What Does It Take to Be a Great Hand Surgeon?

Orthopedic surgeon Sagar Shah, MD, who practices at Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Center, remembers the first surgery he saw: a total knee replacement. He was only 15 years old. "And that kind of got me interested in orthopedics.''

Dr. Shah's dad is also a physician, and encouraged his son to consider practicing medicine when he grew up. A studious, somewhat reserved child, Dr. Shah took advantage of summer learning opportunities and eventually took his dad's advice to became a doctor.

He grew up in Richmond, Virginia, attending college and medical school there. He moved to Louisiana for his medical residency. During his residency, he rotated through New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. "I loved the culture at the hospital systems I worked at.'' He said he loves the tight-knit community feel to Louisiana. Dr. Shah said he was thrilled to join the orthopedic group at Ochsner Lafayette.

"Patients often come to me in one of the darkest times of their life,'' he said, "whether it's something elective, such as an ache or pain in the hand, or something traumatic, where they have really injured their hand. I try to easy my patients."

He said he likes to treat everyone as if they're a family member or a friend. And, he tries to "leave surgery as a last resort.''

In this episode of "Behind the Coat,'' Dr. Shah discusses his inspirations, both professional and personal. 

He loves the outdoors and a hike down the Grand Canyon was especially memorable -- a trip he wants to repeat. "I really enjoy being outdoors.''

About Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Center

Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Center provides each patient with a full understanding of joint pain treatment options. Whether you have knee pain, hip pain or shoulder pain, our physicians, such as Dr. Shah, can help. The goal is to achieve the highest quality of life with the least amount of risk. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of orthopedic conditions in both adults and children.

We’ve consolidated all orthopedic physician practices into one location. We are now in the Medical Office Building on the campus of Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital–An Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center Campus and the region’s only hospital dedicated to orthopedics.