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“My knees hate me, plain and simple. At 24, I'm preparing myself for my 7th new surgery, and by god, this had better be my last. At age 13, my knees starting dislocating for no rhyme or reason, just out of the socket they would go. I was living in Oregon at the time and had my first two surgeries there, one on the right and one on the left. Mistake! My muscles are too stretchy and they did a lateral release on both. Dr. Richard Ferkel has treated my father since he was my current age and it was the most logical step in mind to go in and get a second opinion from the man, the myth, the legend, as soon as I moved back to California. The process of surgeries 3-5 began. I'm a martial artist. So keeping strong and healthy is critical for me to be able to learn and as an instructor at my studio, to teach as well. After two years of recovery and constant rehab for surgery number five, my third on my right knee, I became as active as I have ever been and boy did it feel amazing!
This last August, I started feeling pain again in my left knee, just what I needed. Mrs. Natalie is a god let me tell you. I called her up, got in right away for an x-ray, and discovered I had a new friend in my knee in the form of a half-inch bone chip. So the process for surgery six began. I was back at my karate studio the day of surgery, wrapped up and on Advil, getting my new belt. I then spent several weeks rehabbing before getting back on the mat to train for my next level. The real bummer came to be. At the very start of this New Year, I was in a sparring class, giving it my all, then a lunge, pop, and fall took me down. There went my ACL, and consequently, there went my sanity. That was possibly the hardest doctors appointment I've ever had to go through, to have to hear that my dreams and goals have to once again be put on hold so that my body can be repaired. I lost it, legitimately lost it. But because SCOI and Dr. Ferkel’s team is like a second family to me, I've been able to start pushing through my own sadness to see the bigger goal.
So, here I am now before surgery seven, teaching every day until surgery because training isn't an option and doing my best to keep my head in the game. Through injury we, or at least I have learned to take a step back to examine what it is I am doing as what it is I CAN do to keep myself happy and safe. Through the blood, sweat, and tears, I don't think I would change a thing that I have been through, other than maybe being blessed with better knees at birth. It has made me stronger and dare I say more patient to boot. I have hardware that can make me beep in metal detectors, I have scars that each have their own story, and I have a family at SCOI that I cherish. Look forward, never back, and set your goals. Let SCOI help you do all that. It is worth all your time and effort to get the absolute best care possible and you'll find it there.”
Treating Doctor: Richard D. Ferkel, MD
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“Dr. Ferkel operated on my right foot this past February. Prior to my surgery I had been in pain for two years with a torn posterior tibial tendon. Besides repairing the tendon, Dr. Ferkel repositioned my heel and basically gave me a new foot. I now have very little pain and my foot and ankle are so much stronger then before I had the surgery. I interviewed the best foot and ankle surgeons in the Los Angeles area and I am so glad I chose Dr. Ferkel as my surgeon. He is the best. I also think your physical therapy department is the best. The physical therapists were kind, explained what they were doing, and greatly helped in my recovery. I will be having my left foot operated on next year with Dr. Ferkel and will also be using your physical therapy department. I can't say enough good things about your institute. Thank you again.”
Treating Doctor: Richard D. Ferkel, MD
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“I suffered with knee pain that made it difficult to work and, at age 78, I loved my job, my associates and the guests that came into our local Williams-Sonoma Shoppe. As a retired administrative assistant and widow, this little part-time job is very important to my well-being. Dr. Ferkel performed arthrocopic surgery and I thought I would have a stiff knee forever, but after two months, he aspirated my knee and suddenly I was well on my way to recovery! My knee wasn't stiff anymore and I completed physical therapy and I am doing fine. I'm back to work after two months and couldn't be happier. This procedure relieved the pressure in my knee area. Thank you Dr. Ferkel!”
Treating Doctor: Richard D. Ferkel, MD
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“I would like to thank Dr. Ferkel for always putting me back together after one of my injuries. I would also like to thank him for allowing me to go back to the activities I love and not telling me to just go find something else to do. He is a true sports medicine doctor who gets you back to your sports if at all possible. He understands the mindset of athletes and their need to be active. After seventeen knee surgeries, two shoulder surgeries, and one foot surgery I am still able to be active. Thanks for your patience and superb care!”
Treating Doctor: Richard D. Ferkel, MD
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“I am very pleased with everyone I have come into contact with at Southern California Orthopedic Institute. They are all very professional and take great pride with the patient and needs of the patient. I trust all of the doctors I see at Southern California Orthopedic Institute. Dr. Ferkel, Dr. Gazmarian, and Dr. Hanker are just great.”
Treating Doctor: Richard D. Ferkel, MD
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“I really want to thank Dr. Ferkel (and Crew) for all for the amazing & wonderful care you provided me. Within a year, you have fixed my knee, foot & shoulder and I am back to a very full work schedule, very demanding & physical, which I could not possibly have sustained & continued without your precision care.
I know that I am not special or unique, and that you give everyone, of which there are so many, the same degree of effort & concern. It is quite an operation you all keep up. I just want you to know how much you are appreciated, and how very much you bring to the community.
We are very fortunate to have you! From the front desk to the cast room & check out, I hope you all know it really matters and makes a difference that you are able to do such a high volume with such a great level of recovery and success, all the while making all your patients feel important and maintaining such a positive environment in a tough arena where people are suffering and in need of serious help. I cannot thank you enough but hope you all know what a difference and impact you make on people’s lives. THANK YOU…..”
Treating Doctor: Richard D. Ferkel, MD
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“I am a retired camera-woman for the news. I worked at KABC channel 7 for 38 years. My job
was basically that of a football player without the protective gear. I am writing this letter to
share my wonderful experience at SCOI, Southern California Orthopedic Institute, namely,
Dr. Richard Ferkel and Natalie Ray.
I injured my left shoulder in 2004 in 2013 and again in 2015 at work. In 2004, I was pushed by a
camera person from a French company while covering Arnold Schwarzenegger and then
Governor, Gray Davis. When covering a campaign, the normal drill is that you run ahead of the
candidate, stop shoot them, let them get in front of you and run again to catch up to them to
shoot them coming towards the camera. While running, a French still photographer pushed me
out of the way, I had a 35 pound camera on my shoulder; I went crashing into the sidewalk
and hit the concrete with my left shoulder and gashed my right knee. I went to the Kerlin-Jobe
clinic. Because of their reputation, I thought I would be getting the best medical help for my
shoulder and knee available. This proved not to be the case. I was told by the physician that
attended me that my only option was to have surgery. I was also told that they would prefer not
to deal with Workmen’s Comp. Since I got hurt on the job it did not make sense not to be
covered by Workmen’s Comp. I was trying to get my 40 years of work in with the company so I
went back to work, no surgery nor competent physical therapy.
In the year 2013 I damaged my left shoulder again while shooting the flight of the NASA shuttle
to Los Angeles. The crowd was very rowdy and pushed me in such a way that the camera,
which was on a tripod, jammed into my shoulder. I had to find an orthopedic doctor again. I
was lost as to what direction to take in picking a doctor. My husband‘s best friend, Jim
Knutsen has a sister who had been treated by Dr. Ferkel. Since I trusted Jim, I trusted the
glowing recommendation from his sister Janet. She said Dr. Ferkel was the best orthopedic
doctor she had ever come across… She was right! I was blessed to find Dr. Ferkel.
I went to SCOI In 2013. Doctor Ferkel was very thorough and went through all my options. I
elected to get a treatment of physical therapy and a series of shots that helped my arm heal. I was still trying to get my 40 years in, with the help of Dr. Ferkel, I was able to get a few more
years in.
In 2015 I had a very bad fall from the side of my truck when my mini-cam truck caught fire. It
was a traumatic fall that injured my right shoulder, and re-injured my left shoulder, my right
ankle and my back. The injuries I sustained resulted in two torn rotator cuff‘s & other
miscellaneous injuries in the shoulders. I basically had two shoulder reconstructions. Dr. Ferkel
has not only been thorough but kind and extremely patient with my care. I was still trying to get
my 40 years in. Unfortunately, Workmen’s Comp. delayed delayed and delayed authorization
for my treatments and my company was forced to terminate my position because I had “timed
out“. I had been an excellent National Emmy award winning camera person and a valued
employee at KABC. Workmen’s Comp. has not been professional but the doctor has hung in
there with me and has gotten me the care that I needed. About a year and a half ago, my case
manager for Workmen’s Comp. wrote a scathing letter to the Insurance company that covers
my care. What she did was commit fraud because she used my name and made it sound like it
was from me. I would never have written such a letter because none of what she wrote was
true. This is what I have been subjected to with Workmen’s Comp. I wanted to get back to
work but the Workmen’s Comp. people made it impossible by delaying authorizations for my
care. Through all this... Dr. Ferkel & Natalie Ray stood by me and made sure I received the
medical care, physical therapy and appointments that I have needed. My medical needs were
first and foremost to Dr. Ferkel and to Natalie.
After both surgeries, I needed a “cooling machine“ for my shoulders. Doctor Ferkel made sure I
got it and that it was delivered to my home. Workmen’s Comp. did not want to authorize this
piece of equipment. I want to say that it was the one piece of equipment that took me through
the process. I was in severe pain and I would have required more pain medication had I not
had the “cooling machine“. I don’t know it’s technical name but I call it a lifesaver.
Natalie Ray has been a tremendous part of my recovery. Natalie was indispensable to me
through this process. Natalie has been kind, patient, knowledgeable and helpful. I could write
three pages alone on Natalie. She is the most professional and hard-working medical
professional I have ever seen. Natalie is truly a “feather” in SCOI’s hat.
Again, let me finish by saying that this has been the most difficult time of my entire life. Never
did I think I would have to endure such painful injuries. Dr. Ferkel has given me new hope and
life. I thank God for SCOI but especially for Dr. Ferkel.
I would and do recommend Dr. Ferkel to anybody who needs shoulder or feet/ankle medical
care. I have already recommended the doctor to a few of my friends. I have many friends that
are camera people and as it turns out, there are a lot of shoulder injuries out there…
God bless Dr. Ferkel, thank you for your incredible effort and care of my shoulders and ankle.”
Treating Doctor: Richard D. Ferkel, MD
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“Exactly one year ago today, in a random act of kindness. Someone reached out to me and offered me the use of this scooter. After 3 days of juggling food, drinks, and crutches from my kitchen back to my bed (usually catastrophically) my life was made much easier and getting around much safer. It wasn’t made out of carbon fiber, didn’t have aero wheels or aero handlebars, but it got me where I needed to be. God is good!!! I could actually wiggle my toes again and the pain level was gradually diminishing. My follow up appointment was in a few days, and I was looking forward to the healing process and eventually getting back in the saddle. A very special thank you to Margot Botello Shinn for her kindness and generosity.
The longus tendon ruptured during the Race Across America in June 2018 and it took the insurance company two months to approve the tests and procedures to perform the necessary surgery to repair the damage. By that time, the tendon was garbage (surgeon's exact words) and was unsalvageable. Fortunately for me, I was referred to one of the best, if not the best foot and ankle specialist in the country. Dr. Ferkel was able to remove the damaged portion and attach the remaining length to the brevus tendon, clean out all the scar tissue, and tidy up and stabilize the entire joint. Prior to surgery, he asked me what my postsurgical goals were. I told him in no uncertain terms that I had some races to win, and one or two more records to set. He just looked at me and grinned and then walked out the door. Then he stopped, turned around and said to me, “let’s make it three.” I knew that I was in the right hands!!!
My surgery was on August 29th, 2018. On August 25th, 2019 (361 days after that operation) my team set a new record for the HooDoo 500. One down, two to go!!! To Dr. Richard Ferkel, the miracle that you performed for me, will forever be a reminder of the hours and the meticulous detail and effort that you gave to me and all your patients. God Bless”
Treating Doctor: Richard D. Ferkel, MD
