Dr. Trott: Helping Patients Improve Joint Function

Gage Trott, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon with ProMedica Physicians. Dr. Trott’s biggest motivation is his patients and helping them get back to doing the things they love through joint preservation and replacement when necessary.

Dr. Trott has a true passion for orthopaedic surgery, and every day he performs his best work so his patients can live their best lives.

When did you know you wanted to go into medicine?

I aspired to enter the field of medicine as early as high school. I can remember around the back end of high school looking at colleges and beginning to focus on the goal of obtaining a career in medicine. I was looking for a place that would provide me the opportunity to create a pathway to where I am today.

What drew you to orthopaedic surgery?

During my junior and senior years of college, I had the opportunity to do some shadowing within different fields of the medicine. I was immediately drawn to the operating room and a procedural career in medicine.

I then had the opportunity to shadow an orthopaedic surgeon performing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. He sparked my passion for the field. As I progressed through medical school, that passion only grew further.

I really enjoyed how, often, there was a problem that could be fixed and could allow for substantial improvements in the patient's daily life with a lasting effect on their life and function.

What interests you about joint preservation/joint health?

We have seen how deterioration of joints such as hips, knees, shoulders, etc., can really limit someone in their daily activities and in doing the things that they love. I wanted to do something within orthopaedics that gave me the opportunity to have a direct impact on a patient's function.

Often, once someone's joints become overly worn out, there are limited options in terms of improving pain and function. We now know that with early intervention and joint preservation techniques, we can utilize both non-surgical and, at times, surgical options to attempt to preserve a patient's natural anatomy and get them back to activities that they enjoy.

What part of your job motivates you most to come to work every day?

My patients are definitively what drives me to come to work each and every day. I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet so many people and have been able to play a small part in their journey to recovery and rehabilitation.

Whether it’s broken bones, sports injuries, arthritis or whatever ailment brings them to my office, I have the opportunity to make their lives a little easier. And it's their compassion and gratitude that continues to drive me to keep learning and be the best physician I can be.

What occupational accomplishment are you most proud of?

The implementation of a hip preservation pathway with minimally invasive surgical techniques at ProMedica is probably one of my largest contributions to the practice to date. The hip preservation pathway utilizes hip arthroscopy treat some hip disorders in a minimally invasive fashion. This allows us to protect the hip, preserve it, to hopefully prevent the risk of arthritis development or future disease.

This, in combination with successfully navigating the complex pathway of orthopaedic training of residency and fellowship are still some of my biggest accomplishments thus far in my early career.

In what ways do your personal and professional lives collide?

I am an avid golfer and a huge sports fan in general. This led me to a career in orthopaedic sports medicine, which has allowed me to continue to be associated with sports, sports injuries and athletes of all ages. I have had the opportunity for several years to work on the sidelines on the high school, collegiate and professional level. which has provided me insight and education that I now bring with me to my new position at ProMedica.

Why did you choose ProMedica as your place of work?

Being a previous medical student with the opportunity to rotate at ProMedica while in training, I saw how the organization really focused on the well-being of not only the patients but also their doctors and their entire ancillary staff. I wanted to work somewhere where I would have the opportunity to treat a large variety of issues in an area that was in need and ProMedica Physicians Orthopaedic Surgery - Monroe provided me with that opportunity.

What makes ProMedica unique when it comes to orthopaedic care?

ProMedica is unique based upon the multi-faceted approach and continuity of care, not only among the physicians but also the ancillary aspects of care. This can include non-operative treatment pathways, surgery, or rehab and recovery with PT, OT, etc. This provides patients with all the necessary avenues all in one place for a successful outcome in their recovery journey. It allows for direct communication between providers to make sure everyone has an equal opportunity for success.

Gage Trott, MD
Dr. Trott is an orthopaedic surgeon with ProMedica Physicians. View his profile.