We continue our physician blog series with Charles Rhoades, M.D. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Rhoades specializes in knee, shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist conditions and treatment, as well as sports medicine.
Upon joining Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics in 1984, he served as President and CEO of the practice for 24 years. In 1998, he organized the creation of Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute — the region’s only dedicated orthopedic hospital and one of our affiliated hospitals — and has served as CEO of the hospital ever since.
Dr. Rhoades, please tell our readers a little about your professional and academic background.
After earning my medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, I completed my residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Kansas Medical Center. I went on to complete a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at the University of California-San Diego. In addition to serving as the President and CEO of Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics from 1988 to 2012, I was also the President of Saint Luke’s Hospital Medical Staff and the Missouri State Orthopaedic Association, as well as a Team Physician for the Kansas City Royals (1986-2010) and the Kansas City Blades (1999-2001).
Aside from my duties as an orthopedic surgeon and the CEO of Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute, I serve as a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and an Associate Clinical Instructor at Children’s Mercy Hospital. I am also certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and an Examiner for the Board. Additionally, I am an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Association.
As an orthopedic surgeon, what are your subspecialized areas of expertise?
I specialize in care and treatment for knee, shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist conditions, as well as sports medicine. Some of the most common procedures I perform include ACL repair and reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (also known as Tommy John surgery) and total shoulder replacement.
What do you enjoy most about being an orthopedic surgeon?
Like many of us who work in orthopedics, I have always enjoyed building things. As an orthopedic surgeon, I find it very rewarding to reconstruct muscles, bones and ligaments, and ultimately help patients improve their overall quality of life through orthopedic care. To me, that is the most gratifying part of my job.
Tell us about your research background in the areas of orthopedic surgery and orthopedic medicine.
I have presented both locally and nationally on a variety of topics, including hand injuries, shoulder injuries, knee injuries, medical group management, specialty hospital organizations, electronic medical records, and internet applications for medicine. I have also contributed to a variety of research published in peer-reviewed publications, as well as abstracts and manuscripts that discuss various orthopedic conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, stenosing tenosynovitis of the fingers and thumb, elbow and forearm exposures, and distal radioulnar joint dislocations.
Do you treat workers’ compensation patients?
Yes. I treat minor to complex workers’ compensation injuries, including sprains, strains, fractures and contusions. At the end of each office visit, I provide each workers’ comp patient with a work status report with information about the condition and treatment progress. My primary goal in these cases is the same as it is for all cases: to restore each patient’s function to the highest level possible.
Do you coordinate care with other healthcare providers?
I work with a wonderful team of physician assistants and nurse practitioners at Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics. They are often the first faces my patients see when they visit our clinic, and together, we ensure each patient receives high-quality, personalized care and attention. When appropriate, I also coordinate care with other physicians, as well as physical and occupational therapists, case managers and adjusters.
What do you like to do for fun?
I remain active in the community as a Boy Scout Leader, JayDoc Free Health Clinic Volunteer, University of Kansas Endowment Association Trustee and Summerfield Scholar. In my spare time, I also enjoy snow skiing, water skiing, fly fishing, hunting, woodworking, flying and farming.
If you are a patient, referring physician, case manager or caregiver in need of more information about Dr. Rhoades or the procedures he performs, please call us at 913-319-7600.
About Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics
Since 1923, Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics has provided high-quality orthopedic care. Our patient care team includes board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists, as well as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, durable medical equipment specialists and more. With two convenient locations in Leawood and Kansas City, Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics offers surgical and non-surgical treatment options across all subspecialties of orthopedic medicine.
