Administrator to Know: Christine Washick of Orthopedics and Sports Surgery Center

Christine Washick (Orthopedics and Sports Surgery Center, Appleton, Wis.). Ms. Washick is the director of operations at the Orthopedic and Sports Surgery Center, which specializes in orthopedic surgery, podiatry and pain management. The center, which opened in May 2006, has three operating rooms and one minor procedure room, and performs 200-250 cases monthly.

Ms. Washick began working at the center in June 2006 as a staff PACU nurse. In 2007, she was appointed to clinical coordinator before moving to her current position in 2009. "I have had an awesome opportunity to learn about our ASC from the ground up," she says. Prior to joining the center, Ms. Washick served as an emergency room and PACU nurse at the nearby Appleton (Wis.) Hospital.

In March 2008, the center began performing partial knee replacements, which, according to her colleagues, Ms. Washick was instrumental in. "Since April 2009, we have successfully incorporated total knees into our joint program. We have plans to perform our first total hip by Aug. 2009," she says.

Ms. Washick loves the comprehensive care that her center can offer their patients. "We offer many entities such as physical therapy, MRI, orthotics and sports medicine in addition to surgical services," she says. "Patients often mention that they feel welcomed and that they feel that our staff are there just for them." Additionally, Ms. Washick says that the physicians at the center are open to staff bringing their ideas about personal patient care to them.

"I have to say that I love coming to work every day," Ms. Washick says, noting that this is mostly due to the staff. "Our surgeons started our center with the philosophy that patient needs and satisfaction, in addition to the highest quality care, are of utmost importance. The staff in the surgery center reflects this philosophy. They are energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated to each other and to our patients."

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