When she isn’t dedicating herself to orthopedic patient care at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH), Dr. Kirsten Hickie is breathing in the mountain air and carving her way through fresh powder on snowboard or skies, biking trails, or pounding the pavement in her running shoes.
In others words, she’s a perfect fit as the second of two new orthopedic surgeons welcomed to the KBRH orthopedic team.
Dr. Hickie officially began her new job at KBRH in February.
She says when the opportunity to join the orthopedic team at KBRH presented itself, the decision was easy.
For starters, she completed locums at KBRH in fall of 2022 and summer of 2023, so the doctor was already connected with hospital staff, the inviting landscape, and the people who live here.
Better yet, in terms of patient care, Dr. Hickie brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the KBRH orthopedic department.
She has a sub-specialty in primary and revision hip and knee replacements, as well as sports knee surgeries such as meniscus, ACL reconstruction and patella instability.
Her passion for helping patients regain mobility and return to their active lifestyles drives her dedication to the field.
She firmly believes that physical activity is essential for both physical and mental well-being and sees herself as a facilitator in helping patients reclaim their active lifestyles.
“An active community is a healthy community,” she says.
Her position at the Trail-based hospital also fulfills the doctor’s dream of working in her home province.
Born in British Columbia, Dr. Hickie grew up among the mountains and lakes, and developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a strong sense of community.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Hickie is motivated to make a meaningful impact on her patients and community.
With fundraising for the Orthopedic Enhancement Project well underway, Dr. Hickie says she views this project as a pivotal step forward for the hospital and the community it serves.
Among equipment acquired through the project, Dr. Hickie shares that she is particularly pleased with a special positioning device for total knee replacements and the Hana table, which promise to modernize surgical techniques.
With access to cutting-edge tools and instruments, Dr. Hickie envisions shorter recovery times, reduced pain and improved outcomes for her patients.
These tools will not only enhance her ability to perform complex procedures but also allow for a more personalized approach to patient care.
And that’s the goal of the enhancement project: the opportunity of bringing state-of-the-art equipment and implants to the Kootenays so that patients no longer have to travel long distances for specialized care.
As Dr. Hickie embarks on her surgical journey at KBRH, she remains dedicated to bringing better care closer to home, one patient at a time.
With her passion and outdoorsy nature, she integrates well into the surgical team, contributing to advancements in orthopedic care and enhancing the vibrant communities of the Kootenay Boundary.
Dr. Hickie is the second of two new orthopedic surgeons at KBRH: Dr Susan Ge, the hospital’s first foot and ankle fellowship trained surgeon, started at KBRH late last year.
Read more: Dr. Susan Ge brings orthopedic expertise to KBRH
Read more: Community rallies for KBRH
The Orthopedic Enhancement Project has raised $430,000 to date, which is just past the halfway mark to its $750,000 goal.
See more at: kbrhhealthfoundation.ca.