Does anyone know how to contact Dr. Woodward directly?  I live in South Florida and need to get a torn labrum repaired ASAP.  His office is not very flexible with the scheduling and wanted to reach out to him. I want the suregry to be done by someone that knows the issues faced by surfers, and I'm not sure a standard Ortho, could get the same results. 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

904-553-2185

Other than stalking him, or running into him by coincidence at Lowes, I don't think you'll ever get past his gatekeeper. I was advised here several years ago that Woodward was worth the wait. I took that to heart and waited. Got both shoulders done 6 months apart, including a torn labrum on the second one.

Recovery from the first was a lot smoother than the second, and I needed to see him a time or two after that second surgery. He was a lot harder to schedule, and his gatekeeper seemed to have gotten substantially more gruff. (Rest of staff still very pleasant)

Difficulty getting off-schedule follow-ups to that second surgery led me to think he's taken on a bit too much work. Although it's awesome that he's helping as many patients as possible, he has to prioritize all of that, and sometimes you're not that high on the list.

With that said, both shoulders are fine now, and I'm glad I was able to wait for him to do the work. If you can wait for the consultation and surgery openings, and don't need off-schedule follow-ups, you'll do fine. But if you live in SoFL, it will be even harder for you to get here when he's available, and a bear to see him when he's not, so you might do well exploring options closer to home.

Do the research into local ortho docs who specialize in arthroscopic shoulder surgery like Woodward does, not just general ortho, knees, backs, and all that. If you can get references to someone like the UM swim team's ortho specialists, you'll probably find someone good with shoulders and issues similar to those surfers face.

he usually has a FULL schedule...

you are not the only person who want "it" done right NOW!

he did both of my shoulders... with great results!

Once you are in the "system" you may be moved up with a cancelation...

good luck...




-------------------------
BurrysBreak

Inflation caused The BIG BANG...look it up!

Thanks for the replies.  That was a good suggestion regarding the UM swim team.  

If anyone has a suggestion around the Jacksonville area, I'll take it.

 

 

 

 

Some docs who treat baseball players are expert with elbow/shoulder issues as well. Get recommendations from some high-caliber baseball programs, and maybe a water polo team or two.

Woodward only treats hand to shoulder, as far as I know, and seems to only focus on surgery now. He saw my daughter several years ago for a broken finger, but wouldn't see my son last year for a broken thumb (neither needing surgery).

99% chance you'll only need arthroscopic surgery, not open, thus the recommendation to focus on those who primarily do arthro and have more experience with the tools.

Woodward also told me that once he gets the camera inside, he usually finds more than what your MRI shows. And don't be surprised if you've also got bone spurs, more the older you are!

Best of luck. Repost whatever you learn here -- it benefits a lot of people.

-------

Forgot to mention: I always look at the online reviews, but don't take them too seriously. I sort of consider an average of Health Grades, Vitals, and LifeScript, but if you see an excess of very low ratings, it's probably a red flag to stay away from. Good reviews don't necessarily mean a good doc, unfortunately.


Edited: 11/17/2017 at 11:08 AM by RegularJoe

there are a few James Andrew trained ortho sport surgeons here in Orlando , end of the year is the busiest time , but try again first of the year and one of them will fix you. Good luck

He is the man!  I trust him bc he didnt want to do surgery.  If you can get in to see him - its worth it!

Tore my right shoulder rotator cuff muscle in July in Nica. Waited for two month's to get in to see him which really bummed me out but everyone says he is the best. Shoulder now five weeks post surgery doing much better and highly recommend him and his staff for the operation. Everyone has been super helpful and professional on his staff and he was great personally in pre and post op visits. Great choice just schedule and wait or follow other advice here on the forum.

-------------------------
Go to tomneilsonshapes.com for a fun website to check out. Created by none other than David Lawless the web site guru...

Thanks guys.   I decided to do it in South Florida.  There are some talented surgeons down here that have treated a bunch of pro athletes.