A conversation with the doctors of the JCMG Orthopaedic Center.
Mike Snyder, M.D.
Specialty:
I’m an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. I did a sports medicine fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic with an emphasis on treatment and surgeries of the knee and shoulder.
Years at JCMG:
22. I was one of the founding members.
What brought you to JCMG?
The unique ability to establish a state-of-the-art, multiple specialty group that provided quality comprehensive care to patients of central Missouri.
What sparked your interest in orthopedic medicine?
Initially, the orthopedic surgeons I worked with in medical school. I also was drawn to orthopedics because of the ability to positively impact patients’ lives. In orthopedics you’re able to fix patients’ problems and improve their quality of life. My love of sports also drove me to specialize in sports medicine.
What are some interesting new technologies you’ve been working with?
We have the ability to do advanced surgical procedures either arthroscopically or with minimally invasive procedures and approaches. Also, the advancement of regenerative orthopedic care has been huge. We’re now providing stem cell treatment for multiple orthopedic problems. The results are promising and will likely be able to cure problems that previously required surgical intervention.
What do you think it takes to be an orthopedic surgeon?
Dedication and a zest to learn. Orthopedics is constantly improving care through enhanced technology. Our specialty has made drastic innovations over my 25 years of practice, providing better and less invasive treatment options for patients.
What do you want Jefferson City to know about you?
My partners and I received training from the top medical institutions in the country. JCMG Orthopedics provides state-of-the-art treatment in all aspects of orthopedic care. We’re also on the cutting edge of regenerative orthopedic care with the use of stem cell treatment when clinically indicated. Above all, I care tremendously about the community that I’ve been lucky enough to call home for the past 25 years and am dedicated to providing the best treatment possible to the members of our community.
Matthew M. Ragsdell, D.O.
Specialty:
Joint reconstruction, total reverse shoulder surgeries, sports medicine, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and minimally invasive surgery.
Years at JCMG:
I just started.
What brought you to JCMG?
The quality of the group and the community was attractive to my wife and I. Being close to family matters.
What sparked your interest in orthopedic medicine?
I became interested during high school sports. I enjoyed the idea of fixing problems for people.
What are some interesting new technologies you have been working with?
I’ve been working to perform advanced technical procedures on my patients my whole career. I have kept on the cutting edge of technology in knee replacement, shoulder replacement, and hip replacement and have continued to perform minimally invasive knee and shoulder reconstruction.
What do you think it takes to be an orthopedic surgeon or physician?
It takes caring for people and having a desire to do the right thing for them. It takes a technical mind and the ability to have a good relationship with your patients.
What do you want Jefferson City to know about what you do?
I brought a new procedure to JCMG with the reverse total shoulder surgery. For people with an arthritic shoulder with a massive rotator cuff tear, this surgery offers a solution to their severe pain.
Joyce Wilson, M.D.
Specialty:
Orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgery.
How long have you been with JCMG?
Six years.
What brought you to JCMG?
My husband is from Missouri, and when I was doing my training in Cincinnati, he wanted to come back to the area to be near family. I didn’t want to practice in St. Louis or Kansas City, where there were lots of other orthopedic surgeons specializing in hands. I wanted to be able to provide a service to a community where there was a need. JCMG seemed like a great place.
What sparked your interest in orthopedic medicine?
When I was first in medical school, I thought, “There is no way I want to be a surgeon.” I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician. But while going through my pediatric rotation, it became clear that pediatrics wasn’t for me. My next rotation was orthopedic surgery, and it actually seemed really cool. Orthopedic surgeons can take a person who has an obvious problem, like knee arthritis, and return them to a high quality of life. It felt like a very concrete way to make a difference.
What are some interesting new technologies you have been working with?
I’m not sure people know that severe arthritis of the hands can be corrected with joint replacements. That’s not new, but it’s not as well-known as joint replacements for the knee and hip. We can also use medications and injections to improve hand contractures. And for people living with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, medications have really improved in preventing joint damage in the hands.
What does it take to be an orthopedic surgeon?
Orthopedic surgery is one of the more competitive residencies. You have to do well in school and be committed. You also need to be fully aware of what you’re getting yourself into. Be dedicated and know that you want to do it. Anybody can do what I do, as long as you have the determination and drive. I think this is the best job in the world.
I also think you need a good support system. My husband has had to sacrifice and support me through all the training and long hours, and that’s very important as well.
What do you want Jefferson City to know about what you do?
I want people to know I exist! Even after six years, people still say they don’t know I’m here and that I specialize in hands and elbows. I want people to know that they don’t have to live with pain in their hands and arms. Sometimes people attribute their ailments to getting older. There’s no reason to live with discomfort — sometimes there are easy solutions for hand and arm pain that can improve quality of life.
Jonathan Craighead, M.D.
Specialty:
Orthopedic surgery with an emphasis in joint replacement surgery and sports medicine.
Years at JCMG:
12.
What brought you to JCMG?
I grew up in Jefferson City and always wanted to return home to practice orthopedics when I completed my training. JCMG was exactly what I was looking for: a physician-led group that prides itself on quality, cost-effective health care.
What sparked your interest in orthopedic medicine?
I was initially exposed to orthopedics when I broke my clavicle while playing high school football. As I learned more about the specialty, I was amazed at the impact orthopedic procedures had on patients’ lives. Many orthopedic procedures have the ability to eradicate pain and restore function. No other specialty seems to improve quality of life as quickly.
What are some interesting new technologies you’ve been working with?
The newest technique that I’m offering is anterior hip replacement. This is a minimally invasive, muscle sparing approach to hip replacement surgery that has dramatically improved the post-surgical recovery phase.
What do you think it takes to be an orthopedic surgeon or physician?
A good orthopedic surgeon should be a good listener and communicator and a confident decision maker. They should also be empathetic, calm under pressure, and skilled with their hands.
What do you want Jefferson City to know about what you do?
I offer operative and non-operative treatments for arthritis, joint pain, fractures, ligament sprains, and muscle and tendon injuries. I specialize in minimally invasive and rapid recovery techniques.
Bradley S. Sloan, D.O.
Specialty:
Primary care and sports medicine.
Years at JCMG?
Two.
What brought you to JCMG?
JCMG has world class physicians and excellent medicine. JCMG Orthopaedics is community-based orthopedic medicine. Everything you need is right here in Jefferson City.
What sparked your interest in orthopedic medicine?
My involvement in sports since I was a young kid, working with athletes, and an overall interest in orthopedic injuries. Being both a primary care and sports medicine physician, I get to work with patients on injury prevention — that includes things like diet, exercise, and sleep patterns to fit their unique needs. I keep them healthy and active and work to get them back to doing what they love. I especially enjoy working in men’s health, keeping men healthy and active as they age and helping them know what to do and when.
What are some interesting new technologies you have been working with?
Regenerative medicine techniques: Platelet therapy, umbilical cord therapy, stem cell therapy, and amniotic fluid therapy.
What do you think it takes to be an orthopedic surgeon or physician?
You must love what you do and have a sense of involvement in the community. I grew up in central Missouri, and I attend or volunteer at many community sporting events. I get to watch my patients play the sports they love.
What do you want Jefferson City to know about what you do?
Orthopedic medicine is not just about fixing injuries; it’s also about preventing injuries and keeping athletes educated.