You can’t put a value on local physicians returning to their hometown to practice medicine where they were raised. Their connection with the people and places adds trust to the care they provide.

When Oldenburg resident Glenn Raver experienced hip pain earlier this year, it was this long-time trust which led him to Orthopaedic Surgeon J.D. Stephens.

“This past spring, I was having difficulty with a lot of activities I enjoyed,” said Glenn. “I had trouble working in my garden and completing yard work. My golf game also took a hit. I scheduled an appointment with my primary care doctor, John Gryspeerdt, who told me I needed a hip replacement. He gave me my options and told me Dr. Stephens had returned to Batesville. I remembered J.D. from when he played basketball locally.”

Glenn scheduled an appointment with Dr. Stephens and was told he was a candidate for the direct anterior hip replacement surgery. During this minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon accesses the hip joint through the front of the hip without damaging surrounding muscles. For patients, this equates to less pain and a quicker recovery.

“Being a major surgery, I was apprehensive,” said Glenn, “but seeing the familiar faces at Margaret Mary made me more comfortable. Dr. Stephens and the surgery staff were friendly, helpful and informative. They told us in detail what to expect. When they said I’d go home the same day, I found it hard to believe … but I did.”

After being evaluated by a physical therapist, Glenn was released from the hospital that evening in plenty of time to enjoy dinner at his kitchen table with family. Three days later he began outpatient therapy at Margaret Mary’s Rehab Center to help build strength and mobility.

“My therapists have been great,” he said. “They always ask how I’m feeling and tailor my workouts to my specific needs. I’ve been impressed at how quickly I’ve progressed. Within a week, I switched my walker out for a cane.”

Now that he’s on the mend, Glenn looks forward to his return to golf, being on the farm and traveling more with his wife.

“I felt comfortable and confident in Dr. Stephens’ care,” he added. “We’re fortunate to have a young, talented doctor bring his expertise and experience back home to our community.”