Written by Bloom Magazine
Juan A. Ramos, MD is a Pain Management & Anesthesiology Specialist at South Florida Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
South Florida Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, where Dr. Ramos practices, is renowned for its excellence in workers' compensation. The practice has been recognized as a top choice for employers seeking reliable and effective medical services for their injured workers. As part of the esteemed team at South Florida Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Dr. Ramos excels in his field and has become a trusted name in workers' compensation. The practice itself has gained recognition for its commitment to excellence, being named on the list of top best practices in workers' compensation for 2022.
Q: What would you say is the unique part of your specialty?
A: A unique aspect of my specialty is the ability to help people recover from injuries and restore normal function through multidisciplinary approaches. With Pain Management as a subset of Anesthesiology training, I possess a deep sense of empathy for my patients. My background in Pain Management enables me to take a well-rounded multidisciplinary approach to address all aspects of their injuries, encompassing not only the physical aspects but also the psychological and social distress that often accompany loss of function and livelihood.
Q: How many years have you been practicing?
A: I have been practicing in the Treasure Coast of southeast Florida since 2016. While I am originally from Venezuela, I consider Florida my home. Prior to my current position, I underwent training at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Q: Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people don't know.
A: Most people may not know that I am an avid guitar player and have a great passion for music. During my training years, I volunteered with Musicians on Call, where I provided musical relief and mental hygiene for the sick and elderly. Additionally, I enjoy camping and outdoor activities with my family and dogs in our Volkswagen 1970s bus.
Q: What is your "why?" What inspires you every day to do more and do better?
A: My driving force is to do my best for a better community and a better world for future generations. Love and caring for one-another is at the core of my inspiration and beliefs in making a positive impact.
Q: What skills are the most important for your job?
A: Attention to detail regarding a patient's condition, responsive communication between physician, patient, and the workers' compensation team for timely care, comprehensive and empathetic approach tailored to the patient's needs, and excellent injection skills are all essential for my job.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?
A: When I am not working, I find joy in spending time with my dogs, engaging in sports activities and camping with my children, enjoying and playing music, and attending concerts.
Q: Take us back to when you first began in medicine. What was it like for you?
A: My initial experience in medicine was in my home country of Venezuela. In the last year of medical school, which is also the first year of practice, every medical student is sent to an underserved rural area to work as an intern under the guidance of the only physician in the town or village. This experience was incredibly special to me, teaching me the values of gratitude and humbleness.
Q: What is the most challenging part about your job?
A: The most challenging aspect of my job is maintaining the highest standard of care and providing the best possible treatment for my patients within a professional environment where setbacks are common, paperwork can be extensive, and exceptional care may sometimes be denied. I am grateful for my office staff and collaborators who assist me and my patients in navigating these challenges to ensure exceptional care for the injured.
Q: What does an average day look like for you?
A: An average working day typically begins around 7:30 am and ends close to 6 pm, once all paperwork and miscellaneous tasks are completed. I assess patients three and a half days per week and dedicate one and a half days per week to performing fluoroscopic guided injections.
Q: What is your philosophy when treating injured workers?
A: My philosophy in treating injured workers revolves around prompt diagnoses and treatment. It is essential to maintain good communication with the workers' compensation carrier and employer, ensuring that everyone remains aware of the patient's diagnoses and needs. Additionally, active patient participation in therapies that facilitate retraining and adapting the body for an efficient return to duty is imperative.
Q: If you could change one thing about the workers' compensation industry, what would it be?
A: While I believe the workers' compensation industry is generally good, one thing I would change is to expedite responses and resolutions to patients' problems as fast as possible. I also advocate for more multidisciplinary involvement, such as psychological care and alternative therapies like acupuncture and massage therapy to enhance patient outcomes.
Q: What's your biggest professional accomplishment to date?
A: Every day, I take pride in the work I do and consider helping each of my patients a significant accomplishment.
Q: What final thoughts would you share with those in workers' compensation?
A: To those in workers' compensation, I encourage you to keep your head held high and maintain positive spirits. Together, we will overcome your injuries and strive to restore you back to your baseline as quick and comprehensively as possible.
Q: What makes your practice unique?
A: I practice at South Florida Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, which is part of a multidisciplinary orthopaedic group. This allows me to provide my patients with comprehensive care, including physical therapy, medication management, injections, and even surgery if necessary, with the support of our orthopaedic colleagues. Our patients benefit from having all their needs met within one practice, bypassing the challenges associated with larger hospitals.
Q: What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication with all parties involved in workers' compensation claims?
A: To establish effective communication with injured workers, employers, and other involved parties during workers' compensation claims, we employ any means necessary. Our practice has dedicated staff members who manage our Worker Comp patients, ensuring an open line of communication with WC adjusters and case managers. Personally, I am always available and actively advocate for the timely and effective fulfillment of our patients' needs.
Q: What are the best ways to reach the practice, you, and the staff?
A: You can reach our practice by calling 772-288-2400. Once a relationship has been established, most patients have access to my personal extension, as well as that of my Medical Assistant.
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