Dr. Sastry Achieves Accreditation as Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery

Dr. Akhilesh Sastry of Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine has recently achieved accreditation as the first Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery in New England by Surgical Review Corporation. This accreditation distinguishes Dr. Sastry from many other surgeons by providing the highest quality of care to patients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation.

Status as an accredited Master Surgeon means that Dr. Sastry has met nationally recognized standards. Not all hospitals and surgeons seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous on-site inspection process are granted accreditation.

Healthcare organizations and surgeons seeking accreditation by SRC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site inspection. This process includes physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in the accredited program. The inspection is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization or surgeon improve its care and services.

Dr. Sastry began using the MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System in 2016, and was the first surgeon in New Hampshire and Maine to perform a robotic-assisted knee replacement.
Dr. Sastry is also the premier robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgeon at Atlantic Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine and has privileges at both Portsmouth Regional Hospital and York Hospital.

About SRC – Established in 2003, Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) is an internationally recognized patient safety organization dedicated to recognizing and refining surgical care. SRC is the leading administrator of quality improvement and accreditation programs for surgeons and hospitals worldwide. SRC’s proven methodology, know as the “Cycle of Excellence,” results in quantifiable and unparalleled improvement in outcomes, patient safety and costs across surgical specialties. For more information, visit www.surgicalreview.org.

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Michael Morwood Joins Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Practice

Dr. Michael Morwood, Orthopaedic Surgeon, has joined Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine practice effective March 1.

Dr. Morwood is entering the practice after his Adult Reconstruction fellowship at the Hofmann Arthritis Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. His training included techniques in minimally invasive hip replacement, and muscle-sparing total knee replacement. Prior to Salt Lake City, he completed a fellowship in Orthopaedic Trauma at Tampa General Hospital in Florida, a nationally renowned Level 1 Trauma Center. He began his training in 2012 at Duke University, where he completed his internship and residency in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. Morwood specializes in computer-navigated total knee replacement, muscle sparing total knee replacement and anterior total hip replacement. He is also an expert in orthopaedic trauma care, including the treatment of fractures, dislocations, and complex soft-tissue injuries.

“My mission is to improve the lives of my patients by restoring function through providing exceptional care using the highest quality evidence-based practices, innovative technologies, and cost-effective strategies,” said Dr. Morwood.

Dr. Morwood is currently accepting patients, and is excited to begin the next step in his career as a provider at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. Call 603-431-1121 for an appointment, and visit the website to learn more about Dr. Morwood at atlanticorthopaedics.org.

Learn more about Dr. Morwood.

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Welcomes New Physician Assistant

April 10, 2018 – Portsmouth, NH – Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is pleased to announce the addition of a new Physician Assistant to their team of Board-Certified physicians, Ryan LaBelle, PA-C.

LaBelle will specialize in sports medicine and the non-surgical treatment and prevention of sports injuries at Atlantic Orthopaedics, including: broken bones, sprains, tendonitis, torn ligaments and tendons, overuse injuries, exercise modification and patient education. An NCCPA Board-Certified Physician and member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, LaBelle received training from Endicott College, where he earned a BS in Athletic Training, and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The NCCPA, or National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, is the only certifying organization for physician assistants in the United States.

“I believe the optimum patient care is when the information we have to offer as clinicians meets the autonomy of the patient,” LaBelle said. “I enjoy providing my education and knowledge as a professional, while being able to make collaborative decisions with patients in working towards positive results.”

In his spare time, LaBelle enjoys all sports and outdoor activities, especially golf, soccer and traveling.

York Hospital Presents ‘Dinner with the Doctor’ with Dr. Sastry

April 4, 2018 – York, ME – Dr. Akhil Sastry, orthopaedic surgeon and provider at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, will speak at Dinner with the Doctor, a lecture event hosted by York Hospital on Thursday, May 3rd at the Sable Oaks Marriott in South Portland, Maine, beginning at 6PM.

The Seacoast’s premier expert on robotic-assisted knee replacements, Dr. Sastry will discuss innovations in knee replacement surgery, including how the use of robotics allows for greater precision and how that benefits the patient. He has been a pioneer in the field and performed the first MAKO robotic-assisted knee replacement in Maine and the Seacoast area. He was also the first to perform a direct anterior hip replacement surgery and leads training programs throughout the country for orthopaedic surgeons.

A Board-Certified physician at Atlantic Orthopaedics, Dr. Sastry specializes in joint replacement, direct anterior hip replacement, and arthroscopic and robotic surgery of the knee. He is certified in both partial and total robotic-assisted knee replacements and is renowned on the national and international level for the robotic surgical technique. He is highly distinguished among his peers, has co-authored articles in many publications and given numerous podium presentations in his field.

Dinner with the Doctor is free and open to the public; however, reservations are required. To register, contact York Hospital at 207-351-2385 or email [email protected]. Light fare and refreshments will be provided.

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is a group of Board-Certified physicians who utilize the latest concepts in orthopaedics and sports medicine, coupled with preventive and surgical techniques. For more information, visit www.atlanticorthopaedics.org, or call the Portsmouth clinic at 603.431.1121.

Dr. Noerdlinger Named One of NH Magazine’s Top Doctors

Portsmouth, NH – Dr. Mayo Noerdlinger, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon and provider at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, was recently named a Top Orthopaedic Surgeon in New Hampshire Magazine’s list of 2017 Top Doctors.

Dr. Noerdlinger joins 273 leading physicians in 55 specialties across New Hampshire, nominated by their peers in a wide range of medical needs, from pediatrics to surgical care. Health-care research and information company Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. conducted the survey process, whose research, screening and selection carefully chose top doctors for traits like medical specialty, educational and professional experience, and dedication to their patients.

“I’m so honored and humbled to be recognized among the state’s leading physicians,” said Dr. Noerdlinger. “I always hope my patients leave the practice feeling truly cared for, and that their needs were listened to throughout the treatment process. It’s what I love to do, and I’m glad my peers can see that shining through.”

Dr. Noerdlinger, MD, FAAOS, CIME, specializes in orthopedic, reconstructive and arthroscopic surgery; shoulder surgery and replacement; reverse shoulder replacement; treatment of torn tendons and ligaments; sports medicine and others. He is a member of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, the Medical Director of ProCare Physical Therapy & Hand Center and of Hampton Physical Therapy, and a Team Physician at Wells High School and the University of New Hampshire.

Dr. McMahon to Speak on Back Pain at York Senior Center

York, ME – Andrew McMahon, DO of Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine will speak to members of the York Senior Center on back pain as part of a Lunch and Learn Program for the Center. He will be joined by Dr. Bryan Hoffman from Saco Bay Physical Therapy for the event, held Tuesday, May 2^nd, beginning at 10:30am.

Dr. McMahon will present information on chronic back pain, including common causes, methods to combat pain, and how to prevent it before pain strikes. In his practice, Dr. McMahon stresses the importance of identifying the underlying reason for injury in treatment – a key topic during the Senior Center program.

“By recognizing and correcting deficits in strength, flexibility, and the way we move our bodies, we heal quicker and we protect ourselves from future injuries,” he said. “In my mind, education, motivation and partnership with my patients are the keys to success.”

A Board-Certified physician at Atlantic Orthopaedics, Dr. McMahon specializes in sports medicine, musculoskeletal ultrasound and post-concussion management. He received his BS from the University of New Hampshire and his DO from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Eilts to Lecture to Saco Bay PT

Dr. Eilts, who specializes in podiatry as well as foot and ankle surgery and reconstruction, will be holding a talk this evening with physical therapists from Saco Bay PT. He will be lecturing on the latest technology in ankle and foot surgery, and how this affects post-op protocols for surgeons and patients.

Saco Bay Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy has multiple locations in Southern Maine. Utilizing evidence-based care and proven treatment techniques in a supportive and educational environment, Saco Bay PT strives to ensure high quality healthcare and cost-effective outcomes for its patients to promote movement, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability.

Cameron Eilts, DPM, received his BS from the University of South Dakota and his DPM from Des Moines University. His specialities include: foot surgery; ankle surgery; wound care; diabetic limb salvage; non-surgical and surgical treatment of foot pain, foot deformity, pediatric flatfoot, ankle and foot fractures, plantar fascia, tendonitis, neuropathy, neuromas, heel spurs, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, warts, corns, calluses, and bunions. Dr. Eilts is also affiliated with the American Podiatric Medical Association and American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and is a member of the Podiatry Institute.

Dr. Welch To Present Lecture on Cartilage Restoration Advances

Dr. Tyler Welch of Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is scheduled to present a lecture on Thursday, January 19^th titled Recent Advances in the Treatment of Cartilage Injuries and Early Arthritis: The Future is Here. Open to the general public, the lecture will take place from 6:30-8PM at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital – Hospital Classroom, located on Borthwick Avenue.

Topics of discussion will include: the role of cartilage in joint function, common symptoms in patients with cartilage injuries, the history of cartilage surgery, and the ways in which treatment options have evolved over the last ten to fifteen years in orthopedic medicine. Dr. Welch will also share various cartilage treatment techniques that he currently practices at the Cartilage Center at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, as well as how location, size, and extent of a cartilage injury’s damage can dictate the appropriate treatment options for a patient.

Dr. Welch is a Board-Certified physician at Atlantic Orthopaedics who specializes in cartilage restoration, sports medicine, joint replacement, and arthroscopic surgery of the hip, knee and shoulder. He is the lead doctor of the clinic’s new Cartilage Center, a place for patients experiencing joint pain and early arthritis. Using cutting-edge treatments in cartilage restoration, Dr. Welch and his team are able to help patients resolve hip, elbow, knee, shoulder and other joint pain, while avoiding more costly and invasive replacement procedures down the road.

His lecture at Portsmouth Regional Hospital is free and open to the general public. To register, please visit portsmouthregionalhospital.com and find the event under “Classes and Events”.

Concussion Information Night – Nov 29

Andrew McMahon, DO of Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine will lead a discussion titled Get Your Head Out of the Game, a Concussion Information Night for parents, youth coaches, administrators, and those wanting to learn more about concussions and young athletes. The session will be held at 6PM on Tuesday, November 29^th in the York High School’s Band Room, located at 1 Robert Stevens Drive.

Dr. McMahon will host the informational event with York High School Trainer Emily Castaline. Free to the public, it will provide information and answer audience questions relative to concussions in youth sports, including: recognizing the signs of concussion and what parents should do if they suspect their child has one, the Parks and Recreation Department’s Return-to-Play policy following concussion, and what a baseline test is and the information it can provide relative to concussion. No reservations are required for this free session.

Dr. McMahon, a physician at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, specializes in sports medicine, musculoskeletal ultrasound and post-concussion management. He received his BS from the University of New Hampshire and his DO from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. McMahon is currently a Team Physician for the US Freestyle Ski Team, Portland Pirates (of the American Hockey League), and York and Wells High Schools in Maine.

Dr. Eilts Teaches Surgical Skills Course

Cameron Eilts, DPM of Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine will teach a Cadaver Surgical Skills Course in Atlanta, Georgia from October 27^th-30^th. National and international surgeons will attend the Podiatry Institute workshop to learn advanced surgical techniques on the foot and ankle.

During the training course, physicians will perform surgical cases during an in-depth, hands-on lab using cadavers and bone models. Procedures range from 5^th digit arthroplasties to complex rearfoot fusions. Surgical topics will also be discussed throughout the course, whose purpose is to increase comfort of physicians performing podiatric surgical procedures, improve skills through live surgical observation as well as hands-on participation with cadaver limbs and learn new surgical techniques.

Dr. Eilts practices foot and ankle surgery and reconstruction, wound care, and diabetic limb salvage at the Portsmouth, NH and York, ME offices of Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. He also specializes in fractures of the foot and ankle, tendon injuries and other surgical and non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle pain. Board-Certified in rearfoot and ankle surgery, Dr. Eilts received his BS from the University of South Dakota and his DPM from Des Moines University in Iowa. He is affiliated with the American Podiatric Medical Association and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is also a member of the Podiatry Institute, where he will teach his peers in Georgia. Dr. Eilts has helped teach over 30 of these courses.

Dinner with the Doctor – Sept 14

York Hospital proudly presents “Dinner with the Doctor” – a lecture and dinner event on Wednesday, September 14th at the Hilton Garden Inn Waterfront in Portland, Maine.

Speaking at the dinner is Dr. Akhilesh Sastry, MD, FAAOS, premiere Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon and this area’s expert on robotic assisted partial knee replacements.

Dr. Sastry will discuss innovations in knee replacement surgery, including how the use of robotics allows for greater precision and how that benefits the patient. He has been a pioneer in the field and a great advocate for patient access to this advancement in joint replacement technology. He performed the first robotic assisted knee replacement in Maine and in the Seacoast area. He was also the first to perform a direct anterior hip replacement surgery and leads training programs throughout the country. He is highly distinguished among his peers, has co-authored articles in many publications and given numerous podium presentations.

The event is free; however, reservations are required. Please call York Hospital at (207) 351-2385 or e-mail [email protected] to register.

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Welcomes New Physician Assistant

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is pleased to announce its newest Physician Assistant, Megan Trovage, PA-C.

Trovage received her education from the University of New England, where she earned a BS in Medical Biology at the college’s Biddeford campus, followed by an MSPA at the University of New England campus in Portland.

Trovage is also an NCCPA Board-Certified Physician Assistant. The NCCPA, or National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, is the only certifying organization for physician assistants in the United States. It tests medical and surgical knowledge through a national certifying exam.
“Improving patients’ quality of life is such a rewarding practice,” she said. “It’s amazing to see what the latest advances in medicine, coupled with evidence-based care, can do for patients of all ages and level of activity.”

In her spare time, Trovage enjoys spending time with her fiancée and their dog, Champ. She also loves being active, especially in the outdoors.