SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM CLINICS WELCOMES BOARD-CERTIFIED ORTHOPEDIC TRAUMA SURGEON DR. ANDREW MERWIN
From minor fractures to complex joint reconstruction, Dr. Merwin is specially trained to evaluate and diagnose injuries and diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system, and perform surgical procedures to improve patient mobility and quality of life
Orthopedic injuries caused by physical trauma are one of the major causes of mortality and disability around the globe.
In the United States, orthopedic trauma is widespread, with nearly one million hospital visits attributed to an orthopedic injury nationally, per the National Center for Biotechnology Information, making evaluation, treatment and management of these injuries a critical component of comprehensive trauma care.
Considered any sort of injury caused by sudden physical trauma to the bones, joints, muscles tendons and/or ligaments, treatment of orthopedic injuries typically requires an orthopedic trauma surgeon to evaluate their complexity and perform surgical procedures to repair them.
Orthopedic trauma surgeons are specially trained to treat and care for injuries ranging from minor fractures to complex joint reconstruction. These surgeons possess a thorough understanding of the scope, procedures and recovery process in orthopedic trauma.
Across South Texas, orthopedic trauma injuries are common with fall-related injuries accounting for 51% of healthcare encounters and 61% of emergency orthopedic surgical procedures, per the Journal of Surgical Research.
Prepared to treat complex injuries, including those involving multiple fractures, joint dislocations and soft tissue injuries, South Texas Health System is proud to welcome Andrew Merwin, MD, a board-certified orthopedic trauma surgeon practicing with STHS Clinics, to the Rio Grande Valley.
Trained to manage more serious orthopedic injuries resulting from falls, car accidents, sports injuries and more, Dr. Merwin’s mission is to help patients live their life as best as they can after any sort of trauma.
“Often times, I’m meeting people on what could be considered the worst day of their life after they’ve experienced a high-energy trauma possibly caused by a car crash, an industrial accident, a fall or the like,” says Dr. Merwin. “Aside from broken bones or deformities, these individuals can also experience an onslaught of additional issues like pneumonia or urinary tract infections due to the lack of movement, as well as mental health challenges like depression and anxiety as a result of their long road to recovery or diminished quality of life.”
Dr. Merwin’s goal is to help restore function and motion in his patients through advanced orthopedic medicine.
“In orthopedics, I don’t like to say we save lives, but we definitely save a person’s quality of life,” says Dr. Merwin, who’s able to understand his patients’ perspectives after being an orthopedic patient himself. “I played collegiate baseball as a pitcher and suffered a couple of arm injuries that required surgery, so I have a keen understanding of what a patient is going through. I’ve been in their shoes. I’m able to empathize with them because I know what it’s ike to spend months in pain and recover from orthopedic surgery. So, I feel like that experience allows me to better connect with my patients.”
Dr. Merwin graduated from the Mercer University School of Medicine in his native Georgia. He completed his residency at John Peter Smith Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center in Fort Worth, and a fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Enamored of the Lone Star State after his five-year stint in Texas, Dr. Merwin is excited to learn all about the Rio Grande Valley after joining STHS Clinics in January.
“I love Texas and look forward to getting to know this beautiful community while offering a high-level of care to patients in need of orthopedic services,” says Dr. Merwin. “This area is unique and I'm excited to offer care that's accessible to residents locally, so they don’t have to leave the area to receive treatment.”
In addition to working in the Level 1 Trauma Center at STHS McAllen, Dr. Merwin will practice in the STHS Clinics Ortho Trauma McAllen, located at 1801 S. 5th St., Suite 209, in McAllen. For more information or to make an appointment, call (956) 762-4030 or visit the STHS Clinics website at sthsclinics.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
About South Texas Health System Clinics
South Texas Health System Clinics is a multi-specialty branch of South Texas Health System with the mission of providing high-quality healthcare to residents of Rio Grande Valley. Established in 2012 as Valley Care Clinics, the brand has since grown from five clinics to 32. In February 2020, the name was changed to South Texas Health System Clinics to better align with its sister company, South Texas Health System. With locations throughout the Valley and telehealth visit capabilities, South Texas Health System Clinics provides patients with a wide variety of options for quality, compassionate care across several specialties, ranging from family medicine and outpatient rehabilitation to gastroenterology, gynecology and cardiology. For more information about South Texas Health System Clinics and its comprehensive services, please visit www.sthsclinics.com.
