Cara S. Weiner, MPA, PA-C

As a pulmonary and critical care physician, I am passionate about patient care. The healthcare system can be challenging to navigate. Patients often struggle to get answers to their questions. I collaborate with and advocate for my patients, helping them find the information and care they need to meet their goals. I combine my passion for patient care with a deep commitment to improving healthcare systems. In my clinical work and research, I identify new solutions that provide the best care. I am particularly interested in how technology can reduce barriers to care so that patients can get the care they need. My primary research uses data and experiences from past patient care to make future treatments better and more efficient. I lead multiple research and evaluation efforts related to the Veterans Affairs' electronic health record modernization efforts. I am also exploring how artificial intelligence can support and improve patient care. In all my work, I am driven by the desire to provide the highest standard of care. I aim to ensure that patients receive the most informed, up-to-date treatments.

As a member of the Orthopaedics team, my focus is on pediatric orthopaedic care. The pediatric population comes with great challenges and rewards as children grow and develop. What works for an adult patient may not be suitable for a child. My approach to orthopaedic care for children is conservative, preferring to exhaust all nonsurgical options before recommending surgery. When surgery is the best option, I provide the best evidence-based surgical treatments available. Children cannot take care of themselves, so it is crucial to have their parents engaged when formulating a treatment plan. I consider parents to be key and active members of our team and I strongly encourage family members to ask as many questions as possible when it comes to treating their child's condition. The very best part of my job is helping children get better so that they are able to return to their preinjury activities, whether that is sports, dance, gymnastics, horseback riding, or simply just getting back on their bikes. For children with special needs, this means exploring ways to maximize their function through conservative and, when necessary, surgical means. I have the privilege to take care of other people's children, and it is my strongest belief and approach that kids are kids first and patients second.

A sports medicine physician, Vermont Orthopaedic Clinic, located near Killington Ski Resort in Rutland, Vermont.