Dr. Almekinders discusses his role as a Duke orthopaedic physician in this Q&A session.

Why did you choose to practice orthopaedic medicine?
I knew it would give me the ability to truly correct medical problems completely and, as such, alleviate pain and allow patients to return to a higher level of functioning.

Why did you choose to work at Duke?
For me, Duke gave me the ideal mix of academic medicine and private medicine. I can provide highly specialized treatment in a very personal, private practice environment.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?
First, seeing patients leave the clinic who are "cured," are thankful, and do not need to return for any follow-up care.

Second, seeing friends and family of former patients coming for treatment of their problems.