McKenzie County Healthcare System (MCHS) to Launch New Orthopedic Surgery Department

Ravindra Joshi, MD, will be spearheading an orthopedic surgery department in the new McKenzie County Healthcare Systems facility at 709 4th Ave NE in Watford City.

Dr. Joshi is an orthopedic surgeon who has served patients in northwestern North Dakota and northeastern Montana for several years, provided him with first hand knowledge of the needs of rural communities. He is trained and board certified by American, British, Canadian and Indian Orthopedic boards. He received his Master of Surgery at Bombay University in India. Dr. Joshi completed his orthopedic residency at St. Thomas and Guy's Hospital Orthopedic Program, London. He also completed a joint fellowship at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and New York Orthopedic Hospital where he advanced his training in joint replacement, sports injury and trauma care.

In 2000 Dr. Joshi was convinced by one of his professors and a recruiter to come to North Dakota. He quickly warmed up to the idea of practicing here. "I came to visit and I loved the place," he stated. "The people were phenomenal." Since moving to the area he has practiced in Minot, Williston and has served patients in rural towns throughout northwest North Dakota and northeast Montana as a traveling physician.

With the goal of becoming an "orthopedic network," the new hospital in Watford City will be key in providing better service to smaller towns and reduce the need to travel to larger cities to receive care. The state of the art facility provides all the necessary equipment to provide total diagnosis, surgery and treatment services for patients. "The goal is to look purely at the patient experience and consolidate visits to one day other than three," said Michael Curtis, MCHS Chief Administrative Officer.

Dr. Joshi, with the assistance of Leah Brewster, DNP, will begin taking appointments on December 27. Surgeries are set to begin in February 2019.

There are several options to schedule an appointment. Patients can call the MCHS clinic directly at 701-842-3771 or stop by the clinic in person at 709 4th Ave NE in Watford City. Scheduling can also be done utilizing the mobile MyChart application or online resource to contact reception staff.