Care Center Spotlight – Orthopaedic Specialists Of Metropolitan Washington
Like many practices in The Centers for Advance Orthopaedics, the surgeons of Orthopaedic Specialists of Metro Washington joined the group because of mounting external pressures, including competition or threat of buyout from hospital systems and increasing difficulty to negotiate with payors. A desire to preserve autonomy in the practice of orthopaedic medicine made CAO a fitting home for the group. In fact, one of the newer surgeons at the care center left hospital life to practice privately. But there is more to the story, built out of long service to patients in the Silver Spring, Maryland area.
OSMW care center is a unique group within The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics. Founded in 2014, OSMW is actually comprised of two groups that had both joined CAO separately! A bit of history: Orthopaedic Associates and Orthopaedic Surgeons of Montgomery County were long standing practices in Silver Spring, MD. About two miles apart, they were founding practices in CAO. When a longtime partner approached retirement, the two practices decided to merge to form a single care center location in 2014.
OSMW is home to five orthopaedic surgeons and a PA. The care center also has physical therapy administered by one PT and a PTA. 18 staff members round out the team, providing comprehensive support to the provider team. When asked how the team fosters a sense of unity, Dr. Abend, Dr. Alam and Dr. Bleckner shared that the physician partners at the care center value each other and the supporting team members. There are many long-term employees at OSMW, which helps not only the surgeons but also the patients, when they see the same warm faces time after time. For example, Administrator Barbara Semsker recently celebrated 30 years with the practice! The team at OSMW enjoys activities such as group lunches and holiday parties, as well as employee recognition to foster a sense of esprit de corps. In the end, it helps everyone at OSMW communicate better and support one another.