Page 12 - MidWeek - August 24, 2022

12 MIDWEEK AUGUST 24, 2022
She was born in Bul- garia, but orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mariya
DR. MARIYA OPANOVA, orthopedic surgeon, Women’s Bone & Joint Clinic at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children Interviewed by Don Robbins
Helping Women Regain Mobility
What inspired you to pur- sue a medical degree?
Opanova and her family moved to England when she was 12. She graduated from the University of Cambridge and earned her medical de- gree at St. George’s, Univer- sity of London. Following her orthopedic surgery residency with University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine, Opanova complet- ed a fellowship with Dr. Cass Nakasone at Straub Medical Center, and then joined Ha- wai‘i Pacific Health.
specialize in hip and knee joint replacement surgery, which allows patients to regain their mobility and get back to en- joying a more active lifestyle. I also take care of patients who have suffered broken bones and need surgery or casts.
clinic, we can create an en- vironment where women are more comfortable seeking the orthopedic help they need.
My grandfather was a surgeon, and seeing his de- votion and love for his ca- reer inspired me to pursue medicine. I love orthopedic surgery because it gives me the opportunity to help peo- ple restore their mobility and return to enjoying life. It is incredibly fulfilling, and I feel truly blessed to be able to have such an impact on people’s lives.
“With our women-focused clinic, we can create an environment where women are more comfortable seeking the orthopedic help they need.”
In this article, she explains details about both her work and personal interests.
What are the advantages of a bone and joint center spe- cifically for women?
What are some of the condi- tions women tend to devel- op more than men, and how can they be treated?
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mariya Opanova speaks with a patient.
PHOTOS COURTESY HAWAI‘I PACIFIC HEALTH
the activities they enjoyed prior to developing arthri- tis, including hiking, water sports, dancing and, most importantly, enjoying time with their families.
What else would you like our readers to know about you?
What are your duties as an orthopedic surgeon?
Throughout my career, I’ve had many female patients mention that it was much eas- ier for them to talk to a female doctor and that they were glad to have that opportunity. Often, women do not care for themselves as much as they care for those around them. With our women-focused
Women are more likely to suffer from arthritis. We of- fer an array of treatment op- tions beginning with physical therapy, weight-loss manage- ment and injections. When all conservative treatment options have been exhaust- ed and patients feel ready to pursue surgery, hip and knee replacements offer a reliable solution. After surgery, many patients are able to return to
egy for maintaining healthy joints is to live an active and healthy lifestyle. Exercising and stretching on a regular basis help preserve strength and improve range of motion in joints.
I am originally from Eu- rope. I met my husband on a surf trip in England and after medical school, I moved here to do my orthopedic training.
As an orthopedic surgeon, I see patients with bone and joint problems and offer them solutions ranging from conservative management — including physical thera- py, injections and other treat- ments — to surgical options. I
What can women do now to prevent problems in the future?
We always encourage pa- tients to maintain a healthy weight, which reduces the stress on their joints.
We have two young chil- dren, a 5-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son, who keep us very entertained and busy. When we have spare time, we always look forward to our hobbies — we especially enjoy surfing and golfing.
The best preventive strat-
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