Karin A. Commeret, MD

I grew up playing baseball and lacrosse so I know the profound effect injuries can have on physical activities. My work in sports medicine allows me to share my interests with patients while helping them get back to the pastimes they love. There’s nothing more rewarding than that. As head team physician for Franklin Pierce University and the future head team physician for Keene State College, I have the opportunity to work with athletes of all ages and skill levels. I look forward to continuing to serve our great community. My goal with every patient is to develop an individualized treatment plan designed to improve their pain, maximize their function, and achieve their physical goals. This begins with compassionate care and patient education. That’s why I like to open every visit by asking what my patient’s goals are so I can better understand their needs. I take time to explain their injury and listen to their perspective. If patients leave my office feeling confident, I know I’ve done my job. When family members are involved, I often educate patients and their loved ones together so everyone understands their roles and how they can help. Collaboratively, we develop a plan of care, set expectations, and re-evaluate those expectations as we progress. Defining success depends on a patient’s goals. For some, success may look like a return to their sport of choice. For others, it may be walking pain-free. No matter the situation, it's often a vulnerable time for my patients. Helping them heal and grow strong again is the best part of my job.

I was drawn to the field of orthopaedics because it provides an opportunity to find solutions to many injuries and conditions that can allow for permanent healing and relief of pain. My goal at each visit is to discuss all available nonsurgical and surgical treatment options with my patients. Together we come up with a plan that they are comfortable and confident with. Seeing patients get back to participating in the activities they enjoy without pain is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in orthopaedics.

My goal is to help my patients understand their injury or diagnosis so that we can talk about the best treatment options. The right solution for each patient depends their activity level and what they want to achieve. Listening to my patients and understanding what bothers them most is so important. After we talk, I perform an exam, discuss the imaging they’ve had, and talk about the next steps. Sometimes, surgery is the right choice. Sometimes, non-surgical treatment is the best approach. I chose to specialize in hand and upper extremity surgery because of the complex anatomy. I love the variety in my work, and that I get to work with bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. I love being able to help people improve and get back to their jobs and activities they love to do. The most rewarding part of my job is watching people recover and improve.