September 8 , 2008

Cutting to be speaker for Lunch and Learn

Dr. Paul Cutting, an orthopedic physician who specializes in hands and upper extremities, will be the speaker for a Lunch and Learn session Sept. 22 at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center.

“Hand Surgery, Past and Present”is the topic for the session, to be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the second floor classroom. Cutting will introduce himself, explain the history of hand surgery, and discuss common hand problems.

“Some of the most prevalent problems we saw during a recent screening were nerve compressions, including carpal tunnel syndrome; arthritis, tendonitis and injuries; and Dupuytren’s contracture, which is abnormal thickening of the soft tissue just beneath the skin of the palm of your hand,” Cutting said.

Cutting received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the U.S. Military in 1983 and his doctor of medicine degree in 1988 from Uniformed Services University. His orthopedic surgery residency was conducted at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Ga.; and his hand surgery fellowship was completed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Prior to his most recent post at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Cutting served as assistant chief in the emergency room at Winn Army Community Hospital in Fort Stewart, Ga., from 1989 to 1990; director of resident education for the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at Womack Army Medical Center from 1994-97; chief of hand surgery service and acting fellowship director at Walter Reed Army Medical Center 1998-99.

He was named chief of hand surgery service at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in 1999 and in 2002 was named chief of orthopaedic surgery service.

Joining Cutting at the Lunch and Learn will be occupational therapist Jeff Lee, who will explain the importance of therapy after most surgical procedures involving the hands or upper extremities.

Advanced reservations are required for the Lunch and Learn by calling 456-8984. The cost for the lunch is $4 and can be paid at the session.