Meet ORA Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon: Dr. Alan Edwards
In our ongoing feature “What Moves Me,” ORA Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon, Dr. Alan Edwards, fires up the grill while sharing how he likes to spend his weekends and why he became an orthopedic surgeon.
Hometown: Bettendorf, IA
Favorite Quote(s):
“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Favorite book or movie and why?
My favorite movie is Tommy Boy. I’ve always enjoyed the witty humor and how quotable it is. It’s such a fun movie to watch with friends.
Name one person you would like to meet and why?
I would like to go back in time and meet Thomas Edison. He was incredibly creative and inventive. I would very much enjoy seeing how he looked at the world.
What are your interests and activities outside of work?
I enjoy biking, home improvement projects, cooking, and learning new things. One of my favorite hobbies is grilling. It’s a blast to try out new recipes.
How do you like to spend your weekends?
On weekends I enjoy spending time with my wife and our families. We like going out to eat, walking our dog, Tucker, and cooking together. Coming together over a great meal is a beautiful thing.
Where would you most like to travel, but have never been?
I have always wanted to go to France. As biking is one of my favorite pastimes, the Tour de France has always been something I loved to watch while I was growing up. I would love to ride my bike around the different regions.
What made you decide to become a doctor and specifically an orthopedic surgeon?
I had a benign bone tumor removed from my arm when I was a child the size of a softball that was impeding my function. I was fascinated the more I learned about anatomy and all of the structures the doctor had to work around to remove it. I wanted to be able to help people in the same way.
What do you like best about practicing medicine?
Everyday has something about it that is different. I like being about to think critically through patients issues and work with them to come up with solutions to help improve their quality of life and function. I enjoy really listening to patients and helping them to achieve their goals.
What inspires you most about your patients?
I enjoy seeing my patients get better. More often than not, we can achieve this without surgery. However, sometimes surgery is necessary to make a full recovery. Whatever I can do to help them get back to what they enjoy is my goal as their physician.
If there is one piece of advice you wish your patients would take to heart, what would it be?
I want patients to feel comfortable, listened to, and cared for. I want patients to enjoy coming to see me and share things about their lives. I look forward to working together to get you better.
