First Choice Medical Group’s Dr. Richard Harrison Gets CrossFit Athlete Back In Action

By  //  May 22, 2017

Jennifer Melo training again after tearing acl

ABOVE VIDEO: When cross-fit athlete Jennifer Melo of Viera, Florida tore her anterior cruciate ligament during a freak accident while giving a piggy-back ride, Dr. Richard Harrison of First Choice Medical Group had her back in action in eight weeks. For more information or to make an appointment, call 321-802-5820 or visit MyDoctor321.com/SCD

Dr. Richard Harrison: Physician, Author, Educator and Patriot

First Choice Medical Group proudly announces the addition of Dr. Richard Harrison, physician, author, educator and patriot.
Dr. Richard Harrison is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery with additional sub-specialty board certifications in Hand Surgery and Sports Medicine.

In 2011, Dr. Richard Harrison made his home in Brevard County after transitioning from active duty back to the U.S. Army Reserves, where he continues to serve our community and our nation.

He recently served a four month deployment as a Lt. Colonel with the U.S. Army Reserves in Kaiserslautern, Germany. For his efforts, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

In 2001, Dr. Harrison earned his M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Harrison completed his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, followed by his Hand and Limb Fellowship at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Medical Center in New York. This included training in Melbourne, Australia and congenital hand surgery training at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas.

During his service on active duty at Fort Bragg, NC, Dr. Harrison deployed twice with the U.S. Special Operations Command as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Dr. Harrison is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery with additional sub-specialty board certifications in Hand Surgery and Sports Medicine. In his spare time, he is a private pilot, a PADI certified scuba diver, and a proud Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.

First Choice Medical Group’s Dr. Richard Harrison Honored After Deployment To Front Lines of IraqRelated Story:
First Choice Medical Group’s Dr. Richard Harrison Honored After Deployment To Front Lines of Iraq

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

First Choice Medical Group’s operations have been meticulously designed to address patient care, comfort and convenience.
First Choice Medical Group’s operations have been meticulously designed to address patient care, comfort and convenience.

• Total shoulder replacement

• Total Shoulder Replacement

• Rotator Cuff Repair

• Shoulder Replacement Revision

• Shoulder Instability

• Elbow Instability

• Fracture Treatment

• Sports Injuries

• Hand Surgery

VIDEO: First Choice Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Ken Sands’ Patients Sing His PraisesRelated Story:
VIDEO: First Choice Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Ken Sands’ Patients Sing His Praises

For more information or to make an appointment, call 321-802-5820 or visit MyDoctor321.com/SCD

[gmarker marker_latitude=”” marker_longitud=”” marker_label=””] [/gmarker]

ABOVE MAP: First Choice Medical Group is located at 709 S. Harbor City Blvd., Ste 100, Melbourne, FL 32901.For more information or to make an appointment, call 321-802-5820 or visit MyDoctor321.com/SCD

SANDS-DELORENZI-580-S
When it came to rounding out its team of Orthopaedic specialists, Dr. Kenneth Sands and Dr. Raymond DeLorenzi were the first choice for First Choice Medical Group.

 First Choice Medical Group Adds  Orthopaedic Surgeons Dr. Ken Sands and Raymond  DeLorenzi

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The Brevard Center of Excellence is the brainchild of Brevard entrepreneur Chris Romandetti, President and CEO of publicly listed First Choice Healthcare Solutions, Inc.

The Melbourne medical center of excellence is operated as a multi-specialty medical group strictly focused on the delivery of clinically superior musculoskeletal medicine and rehabilitative care through a patient centered approach that optimizes both medical outcomes and the patients’ care experience.

When it came to rounding out its team of Orthopaedic specialists, Dr. Kenneth Sands was the first choice for First Choice Medical Group.

Sands specializes in treatment of Orthopaedic conditions of the knees and hips.

First Choice Healthcare Adds Crane Creek Surgery Center To Its Growing NetworkRelated Story:
First Choice Healthcare Adds Crane Creek Surgery Center To Its Growing Network

“He is the best of the best in his area of expertise,” said Chris Romandetti, President and CEO of First Choice Healthcare Solutions, Inc., corporate parent of First Choice Medical Group of Brevard, LLC, as well as of The B.A.C.K. Center and Crane Creek Surgery Center.

“He really is the hip specialist in town. He could write his own ticket anywhere, but he elected to join us.”

Christian Romandetti
Christian Romandetti

Among Sands’ specialties are minimally invasive total hip replacement surgery, total hip resurfacing, Oxford Mobile Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Replacement, computer assisted surgery, anterior total hip replacement surgery and hip arthroscopy.

He joins First Choice specialists, Dr.Raymond DeLorenzi, Dr. Richard Harrison, Dr. Anthony Lombardo, Dr. Richard Newman and Dr. Donald Vliegenthart, complementing a powerhouse team of Musculoskeletal expertise in a “one-stop” setting where patients can conveniently access both diagnostic and therapeutic services.

“While each of these physicians have their own medical specialties, collectively they cover all key areas of Musculoskeletal care and treatment,” said Romandetti.

“We offer the largest center for delivery of Orthopaedic, Spine, Neurology and related Interventional Pain services in Brevard.”

For more information, call 321-802-5820 or visit www.MyDoctor321.com/SCD

ABOVE VIDEO: Chris Romandetti, President and CEO of publicly listed First Choice Healthcare Solutions, Inc., talks about his company’s growth and goals.

‘BEST OF THE BEST’

A graduate of Duke University, Sands earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at State University of New York in Brooklyn. He was the recipient of a fellowship in Orthopaedic joint replacement surgery at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute in Tampa.

During his service with the United States Army, Sands directed the adult joint reconstruction program at William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

Sands also helped to develop a nationally recognized total joint center of excellence in Rome, Georgia, and served as its medical director. He was on the faculty at Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine in El Paso.

Dr. Kenneth Sands
Dr. Kenneth Sands

Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sands is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and completed additional training in direct anterior total hip surgery, computer assisted total joint replacement, total hip resurfacing and in the Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Surgery.

Techniques and technology in the treatment of knee and hip issues have changed drastically in just a few years.
“Innovations in implants allow them to last considerably longer, up to 30 years for some,” Sands said.

Minimally invasive procedures have mushroomed, too, adds Sands. While hip replacement requires the removal of the femoral head, hip resurfacing, on the other hand, preserves the femoral head with only the removal of a few centimeters of bone.

Partial knee replacement provides patients with a less invasive solution for arthritis of the knee. With this procedure, only the damaged area of the knee joint is replaced.

It typically requires just an overnight stay at the hospital and boasts dramatically less recovery time. The technology continues to evolve rapidly, so specialists such as Sands can offer better options.

“The new trend is for outpatient procedures and shorter rehab,” said Sands.

Arthroscopic surgery of the knee or hip, for example, enables the surgeon to insert a scope through an incision the width of a straw tip in order to locate the source of pain and to shave, trim or smooth the damaged area. The procedure is usually outpatient. Depending on a patient’s individual situation, Sands selects the least invasive, most effective procedure.

“Our goal is to achieve optimal outcomes for all patients though efficient and thorough care,” said Romandetti.

For more information, call 321-802-5820 or visit www.MyDoctor321.com/SCD

ABOVE VIDEO: Dr. Kenneth Sands shares his excitement about advances in the world od medicine and being the newest member of the talented First choice Medical Group. He specializes in treatment of Orthopaedic conditions of the knees and hips.

AN EXPERT TEAM

Sands’ new fellow specialists at First Choice each add specific expertise to this center of excellence in Orthopaedic treatment.

Dr. Richard Harrison
Dr. Richard Harrison

• Dr. Richard Harrison, twice deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, specializes in total shoulder replacements and revisions, rotator cuff repair, fracture treatment, sports injuries, hand surgery, auto/motorcycle injuries and general Orthopaedics.  He is Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine and Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery.

Dr. Anthony Lombardo
Dr. Anthony Lombardo

• Dr. Anthony Lombardo, Dual Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, has practiced in Brevard since 1989. Trauma, Sports Medicine, pediatric Orthopaedic surgery, fracture management and care, workers’ comp injuries, auto and motorcycle accident injuries, total joint replacement and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are among his specialties.

NEWMAN-RICHARD-180-1
Dr. Richard Newman

• Dr. Richard Newman, Board Certified in Neurology and fellowship trained in movement disorders by the National Institute of Health, specializes in treating balance and movement challenges, movement disorders, neuropathy, spine disorders and injuries, Tourette Syndrome, Alzheimer’s Disease, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, dystonia, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, vertigo, autism and attention deficit disorder. Newman is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

Donald-Vliegenthart-180
Dr. Donald Vliegenthart

• Dr. Donald Vliegenthart, a fellowship trained Orthopaedic surgeon, offers non-surgical Orthopaedic care for patients with back, neck and joint problems; herniated disc issues; tendonitis; low back, neck, hip and knee pain; bone fractures; trigger point injections; spinal stenosis; carpal tunnel; bursitis; sports injuries; nerve pain and arthritis of the spine; and joints and other conditions.

DR. RAYMOND DELORENZI JOINS FIRST CHOICE

Another highly regarded specialist joining the First Choice team this summer is Dr. Raymond DeLorenzi. He will continue practicing from his centrally located office in Viera, but his current practice will morph into DiLorenzi Orthopaedic Center/First Choice Medical Group during the summer.

“A significant number of my patients come from as far away as Daytona and Orlando,” said DeLorenzi, who has practiced in Brevard for 15 years. “Maintaining the office in Viera makes it more convenient for these patients.”

DeLorenzi received bachelor’s and graduate degrees from the University of Notre Dame and earned his degree as doctor of medicine with highest distinction from the Indiana University School of Medicine. His internship and residency was at Jackson Memorial Hospital and other affiliated hospitals of the University of Miami, where he was also an assistant professor.

Raymond DeLorenzi
Raymond DeLorenzi

He is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is also a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery. He enjoys hospital privileges at Wuesthoff Medical Center Melbourne, Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center and Health First Viera Hospital.

Although highly proficient in all aspects of Orthopaedics, DeLorenzi concentrates on arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery, general Orthopaedic practice and sports medicine.

His experience with sports medicine was earned firsthand. On the varsity hockey team at the University of Notre Dame, DeLorenzi was a professional hockey player with the World Hockey Association.

Among DeLorenzi’s specialties is joint resurfacing using the MAKOplasty® surgical procedure, which uses robotic-arm technology to precisely perform surgery through an incision much smaller than traditional surgery.

With joint resurfacing, only the diseased part of the joint is replaced. The procedure is less traumatic and invasive and requires minimal hospitalization and less recovery time, yet MAKOplasty® is often more effective than conventional replacement.

The bone and tissue sparing and accurate implant positioning results in a more ideal joint function. Joint resurfacing is indicated for individuals suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, rotator cuff or instability arthropathy and post-traumatic arthritis.

For DeLorenzi, joining First Choice is a reunion with old colleagues.

“Dr. Lombardo and Dr. Harrison used to be my partners at another Orthopaedic group before we went our separate ways,” he said. “We’re going back full circle.”

FIRST CHOICE ALLOWS ‘DOCTORS TO BE DOCTORS’

According to Romandetti, top physicians such as Sands, DeLorenzi and the rest of the First Choice team choose to join First Choice because the practice allows  “doctors to be doctors.”

First Choice’s corporate support team manages all billing, purchasing, marketing, compliance and other non-medical issues, freeing its physicians to solely concentrate on treating patients in a clinically superior care facility that coordinates the patients’ continuum of care from initial diagnosis through treatment, recovery and beyond.

For DeLorenzi, for example, this freedom to practice medicine proved to be the deciding factor to partner with First Choice.

“The experiences Dr. Lombardo and Dr. Harrison have had with the practice have been so positive, I was eager to join,” he said.

“The business of medicine has become so complex that physicians need to take a different approach to practicing medicine. That’s the great advantage of joining First Choice.”

In this patient-centric Center of Excellence, all services are designed for the patient’s comfort and convenience. The earlier the treatment begins, the better the chances for recovery without permanent disability or dependency on pain medication.

For more information, call 321-802-5820 or visit www.MyDoctor321.com/SCD

ABOVE VIDEO: Kris Jones, Vice President of Medical Operations for First Choice Healthcare Solutions, Inc. gives us a look inside the company.

TIMELY APPOINTMENTS

Appointments are scheduled in a timely manner without extended waiting periods.

“Strategically and synergistically, we put all of the patients’ needs under one roof,” said Kris Jones, Vice President of Medical Operations for First Choice Healthcare Solutions.

The Center of Excellence model used by First Choice Healthcare Solutions revolves around dovetailed services that encourage multidisciplinary collaboration between specialties, including Orthopaedics, Neurology, Spine Surgery, Interventional Pain Medicine, Radiology and Physical and Occupational Therapies.

Kris Jones
Kris Jones

“We adhere to an interdisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal problems using both surgical and nonsurgical solutions,” said Jones. “It’s an efficient use of resources that results in a high level of patient satisfaction.”

Approaching pain treatment effectively and with compassion, First Choice delivers state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in one location.

First Choice Medical Group’s services cover a broad range of modalities and diagnostic capabilities, including, but not limited to, Orthopaedic surgery, total joint replacement/restoration, fracture care, sports medicine, neurology, balance and movement disorders, physical therapy, occupational therapy, interventional pain management, MRI and X-Ray.

Through thorough patient education from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation, all patients are encouraged to become active participants in their own care. Advanced care and monitoring of long-term effects of treatment assure continued health.

Such a comprehensive approach to Musculoskeletal care has drawn significant interest from the medical field, from insurers eager to offer positive patient outcomes at the most efficient cost and from communities weary of patchwork treatment.

“Our plan is to replicate our Brevard Medical Centers of Excellence model in other high growth markets around the country,” noted Romandetti.

First Choice Medical Group is located at 709 S. Harbor City Boulevard, Suite 100, in Melbourne, Florida. For more information, call 321-802-5820 or visit www.MyDoctor321.com/SCD

[gmarker marker_latitude=”” marker_longitud=”” marker_label=””][/gmarker]

ABOVE MAP: First Choice Medical Group is located at 709 S. Harbor City Boulevard, Suite 100, in Melbourne, Florida.

First Choice Healthcare Solutions, Inc., one of the nation's only non-physician-owned, publicly traded healthcare services companies focused on the delivery of total musculoskeletal solutions with an emphasis on Orthopaedics, including spine care and treatment, today announced that Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Kenneth C. Sands, M.D., F.A.A.O.S. has joined the clinical staff at First Choice Medical Group.
First Choice Healthcare Solutions, Inc., one of the nation’s only non-physician-owned, publicly traded healthcare services companies focused on the delivery of total musculoskeletal solutions with an emphasis on Orthopaedics, including spine care and treatment, today announced that Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Kenneth C. Sands, M.D., F.A.A.O.S. has joined the clinical staff at First Choice Medical Group.