Author: Carolyn DaSilva

Two student athletes – Abby Crowder (North Haven HS) and Michael Loomis (Branford) – are the recipients of the 2025 Southern Connecticut Conference “Comeback Player of the Year” awards. Both students suffered severe injuries yet were able to overcome them to become outstanding role models in their respective schools.

A long-time corporate sponsor of the SCC, Connecticut Orthopaedics offered a Comeback Player of the Year Scholarship for student-athletes who participated in an interscholastic sport during the 2024-2025 academic year and showed great leadership both on and off the field after their injury. Coaches and school’s athletic directors nominated these student-athletes after they each suffered an unfortunate injury that prohibited them from playing for their high school teams. Both will receive a financial scholarship to be used for their college education.

“This is our 15th year awarding student-athletes from the SCC with scholarships,” said Susan Bader, CEO of Connecticut Orthopaedics. “Our goal is to acknowledge student-athletes who have overcome the challenges of an injury and, through hard work and determination, become positive role models for their fellow teammates. As sports medicine specialists, we understand intimately what it takes to recover from an injury and return to playing sports at a high level.”

“Many thanks to the doctors and staff at Connecticut Orthopaedics for their support of the SCC and these scholarships,” explained SCC Commissioner Al Carbone. “Our league has many outstanding student-athletes who excel in the classroom and on the playing fields; but it is a tremendous gesture to recognize traits like courage, perseverance and selflessness.”

2024-25 SCC/Connecticut Orthopaedics Comeback Players of the Year
ABBY CROWDER, NORTH HAVEN (cheerleading)
A captain for the Nighthawks’ competitive cheerleading squad, Abby suffered a few injuries (concussion, sprained wrist, severe foot bruises and broken hand) that prohibited her from competing.
Despite the unexpected injuries, she showed leadership and positive perseverance to return to the team and help the team to the overall state title.
An outstanding student and leader, Abby will attend Quinnipiac University in the fall and major in health sciences.

MICHAEL LOOMIS, BRANFORD (ice hockey, golf)
A four-year varsity letterwinner for Branford ice hockey team, and a two-year standout on the golf course, Michael suffered an ACL knee injury early in his scholastic career. Through his hard work and dedication, he returned to the ice. A co-captain during his senior season, Michael led the Hornets in scoring on the way to him earning All-SCC and All-State accolades.
An outstanding student who was a member of the National Honor Society, Michael will attend Fairfield University and major in business management.

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
The 2024-25 academic year marks the 31st year of existence for the Southern Connecticut Conference. The SCC is comprised of 23 high schools with more than 23,000 students representing 16 communities. Recognized as one of the best athletic conferences in the state, the SCC also has a great tradition of offering first-rate non-athletic programs and events that enrich the overall high school experience of our young people to help them become responsible students, athletes and citizens. For more information on the SCC, visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/a9460b93/UCEiqvj6v0SuD_MHwHaNIw?u=http://www.southernconnecticutconference.org/

ABOUT CONNECTICUT ORTHOPAEDICS
Connecticut Orthopaedics is a premier team of orthopaedic doctors, surgeons and health care professionals who provide compassionate and innovative care to keep you moving forward with life. With over 60 doctors serving 20 locations, including 8 Urgent Care | Walk-In centers, three orthopaedic-only Surgical Centers and 12 state-of-the-art Sports Therapy | Rehab locations, we make it convenient for you to get the orthopaedic care you need, close to where you live. There’s simply no other Connecticut practice that offers the convenience, personalized care and comprehensive experience that you’ll find with Connecticut Orthopaedics. From your first visit, to diagnosing your injury, to treatment and rehabilitation, we offer end-to-end orthopaedic services designed to accommodate your every need. To learn more, visit ct-ortho.com

Connecticut Orthopaedics is excited to welcome foot and ankle specialist John F. Dankert, M.D., Ph.D.! Dr. Dankert is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who brings exceptional expertise in foot and ankle care, with a particular focus on total ankle replacement, trauma, reconstruction, and sports medicine.

Dr. Dankert is committed to partnering with each patient to develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans, whether that means non-operative care or surgical intervention. His goal is to help you safely and confidently return to your active lifestyle.

Dr. Dankert earned both his M.D. and Ph.D. before completing his orthopaedic surgery residency at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. He went on to complete fellowship training in advanced foot and ankle surgery at Duke University, working alongside leaders in the field.

With over 40 peer-reviewed publications and extensive research experience, Dr. Dankert is passionate about advancing orthopaedic care through innovation and clinical excellence.

Please join us in giving Dr. Dankert a warm welcome to Connecticut Orthopaedics, we’re excited for the expertise and compassionate care he brings to our community!

Dr. Dankert is currently accepting new patients at the following locations:

Westport
Trumbull
Shelton
Fairfield

Connecticut Orthopaedics is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Frawley as our new Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Brian will be responsible for leading operational strategy, optimizing performance, and upholding the highest standards of patient care and organizational excellence.

Brian brings a deep and diverse background in healthcare leadership, having served in executive roles across prominent medical groups, health systems, and academic centers. Most recently, he led strategy and operations for Hartford HealthCare Medical Group in the Fairfield region, where he played a key role in expanding their urgent care services. Prior to that, he served as Chief Operating Officer at ProHealth Physicians, a statewide medical group with over 300 providers and part of Optum Health. Brian holds a BA from Boston College and an MBA from the University of Cincinnati.

“We are delighted to welcome Brian to our team,” said Susan Bader, Chief Executive Officer of Connecticut Orthopaedics. “His extensive experience in healthcare management, along with his commitment to patient-focused care, aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide quality orthopedic services to our communities.”

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Brian Frawley as he begins this new chapter with Connecticut Orthopaedics!

Although MRI exams are painless and safer than an X-ray—MRI scans don’t emit radiation—they can make even the most calm, steady person a little nervous. We are here to help put your mind at ease and calm those jitters. We share exactly what to expect before, during and after your MRI scan, so you have a comfortable and pleasant experience.

First things first …

If this is your first time getting an MRI exam, don’t worry, you’ll be in good company. Nearly 40 million MRI scans are performed in the U.S. each year. Unlike other forms of imaging, MRI scans allow your doctor to see both bony and soft tissue within your body to help get a better idea of what is going on.

Did you know there are several different types of MRI scanners, as well? While you are most familiar with the donut-shaped MRI (formerly known as traditional) machine, today there are several options. You probably aren’t aware, but not every radiology facility offers each type of MRI scanner. We Offer: 

1. Traditional MRI: A traditional MRI machine is a large tube, roughly 23.5 inches in diameter that a patient lays in. 

1. Wide Bore MRI: Essentially this is the same as the traditional MRI machine, but it is a little wider—roughly 27.5 inches. The wide bore is ideal for larger patients and those who are have difficulty in tight spaces. 

What to expect before the MRI

Before you schedule your MRI appointment, tell your doctor if you have difficulty with small spaces, so they can make special accommodations if necessary. They may prescribe you an oral medication to help reduce your anxiety or send you to an imaging facility that provides IV sedation.

When scheduling your MRI, staff will ask a series of personal, medical  screening questions to ensure we can safely schedule you for your scan. 

What to expect the day of the MRI

Unless otherwise instructed, on the morning of your scan you will be able to run your morning routine as you normally would – eating breakfast and taking your usual medication.

When you arrive at the imaging center, staff will review the same screening questions, such as recent surgeries and medical history, to ensure your safety.

While everyone’s experience will be different, here are some other things to note:

• Arrive early. This will give you time to complete any additional screening and any other prep that might be necessary. The imaging center will usually give you a timeframe for you to arrive to allot for this.
• Change clothes. As mentioned earlier, you’ll be required to completely change clothes, remove any metal items, such as jewelry, glasses, hairpins as these could alter the the effectiveness of the scan and pose a risk to your personal safety. The office will provide you a gown or scrubs to wear during the exam and a secure place to store your belongings.
• Secure a ride home. If you plan to take medication or a sedative, plan ahead of time by having someone either come with you or ask someone to pick you up once the procedure is complete.

What to expect during the exam

The first thing you should know during your exam is that your safety is most important to us. Your technologist will thoroughly screen you for MRI safety, and provide you with special instructions, blankets, ear plugs and a special button or tool to communicate with them throughout the exam.

Depending on what needs to be scanned, your test will take between 20 to 45 minutes.

Here are some things to expect during the exam:

• Padded table. The imaging technologist will have you lie down on a padded table that slides into the tunnel of the bore (tunnel) where the scanning will take place.
• Call button. Your technologist will give you a call button to alert them if something is wrong.
• Thumping noises. At certain times you’ll hear noises caused by the changing magnetic fields. The clunk, clunk, clunk and buzz sound can be a little stressful for some but shouldn’t be cause for concern. You’ll be given ear plugs or a sound canceling headset and can listen to music to help drown out some of the noise.
• Remain still. The key to succeeding in an MRI exam is to remain as relaxed as possible. Try to keep your body still and let your mind wander. Your technologist may give you special instructions to hold your breath if needed.

What to expect after the MRI

Once your MRI scan is complete, you can resume your daily activities. You’ll be escorted back to the changing area to change and to retrieve your belongings. 

If your doctor gave you any medication or sedation, DO NOT attempt to drive yourself home. Make sure you have someone who can get you home.

Results 

Results are typically discussed with you at your follow-up visit with your ordering provider. 

Takeaway

Although intimidating machines to look at, an MRI exam is nothing to be nervous about. These exams are critical tools used to give your doctor a clearer picture of what is going on inside your body and how to best provide you care.

HAMDEN, Conn. — Quinnipiac University Athletics and Connecticut Orthopaedics partnered for the 2nd year in a row to benefit the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) on Friday, Dec. 6th during the Bobcats’ men’s ice hockey contest against RPI.

The  teddy bear toss took place during the game’s second intermission, and all being donated to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Fans and employees were encouraged to bring new or recently purchased teddy bears to be thrown on to the M&T Bank Arena ice. They also had the chance to purchase a teddy to toss at the game with proceeds being donated to CCMC.

“We were delighted to sponsor this heart-warming initiative for a second year in a row and provide an opportunity in a fun way to collect teddy bears for sick children and bring a bit of joy when they may not be feeling their best, especially right before the holidays.” Susan Bader, Connecticut Orthopaedics Chief Executive Officer said. ”  We started this initiative in 2023 for two of our treasured colleagues whose son continues to bravely battle Leukemia. Our hearts and best wishes go out to all families facing the difficult journey of caring for a sick child.”

The teddy bear toss collected XXX bears and raised over $1,500 for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

We are excited to announce another milestone in the evolution of medical education provided by Connecticut Orthopedics: the successful completion of its first annual orthopaedic training component of the new Rural Family Medicine Residency Program (RFMRP) of the Quinnipiac University-Netter School of Medicine. Launched in July 2024, the RFMRP represents Netter’s first family medicine residency program, with its mission in place to train medical school graduates to become family physicians with the skills necessary to thrive in rural healthcare settings. These residents spent the months of July through October learning orthopaedics and sports medicine in our offices.

Bridging Gaps in Orthopaedic Care

Rural areas often face specific healthcare challenges when it comes to providing easily available access to specialty care, and this is certainly true in the field of orthopaedics. With this in mind, and recognizing the need for their future family physicians to be comfortable with the delivery of first-line orthopaedic care for their patients, Dr. Traci Marquis, Program Director, and Dr. Stephanie Morton, Associate Program Director – reached out to Dr. Kenneth Kramer, our Director of Medical Education at Connecticut Orthopaedics who has been overseeing a comprehensive program of medical student orthopaedic education provided by our CO physicians to the Netter school in recent years. Working with Drs. Marquis and Morton, Dr. Kramer developed and supervised an orthopaedic educational program for the Netter residents, drawing upon the breadth of our capable physicians to provide them with a comprehensive exposure to outpatient orthopaedics.

Running from July through October, the curriculum saw each of the four family medicine residents spend a full immersive month at Connecticut Orthopaedics. Their schedule included daily rotations in our offices where they gained hands-on exposure to patient care in our various subspecialties, in addition to receiving didactic lectures given by our physicians. Says Dr. Kramer, “Sixteen of our partners graciously gave of their time, talent and knowledge in educating the Netter residents in the various fields of orthopaedics that will serve them well in their futures. It was enthusiastically received by both the residents and their dedicated faculty, and we look forward to our continued participation as an important component of the Netter RFMRP.”

A Collaborative Educational and Societal Effort

“This inaugural clinical partnership between CO and the QU RFMRP is more than just a curriculum”, continues Dr. Kramer, “it’s a commitment by CO to the educational needs of physicians-in-training and the communities which they will serve, as well as to the needs of such a fine medical institution as the QU-Netter School of Medicine and its students, residents, and forward-thinking faculty.” Says Dr. Marquis, “The QU Rural Family Medicine Program leadership and residents are incredibly grateful for this partnership with Connecticut Orthopaedics. A strong set of orthopaedic knowledge and skills will play a fundamental role in the residents’ future practice as community primary care doctors, and will help us fulfill our mission of increasing access to care for all, especially in rural areas.”