Dr. Young: A Thoughtful Approach to Orthopedic Care
After years of practicing in the Fox Valley, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brett Young recently joined the team at Door County Medical Center (DCMC), a move he describes as both professional and personal.
“I was looking for a practice environment that put more emphasis on providers and patient care,” Dr. Young explains. “When I learned that DCMC was looking for a second orthopedic surgeon to join Dr. Tomaszewski, I began to consider the opportunity seriously. My wife and I have always loved spending time in Door County, and once I looked into it further, it became clear this was a really good fit. Both the hospital and Dr. Tomaszewski have stellar reputations, which was a huge factor for me.”
Since joining the team, Dr. Young has been struck by the hospital’s culture. “The amount of genuine goodwill at DCMC is remarkable. It's visible across all levels and departments. It’s the culture of the entire hospital.”
Finding His Calling in Orthopedics
Dr. Young’s path to medicine was shaped by both curiosity and craftsmanship. “I’ve always enjoyed building things with my hands, and when I entered the field of medicine, I knew I wanted to help people with my hands rather than with medications,” he says. He decided to pursue medicine during his college years, where he discovered both a natural talent for biology and chemistry and a preference for working with people over working in a lab. Orthopedics provided the perfect way to merge his scientific skill set with his desire to directly improve people’s lives.
A Conservative Approach to Surgery
Dr. Young takes a personalized and thoughtful approach to patient care. “I would say that I am more of a conservative than an aggressive surgeon. I strive to help patients avoid surgery when possible. I also know what I am skilled at, and I don’t hesitate to refer patients to a different surgeon if I feel that’s in their best interest.”
When developing a treatment plan, Dr. Young begins with collaboration and education. “We discuss the natural history of the problem as well as evidence-based treatment options. We typically start with less invasive treatments, but ultimately, the patient chooses their preference for treatment after discussing the options.”
His ultimate goal is for patients to feel empowered and informed when making decisions about their health.
Focusing on What Works
One aspect of orthopedics that Dr. Young wishes more people understood is the role of marketing in the healthcare industry. “There is a lot of marketing targeting people about procedures or treatments that are often presented as the latest and greatest options, even though the results from studies may not actually support that. People tend to assume that marketing from clinics or hospitals is somehow different from other product marketing. It’s not.”
For Dr. Young, this is where careful, evidence-based conversations come in. “When patients understand the difference between what’s being sold and what’s actually proven to work, they’re in a much stronger position to make decisions about their care.”
Staying Healthy Outside the Clinic
Outside of work, Dr. Young aims to embody the health principles he promotes. He stays active through biking, hiking, and strength training, and he also enjoys golfing, playing guitar, and chess. “I try to eat healthy most of the time, but I also very much enjoy great food. I definitely eat indulgent meals occasionally, but I really try hard to keep it in moderation.”
Though still new to DCMC, Dr. Young is excited for the future. “I look forward to building strong relationships with my patients and being part of this community.”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Young, please call Door Orthopedic Center at 920-746-0510.
