Spencer Stanbury, MD

I always loved science, but I also wanted to be able to interact with people; medicine is the perfect combination of the two. Many careers in science are spent in a lab supplying little interaction with others. I really enjoy getting to know my patients, sharing laughs with them, and watching them improve. Orthopedics, in particular, offered the chance to make a real improvement in the lives of my patients. Pain and suffering are terrible things, and often in orthopedics we really get to be a part of alleviating these grievances for our patients. Hand and upper extremity surgery was fascinating to me because of the complex anatomy and the importance of our hands in everyday life. My approach to hand and upper extremity surgery has a conservative slant. A lot of times we can generate complete relief of common conditions with splints, occupational therapy, or injections. Only after patients have demonstrated failure to improve with less invasive techniques do we discuss surgery. During my training in Boston, I learned many modern and less invasive surgical techniques. For many patients, these procedures can be done under local or regional anesthesia without the risk of general anesthesia. In some surgeries, blood thinners can even be continued. During my training at Boston Children's Hospital, I learned the care of the pediatric upper extremity from some of the world's foremost experts. I am very delighted to be able to bring this training to serve the needs of our youngest Phoenicians.