Purpose, Mission, & Vision

 
 
“This is all important because education is the key to improving the system of care. ”
— Vanessa JS Smith, PA-C
 
 

Purpose - the WHY

Many patients with musculoskeletal chief complaints first present to an Emergency Department, Acute Care/Urgent Care, Family Medicine Clinic or Occupational Medicine clinic. OrthoRefresh exists to equip and encourage physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants/associates in their role of diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions and injuries of the musculoskeletal system in order to advance better orthopedic care around the region, country, and world.

Mission - the HOW

Collaborating with surgeons, therapists (OT/PT/CHT), and advanced practice providers that specialize in orthopedics, OrthoRefresh provides engaging on-demand video content and quick-reference PDFs as resources. The on-demand video content  reviews common musculoskeletal conditions and injuries with engaging slide+video presentations as well as How-To videos for common orthopedic procedures. Dive Deeper sections feature links to published articles associated with the topic for further related reading.

Vision - the WHAT

Physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants/associates (MD/DO/NP/PA) who typically see MSK injuries and conditions first are required to know so much about so many things but are undertrained in the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.

OrthoRefresh is meant to be a “tool in the toolbelt” of these healthcare providers to provide additional training for terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology of common musculoskeletal conditions and injuries as well as the array of treatments for non-operative management. This serves two purposes: 

  1. Improved patient care: to avoid patients who are initially treated improperly and have to undergo additional clinic visits, travel, expense, and potentially surgery due to a knowledge gap of what MD/DO/NP/PA are taught in training and what they are expected to know and perform on the job.

  2. Provider Well-being: an educated and prepared MD/DO/NP/PA is a confident and competent clinician which in turn decreases anxiety, depression, work stress and frustration, and ultimately burnout.

About the Founder

Hello from the Midwest of the United States! I’m Vanessa. Growing up, I was told by numerous people, “You are such a good teacher!” I began to realize how much I enjoyed teaching in a variety of settings; however, my undergrad course led me toward medicine and I became passionate about studying the human body and caring for people in that capacity.

I attended Bethel University in St. Paul, MN graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training. Subsequently, I attended Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, IL completing a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies. I quickly found my passion working in orthopedic hand surgery. Continuing to push aside my love of teaching I thought, “Someday, after my career in medicine, then I will go into teaching.”

Since 2009 working as a PA in orthopedic hand surgery, I found opportunity after opportunity to teach and share my knowledge and skill in hand surgery. My passions collided!

OrthoRefresh.com was born from a passion to educate colleagues in medicine who care for orthopedic injuries and conditions before they get to the orthopedic specialist: primary care providers. 

Thank you for reading and don’t hesitate to contact me here!

FAQs

  • No, unfortunately there is no Category I CME at this time; however, similar to medical journal reading & purchase of textbooks, this educational content could be considered along those lines of continuing professional medical education.

  • Similar to a textbook or scientific journal subscription, the content available in the Premium Membership is evidenced-based up-to-date education regarding orthopedics in primary care. A receipt will be generated after purchase to use for possible reimbursement.

  • Discounts are available for students in graduate level health sciences (medical school, nurse practitioner school, physician associate school, etc.).

    Discounts are also available if you are a healthcare provider working for an NGO or mission organization.

    In both cases, please send proof of current school enrollment or NGO/mission organization employment PRIOR TO registering for Premium Membership. A discount code will be sent to your email to use when registering.

  • We would love to hear from you! We are continually adding content so there is a chance it’s in the works, but just in case, use this form to tell us!

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