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Thomas Ferro, MD
Medical Director, Orthopedics
Dr. Ferro is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in
joint replacement. Dr. Ferro completed medical school, his internship and a research
fellowship in orthopedic surgery at UC San Diego. He finished his residency at the
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. He completed an additional fellowship in joint
replacement and adult reconstructive surgery at the Anderson Orthopaedic Research
Institute in Arlington, Virginia.
Meet Thomas Ferro, MD
Medical Director, Orthopedics
Q
Why did you choose orthopedics, and joint
replacement, as a specialty?
A
When I did my training, I looked at what field would give
me the ability to help people the most. I saw that ortho-
pedics was exploding with new technology and techniques.
Total joint replacements were starting to transform people’s lives.
Patients have been hurting for years, and after the surgery, sud-
denly they can go and walk with their families, or play tennis or
ride a bicycle or play golf. It’s truly a life-changing operation.
Q
Why do you practice here?
A
The people of Bakersfield want the best. San Joaquin
Community Hospital’s (SJCH) vision, which matches my
vision, is to offer absolutely state-of-the-art services—the same
care people would expect at the most premier facilities in the
country. We’re focused on using proven medical methods and
practices so our patients get the very best in care.
Q
Are you using new techniques for joint replacement
surgery?
A
Yes. It’s not your parents’ surgery anymore. For the last five
years, my focus has been on short-stay joint replacements.
We’re able to send our patients home the next day, sometimes
the same day with younger patients. We’re using very minimally
invasive techniques—that means smaller incisions with quicker
recoveries.
Q
What do you find most rewarding in your work?
A
The absolute, most fulfilling thing is when I see patients
after surgery and they tell me how it’s changed their lives.
There will be some big guy in there getting teary-eyed because
he can go play ball with his kid. Or a woman who can dance
again or do something she hasn’t done in years. When patients
do well, it’s very satisfying.
Getting patients back to what they enjoy: That’s
what the Orthopedics team at San Joaquin
Community Hospital (SJCH) does best. Our
medical experts combine advanced techniques
with personalized, compassionate care to relieve
pain and restore motion.
Our total joint replacement program specializes
in helping people regain their quality of life as
quickly and safely as possible. Most of our patients
go home the day after surgery—some even the
same day. Our expert team of physicians, nurses,
physical therapists and hospital staff guides you
every step of the way, ensuring that you go home
with confidence. We also provide pre-surgery
education to help ease the way. You and your
family can learn what to expect before, during
and after surgery.
From the moment you arrive.
At SJCH, we’re
committed to meeting your orthopedic needs in a
safe, comfortable environment.
Teamwork, technology
and a caring touch