Patient and His Surgeon Swing for the Fences in Home of the Detroit Tigers

This past summer, Jared Thomas, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, received a gift that not many of his physician colleagues do. He had the rare opportunity to spend an evening and to catch up with one of his former patients, Nathan Patterson.

Through relationships with the Detroit Tigers and Bally Sports Detroit, Trinity Health Michigan was able to invite two deserving individuals -- Nathan and Dr. Thomas -- to Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, to take part in batting practice. And to make the event even more memorable, both men were able to invite their families along. Nathan was joined by his parents, siblings and cousin, while Dr. Thomas' wife and four children joined him.

"More so than hitting some baseballs, I was really excited to see Nathan and his parents," said Dr. Thomas. "When he came into my office for the first time, I remember seeing a young man that had experienced a bad break as an athlete. He had hurt his elbow throwing a football. As a former athlete myself, I could see how much he wanted to get back to playing and competing at a high level."

Nathan is a three-sport varsity athlete at Stevenson High School in Livonia, which includes baseball, basketball and football. He recalls warming up at quarterback during his sophomore year of high school when he felt something pop. He had injured his growth plate in his throwing arm and was sidelined for the season before it even began. The very next day he got in to see Dr. Thomas who, after a thorough evaluation and conversation with Nathan and his parents, recommended surgery and rehabilitation.

"I was bummed for sure but the doctor knew what he was doing and he told me I would be able to compete again so that made me more comfortable with the situation," said Nathan. "Knowing Dr. Thomas was a former major league pitcher himself gave me the confidence that he knew what I was going through."

Prior to becoming a physician, Dr. Thomas was a Major League Baseball pitcher, having spent much of his career in the minor leagues before getting called up to the majors to play with the Seattle Mariners.

Following his successful surgery with Dr. Thomas and post-surgical rehabilitation at TrinityElite Sports Performance, Nathan had recovered enough after six weeks to participate in basketball season in the winter and had fully recovered by the time baseball season came around this past spring.




Looking back on his experience at Comerica Park, Nathan said: "It was really cool to experience it with my family, to catch up with Dr. Thomas and to take some swings. I didn't knock any out of the park but it didn't stop me from trying!"

Nathan credits his recovery to the quick response of the trainers on the field, Dr. Thomas, and the team at TrinityElite Sports Performance.

"I'm very lucky and grateful for everyone that had a hand in helping me recover. I’m back and I feel stronger than ever."