Elevating Patient Care Locally Through Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeons
By Orthopedic Surgeon James Slauterbeck, MD
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon is one of the most demanding yet rewarding paths in medicine, requiring four years of medical school followed by five years of residency. Many orthopedic surgeons further hone their skills through one or two years of fellowship training, specializing in areas such as sports medicine, total joint replacement, hand surgery, trauma, or pediatrics. Today, over 90 percent of orthopedic surgeons complete a fellowship, significantly enhancing the care patients receive.
Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons gain hands-on experience with advanced techniques and focus on specific body parts or injuries, allowing them to handle both simple and complex cases with greater precision and confidence. This additional training leads to safer surgeries, faster recovery, and better outcomes, whether reconstructing a torn ligament, replacing a worn-out hip, or repairing a crushed hand.
In sports medicine, fellowship-trained surgeons specialize in treating injuries like ligament tears and shoulder instability that occur on the field, court, or track. Their advanced training enables them to perform procedures such as ACL or rotator cuff reconstructions using the latest techniques, helping athletes return to play safely and confidently. Hand fellowship-trained surgeons focus on the intricate structures of the hand, wrist, and forearm, treating fractures, tendon injuries, and nerve damage with precision. Studies show that these surgeons perform more surgeries in their field and achieve better patient outcomes, restoring both strength and function where precision is paramount.
Fellowship-trained podiatric foot and ankle surgeons exhibit higher procedural comfort, greater surgical volume, and receive positive patient satisfaction ratings. Although complication rates are closely tied to surgeon experience and case complexity, their expertise ensures a positive patient experience. In total joint replacement, fellowship training provides surgeons with specialized knowledge in advanced surgical techniques, decision-making, and recovery planning. Fellows perform nearly twice as many joint replacements in one year as residents do in five, leading to shorter operations, fewer complications, less pain medication, and faster recovery times for patients.
Across all subspecialties, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons consistently achieve better results, including lower infection rates, shorter hospital stays, and improved long-term outcomes. Their deep knowledge and specialized skills make a measurable difference in patient safety and recovery.
UNC Health Southeastern is proud to offer this high level of expertise locally, bringing fellowship-trained specialists in sports medicine, primary care sports medicine, foot and ankle, and hand surgery to Robeson County. Local patients now have access to advanced procedures and treatments like shoulder and knee reconstruction and biologic therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) without needing to travel to major medical centers.
The orthopedic program is designed to cater to the diverse needs of the community, offering personalized and compassionate care for patients of all ages—from young athletes to older adults. By investing in fellowship-trained surgeons, UNC Health Southeastern is establishing a center of expertise that emphasizes safety, efficiency, and improved patient outcomes. This approach ensures that patients receive the highest level of musculoskeletal care without the inconvenience of traveling far from home.
UNC Health Southeastern’s orthopedic program is a testament to the hospital's dedication to building a stronger future for healthcare in Robeson County. It reflects a commitment to skill, teamwork, and a shared vision of enhancing health and mobility for all community members. With the availability of such expert care locally, patients can experience the same level of innovation and compassion found at major academic centers, making exceptional orthopedic care accessible right where they live, work, and recover.
To learn more about the services offered through UNC Health Orthopedics at Southeastern Health Park, call (910) 738-1065 or visit unchealthsoutheastern.org/care-treatment/orthopedics/.
James Slauterbeck, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon whose special interests include sports medicine, adolescent sports medicine, female sports medicine, and high school and college athletic injuries. He is affiliated with UNC Health Orthopedics at Southeastern Health Park and UNC Health Southeastern. To learn more, call (910) 738-1065 or visit https://www.unchealth.org/care-services/doctors/s/james-r-slauterbeck-md.
