Thousands of Floridians have traveled to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City to receive care from the hospital that has been ranked number one in the United States for orthopedics 11 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report. That same leading-edge care came to South Florida one year ago in January 2020 as a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in West Palm Beach. With ambulatory surgery, clinical care, performance testing, physical therapy, and on-site imaging, HSS Florida provides the high caliber care synonymous with HSS. Every member of the team, including orthopedic surgeons, physicians, and physical therapists, specializes in orthopedic care. And recently, Dr. Martin Roche was recruited as Director of Arthroplasty, joining the team in January 2021. Dr. Roche leads the Outpatient Total Joint Replacement program alongside Dr. John L. Wang.
HSS reported that the immediate demand for care is much higher than projected, and HSS Florida is growing its staff and resources to meet the needs of the South Florida community. The Physical Therapy program is fully subscribed with over 4,500 visits facilitated in 2020. In fact, since welcoming the first group of patients in January 2020, HSS Florida physicians have seen over 10,000 clinical visits in the new facility.
One of those patients was David Ober. “Growing up riding horses, hiking, and rock climbing have taken their toll,” Ober told Quest. Following an expedition to Kilimanjaro with his daughter in 2011, he realized he needed his right knee replaced. “Having had a successful high tibial osteotomy in 2002 and then subsequent full right knee replacement in 2012—both installed by the legendary Dr. David Altchek—I was able to attempt Mt. Rainer in 2013.”
Ober recalled looking at his knee and discussing the final summit push at Mt. Rainer: “My knee and I agreed we could go with it.” So when it was time for his left knee to be replaced, Ober said it was only natural to turn to HSS, this time at its new facility in Florida. “I am so pleased to report that eight weeks ago Dr. John Wang installed my new knee—and that I am not only back on the tennis court with alacrity but already contemplating another mountaineering adventure in 2022.”
Dr. John L. Wang is an orthopedic hip and knee surgeon who uses minimally invasive techniques to help patients return back to their normal activities. His specialties include hip replacement, knee replacement, hip and knee reconstructive and revision surgery, as well as same-day, outpatient joint replacement. By using computer navigation and robotic surgery, Dr. Wang is able to take a more personalized approach to each patient and deliver better results.
Jimmy Gubelmann also praised of the work of HSS and Dr. John L. Wang. As a professional motorcycle race and rally car driver, Gubelmann’s had various injuries over the years. He’s also had many surgeries at HSS in New York City. He recently had an accident in Palm Beach. “I broke my femur and displaced my knee replacement on my right leg,” he clarified. Fortunately, Dr. Wang checked out his injury on a Friday, measured Gubelmann for a new knee on Saturday, and had his new knee manufactured in New York on Sunday. “A doctor brought it down from New York City on Monday morning and installed my new prosthesis on Monday at noon.” He joked: “Dr. Wang is extremely gifted in putting Humpty Dumpty back together again.” Gubelmann was truly impressed with the speed and efficiency of Dr. Wang, “especially with what he accomplished in West Palm Beach while simultaneously coordinating with HSS in New York City.”
HSS believes that the best orthopedic care begins with the proper diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan delivered by top medical talent every step of the way. Its goal is to continue to provide unmatched, personalized care to improve mobility and restore quality of life for its patients.
