Kurt P. Bormann, MD

Orthopedics: Shoulder Replacement; Columbia Orthopaedic Group

I grew up in Iowa on a farm with two older sisters. We raised hogs and farmed land. I went to the local high school and played sports year-round. After graduating, I went to Truman State and played football. I graduated with a degree in Exercise Science and then attended medical school at the University of Iowa. Following that I spent five years in orthopedic residency in Omaha and then a year overseas for fellowship. I’ve lived in Columbia since 2011. I am married and have three boys.

Why did you get into the health care field?

I was drawn to the medical field because of the challenge and, of course, the desire to help others.

What interested you in your particular specialty?

Orthopedics was actually about the only field of medicine I enjoyed while I was in medical school. That made it a fairly easy decision on what I hoped to do in residency and for a career. I enjoyed shoulder surgery because of the ability to do joint replacement, arthroscopy, and trauma.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is the satisfaction I see from patients when they go from a situation where they are in pain daily to improved function and very little pain following surgery.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

The most challenging aspect of my job is helping patients handle complications following their procedures and getting them back to health.

What do you see changing in health care in the next 5 to 10 years?

Regarding the future of healthcare, I suspect that changes with insurance providers and Medicare will be one of the biggest challenges faced by providers and patients.

What advice would you give someone looking to become a doctor?

Anyone looking at becoming a physician will have to consider the length of time involved in reaching that goal, the associated cost, and weighing the time and cost with the satisfaction in helping patients as specifically as a doctor. There are many paths in healthcare that lead to a satisfying career.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my wife, children, family, and friends. We do a lot of traveling, attending concerts, and watching the kids’ athletics.

What advice would you give to someone who is going to be a patient in a hospital for a period of time?

I think one of the most difficult aspects of being a patient in the hospital for an extended period of time is not getting frustrated or not developing a sense of hopelessness. Try to have faith in your providers and in the process.