Health Compass Newsletter

From an early age, Daniel Fabiano, MD, felt a calling to the medical profession. After his brother experienced multiple fractures in adolescence, Fabiano developed an interest in orthopedic surgery. Numerous visits to emergency rooms and doctors’ offices provided him with great insight into the medical world.

“In addition, my own experience with Grisel’s syndrome further emphasized the pivotal role of health care practitioners in a patient’s life,” Fabiano says. “The confluence of knowledge and compassion demonstrated by the nurses, hospital staff and doctors inspired my commitment to this noble pursuit.”

Following his childhood spent on the East Coast, Fabiano went on to get his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering, attending Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now known as Drexel University College of Medicine) in Philadelphia to earn his medical degree. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery in Chicago before a fellowship in sports medicine and knee and shoulder reconstructive surgery in Florida.

Honing his skills

For the past 28 years, he has practiced orthopedic surgery in Iowa. He says that orthopedic surgery provides the extraordinary opportunity to use both mental acuity and physical skills to contribute to a patient’s journey to improved health.

“As a physician and surgeon, I have found an immense sense of fulfillment,” Fabiano says. “It’s a profound honor when individuals entrust their health and well-being to my care, allowing me to apply my training and expertise for their benefit.”

Nearly three years ago, Fabiano began incorporating the Stryker Mako SmartRobotics system into his practice. He has successfully completed more than 500 Mako procedures, continually fine-tuning his skills with state-of-the-art technology. With the ability to complete joint procedures using minimally invasive solutions, surgeries are more accurate and take up less time in the operating room, he explains.

“I like doing robotic surgery — it would’ve been hard to give that up and go somewhere that didn’t have that,” he says. “No other robotic technology compares to Stryker’s. It’s pretty much becoming the standard. It’s very exciting for me that CMH is starting its own program — that shows me that the hospital wants to be on top of its game at all times.”

Enjoying work and life

Fabiano and his wife have spent many memorable vacations in the Pacific Northwest and were thrilled to move to an area with opportunities for hiking, outdoor activities and more. He says despite CMH only having 25 beds, it is substantial for a Critical Access Hospital and goes above and beyond what other CAHs offer.

“CMH resonates with my professional ethos and boasts a holistic, patient-centered approach, access to leading-edge technology, robust primary care and a comprehensive spectrum of specialist services,” he says. “It has quite an impactful presence.”

Categories: New providers