Dedicated to Patient Care: Meet Physician Assistant Art Gutierrez III
As a physician’s assistant (PA) at Sun City Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery Specialists, Art Gutierrez III, PA-C, loves helping his patients find relief from pain and working closely with the physicians to meet patients’ needs.
Becoming a Physician Assistant
Born and raised in El Paso, Art was always interested in medicine. However, he initially considered studying finance and business before a friend recommended a physician assistant program to him. He researched the program and career and was hooked. Art went on to pursue physician assistant studies at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, School of Allied Health Studies. “I fell in love with the program,” he said. He knew he was on the right career path.
During his surgical track in school, Art was introduced to orthopaedic medicine and was immediately drawn to this speciality. He enjoyed it so much, he took an extra elective course to deepen his knowledge. “In most cases, there are quick, straightforward fixes for what patients are going through,” said Art, speaking about why he enjoys orthopaedics. Patients see results right away.
Serving Patients Through Collaborative Expertise
Following graduation, Art worked in emergency medicine and pediatric surgery for a time before making his way back to orthopaedics. He was thrilled when the opportunity came to join Sun City Orthopaedics, and he has been on staff since the group started. One of the things he enjoys most about working here is the opportunity to work closely with doctors who represent a diverse range of expertise in the field.
“I don’t have all the answers, and when patients ask me things that I don’t know, I know someone who does know,” he said. Art appreciates the knowledge base he has access to that can help him become an even better PA. He knows he can call on any of the physicians to assist with a patient’s needs. There’s a sense of mutual respect among the staff. “Everyone’s ready to help each other out,” he added. And working together, they can better serve each patient who steps through the doors at Sun City Orthopaedics.
Supporting Patients Through Treatment and Recovery
As a PA, Art helps assess new patients, assists with diagnosis, helps patients review their options, prescribes medicines, supports nonsurgical treatment options including physical therapy, and serves as first assistant during surgery. He also follows up with patients to check on their treatment and recovery. His goal, and the goal of all the doctors at Sun City Orthopaedics, is to take a conservative approach to treatment, starting with nonsurgical options whenever possible, before recommending surgery.
Art brings 13 years of experience in orthopaedics and is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants. Outside of work, Art can be found spending time with his wife and two daughters, one who is in college and one who is in high school. “We’re always together. We love hanging out,” he said. Something you may not know about Art is that he used to play the saxophone and loves singing. “Just for fun. I’m a shower singer,” he said. Next time you meet Art, ask him to sing one of his favorite songs from his favorite bands, The Beatles.