Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute (LBJI) officially signed Dr. Hassan Farooq as its newest musculoskeletal surgeon on Wednesday, October 14. The signing took place at the institute's state-of-the-art campus in Crown Point. Dr. Farooq, a Northwest Indiana native, will return to provide care in his home region after completing his clinical rotation at Mass General and his board examinations.
Dr. Farooq's connection to the area is deep-rooted, having graduated from Indiana University Northwest before continuing his medical journey in Indianapolis. LBJI's decision to hire a physician local to the region was intentional, reflecting its commitment to welcoming individuals who care for the community as their own. The LBJI team expressed eagerness to have Dr. Farooq practice in his home region.
Thor Thordarson, MBA, RN, and chief executive officer of Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute, highlighted the organization's dedication to providing exceptional care. He stated that LBJI aims to deliver top-tier medical services, comparable to those found at leading academic institutions nationwide, right within Northwest Indiana. Thordarson, who has experienced both the front lines of medical care at institutions like Cleveland Clinic and leadership roles, brings a unique perspective to his position, emphasizing empathy and care that he believes are gained through direct patient experience.
Drawing from his comprehensive view of medical outcomes, Thordarson affirmed the proficiency of LBJI's staff. He noted, "these folks here are really, really good." He also underscored the importance of medical staff being involved in decisions affecting patient care, informed by their lived experiences.
While the community and medical staff await Dr. Farooq's start date, LBJI is prioritizing internal developments. Key initiatives include increasing educational opportunities and strengthening the organization's structure and identity from within.
Dr. Aaron Anderson, an upper extremity orthopedic specialist and president of LBJI, shared ambitious goals for the institute's future. He expressed a vision to establish high-specialty, academic-level care within Northwest Indiana, ensuring that residents do not feel compelled to leave the community to access the best medical treatment. Dr. Anderson drew parallels to the Mayo Clinic, which began with two doctors in Minnesota, demonstrating how significant medical institutions can emerge from less-expected locations. He believes that achieving such high-level musculoskeletal care locally with "homegrown local people" is entirely possible for LBJI.
For more than 55 years, Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute has served the region, developing a robust organization. It collaborates with various local groups, ranging from club sports to university-level athletics. The institute's board-certified orthopedic surgeons and specialists deliver comprehensive care for a wide array of bone, joint, muscle, and sports-related conditions, aiming to help community members recover and resume their activities. Dr. Anderson contends that LBJI's surgical team stands comparably to those at institutions like Rush, the University of Chicago, and Notre Dame. He and the entire team are dedicated to ensuring the community has access to reliable medical support without needing to travel long distances or cross state lines.
Across all its regional locations, LBJI maintains a consistent standard of academic prowess, care, and medical expertise, backed by years of history. The institute has no intentions of reducing its commitment to advancing healthcare in the region.
