August 27, 2008

Cutting introduced to community

Despite a torrential downpour of rain Tuesday, several people lined the hallway of Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center to meet the new orthopedic surgeon and to receive a free hand screening.

Dr. Paul Cutting, who specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery, was scheduled to conduct the screenings for one and a half hours. However, in order to address the turnout, Cutting and rehabilitation staff continued the screenings for an additional two hours.

“The hand screenings were a huge success. We were scheduled to end at 5:30, but instead finished at 7:30 p.m.,” said therapist Jeff Lee. “Dr. Cutting received an excellent welcome.”

Thirty-five people received the free screening, which in many cases spared them of the need for an office visit.

“If this turnout is any reflection of the local population, there certainly is a need for hand surgery in Haywood County,” Cutting said. “The patients were all very gracious and appreciative, despite the long wait for many.”

Dr. Paul Cutting, right, Haywood Regional Medical Center's newest orthopedic surgeon, examined 35 people during a more than three-hour screening Tuesday. Here, Cutting examines Ron Mills of Maggie Valley.

Ronald Mills of Maggie Valley attends the free screenings he feels apply to his personal health. The hand screening, he said, was helpful.

“I kind of knew what I had, but I didn’t know if it was operable or what steps I should take next,” Mills said.

Cutting joined Dr. Gerald King and Dr. Chris Catterson at Western Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists. As the newest member of the HRMC orthopedic team, Cutting will diagnose and treat fractures, dislocations, nerve and tendon repairs, reconstructions and grafts, sports- and work-related injuries and other hand and upper extremities problems.

Cutting said he is looking forward to a Lunch and Learn session noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center, during which he will discuss common problems affecting hands. The cost of the lunch is $4 and reservations are suggested. Call 456-8984 to save a seat as the sessions generally fill up fast.