Patient can now hold grandbabies, walk the dogs thanks to Dr. Monica Morman

Orthopaedic Surgeon Monica Morman, MD, FAAOS, CAQSH, grew up following her dad around construction sites and working on cars. When she went to college she first majored in engineering, but ultimately decided orthopedic surgery would be a good fit for her, knowing that she always enjoyed the minute details when fixing things. Dr. Morman graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine before completing several specialized orthopedic surgery fellowships.

Outside of a year-long sabbatical to complete a shoulder and elbow fellowship at the Harvard Shoulder Service, Massachusetts General Hospital in 2009, for the past 12 years Dr. Morman has been caring for people's shoulder, arm and hand injuries in Gillette and is currently at Campbell County Medical Group Orthopaedic Specialists. Passionate about her work, Dr. Morman said helping people heal and recover is her ultimate goal.

"There's nothing more gratifying than having a patient so grateful they can get back to doing all the things they couldn't do before," Dr. Morman said.

Not only is helping patients heal important to Dr. Morman, but she also takes pride in building a solid doctor-patient relationship. By taking the extra time to help patients understand the surgery thoroughly, eases her patients' fears and builds confidence in the procedure, Dr. Morman said.

"It's imperative to establish a relationship with a patient," Dr. Morman said. "I like for them to understand exactly what is going on. When a patient knows what to expect, they are better equipped to deal with the long recovery. I try to convey to the patient and their family that I'm there with them every step of the way."

That's exactly how Andi Halvorsen describes her experience with Dr. Morman.

She had been putting off surgery for a torn rotator cuff for about five years. Struggling with what used to be daily and routine tasks—like walking the dogs, gardening, and doing yard work, among others—Andi realized that she wouldn't be able to put off surgery any longer. She made an appointment with Dr. Morman after hearing so many great things about the board certified orthopedic surgeon.

During her two pre-surgery meetings with Dr. Morman, Andi said she was immediately impressed with the surgeon and her patient relation skills.

"She was very personable," Andi said. "She talked about the entire procedure and by the time I had my surgery, I knew exactly what she was going to do. I didn't have a single question or doubt in my mind."

When Andi talked to Dr. Morman about what would be important to do again, she mentioned that it was a priority for her to be able to hold her grandbabies that were going to be born soon. After the surgery, Andi said she was equally impressed with the treatment she received and how quickly and thoroughly she healed.

"It was like a friend coming in to check on me," Andi said. "I healed very well and haven't had any problems. I also got to hold my grandbabies."

About Dr. Morman
Monica Morman, M.D., FAAOS, CAQSH, is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, specializing in hand, arm and shoulder surgeries at CCH. She treats several conditions of the upper extremities including carpal tunnel, shoulder and elbow replacements, arm fractures, adhesive capsulitis and more. Vanessa J. Gunn, PA-C, is the physician assistant in her practice.

• Medical School: U of Alabama, Birmingham
• Internship/Residency: U of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
• Certification of Added Qualifications: Surgery of the Hand
• Fellowship in Hand Surgery: The Hand Center, San Antonio, TX
• Fellowship in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery: Harvard Medical School, Boston MA

Find her at:

CCMG Orthopaedic Specialists
508 Stocktrail, Suite B
Gillette, WY 82716
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 am-5 pm, Friday, 8 am-noon
Contact: 307-688-3500, www.cchwyo.org/ortho

Article written by Kim Phagan-Hansel, Wyoming freelance writer