Bone & Joint Institute welcomes three female orthopedic physicians

UNT Health Science Center’s Bone & Joint Institute has announced the arrival of three female orthopedic physicians: Sarah Kennedy, DO, sports medicine physician; Lena Levine, DPM, podiatrist; and Di Lin Parks, MD, elbow and shoulder surgeon.

The announcement is significant because women comprise only 5 percent of practicing orthopedic surgeons in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

The Bone & Joint Institute offers comprehensive orthopedic services to adults. Its award-winning specialists care for all muscle and bone concerns, starting with a non-operative approach.

"I would like to think that it is not necessarily that more women in the Orthopaedics Department will help to change things for the better," said Dr. Levine, who completed her podiatry residency at John Peter Smith Hospital and earned her medical degree from Rosalind Franklin University – Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in North Chicago, Ill.

"Rather, it’s that more qualified and respected physicians/surgeons within our department will allow us the opportunity to have an expanded reach and be able to help more patients within the community."

Dr. Parks, who completed her orthopedic residency at John Peter Smith Hospital and earned her medical degree from the UT Medical Branch in Galveston, said the hires set "an example for other women who are in college and medical school – that gender does not determine the type of physician you can be."

"It provides encouragement for young women who are interested in the field of orthopedic surgery," said Dr. Parks, who completed a fellowship at The San Francisco Shoulder, Elbow and Hand Clinic. "It will help make our department and residency program more welcoming of diversity."

Dr. Kennedy, who completed her residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and earned her medical degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, Mo., said joining UNTHSC has always been her "dream position."

"I wanted to be in an academic environment teaching students, residents, and fellows and to be a part of a multi-specialty group where you work as a team," said Dr. Kennedy, who completed a fellowship at the University of California at San Diego.

To make an appointment with one of these physicians, or any of our orthopaedic physicians, contact 817-735-2900. The Bone & Joint Institute is located inside the Ben Hogan Center on the Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital campus.

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