Dr. Deborah Merrill is an anesthesiologist with Physicians Anesthesia Services and director of anesthesia at Swedish Orthopedic Institute (SOI), a dedicated facility that specializes in orthopedic surgery. SOI has been an ongoing partner with Project Access Northwest, including work with Operation Walk USA in 2013 and 2014. Operation Walk USA is a national program that provides joint replacement surgery for the uninsured and underinsured one week each year.
“One of the great things about orthopedic care is that you really change people’s lives dramatically. We see patients who are totally incapacitated with joint pain — not able to work, not able to function in daily life. Afterward, they’re back to work or a participating family member again. These patients are so grateful and appreciative; they’ve often waited years for the surgery, and they’re really motivated to move forward.”
—Deborah Merrill, MDAnesthesiologyDirector of AnesthesiaSwedish Orthopedic Institute