Perspective
When patients come to Dr. McEntee’s office for the first time, they are often surprised that he doesn’t typically recommend surgery as the first line of treatment.
“Although I’m technically a spine surgeon, I am really a physician trying to care for my patients in the best way possible,” he explained. “Eighty percent of my patients never have surgery at all.”
Of the 20 percent of patients who do end up having surgery, Dr. McEntee uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
“I always tell patients that we first need to see what makes sense for their individual circumstances – whether it’s medication, therapy, or ultimately, surgery,” Dr. McEntee explained. “Surgery is very rarely the first option.”
The path to recovery.
Once he determines what the problem is, he then explains the options and what the patient can expect. Together, they map out a path to recovery.
According to Dr. McEntee, patients appreciate this approach.
“I see the fear in their eyes when they walk into my office and a big part of my job is to alleviate that fear and replace it with hope,” he said.
One of the ways Dr. McEntee does this is by being very transparent with his patients and getting them involved in the process.
“I want my patients to know that they CAN get their lives back and live without pain,” he said.
80%
Non-Surgical
Percentage of spine patients Dr. McEntee treats without surgery.
16%
Back Problems
Percentage of Australians who experience back problems.
38%
Debilitating Pain
Pain interfered with daily activities for 38% of people with back problems.
4%
Disease Burden
Back pain is the second leading cause of disease burden in Australia.
My job
...is to help patients get better, not just do surgery.
We see a lot of patients
...who have been told they have to learn to live with the pain. We don't give up on our patients.
My patients receive
...excellent care, whether that's surgical or nonsurgical.
Of all the patients
...who come to see me, I only perform surgery on about 20 percent.
I’m an approachable guy
...and I want my patients to feel comfortable talking to me.
I work hard
...to help get my patients out of pain and back to living their lives again.