Rural Orthopedic Care Close to Home | Dr. Teri Formanek

<p>Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce podcast. In this episode, Sarah sits down with Dr. Teri Formanek, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the hand and upper extremity, who sees patients through Madison County Memorial Hospital in Winterset and in Greenfield. Dr. Formanek shares how a farm kid who started in business ended up in orthopedics, why he traded big city practice for a slower pace in rural Iowa, and what care is now available close to home, including total shoulder replacements, wrist arthroscopy, and more.</p><p>In this episode, we cover:<br>- How a farm background and a first orthopedic rotation led to a career in orthopedic surgery<br>- A fellowship focused on the hand and upper extremity<br>- Moving from Cedar Rapids and Des Moines practice back to rural Iowa<br>- Seeing patients in Winterset three days a week and in Greenfield on Tuesdays<br>- What orthopedics covers beyond broken bones<br>- Common conditions like carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and arthritis<br>- When to stop waiting and come in, with the six week rule of thumb for acute versus chronic problems<br>- Total and reverse total shoulder replacements now offered in Madison County, with most patients home the same day<br>- Wrist and elbow arthroscopy, thumb arthritis surgery, and minor nerve repairs done locally<br>- How surgery decisions are made, and when surgery is the most conservative option<br>- How technology and arthroscopy have changed recovery<br>- Why local specialty care matters for patients with limited mobility<br>- Time with patients, farm life, gardening, and six grandkids<br>- The planned new surgery building at the hospital</p><p>Whether you are dealing with hand pain, thinking about a shoulder replacement, or just curious what specialty care looks like close to home, this conversation shows the value of caring for neighbors right here in Madison County.</p><p>Learn more and connect:<br>- Madison County Memorial Hospital and Madison County Health Care System: https://www.madisonhealth.com<br>- Dr. Teri Formanek: https://www.madisonhealth.com/physicians/teri-s-formanek-m-d/<br>- Madison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.com</p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who could use specialty care close to home.</p><p>Thanks for supporting the people and businesses that make Madison County home.</p>