Meet Dr. Kirsten Hickie, the second of two new Orthopedic Surgeons to join the team at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH). A British Columbia native, Dr. Kirsten Hickie grew up among the mountains and lakes, and developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a strong sense of community. When the opportunity to join the Orthopedic team at KBRH presented itself, she felt it was an easy decision and fulfilled a dream of working in her home province.

Dr. Hickie officially began her journey here at KBRH this February. Having previously completed locums at KBRH in fall of 2022 and summer of 2023, she has already made connections with the staff and came to love the community and the surrounding area.

With a subspecialty in primary and revision hip and knee replacements, as well as sports knee surgeries such as meniscus, ACL reconstruction and patella instability, Dr. Hickie brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the orthopedic department at KBRH. Her passion for helping patients regain mobility and return to their active lifestyles drives her dedication to the field.

With fundraising for the Orthopedic Enhancement Project well underway, Dr. Hickie sees this project as a pivotal step forward for the hospital and the community it serves. The opportunity of bringing state-of-the-art equipment and implants to the Kootenays means that patients no longer have to travel long distances for specialized care. With access to cutting-edge tools and instruments, Dr. Hickie envisions shorter recovery times, reduced pain and improved outcomes for her patients.

Among the equipment acquired through the project, Dr. Hickie is particularly excited about a special positioning device for total knee replacements and the Hana table, which promise to modernize surgical techniques. These tools will not only enhance her ability to perform complex procedures but also allow for a more personalized approach to patient care.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Hickie is motivated to make a meaningful impact on her patients and the community. She firmly believes that physical activity is essential for both physical and mental well-being and sees herself as a facilitator in helping patients reclaim their active lifestyles. “An active community is a healthy community!”

But Dr. Hickie’s dedication to her work is matched only by her love for the great outdoors. When she isn’t in the hospital, you can often find her carving through fresh powder on her snowboard, gliding on her skis, exploring trails on her bike or pounding the pavement in her running shoes.

As Dr. Kirsten Hickie embarks on her surgical journey at KBRH, she remains dedicated to bringing better care closer to home, one patient at a time. With her passion and outdoorsy nature, she integrates well into the surgical team, contributing to advancements in orthopedic care and enhancing the vibrant communities of the Kootenay Boundary.