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Fall 2008 Body by Brassard Triple joint-replacement patient Mary Jane Virtue has orthopedic surgeon Marc Brassard on speed dial. 400 miles. 800, round trip. It’s a distance that could take you up California’s coast, from Los Angeles to the inclines of San Francisco, or from the dusty suburbs of Dallas across the border into Mexico. For a Floridian, 400 miles can bring you from Jacksonville to Miami. And when Mary Jane Virtue needed a hip replacement, 400 miles brought her home, to the orthopedic surgeon she trusts: Marc F. Brassard, M.D., of the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center. “I was living in Rhode Island, fulfilling my goal of getting a master’s degree in holistic counseling, when my left hip started to wear out,” said Mrs. Virtue. “Growing up with four children, we knew the orthopedic physicians really well and trust AAMC entirely. No matter where I live, that’s where I’m getting my surgery.” Mrs. Virtue has a history with AAMC, having worked the floors of the hospital’s former downtown Annapolis location as a nurse in the labor and delivery unit. “I had my two sons at the downtown hospital,” she said. “The hospital makes an impact on people, and I’m proud it’s keeping its identity as it grows.” Dr. Brassard made such an impact on Mrs. Virtue that, in addition to her original hip replacement at age 57, she has returned for two additional joint replacements in the five years since. The second, her right knee, was done while she was living in Pennsylvania, and her right hip replacement was completed while she resided in Massachusetts. “I fly in and rent a car, and my husband comes to get me,” she said with a laugh. “The hospital makes the whole thing very easy. Dr. Brassard didn’t care where I was coming from; he was so quick to help normalize the experience for me. He’s extremely accommodating. When I need my final knee replacement, I’ll call the practice, they’ll check me out, and Dr. Brassard will replace my knee. I’m not going anywhere else.” Dr. Brassard takes pride in the travels of Mrs. Virtue. “I have a lot of patients who have come to me for multiple joint procedures, and a lot of patients who come from places other than Maryland,” he said. “But for her to repeatedly travel to see me and my surgical team is really special for us.” During Mrs. Virtue’s last visit, she surprised Dr. Brassard and his staff with t-shirts emblazoned with “Body By Brassard.” “For me, it’s never been a question. When I need a joint procedure, I go see Dr. Brassard.” 400 miles. 800, round trip. Such a distance can take someone a lot of places, but none more important than into the hands of a physician you trust. |
