Meet Josh Vella of Vella Hand Surgery in Phoenix, 32nd St and Camelback

Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Vella.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Josh. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a child, I found my talents in the areas of art, math, and science. I drew, painted and created whenever I could. I was fascinated by how things worked so I took apart remote control cars and toys of all kinds to understand them, then rebuild them. I continued my interests in college as a biology major and art classes. Through a series of experiences, I found myself being called to medical school, medicine chose me much more than I chose it. I had excellent mentors along the way, which combined with my passion and training guided me to express my art as a hand surgeon. I experienced one of the most intense fellowships dedicating one year to the pursuit of mastering the skills of hand and upper extremity surgery.

My professional career started in Phoenix, AZ at The Orthopedic Clinic Association. I had a fantastic experience during my 11 years at TOCA, serving not only as one of the hand surgeons but as Vice President for five years and President for two years.

These experiences led me to appreciate the practice of medicine in a different way. Ultimately, I noticed what my patients and I were missing. The biggest component was the individual care for each patient and having a closer patient-physician relationship. I needed to create an environment where we all feel like family: composed of patients, physician, and employees. I believe medicine should be a co-creative process with patients and their physician creating an environment of healing based on contemporary scientific research with the patient’s needs at the core of the decision making. In the second half of my career, my focus has shifted from large medical practice dynamics to a “mom and pop” caring based environment. I believe I can best serve my purpose by having my own medical practice which will allow me to find the balance between the patient’s needs and my passion to serve people while staying in integrity with my values. My family is at the core of my values and being active with my family is of the utmost importance. I have already noticed a change in our daughter’s confidence now that I am home more often and have increased my connection with my family.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life and career choices are not designed to be a smooth road and I wouldn’t have it any other way. One of the biggest challenges was saying goodbye to my partners of 11 years. I wasn’t sad to leave the environment, but it was hard to leave the people. Over time, many strong relationships were created and ending those was not an easy choice.

Further, breaking the trend of a physician’s going to work for large groups or being employed by hospital systems wasn’t an easy decision. I was asked.” Are you sure you want to do that?” Going against the grain and listening to your inner desires and intuition can be a challenge. But at the end of the day, I need to make sure I am living a congruent lifestyle and serving my patients the best way possible and there is no doubt that this is the right answer for me right now.

Vella Hand Surgery – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an orthopedic trained hand surgeon specializing in all forms of hand and upper extremity non-surgical and surgical treatments. I provide care from the elbow to the fingertip.

I am proud of my ability to help patients understand their problem in a simple way. I draw diagrams to help them visualize their problem and write out a list of options for them, which are designed to improve their quality of life.

I am honored to carry the distinction of becoming an international lecturer at the 5th Annual World Congress in Orthopedics-2018 in Milan, Italy. I was one of a few distinguished international lecturers who discussed various new treatment options with the theme of the conference, “Breaking Barriers in Orthopedic Research.” Due to my experience and skill, I was invited to do a presentation on the surgical treatment of Thumb Arthritis conditions.

My surgical skill was always regarded as superior to my peers during my training. I attribute this to my blessing of having innate artistic vision combined with my attention to detail. Who wouldn’t want an artist as their surgeon? I was recruited to become a plastic surgeon during my training but ultimately fell in love with hand surgery. My art continues to be an important part of my life, whether it be during surgery or painting abstract art.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is living my passion. For me, living a life that is congruent with my desires and intuition, which is supported by a career that serves my community is a success. Supporting my employees and empowering them to live their life as engaged participants in the patient’s care is a success. It is the embodiment of treating your patient’s with an ethical standard and having them feel cared for. Success is feeling and knowing you are living authentically for yourself and your patients. Success is truly defined beyond the numbers and finances.

Contact Info:

• Address: Josh C Vella, MD
  Vella Hand Surgery
  3200 E Camelback Rd
  Suite 180
  Phoenix, AZ 85018
• Website: www.vellahandsurgery.com
• Phone: 602 393 4263
• Email: tanya@vellahandsurgery.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/vellahandsurgery/
• Facebook: facebook.com/VellaHandSurgery/

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