Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Cahill.
Hi Catherine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since my earliest days observing a surgeon in my Minnesota farm community, orthopedic surgery has held an undeniable fascination. Through every stage of my education and training, no other medical subspecialty has come close to matching the sheer excitement of solving orthopedic problems although I did consider several others over the years.
The prevailing male dominance in orthopedics presented some pushback but never managed to dim my interest. During medical school, I encountered many who attempted to dissuade me, citing concerns about balancing a family or the need for size and strength to handle the physical demands. But I am not easily swayed! My parents instilled in me an unyielding spirit, fostering a belief that no challenge is insurmountable or restricted to one type of person. This conviction led me eventually to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston for residency, where I embraced the opportunity to learn at both Ben Taub, our county trauma center, and the VA, serving our veterans. It was amidst this rigorous training, guided by inspiring mentors, that I discovered my passion for my current specialty, total hip and knee replacement.
Pursuing total joint replacement further narrowed my path, placing me in an even smaller echelon of women within orthopedics. With only 2-3% of practicing total joint replacement surgeons being women. I stand as one of the few female joint specialists in Houston, and the only one in private practice in the central metro area. This distinction isn’t just a statistic. It represents courage to forge new paths and excel in a field that demand both skill and determination.
My career initially grew in academia before transitioning to a large private group, where I valued the interconnected care provided by a vast network of multispecialty physicians. I even used this period to earn an MBA at Rice. However, the subsequent acquisition of that group by a large corporate entity brought increasing interventions into the doctor-patient relationship that fundamentally clashed with my values.
Driven by a commitment to patient autonomy and my own clinical judgment, I made the bold decision to step away and establish a private practice under the Fondren Orthopedic Group. This move, while somewhat risky, offered the invaluable freedom to treat patients based solely on their individual needs, unburdened by corporate spreadsheets or quotas, and supported by the best private orthopedic group in the city. Starting over mid-career in a highly competitive environment, without a fixed salary, was undoubtedly a daunting prospect and frankly terrifying.
Yet, this journey has been an extraordinary adventure. It has transformed me into an entrepreneur, deepening my understanding of the medical community and inspiring me through the grit of other private practice pioneers. From mastering advertising and billing to coding, networking, and process management, my expertise has grown exponentially. I never imagined I’d become a doctor-small business owner, but I am immensely grateful for the courage to leave corporate medicine, which I believe is degrading the relationships between doctors and patients. As an added bonus, my new endeavor has allowed me even more time to spend with my husband and four children, who all respect and celebrate me for who I am. This endeavor is a testament to the power of conviction and the pursuit of a more principled and patient based approach to evidence based healthcare.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I consider myself immensely fortunate on my path into medicine. I was raised with an incredible network of supportive friends and family and the financial support to pursue this challenging career. I recognize that privilege isn’t available to many aspiring doctors.
Despite this strong start, my journey hasn’t been without tests. I remember facing discouragement from some who questioned my career choice in orthopedics, solely because I am female. And along the way, during my training, I encountered instances where I wasn’t treated well or fairly. As a younger woman I also felt some pressure to be perfect and always striving but not always sure of where I wanted my final destination to be.
None of these experiences stopped me but instead helped me hone my interests and personal goals. They acted as a catalyst, igniting resolve within me. Attempts by others to hold me back cemented my conviction, making me more determined to achieve my ambitions. Age and maturity helped me determine what my true goals and ambitions were.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in private practice, specializing in hip and knee replacement and comprehensive arthritis management. My practice is built on a foundation of forward-thinking care, specifically through minimally invasive surgical techniques and my role as a leader in robotic-assisted total hip and knee replacement. Robotic technology ensures increased precision and translates to quicker recoveries. It also offers our patients a reduced risk of future complications, transforming the patient experience.
However, my expertise and treatment options extend beyond surgery. We offer a wide array of nonoperative solutions for patients managing arthritis who prefer to avoid surgery. My philosophy centers on forging a true partnership with each individual, crafting a care plan that aligns with their personal needs and goals. When surgery is the best path forward, it’s performed using the most current methodologies and innovative technologies. A crucial aspect of my work is empowering patients through education, providing them with the knowledge to navigate their healthcare choices wisely and confidently, steering clear of interventions that are both ineffective and financially burdensome. This comprehensive, patient-centered approach is the driving force behind my practice.
How do you think about happiness?
Oh my gosh, I’m constantly thankful for professional life, family, and personal pursuits weaving together to keep me positive, busy and challenged. My work provides invigorating intellectual challenges, keeping my mind sharp and engaged. In addition to clinical work, I enjoy consulting with implant companies where I get to be a part of educational panels and encourage women in the orthopedic space to pursue joint replacement. Beyond that, the privilege of caring for patients grounds me, making me grateful for my own health, and offering the rare reward of helping others recover and heal.
My husband, our four children, and two dogs also provide love and boundless entertainment. Our active family life, while chaotic at times, is something we cherish. We thrive on being busy and enjoy each other’s company. There’s an instant battery recharge that comes from a hug from my young twin girls or my two older sons. I’m incredibly fortunate to also have a husband who is not only a hands on dad but also a supporter of every endeavor I undertake, even when it’s risky!
When I carve out a little time from my career and energetic family, I find joy in my library and my books. My garden, too, is a source of fun, a space where I love experimenting with new plants and flowers. And I love my bees. Lastly, I am grateful to work with a charity organization Faith in Practice to volunteer my talents to patients in need of surgery outside the US. Leading a team once a year to Guatemala is one of my favorite weeks of the year!
I need the combination of all these parts of my life to keep me grounded, fulfilled and having fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://catherinecahillmd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinecahillmd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherinecahillmd/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinecahillmd
- Other: https://www.fondren.com/about-us/our-providers/catherine-w-cahill-m-d/
Image Credits
https://angilewis.com/
