Emmalynn Sigrist, DO recently joined the Orthopedics team at Gillette Children’s as a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Dr. Sigrist specializes in treating orthopedic conditions like limb reconstruction, trauma, fractures and hip dysplasia, along with a variety of other conditions
Learn more about her, here:
Why did you enter the field of Orthopedics?
I took time off between graduating from college and starting medical school. During that time, I was a member of the Wound Care and Limb Salvage Clinic at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. I observed how the orthopedic surgeons I worked alongside were able to give quality of life and independence back to their patients.
During my orthopedic surgery residency, I noticed the same courage and resilience within the pediatric population. Not only do I find pediatric orthopedic conditions interesting, but I thoroughly enjoy working with children and their families.
What brought you to Gillette?
When I started my job search, I was looking to work at an institution that truly puts children and their families first. I had heard wonderful things about the integrated care that Gillette provides and was excited when I received an interview.
From the moment I arrived on campus, I felt a true sense of community. Everybody at Gillette was focused on the patients. I also appreciated what an extremely collaborative environment both the orthopedics department and the entire hospital has worked to establish. In addition to caring for patients, my other passion is education. I knew I would have the opportunity to teach both residents and medical students. After my interview, I knew that Gillette was the perfect place for me to build my practice.
What do you love most about your job?
The best part of my job is working with my patients and helping them to lead their happiest and most fulfilling lives. Whether it is helping a child to get the physical therapy they need or operating on a fractured bone, I love being able to make a child’s life just a little easier.
How do you approach meeting a new patient and their family?
When meeting a new family, I like to discuss with them what they have already been told about their child’s diagnosis. I want to know their concerns, questions, and expectations for their initial visit as well as for the future.
I take a stepwise approach when meeting new patients to ensure that we have their complete history as well as any prior treatments that they have undergone. I include the entire family and healthcare team in the decision-making process. I spend time educating my patients’ families to ensure that they understand and support our treatment plan.
I know that every child and family I treat has a different goal and I value a very individualized approach to care.
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
I enjoy playing softball, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with my family and dog, Clementine. We are loving the many lakes and dog parks that the Twin Cities has to offer.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I have a collection of vintage medical equipment. I have pieces spanning about 150 years, including one from the Civil War as well as World War II. I even have a doctor’s journal and patient list from the early 1800s!
To make a referral at Gillette Children's, visit our referrals page to submit an online referral or call: 651-325-2200.
