Alan Beyer, M.D., Executive Medical Director of Hoag Orthopedic Institute with a patient
Physician Leaders at Hoag Orthopedics Open Donors to the Future Through Giving and Service
Hoag Orthopedics physicians have collectively made more than $680,000 in gifts to
develop a self-sustaining institute that continually drives improvements in patient care, research, education and innovation. In fact, more than half of Hoag’s orthopedic physicians contribute financially or through service to community outreach programs, all of which have contributed to its national reputation for excellence.
“When Hoag Orthopedics opened five years ago, we were not only given a great playground for innovation, but we orthopedic surgeons were also given an unprecedented opportunity to build it,” says Alan Beyer, M.D., Executive Medical Director of Hoag Orthopedic Institute. “We were eager to give back.” Carlos Prietto, M.D., president of Hoag Orthopedic Institute, adds that physician philanthropists at Hoag enjoy the unique opportunity to be directly involved in the development, organization, budgeting and direction of research and education. “Many of us want to leave a legacy that will stand for many years to come and continue to drive a high level of orthopedic care to Orange County,” he says. “There’s a sense of ownership when you actively participate and financially contribute to these initiatives.” As a result, physicians have seen the tangible results of their generosity in everything from the dramatic decrease in readmissions due to infection, to the fifty percent increase in applicants to Sports Medicine, Total Joint Arthroplasty and Spine-Surgery Fellowship programs.
Ushering in the Future
What really excites them is looking ahead. “The future of medicine is possible today with clinical trials and research partnerships funded entirely by philanthropy,” says Dr. Beyer, who is the first Hoag physician recognized as a Hoag Benefactor for his cumulative donations. Currently, Hoag Orthopedics physicians are collecting DNA data to study patient sensitivity to pain and how patients metabolize pain medication. This clinical trial has the potential to seismically shift the way surgeons strategize patient diagnosis and treatment. “This is breakthrough technology. When we’re long gone, our young partners will be using this as part of their everyday practice,” says Dr. Beyer. Both Drs. Beyer and Prietto look back to their early mentors whose generosity and humility inspire them in the education of the new generation. What makes it particularly exciting for them is that through philanthropy, the future of medicine is already happening at Hoag.
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