The following is an interview with Jay Cook, MD (Orthopedic Surgeon) of Jesup, GA who shares his insights about his approach to patient focused care, how his community values inform his medical practice, and his faith for being called to a field of medical service. the inspiring story and compassionate care that define Dr. Cook, your trusted partner on the path to better health and mobility.
Join us as we explore Dr. Cook’s journey to Jesup, his perspectives on rural versus urban healthcare, and his invaluable advice for patients navigating orthopedic challenges. Whether you’re a longtime resident of Jesup or a newcomer to the world of orthopedics, Dr. Cook’s wisdom and expertise are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Q: What is your inspiration or why did you get into medicine?
A: I believe God is the great physician and sometimes he calls on people to be his utensils. I believe I have been called to be in service of him and his children. In practice, I’ll use my gifts to treat others, pray for them, and help in any way I can.
Q: What brought you to Jesup?
A: The short version is that it was a move guided by what I believe was divine intervention. My family and I initially settled in Jesup during my service in the Army, built connections, and cherished the community. Unexpected events led us to move away temporarily, but the desire to return never left us. Eventually, an opportunity with Optim Orthopedics arose, allowing us to come back to Jesup. It really felt like it was God’s hand at work to bring is back to this wonderful community.
Q: What do you love about Jesup?
A: It’s the pace of life here. In large cities, medical professionals often rush through appointments, barely knowing their patients. Nothing against those physicians or their level of care, the scale of care for so many people is very different. Ironically, as a young person in medical school and residency where the fast pace, I thought I wanted that in my career. As I put my career into practice,, served in the Army, and care for smaller communities, I fell in love with getting to know the patients and following their progress. In Jesup, I get to form genuine connections. It tickles me to run into patients at Tractor Supply or at the grocery store with my family and someone will stop me telling me about how much better they feel or if they should get something looked at. That’s what makes it fun for me. The smaller town setting fosters a deeper level of care and interaction that I find incredibly fulfilling.
Q: How does metro living compare to country living in terms of orthopedic care?
A: I don’t think the overall goal or care from a physician perspective is that different, maybe the pace is a little slower. Now, the route cause of the conditions may vary drastically, like in Savannah you might see a lot more Pickleball injuries, while down here in this neck of the woods it may be from bailing hay or from riding an ATV. In either scenario could be a rotator cuff injury or exacerbate shoulder joint osteoarthritis, but how it got there is usually very different. The other differences are the work/life goals of the patients. Out here there are much less office jobs or the ability to work remotely, so the goal to get back to work quickly tends to be higher, so it’s important to factor in those needs when prescribing treatment options. However, the essence of orthopedic treatment remains the same—to alleviate pain and restore function.
Q: What’s your approach to bedside manner?
A: Be kind and then be quiet. Part of being polite is introducing yourself and having enough patience to engage with patients. It’s important to remember that most people that come through our doors are at a vulnerable place in their life that they don’t have the tools to fix themselves. It’s not only my job to find solutions for them, but it’s my duty to understand them as an individual to determine the optimal treatment plan that suits their situation. I’ve had experiences where doctors walked in, didn’t introduce themselves, and rushed through the appointment. That’s not the kind of care I want to provide. Patients deserve respect, so I strive to ask open-ended questions, listen attentively, and keep the dialogue going.
Q: Can you share some insights into your motivation and inspiration as a physician?
A: I find fulfillment in helping patients identify their goals and working with them to achieve those goals, whether through surgery or other means. My faith plays a significant role in my approach to medicine, as I believe in serving others and being a vessel for healing. I truly believe I my path was illuminated to be here in Jesup with my family in an act of service.
Q: What advice do you have for patients, especially regarding chronic versus acute conditions?
A: Above all, any long term pain or limited mobility should get checked out by a physician. It doesn’t always mean surgical intervention is the solution. Now, for a lot of joint issues, like shoulder, hip, and knee, these joints wear out over time so they tend to get worse over time. If you’re getting on just fine in your daily life, but the pain is still a problem, I like to explore treatments like physical therapy, stretching, anti-inflammatory medicines or diets which often help manage the issue. If it ever gets to the point where management isn’t cutting it, we can look at other interventions. It’s crucial to understand that rushing into decisions rarely leads to optimal outcomes. Taking time to evaluate options and develop a long-term plan is key to achieving lasting relief.
Q: How do you approach patient care and treatment options?
A: Every patient is unique, with different goals, priorities, and life circumstances. My role is to educate patients about their options, whether conservative or surgical, and guide them toward achieving their desired outcomes. Some people need a quicker, long-term solution like surgery to get back to work or life. Others have different circumstances like taking care of family, can’t be out of work, or a students’ schedule where they can’t take the time to recovery from surgery. Surgery isn’t always the first or only solution; it’s about finding what works best for each individual. Every goal is usually the same; alleviate the ailment. The way we get there depends on the needs and circumstances of the individual.
Q: Any final thoughts or advice for patients?
A: It’s essential to remember that most orthopedic conditions don’t require immediate surgery. Balancing treatment with life priorities is crucial, and seeking care should be a decision made thoughtfully, not impulsively. My goal is to provide compassionate care and support each patient in their journey toward better health and mobility.
Conclusion:
Dr. Jay Cook, from Optim Orthopedics in Jesup, is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care to every patient. With a focus on understanding individual needs and goals, he strives to offer the best possible treatment options while fostering genuine connections within the community.