John Moore

Although an aging, ex-college athlete, at age 64 my “sports” are more oriented towards heavy yard work including a lot of arm/shoulder use with a chainsaw, hedge trimmers and pickaxes! I do still play tennis, golf, ski and run. Over a year ago my right shoulder completely gave out in excruciating pain after many hours of heavy, overhead use – I could not even lift a 3-pound bag of groceries. I initially visited a large, well-known Connecticut orthopedic group but after a cursory exam with a new PA and a quick 5-minute visit with the doctor, I left completely frustrated with the experience. Thankfully my neighbor urged me to check out HSS, as their expertise and care had saved his daughter’s knee and volleyball career. HSS accepted my health insurance, and they had a local facility in Stamford. I researched the Orthopods who specialized in shoulders and was blown away by Dr. Moira McCarthy’s credentials, experience and grateful, delighted patients.

I remember my first appointment with Dr. McCarthy; friendly, thoughtful and focused. She spent a long time with me; asking questions, answering my questions, conducting physical tests and then explaining the operative and nonoperative options available. After obtaining an MRI we had a second meeting where she patiently and clearly explained the MRI images and walked me through all the damage in my shoulder (full thickness tear/2.5cm of the rotator cuff - supraspinatus and infraspinatus; subacromial decompression and revision AC joint excision). She sketched out diagrams of her proposed surgery. She reviewed the risks and benefits of surgery and importantly, the steps I would have to meet to achieve the highest levels of relief and improvement.

She treated me as an intelligent adult and did not assert any ego into her presentation (with her credentials she certainly could have). I have never felt so comfortable and assured in working with any professional as I have with Dr. McCarthy. I wasn’t enthused about the long 6 to 9-month recovery period, but I was completely at ease and confident in Dr. McCarthy performing the surgery.

Although she had a heavy surgery schedule the morning of my surgery, she made as much time pre-op as I needed. Post-surgery I used the painkillers for a day and a half and then realized that I had no pain! She told me I had good quality tissue – I told her she has amazing surgical skills. I have made a full recovery and my quality of life is back 100%. I’m running in the New York City Marathon this November and I’ll need upper body strength including my McCarthy shoulder to pull me through.

Dr. McCarthy states that her goal is “customized expert care”. She delivers that and much more. From her almost instant responses to my email inquiries, to her calm and confident explanations and her friendly personality, I felt like her only patient. If you’re looking for concierge-level health care and a caring, thoughtful, expert knee and shoulder surgeon at the top of her game, then look no further than Dr. Moira M. McCarthy!