David E. Attarian, MD: Physician Q&A
Dr. Attarian discusses his role as a Duke orthopaedic physician in this Q&A session.
Why did you choose to practice orthopaedic medicine?
Orthopaedic surgery is one of the few specialties that can improve the quality of life for all age groups by fixing potentially disabling, painful conditions such as arthritis, fractures, ligament injuries, etc., and allow a patient to return to normal, pain-free function.
Why did you choose to work at Duke?
I went to medical school at Duke and did my orthopaedic surgical training at Duke.
After my time in the United States Air Force (USAF) and a decade with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, I was lucky enough to be invited back to join the Duke faculty.
We have one of the best orthopaedic groups in the country, and the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill region is a great place to live and raise a family.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
My practice focuses on hip and knee replacement surgery. It is a privilege to be trusted by my patients to take care of them, and be able to give them a pain-free hip or knee so they can enjoy their lives and remain independent.
