Robert D. Fitch, MD

Duke attracts complex cases that can be difficult to manage. I’ve accepted that challenge. Duke delivers quality care. Our orthopaedic department has world-recognized practitioners. But it’s more than the practitioners. It’s the entire Duke program. How patients are managed, the respect they receive – it’s all outstanding at Duke. I deal with the immature musculoskeletal system – children before completion of growth. There are unique disorders in children related to growing, such as fractures in growth areas, a spinal curvature disorder called scoliosis, as well as congenital anomalies, such as club feet or shortening of legs or arms. I focus on getting to the bottom of the problem that brings the patient to me, and that means talking with the patient and the parents. There has to be a rapport with the family and an understanding of the circumstances unique to each individual patient. I continue to be amazed and inspired by children who face and overcome medical adversity with such positive attitudes. It’s rewarding to see them recover.