Dominique Kahn

It all began at JFK Airport on the way to Paris to enjoy a vacation. I had tripped and fallen on my hip. That was followed by denial—I told myself it was nothing more than a pulled muscle, a bad bruise—so my husband and I decided to fly to Paris anyway. Then reality set in after the x-rays in Paris showed clearly that my right hip was broken at the head of the femur. I knew that the only hospital in the world where I could be assured of extraordinary results for the repair of broken bones and general orthopedics was Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. I flew back to NYC and was there within 24 hours.

Then confusion arose creating real fear: Repair or replacement? By which surgeon? What is the prognosis? What will be the recovery period? How soon could I return to my job as a first grade inner city teacher? Would I be able to resume an active lifestyle—skiing, swimming, climbing, biking? Would there be pain? Would one surgery be sufficient to fix the damage? So many questions—and I felt so incompetent to answer them, especially lying on my back in the emergency room.

My outstanding doctor, Richard Cohen recommended I meet Dr. DiFelice. I called a trusted friend, advisor and superb back surgeon, Dr. Leon Root. He advised me to do a hip replacement, and confirmed that Dr. Gregory S. DiFelice would be the right choice to perform the surgery. From the moment I met Dr. DiFelice, I felt safe. Perhaps it was his confidence and intelligence without a trace of arrogance or pressure. He explained every aspect of what lied ahead, but in laymen’s terms and with a delightful sense of humor. He took charge in a caring and considerate manner and exuded capability tinged with experience and understanding.

Immediately after completing all the “carpentry” (surgery) he went directly to the waiting room to let my husband and son know that the procedure was successful. He visited me in the recovery room later that evening, coming to my room on the days that followed, even calling me and my husband to check up on our progress. Expertise, accessibility, consideration, decency, warmth—what more could you want in a doctor in whom you have placed so much unknowing trust? Well, there is one other thing, Dr. DiFelice cares about all those people who are not fortunate enough to be able to afford HSS. He goes to where they are and offers his help to them at their locations.

The result of my hip replacement by Dr. DiFelice: I was walking and climbing steps within 24 hours; I was home after 3 nights in the hospital; I was taking long, long walks in New York City within 10 days; went to the theater within 6 weeks; and began teaching and driving again after 10 weeks. The pain has been minimal—the only discomfort was the requirement to sleep on my back. The prognosis: returned to Paris in the spring, and skiing next winter. And, hopefully, dinner with Dr. and Mrs. DiFelice in the coming weeks to thank him for his ability and humanity.