Choosing Quality of Life: Annette Smith's Orthopedic Journey at Saint Mary's

At Saint Mary's Regional Health System, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate care to the communities we serve. In this case, we had the opportunity to serve one of our own employees—Annette Smith, Saint Mary’s Health Information Management Director. 

After nearly two years of chronic hip pain, Annette sought help at Saint Mary's, hoping for a simple solution. But after a thorough examination and x-rays, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Owen Kelly informed her that surgery was the best option. The news was difficult to digest, but Dr. Kelly’s calm, compassionate approach made all the difference. He took the time to explain the situation and gave her the space to make a decision. It wasn’t just about fixing her hip; it was about improving her quality of life. Ultimately, that guided her choice to move forward with the surgery. 

Being a hospital employee in the role of a patient brought a unique perspective. With no visitors allowed due to pandemic protocols, Annette relied entirely on the hospital staff for support. From the moment she was dropped off at the door, she felt deeply cared for by the team at Saint Mary's. “They became my family during that time,” she recalls, noting how safe and supported she felt throughout the experience. 

Dr. Kelly and his orthopedic team were a constant source of comfort. They patiently answered all her questions and provided detailed instructions on how to prepare for surgery and manage her recovery. Every aspect of her care, from exercises and recovery to insurance and FMLA, was meticulously explained, leaving her feeling confident and reassured. 

A particularly touching moment came right before she was taken into surgery. Feeling apprehensive, Annette was comforted by Brenda Randles, a staff member who held her hand and prayed with her—a gesture that gave her the peace she needed to face the procedure. 

The surgery was a success, and remarkably, the pain that had plagued her for nearly two years was gone immediately. While she expected a long, difficult recovery, she was able to return to her daily activities with surprising ease, relying on a walker only briefly. Each day brought more mobility and strength, and now, she says her hip feels better than it ever has. 

Annette's experience with Dr. Kelly and his team not only restored her physical health, but it also deepened her pride in working at Saint Mary’s. Having witnessed the hospital’s values of teamwork, compassion and dedication to patient care from the other side, she gained a new appreciation for the exceptional work being done every day. "I always thought highly of Saint Mary’s," she says, "but now I have a personal story to back it up." 

Since her surgery, Annette has recommended Saint Mary's Orthopedic Services to several people suffering from similar pain, and at least three of them have already undergone successful surgeries. She passes along the same message Dr. Kelly once shared with her: it’s a quality-of-life decision.