Jennifer Bricker is no stranger to Westchester Medical Center. As a physician assistant in the pediatric surgery department, she’s spent years caring for patients across WMCHealth. But last winter, she found herself on the other side of the exam table.

While skiing with her family, Bricker took what seemed like a minor fall—until she heard the dreaded pop. “I kept skiing at first, trying not to make a big deal of it,” she recalls. “But when I went to take my skis off for lunch, I couldn’t walk.”

She returned to work the next day, still struggling to put weight on her leg. A surgeon colleague urged her to get evaluated, and within hours, she had an appointment with orthopedic surgeon Rachel Talley-Bruns, MD.

An MRI confirmed a torn ACL and meniscus. Dr. Talley-Bruns explained the treatment options in detail, including different types of grafts for the ACL repair. Bricker ultimately chose a graft from her own quad muscle. “I went back and forth on the decision until the day of surgery, but Dr. Talley-Bruns was incredibly patient and thorough in helping me weigh the options,” she says.

Bricker’s surgery took place just two weeks after her fall, conveniently scheduled during her children’s school break. “I live 10 minutes from the hospital, so everything from the MRI to physical therapy was seamless. My husband could drop me off and pick me up without taking a full day off work.”

Recovery wasn’t easy. Bricker was back in physical therapy the Monday after her surgery, still on crutches and in tears. But the team supported her every step of the way. “They were phenomenal. We worked on my flexibility and strength bit by bit, and now, I feel 100%.”

Bricker is back hiking, biking and skiing with her kids, and more confident than ever in the care offered by WMCHealth. “Orthopedic care here is outstanding. You don’t need to go to the city for great care. It’s right here in Valhalla.”

To learn more about WMCHealth’s orthopedic services, visit our website or call 914.493.7000 to make an appointment.