‘I’m in good hands; the best hands’

“He puts my bones back together just the way God placed them when he created me.” 

Praise for an orthopedic surgeon certainly doesn’t get much better than that.  

The years – and several trips and falls – have made her bones a tad bit brittle for Kandy Chappell, 80, of Portage. Last August, it was a broken ankle. This week, it was a hip replacement, and then spinal surgery. 

And each time, she was put back together by Julio Rodriguez, MD, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon for the Conemaugh Health System. 

“He’s just an outstanding doctor; the best I’ve ever seen,” Kandy said. “His professional knowledge, expertise and ability to explain complex things in layman’s terms are amazing. Combine that with his personal touch and it’s simply beyond description.” 

It’s common, she says, to hear friends and neighbors sharing much different experiences and interactions with their physicians.  
 
“So often, you just hear of doctors being so distant. You have no idea who they are, what they’re saying, or if they even care about you as a person,” Kandy said. “That’s what makes Dr. Rodriguez so unique. 

“He always puts his patients first. I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it,” she said. “He makes sure I understand my medical issues in complete and straightforward detail. We talk, I mean really talk. We talk about our families; about how much he and his family love and are devoted to the Johnstown region.  

“I have his cellphone number. He tells me to call any time to chat about my health and operations. What other doctor does that? He’s so vibrant, friendly and thoughtful. 

“I feel lucky that he’s my doctor, my surgeon. I know I’m in good hands. The best hands.”