07/24/2024

"Novel Approaches to Treating Common Tendinopathies" with Christopher Rupprecht, MSHS, MA, PA-C: 2024 OAPA Annual Conference Speaker Feature

PAs help patients get on their feet and back to the activities they love.

Join us at the 2024 OAPA Annual Conference to learn about "Novel Approaches to Treating Common Tendinopathies."

Christopher Rupprecht, MSHS, MA, PA-C, Cleveland Clinic, will cover this important topic during his session at the upcoming 2024 OAPA Annual Conference. He will define the pathophysiology and anatomy of common tendinopathies, discuss clinically diagnosing the most common tendinopathies, describe first-line management of common tendinopathies, and identify novel options for treating tendinopathies without surgery.

We recently caught up with Christopher to ask him more about this important session he is planning.

OAPA:
Why are you excited to present to the OAPA audience on this topic?

Christopher:
Working in Sports Medicine, treating soft tissue disorders, particularly tendon issues, is a common part of my practice. I see how much it affects people's ability to do the things they love, and I'm always looking for effective ways to treat these disorders in the safest way possible for the patient, so they can get back to what they love as soon as possible! This has been an interest of mine since I first started working in orthopedics in 2017, and even before that while working in the Emergency Department.

OAPA:
What do you think might surprise people about this topic?

Christopher:
I think people would be surprised to learn how little we truly know about tendinopathies, even though they are so common and we have grown accustomed to throwing the different terms around that may or may not be correct!

OAPA:
Why do you love being a PA?

Christopher:
I love working as part of a broad team of healthcare professionals singularly focused on taking a patient from pain or injury to resolution. I love that so many different members of the team are needed to participate in a patient's care, and depending on the patient, it could take one or more of us to make this happen. I also love the variety in my days between surgery, clinical, and administrative duties. It keeps it interesting! At this year's conference, I'm looking forward to learning from other experts in their respective fields, and to networking with colleagues from near and far!

OAPA:
Tell us something about your life outside of work.

Christopher:
Prior to going to PA school, I was a music major, completing undergraduate and graduate degrees in music. It was (and still is!) a big part of our lives and has been a great outlet during those tough weeks when feeling burned out with medicine. I was also an avid athlete myself in high school, playing high school football and baseball as well as dancing in the show choir. This gives me an instant connection point with many of my patients!

Find out more about the exciting agenda at the 2024 OAPA Annual Conference, then register to join in the fun!