, patients requiring revisions of prior surgeries, and even salvage operations like proximal femur replacements. It all comes back to developing a relationship with his patients, from the first appointment, through the surgery, and into rehab.

“During medical school, I had appendicitis and had to have an appendectomy,” Dr. McDonald shared. “It was some of the best learning I could have had as a med student, because you really understand what patients are going through. It changed the way I looked at patient care and has impacted my practice.”

“It’s not normal to have surgery, so it’s no surprise people are nervous,” he continued. “They’re worried when they come to see us before surgery. It’s important to remember what it’s like to be a patient from every aspect, from calling the clinic, to coming in for the appointment, to showing up in the pre-op area, to the recovery room.”

While surgery may become routine for those like Dr. McDonald who live it every day, he understands it’s not routine for his patients. “Hopefully, this is the only time they’ll have to go through this in their lives,” he said. “Most of my patients have been dealing with hip or knee pain for a very long time. It can be daunting and when they get to the point where they just can’t go anymore, they feel terrified. I want to change that nervousness to excitement when they understand their pain will be gone and they’ll be able to do the things they love again.

“I want my patients to feel comfortable with the surgeon doing their surgery,” he added. “More important than how the surgeon performs the procedure or even how long it takes, they want someone they trust to take care of them and do their best for them. That’s what I promise my patients. I promise to try my hardest and strive to make every joint replacement the best replacement possible.”

To learn more about Washington Health’s joint replacement program visit WashingtonHealth.com/IJRR.