Spotlight Physician of the Month - May, 2011

May, 2011

Meagan M. Jennings, DPM, FACFAS

• Foot Surgery
• Ankle Surgery
• Foot Reconstruction Surgery
• Ankle Reconstruction Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Podiatric Medicine

Medical School: Temple University - Philadelphia, PA

Residency (Orthopedic Surgery):
Swedish Medical Hospital - Seattle, WA
Harborview Medical Center - Seattle, WA

Fellowship(s):
Fellowship of American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS)
AO Fellowship in Traumatology - Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus - Dresden, Germany

Certifications:
Board Certified in Foot Reconstructive Surgery
Board Certified in Ankle Reconstructive Surgery

Affiliations:
AO North America (www.aona.org)- Faculty Member

Biography:    
From a young age, I loved the idea of being a physician and surgeon. I was involved in competitive youth gymnastics, but due to an injury, was forced to switch to other sports and soon discovered a love of volleyball, basketball and running track. I continued my basketball career at a small university, but suffered multiple knee and ankle injuries throughout my playing career -- some of which required surgery. As a result of these experiences, I strive to be an understanding, competent, and skilled clinician and surgeon in order to help my patients continue to pursue their goals.

I completed a 3-year residency in foot and ankle surgery with a focus on sports medicine and trauma at Swedish Medical and Harborview Medical Centers in Seattle, Washington.  I had the privilege of working with Dr. Sigvard T. Hansen, MD as well as other prominent foot and ankle surgeons at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center’s Foot and Ankle Institute.   During my 3rd year of residency, I was selected to complete higher training in foot and ankle trauma via an AO Fellowship at the Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus in Dresden, Germany.  While there, I worked with prominent surgeons in orthopedics including specialists of the foot and ankle.  

During my time as a student and resident, I developed an interest and became involved in various research endeavors and publications.  I was awarded a research grant through the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the Northwest Podiatric Foundation to complete some of my research.  I have continued to be involved in academics and writing via authoring and publishing multiple textbook chapters and journal papers including:                              
1.    Schuberth JM, Jennings MM. Reconstruction of the extruded talus with large allograft interfaces: a report of 3 cases.  J Foot Ankle Surg. 2008 Sep-Oct;47(5):476-82.
2.      Jennings MM, Lagaay P, & Schuberth JM.  Arthroscopically Assisted Fixation of Juvenile Intra-articular Epiphyseal Ankle Fractures:  A Report of 6 Cases. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2007 Sep-Oct;46(5):376-86.
3.    Schuberth JM, Jennings MM, & Lau AC.  Arthroscopic Repair of Latent Syndesmotic Instability: A report of 5 cases. Arthroscopy. 2008 Aug;24(8):868-74.
4.    Jennings MM, Christensen JC.  The Effect of the Spring Ligament on Posterior Tibial Tendon Function and Foot Stability. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2008 May-Jun;47(3):219-24.
5.     Jennings MM, Schuberth JM. Fixation of the medial malleolar fracture: a simplified technique.  J Foot Ankle Surg. 2008 Jul-Aug;47(4):368-71.
6.    Rush SM,  Jennings MM, Hamilton GA.  Talus Fractures: Surgical Principles.  Clinics in Pod Med Surg Jan 2009 26(1):91-103.
7.   Jennings MM, Christensen JC.  “The Effects of Hallux Valgus Correction on Sub-Second Metatarsal Pressure.”     
8.    Christensen JC, Jennings MM. “Normal and Abnormal Function of the First Ray.” Clinics in Pod Med Surg July 2009. 26(3): 355-371.
9.     Schuberth JM, Smith P, Jennings MM.  An Anatomic and Autologous Lateral Ankle Stabilization J Foot Ankle Surg.  2009.

Since being in practice, I have obtained Board Certified status in both foot and ankle reconstructive surgery.  I am a faculty member for AO North America which is an organization focused on teaching the principles behind fixing fractures, osteotomies (bone cuts) and fusions of bones (getting them to grow together).   I am an instructor for a Foot and Ankle Arthroscopy course annually as well.  I speak at a number of conferences each year and have lectured on a variety of topics including surgical procedures, sports medicine, trauma and reconstruction involving the foot and ankle.  

I have been fortunate to serve the underserved including participating in two medical mission trips located in Merida, Mexico and Tegucigalpa, Honduras. I am a volunteer physician for the El Camino Hospital’s Rota Care clinic which serves our local community’s under insured and serve as the Vice-Chief of Podiatry at El Camino Hospital.

Throughout my experiences as a physician and surgeon, nothing brings me more fulfillment than seeing patients recover from injury and illness. I think in addition to the abilities of the physician, the patient attitude and rehabilitative processes play an integral role in healing.  As an athlete myself and having been through several surgeries, I understand the necessity of establishing a meaningful relationship with each of my patients so that we may work together to accomplish their healing goals.