Get to Know Dr. Kevin Hodge
Name: Kevin Anthony Hodge
Years in Practice: 6 years in residency, 1 year of fellowship in sports and shoulder
Hometown city and state: Rock Island, IL
Favorite Quote: “You can have results or excuses. Not both.” Arnold Schwarzenegger
Favorite book or movie and why?
Cinderella Man. It’s an inspiring true story about the heavyweight boxer, James J. Braddock. It is a lesson on overcoming adversity, fatherhood, and it provides perspective on when times were truly tough.
Standout memory or favorite milestone you’ve experienced as a dad:
I really enjoy getting the kids outside for new experiences. Our favorite thing to do is taking ranger rides around the farm. They like seeing the animals and playing in the creek.
Dr. Hodge with his wife, Abbey, and two daughters, Remi and Josie.
What advice would you give to a first time father?
Sleep can be rough those first few weeks. Pretending to be asleep can help some of the time, but your wife might catch on quick! Early bed times help. Kids behave better and you keep your sanity.
Do you have any plans for Father’s Day?
I’m actually on call for Father’s Day, but I hopefully will be able by to get some lunch or dinner with Abbey and my kids.
How do you like to spend your weekend?
Being outdoors with my family! Depending on the time of year, this could mean a number of outdoor projects on the property, prepping for deer season, hunting, clearing trails, or riding ATVs and horses.
What are your interests and activities outside of work?
Hunting, horseback riding, woodworking, and weight training.
Name on person you’d like to meet and why?
John Colter. The original mountain man. Enlisted in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the first-non Native American to discover Yellowstone. I would be fascinated to hear stories of his journey and learn how he lived and survived.
Where would you most like to travel, but you’ve never been?
A bucket list item of mine is a big game archery hunt out west that would involve backpacking and camping. I find that returning to our roots and getting away from technology is relaxing and provides great perspective.
What made you decide to become a doctor, more specifically an orthopedic surgeon?
I have always had a strong interest in health and science which ultimately led me to medical school. Orthopedic surgery was the perfect fit for me because it incorporates by engineering/carpentry background and allows me to work with my hands.
What do you like about practicing medicine?
Practicing medicine is a very gratifying profession because you have the opportunity to help your patients maximize their health and fitness utilizing the latest advances in the field. This is especially true in orthopedic surgery where you are able to fix a tangible problem in comparison to other fields of medicine which sometimes focus on alleviating chronic medical problems.
What inspires you most about your patients?
It is inspiring to see the transformation from a negative painful state to an overall improved quality of life that can be obtained through a combination of the healing potential of the human body and orthopedic intervention.
If there is one piece of advice you wish your patients could take to heart, what would it be?
Orthopedic surgery plays a small role in the healing process in comparison to pre/postoperative rehabilitation program and a life-long preventative physical fitness routine.
Dr. Kevin Hodge, ORA Orthopedics
