“It was real tough on my wife,” he recalled. “I wasn’t able to pick up my son or play with him as much as I wanted to. It’s just a miserable existence when the pain level gets that bad.”
Denorfia, originally from Connecticut, knew he needed surgery, yet who would be the right surgeon to get him back in the swing—not only on the baseball diamond, but at home with his family?
Denorfia’s search for the right doctor led to recommendations that he see Dr. Patrick Doherty at L+M Hospital. Dr. Doherty has led the L+M neurosurgery team since 1999, yet today his skills are also backed and supported by experts from the Yale University Neurosurgery team, a direct result of L+M’s recent affiliation with Yale New Haven Health.
Today, Dr. Doherty—even as he works full-time at L+M— is on staff with the Yale School of Medicine/Department of Neurosurgery. In addition, Yale School of Medicine is supporting Dr. Doherty with additional neurosurgeons working full- or part-time at L+M. In other words, L+M’s neurosurgery program is effectively an extension of the Yale School of Medicine and its outstanding neurosurgery capabilities.
What does it all mean? It means the best care is close to home, whether you’re a ballplayer like Chris Denorfia or just someone who needs help correcting a neurological condition in order to reclaim a better life.
“I’m doing great!” Denorfia reported in a telephone interview from Arizona earlier this year, as he was back in training camp with the Colorado Rockies. “I’m still pain free, and I’m able to do things with my body that I wasn’t able to do for a long while. Overall, I’d say this has been a great success for me—professionally, yes, but more importantly, personally. Now I can resume a normal life when I’m home with my family.”
Dr. Doherty said he is pleased that Denorfia is back on the ballfield, but he noted that the broad range of neurosurgery capabilities at L+M Hospital means patients with a variety of medical issues can be treated locally.
“We are here for patients with brain tumors, aneurysms, neck and back pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and peripheral nerve compression syndromes,” Dr. Doherty said. “In almost all cases, people with these kinds of conditions can be treated right here in New London, or have their care closely coordinated with our team in New Haven.”
In addition, “Every patient is unique and we always strive to deliver our best individualized treatment for all conditions,” Dr. Doherty continued. “We were happy to help Chris Denorfia get back on the playing field, but each patient has their own goals and we know that, for many people, just walking or working in the garden is every bit as important as swinging a baseball bat.”
L+M is a great hospital and our goal as a team is to provide world-class neurosurgical care. While most patients can be treated locally, patients who may have to go to New Haven for procedures will still be able to get their pre- and post-operative care locally. That’s the beauty of being part of the same system. It’s really one department in two locations.
— Dr. Juan Bartolomei
Dr. Doherty also points out that L+M’s neurosurgeons are supported by experienced Physician Assistants. “We have a great team at L+M, and we want the public to know it,” he said.
One of those Physician Assistants (PA) is Ellen Faulise- Gingerella. “It’s really an honor to work with such a seasoned team,” she said. “With the backing and support of Yale New Haven Health and the Yale School of Medicine, we have the opportunity to expand and enhance the care we can offer, and that’s why I think this affiliation is such a positive step.”
PA Art Welch agreed. “We welcome this additional support from the Yale School of Medicine Neurosurgery Department,” he said. “It’s a vital reinforcement of a crucial element of our surgical capabilities here in New London.”
Dr. Juan Bartolomei is one of the new neurosurgeons now on duty at L+M as part of the new arrangement.
“I was recently working in Texas, so it’s very exciting to be here on the Connecticut coast, serving patients and meeting so many interesting and diverse people in this community,” Dr. Bartolomei said.
“L+M is a great hospital and our goal as a team is to provide world-class neurosurgical care,” Dr. Bartolomei continued. “While most patients can be treated locally, patients who may have to go to New Haven for procedures will still be able to get their pre- and post-operative care locally. That’s the beauty of being part of the same system. It’s really one department in two locations.”
Dr. Doherty shared that sentiment. “The old assumption that bigger is always better when it comes to major surgery is actually being turned on its head in cases such as this,” he says. “Even patients who are treated in New Haven can return to New London for follow-up, rehabilitation, imaging, therapy and other care as needed or desired.
“Our ‘Epic’ computer system is also completely integrated with Yale New Haven Health now,” Dr. Doherty said, “Every patient’s medical record is secure yet readily accessible to all qualified health care providers. These various kinds of synergies tell me that L+M Hospital is entering a new era of cooperation and sophistication that should be of great benefit to our region.”