Over the last several years Agility Orthopedics has gone through a period of unprecedented growth. One area that has seen the greatest growth is the development of our Hand Team. We are fortunate to have a team of orthopedic surgeons and occupational therapists that, I feel, rival any other team in Massachusetts. I would like to take a moment to introduce the Agility Orthopedic Hand Team to you. Prior to introducing you to our team, I think it is important to explain exactly what it means to be Fellowship Trained as an orthopedic surgeon and what it means for an occupational therapist to be a Certified Hand Therapist.
After spending 4 years in medical school, a surgeon spends about a year or two as an intern. This is followed by about 4 years of orthopedic residency. Upon completion of the residency, these physicians are ready to practice as full orthopedic surgeons. Some choose to specialize in a specific area of the body and spend an additional year of training in what is called a fellowship. During fellowship training, orthopedic surgeons are introduced to a variety of procedures and spend the majority of their time in the operating room. Having a hand surgeon that is Fellowship Trained in Hand Surgery can give you confidence that they have training above and beyond your average orthopedic surgeon.
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist who has at least five years of clinical experience and 4,000 hours of experience providing direct patient care to hand patients. Along with the clinical experience requirements, the therapist must pass a comprehensive examination of their clinical skills to achieve the distinction of being a CHT.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to our Hand Team.
Sohail N. Husain, MD
The newest orthopedic surgeon to join Agility Orthopedics is Sohail Husain, MD. Dr. Husain joins us after having completed his Fellowship in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where he also completed his medical training. Dr. Husain works with adult and pediatric patients who have a variety of hand, elbow, or upper extremity issues; including the shoulder.
Dr. Husain grew up in Newton, MA and completed his undergraduate studies at MIT. Prior to joining Agility Orthopedics he worked for 5 years as an orthopedic surgeon in Salem, NH.
Now that I have introduced you to our Fellowship Trained Hand Surgeons, I would like to introduce you to our two Certified Hand Therapists. Christy Wright OT/R, CHT is an Occupational Therapist with the distinction of being a Certified Hand Therapist. With 18 years of clinical experience, Christy joined Agility Orthopedics after working as a Senior Hand Therapist at Tufts Medical Center for 16 years.
Christy Wright, OT/R, CHT
Christy Wright, OT/R, CHT is a graduate of the Utica College of Syracuse University in Utica, New York. Also, she has attended in excess of 60 continuing education seminars related to care of patients with hand issues.
Diane Fiore, OT/R, CHT
Diane Fiore, OT/R, CHT is the newest member of our Hand Team. She joins us after a 26 year career with Hallmark Health where she worked as Certified Hand Therapist and an Occupational Therapist. Diane is a graduate of Boston University’s Sargent College and completed the requirements of her CHT 21 years ago.
One of the greatest advantages of having your hand issues addressed at Agility Orthopedics is the coordination of care you will experience between our Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeons and our Certified Hand Therapists. The team works closely with each other to provide you with the timely and quality care you deserve.