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Dr. Joel Schenkman, a successful orthopedic surgeon,
started his practice with several partners in 1982. It has grown
extensively through the years. Most of his patients are athletes from
local high schools, colleges and professional teams.
Although he always loved science and expressed an
interest in medicine, Schenkman initially considered a career in
construction. After a particularly grueling summer, he decided to
pursue his interest in medicine. He incorporated his passion for
building into his career, thus influencing his orthopedic study.
It is a nice blend of science and, in a way,
construction, because you are putting the human body back together
structurally," Dr. Schenkman said.
Born in New Jersey, Schenkman moved to Miami at age
five and considers himself a native. He went to Palmetto High School,
where he was involved in sports. He attended Emory University where he
obtained his undergraduate degree. His next step was to come back
home, attend the University of Miami School of Medicine and complete
his orthopedics residency.
"Truthfully, I am very big on Miami," he
said. "I think it is one of the best places to live. It is great
living here."
Despite his busy schedule, Schenkman involves himself
in the local community, thus expressing his gratitude for the city
where he grew up. He is on the Foundation of Baptist Hospital Health
Systems board of directors as vice chair of fundraising.
The Foundation raises money for the hospital and its
health systems to benefit the community. The money raised is used to
offset hospital costs for people who do not have insurance, to help
with hospital projects such as the new children's wing and pediatric
emergency room scheduled to open soon, and to help expand hospital
emergency facilities.
The Schenkman family donated the Schenkman Pavilion at
Baptist Hospital.
"We earmarked the funds for the construction of
the building so that people walking could sit down and take it easy,
but still enjoy the walking area," he said.
The Pavilion is nearly three years old and has served
walkers well, sheltering them from the rain and excessive sun.
Dr. Schenkman is a member of the volunteer clinic
faculty at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He supports the
Make-a-Wish Foundation, The Children's Home Society, The Diabetes
Association and the Dave Alpert Jewish Community Center.
He resides in Coral Gables, in the same area where he
grew up, with his wife Randy, who is the director of mammography at
Baptist Hospital. They have a 19-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old
son.
When he isn't busy repairing his patients' skeleton or
working with a charitable organization, Schenkman may be found skiing
in Colorado or racing one of the cars from his personal collection.
"My favorite car is my Ferrari 288 GTI
1985," he said.
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