University Orthopedics Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Craig P. Eberson, MD, had a much longer commute recently.
Dr. Eberson, Dr. Anthony Scaduto from UCLA, and Dr. Elizabeth Hubbard from Scottish Rite traveled to Honduras last month with World Pediatric Project. During their week-long mission, they worked out of two ORs at Ruth Paz Hospital, treating 52 children and completing 12 surgeries.
Sadie, 16, was one of those children treated. Her mom sold tamales to raise the money needed to visit WPP doctors not once – but twice. before undergoing scoliosis spine surgery with Dr. Eberson’s team, she also underwent hip surgery in July.
Sadie said she hopes to stop using a cane to walk and finds relief from constant back pain. She said she can’t wait to wear pretty dresses.
During her stay, Sadie found a mentor in Imer, 11. In 2019, he had a growing rod inserted by a WPP spine team in 2019, and since then, he has had two rod lengthenings to adjust the implant. Very familiar with WPP teams and surgery, Imer decided to become Sadie’s “mentor”, even though Sadie is older than him. He talked to her about his experience and encouraged her. They had surgery the same day, and the next day, when Imer was ready to take a walk around the hospital, his first request was to visit his friend Sadie in the next room. During his visit, he gave Sadie a card with the image of St. Anthony and told her he protects children.
About Dr. Craig P. Eberson
Craig P. Eberson, MD, specializes in the treatment of orthopaedic disorders in children. His main clinical interests lie in the treatment of scoliosis and other spinal disorders, congenital or acquired problems of the lower extremities in children, and pediatric fracture care.
Dr. Eberson is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Brown Medical School and an Attending Physician at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital. He is the chief of Pediatric Orthopaedics, and is the author of numerous book chapters, scientific articles, and national presentations related to the orthopaedic care of children. His current research interests include the treatment of spinal disorders via a minimally invasive approach, improving the success of limb-lengthening procedures, and the treatment of pediatric musculoskeletal injuries.
In addition to his clinical duties, Dr. Eberson is the Program Director of the Brown Orthopedic Surgery Residency. Dr. Eberson believes that training the next generation of orthopedic surgeons is a tremendous responsibility and privilege. He has a passion for education, as has helped develop the Curriculum for Educators for members of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society, and has lectured on the topic to international audiences.