Ask Dr. Pepin: What Medical Educational Sites Can Patients Trust?

“I want my patients to understand what is happening through a course of treatment,” says sports medicine surgeon Dr. Scott Pepin. “The more information I can give patients beforehand, the better prepared they will be. I want my patients to know what to expect, and I also want them to be prepared for the complications that sometimes arise to slow down recovery.”

Dr. Pepin doesn’t believe in surprises, and he does believe that comprehensive information helps patients to mentally prepare for a procedure by defining reasonable expectations. “How I provide information about medical conditions and treatment depends on patient preference,” he explains. “Sometimes we’ll review information face to face during a consultation, and sometimes I’ll provide patients with sources of information so they can go online and do additional reading about their condition.”

One of Dr. Pepin’s go-to resources is the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) website. “AAOS has excellent reference material for patients that is written by orthopedic surgeons and supported by science-based data,” he explains. “Sometimes, I’ll do my own search, vet sources, and then pass my research results on to my patient for review.”

Vetting sources in advance protects patients from relying on bad information. “Dr. Google doesn’t have an MD,” says Dr. Pepin. “There is good vetted evidence-based information out there on the Internet, but patients don’t always know how to find it. I don’t want to put a patient in the position of reading their MRI report, googling their condition, and pulling up 10 frightening consequences based on misinformation and poor sources that make them feel scared when they don’t have to be.”

Even when Dr. Pepin guides his patients to trustworthy information about their condition, he likes to encourage them to do their research and then come back to him with questions. “The proper treatment for any injury is based on a variety of circumstances,” he explains. “I want to talk to my patient about what I would do, and why I recommend a specific therapy or take a certain approach. The complexities that dictate how you treat a specific injury in a specific patient can’t be summarized in a general article online. Not everyone’s medical history is the same, not all injuries are the same, and not every physician’s training is the same. A single treatment approach isn’t necessarily right or wrong, but it is important to know that the treatment approach being recommended yields a good outcome that’s supported by evidence. I want to make sure that my patients understand their options, and make a treatment decision that is medically appropriate and that reflects their personal values and priorities.”

Summit Orthopedics supports healthy communities

Community health flourishes when specialized orthopedic care is conveniently available close to home. Summit Orthopedics is proud of our fellowship-trained subspecialty teams offering the full spectrum of orthopedic expertise in bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, and joint conditions—in addition to our wellness, prevention, and rehabilitation services. We have the expertise to proactively improve fitness, evaluate discomfort, and deliver personalized treatment to quickly and safely return you to the lifestyle you love.

Start your journey to a healthier, more active self. Visit our Facebook page to learn about our wellness services and schedule a free wellness consultation online. Find your orthopedic expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.

More resources for you

• Meet Sports Medicine Surgeon Dr. Scott Pepin

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