#USA #Miami #Nicklaus Children's #Pediatric Orthopedics #Dr. Utset-Ward

Dr. Thomas Utset-Ward Joins Nicklaus Children's Hospital

Dr. Thomas J. Utset-Ward recently joined the Nicklaus Children's Orthopedic, Sports Medicine & Spine Institute as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon specializing in pediatric orthopedic oncology. With extensive experience, he provides advanced surgical treatments for benign and malignant tumors affecting bones and soft tissues, including sarcomas. Furthermore, his expertise extends to complex limb-sparing reconstructions and pediatric arthroplasty, catering to the joint replacement needs of young patients.

Dr. Utset-Ward is one of only seven specialists in pediatric orthopedic oncology across the United States. His integration into the Nicklaus Children's team bridges a crucial gap in care for young patients facing serious musculoskeletal challenges. Dr. Craig Spurdle, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery, emphasized the importance of having a dedicated orthopedic oncologist in-house, underlining the hospital's commitment to advanced specialty care in the sector.

The advancements in pediatric orthopedic oncology under Dr. Utset-Ward's leadership aim to minimize the need for limb amputations. By using innovative methods, such as custom metal implants and bone grafts, many of his young patients can retain their limbs post-surgery. In fact, some may even walk the same day as their surgery, thanks to Dr. Utset-Ward's expertise in limb-salvage techniques. In cases where amputation is necessary, he applies rotationplasty, effectively repurposing the patient's ankle to create a new knee joint. Additionally, through targeted muscle reinnervation, he rewires nerves to help reduce pain and even allow control over bionic prostheses.

Collaboration is key in oncology treatment, and Dr. Utset-Ward works closely with oncologists at the Helen Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute within Nicklaus Children's. Dr. Maggie Fader, an oncologist and director at the institute, highlighted the necessity of an orthopedic oncologist focused on pediatric patients. The comprehensive sarcoma care available at Nicklaus Children's is unparalleled in Florida, with a dedicated team aimed at enhancing outcomes and quality of life for children battling cancer.

Dr. Utset-Ward's academic and professional background is equally impressive. Raised in South Florida, he understands the local community's needs firsthand, as he was once a patient at Nicklaus Children's himself. He earned his medical degree from the esteemed Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, supplemented by an MBA from Vanderbilt's Owen Graduate School of Business. His surgical training included a residency at the University of Chicago, followed by a fellowship in musculoskeletal oncology at Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital. He pioneered his training with a second fellowship specializing in pediatric orthopedic oncology, becoming the first of its kind in the nation.

In addition to his surgical responsibilities, Dr. Utset-Ward has been appointed as the director of Surgical Innovation at Nicklaus Children's. He will lead the groundbreaking 3D Printing and Modeling Program, which aims to bolster patient-specific surgical technology. This innovative program employs tools such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and life-size 3D-printed models to enhance surgical precision and address complex pediatric cases effectively.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital has recently outfitted its new orthopedic clinic with advanced technology and imaging tools, aimed at providing the highest standards of care in limb elongation, reconstruction, and complex orthopedic procedures. The newly established Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower offers state-of-the-art operating rooms designed for future-oriented surgeries, harnessing cutting-edge technologies to perform life-saving operations that were previously deemed impossible.

Dr. Utset-Ward's professional memberships include the Children's Oncology Group, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, among others. Alongside his contributions to medical journals, textbook chapters, and conferences, he aims to inspire a generation of specialists in pediatric oncology and orthopedic surgery.

In summary, with Dr. Utset-Ward's arrival, Nicklaus Children's Hospital reinforces its commitment to the best possible care for children with orthopedic conditions, particularly those facing the complexities of pediatric cancers. The institution stands as a beacon of hope, offering state-of-the-art treatments tailored specifically for its youngest patients.