OrthoCarolina Pediatric Team Introduces Physis - A Service Dog Who Improves the Experience of Children During Orthopedic Visits

Introducing Physis, an Australian Labradoodle, and the newest member of the OrthoCarolina Pediatric team! Physis is specifically trained to work with OrthoCarolina pediatric patients and will be accompanying the Randolph Road Peds team during appointments to provide comfort and companionship to our patients.

Behind her name: Physis

A physis, also known as the growth plate, is a unique and essential part of the bone that plays a vital role in the growth and development of children and adolescents. The physis is located at the ends of long bones, such as the femur, tibia, and humerus, and is made of cartilage, a softer and more flexible tissue than bone. This special area of the bone is responsible for the longitudinal growth of bones and is vital for the proper alignment and shape of bones. 

As children and adolescents grow, the cartilage in the physis is gradually replaced with bone, which ultimately leads to the formation of the adult skeleton. It is important to take care of the physis during the growth and development stage, this will ensure that the bones develop properly and align correctly. While the physis is considered to be a weak point in bones, injuries can happen, but with proper care and attention, the physis can heal and recover. An orthopedic specialist can provide the necessary care to ensure that the physis is developing and growing healthily. 

In short, the physis is a unique and important part of the bone that plays a vital role in growth and development, and it's important to take care of it during this stage. With proper care and attention, the physis can ensure that bones develop and align correctly, and injuries can be treated and recovered from. Her name, Physis, was intentionally selected as a representation of growth and improvement in all of us.

Benefits of having a service dog on staff

We understand that visiting the doctor can be stressful, especially for children. That's why we are thrilled to have Physis on our team. This well-trained service dog can help reduce anxiety and stress for pediatric patients, making their experience at our practice more pleasant. Physis is not just a furry companion, but also an important member of our team. She has been trained to perform various tasks that help children feel more comfortable and at ease during appointments. Research has shown that service dogs can have a positive impact on children's mental and physical health. 

Having Physis by their side can help children feel more relaxed and confident, which can lead to better communication and cooperation during appointments. This can ultimately lead to better outcomes and improved patient care. We are excited to have Physis on our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our pediatric patients. We are certain that she will be a valuable asset to our practice and bring joy to children as well as their families during their visits.