From its opening in 1972, Orlando Orthopaedic Center remains committed to its mission of excellence in patient care. Celebrating its 40^th Anniversary this January, Orlando Orthopaedic Center has expanded to a full-service practice with 17 physicians and many unique services. This year the practice launches its nonprofit organization, the Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation.

For the staff, the past 40 years have been an incredible journey. “We are all so thrilled and excited to be a part of this wonderful anniversary,” says Kevin Joyce, executive director of Orlando Orthopaedic Center.

As the practice began to grow, it aimed to put patients first. “Much of our success is thanks in part to this philosophy and it continues to guide us today,” says Joyce.

Since expanding to offices in Orlando, Winter Park, Sand Lake, Lake Mary and Oviedo, the practice has adapted to the growing technology and needs of patients through its in-house services. The practice’s specialties include Spine, Neck and Back, Joints, Hand and Upper Extremity, Foot and Ankle, Pediatrics, Sports Medicine, Oncology, Pain Management and Physical Therapy.

“We know that it’s imperative for patients to get the care they need in a convenient and cost-effective manner, and we do our best to lead the region in those categories, but we also know quality of care must be second to none,” says Joyce.

At Orlando Orthopaedic Center, each physician has a Physician Team working with their patients. That means whenever a patient needs anything, they call the Physician Team, which includes a Patient Care Coordinator and Patient Care Assistant, directly and speak to someone familiar with their case.

“The physician teams are something that is unique to our practice and really help us take that next step in patient satisfaction,” says Joyce. After the initial appointment is scheduled, Physician Teams handle all patient phone calls, emails and general inquires.

Recently, Orlando Orthopaedic Center opened an Orthopaedic Outpatient Surgery Center next to its downtown office. “Our doctors enjoy it because everything is set up exactly how they choose and that ultimately leads to a better patient experience in many cases,” says Joyce.

Voted the “Best Orthopaedic Practice” in Central Florida by Florida Medical Business in 2004, Orlando Orthopaedic Center aims to give back to the community. For the 40^th Anniversary Celebration, Orlando Orthopaedic Center will start a nonprofit foundation to focus on patient education and youth injury prevention. The foundation will work with partners to provide sports screenings, outreach events and annual orthopaedic update seminars for healthcare professionals. The foundation aims to decrease the number of orthopaedic injuries in Central Florida.

In addition, Orlando Orthopaedic Center will launch its “40 Acts of Kindness” campaign in 2012 to thank the community for its support over the years. In this program, the practice will choose 40 ways to give back through philanthropic activities including volunteerism, donations to nonprofits and fundraisers.

“We firmly believe that adding a charitable component to the practice is one of the best ways we can help make the community a better, safer place to call home,” says Joyce.

The practice’s focus on philanthropy will continue to grow in the future, along with its commitment to patients. Despite its changes and developments in the past 40 years, Orlando Orthopaedic Center’s devotion to quality care and convenience has been consistent since the practice opened.

“Putting patients first is what got us to where we are today and it will continue to be our main focus for the next four decades and beyond,” says Joyce.

Article by Corey Gehrold