We followed Dr. Michael Wagner for a day to give you a glimpse inside the life of an orthopedic surgeon. The goal of McLaren Macomb’s robust joint replacement program is simple: returning patients to the lives and activities they once enjoyed. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology with a commitment to achieving quality outcomes, McLaren Macomb orthopedic surgeons have amassed extensive experience doing just that. A few years into his young career, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Wagner works every day to ensure his patients achieve those goals. What does that day look like? There’s a lot of thought regarding motivation when it comes to being an orthopedic surgeon. We’re motivated to get our patients back to what they loved about their lives. It could be a grandmother that can’t play with her grandkids because of pain or an athlete who had to give up the sport they’ve played their whole life. If their goal is to get back to that enjoyment, we’re motivated to help them get there. If there’s a procedure that will alleviate their pain and allow them to enjoy life a little more, that’s why I do it.” "There’s a lot of thought regarding motivation when it comes to being an orthopedic surgeon. We’re motivated to get our patients back to what they loved about their lives. It could be a grandmother that can’t play with her grandkids because of pain or an athlete who had to give up the sport they’ve played their whole life. If their goal is to get back to that enjoyment, we’re motivated to help them get there. If there’s a procedure that will alleviate their pain and allow them to enjoy life a little more, that’s why I do it.” “I always want to develop a rapport with my patients—get to know them, find out what motivated them to get this surgery and what kind of activity they want to get back to. They tell me their goals. It brings me closer to them in a way and helps me to achieve their desired outcomes.” “Our number-one objective has been and always will be to eliminate our patients’ pain and increase the function that has been limiting their quality of life. No two people are built the same way. Everyone’s biologically different and needs a unique, personalized approach to address their specific need.” “Delivering great news to patients—that their procedure was a success—is definitely one of my favorite parts about my job. Seeing them in post-op after their surgery, they know they can get back to the active life they used to have.” “To say that I’m tired at the end of a day wouldn’t be entirely accurate, but this job does carry with it a degree of stress just like any other job. Coming home to my wife, no matter how hectic a day it may have been, always helps me to unwind.”