Mott Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Creates a Welcoming Environment at Trinity Health Oakland

Lots of kids like to run and jump around — but not on this day. Nine-year-old Madeline was simply walking when her knee dislocated.

“It was super swollen, I was worried,” said Madeline’s mom, Heather McGovern, pediatric specialty manager at Trinity Health Michigan. “After I spoke with nurses, my daughter was seen that same day by Kristina Walick, MD, a board certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Trinity Health Oakland. She was great. She listened to my concerns and our family history.”

Trinity Health Oakland and the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital have collaborated to provide pediatric specialty services to families in Oakland County. The collaboration offers eight pediatric specialties: orthopedics and sports medicine, cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology oncology, infusion, ophthalmology, surgery and urology.

Heather had been down this road before with both of her children. Aiden, her 12-year-old son, has also experienced painful knee issues. But Madeline’s exam by Dr. Walick seemed different to her. This was the first time Heather really felt like she connected with her provider.

“It felt like Dr. Walick was genuinely concerned about my child as whole — not just her knees,” said Heather. “She wants us to have a diagnosis so my kids can actually be kids. The whole experience was great. No wait in X-ray, everything was fast and professional.”

Considering the family history Heather shared, Dr. Walick gave Madeline a referral for an MRI, and a referral to Cardiology for an Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome evaluation, an inherited disorder that affects connective tissues, causing overly flexible joints.

“It’s important to me to look at the whole patient and really listen to the family history. I can learn a lot before the physical exam even starts,” said Dr. Walick.

“It was great to have a provider who recognized my frustration and was able to say she’d proceed this way if Madeline were her child, and it was more just to rule things out,” said Heather. “I have witnessed Dr. Walick and her team with many patients, and I can safely say the care Madeline received is the same standard of care everyone receives. I know because I work here. She goes the extra mile for all her patients. I am so grateful this practice is local and accessible.”

At Trinity Health Michigan, we care about all of you – not just your knees. Learn more about the many Trinity Health Michigan’s pediatric specialties available through the collaboration with the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.