Dr. Zeshan Hyder is an orthopedic surgeon who currently runs three patient-care offices across the state of Indiana. He graduated from the University of Illinois where his outstanding efforts were rewarded with the prominent mark of “Cum Laude.” His name is often associated with peer-reviewed articles that discuss anything from arthroplasty to spinal surgery. Additionally, Dr. Zeshan Hyder is a well-versed professional with valuable insight in the field of sports medicine, given that he completed a fellowship and multiple residency programs that revolve around this subspecialty. To crown his up-to-date work, he has been recognized as the “Best of Region for Spine Care” for the past three years. When he is not working with patients, Dr. Zeshan Hyder spends time participating in treatment studies, developing techniques that are instrumental to the betterment of spinal care, and delivering experience-based lectures domestically and internationally.
Can you describe your practice and the reason why you decided to become an orthopedic surgeon?
We are a group of professionals who specialize in bone and joint treatment. Our offices are currently spread over Indiana in cities like Merrillville, Munster, and Valparaiso. Our operating model is based on timeless concepts like transparency, self-development, and dedication to better patient care obtained through research. As far as a brief history of my own pursuits, I decided to become an orthopedic surgeon because I had always been interested in learning about the human body. Simultaneously, I also wanted to help people treat chronic pain, and I had an unexplainable passion for having my own practice one day.
What is the most common issue that causes people to seek out your services?
It is hard to single out a specific target area since we provide a wide range of services. A lot of people come for some variation of physical therapy that will facilitate recovery from a previous injury. Then again, we do have a good number of people who have uncommon issues that result in chronic pain. Regardless, we do our best to come up with the most efficient mix of innovative and conservative methods of treatment.
Can you elaborate on some of the conservative methods?
Generally, those methods revolve around an old-fashioned approach consisting of chiropractic adjustments and injections. The reason that people tend to label them conservative comes from the fact that those treatment options carry less risk and have been proven successful countless times in the past.
Do you believe that research should focus on developing some preventative measures when it comes to chronic pain?
Not necessarily. I do not believe that research can be the answer to raising awareness about back pain. In almost all cases, individuals do not anticipate a life-changing injury that causes chronic pain. Therefore, it would be impossible to prevent something that one does not expect. What research can do, on the other hand, is provide us with enhanced techniques to help everyone overcome the pain. Technology-led research projects have already helped advance this process beyond what many thought possible.
How has surgery changed since you began practicing medicine as a surgeon?
Historically, procedures done on one’s back, for example, mandated long incisions that would provide the surgeon with the view of patient’s anatomy. Nowadays, however, we can operate while utilizing minimal incisions that can usually be placed in areas that are not visible after a short healing process. This type of change for the better is one of the main evolutions that I have witnessed since I completed my last fellowship in Texas.
Do you believe that your education effectively prepared you for this career?
Well, I did my residency in Chicago and completed my fellowship in Plano, Texas. During each of those two, I was able to work with seasoned experts who have been practicing medicine longer than I have been alive. Overall, those experiences helped me comprehend the high expectations and the plethora of knowledge that one must possess to be in the field of medicine. Nonetheless, the actual hands-on expertise is second to nothing when it comes to growing as a doctor and improving skills in surgery, diagnostics, and so on.
What words of caution or encouragement do you have for people entering this field?
I think that my advice mostly qualifies as words of encouragement. Not that there are no words of caution that can be shared, but I prefer to focus on the positive areas that get overlooked. Thus, if you have made an ultimate decision to become a doctor of any subspecialty, I applaud you. The career that is ahead of you will be filled with exciting times where you will be able to learn more than you can even imagine, help strangers with diverse backgrounds, and contribute to the growth of your field!
