Retirement Announcement: Dr. Andrew Gerken

Dear Patients, Partners, Family and Friends:

At the end of this year, I will be retiring from the practice of orthopedic surgery. Starting in 2023, I will begin a new chapter by exploring many new things in my life.

Forty-three years ago when an orthopedic surgeon told me I would be running again in three weeks (following 6 months of painful knees and desperate to begin training), I was elated, and a flash of enthusiasm went off in my head and I thought, “what he just did for me….I want to do that job, and make others be as happy as he just made me.” And this is the career I chose and am now bringing to a close.

I have loved my job as a foot and ankle surgeon. The work has been challenging and stimulating. The best part for me, has been getting to know each of my patients. I have used the excuse that I must know my patients well to know how I tailor the care to who they are. The fact is, I knew I had a front row seat to their lives, and I loved getting to know them. So many wonderful people with big hearts, clever minds, unique life experiences, etc. I tapped into that to grow myself. I was not shy about sharing who I was, and figured it was only fair. I will miss the great interactions I have had, and especially the opportunity to tell a joke or make a pun and get away with it.

I started my practice in Greeley Colorado, and soon thereafter moved to Newport Beach, where I grew up. I even got to be the team doctor for my alma mater, Corona del Mar High School. I have been blessed to have amazing physician partners during my time at Newport Orthopedic Institute. And to live in Newport Beach and raise my three daughters here with my wife.

Although a bit anxious to leave it all behind, I am thrilled with who will be filling in my shoes as a foot and ankle specialist (pun intended). Dr. Omar Yaldo is not only a highly capable and very well-trained surgeon, he is a caring human being, with a great life story of his own.

Thank you everyone for trusting me with the care of something so important as your physical/functional health. And thank you to all the referring doctors who gave me the privilege of caring for their patients.

Sincerely,

Andy Gerken, MD