Warren Memorial Hospital Repeats High Honor by Earning Gold Seal of Approval for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Programs

Certification from The Joint Commission and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Affirms Consistent Quality, Patient Focus

For the second cycle running, Valley Health Warren Memorial Hospital (WMH) has earned the Gold Seal of Approval^® for Total Knee Replacement and Total Hip Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission (TJC).

Awarded in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the two-year certification attests to the quality of the total joint program at WMH, from pre-surgical orthopedic consultation and patient education to surgery, pain management, rehabilitation, and follow-up. The review process included interviews with team members and evaluated compliance with certification standards developed in consultation with health care experts, providers and patients.

“This recognition from The Joint Commission truly reflects the differentiated level of orthopedic care we offer here at Warren Memorial Hospital,” said WMH Administrator Jennifer Coello, MHA. “We offer patients in our community high quality, safe and effective orthopedic care in a convenient, contemporary setting close to home. I take pride in our program’s continued demonstration of quality and am grateful for the multidisciplinary team of clinicians who make this level of care possible.”

Mesfin Shibeshi, DO and his partner Erik Mitchell, DO, perform orthopedic surgeries at WMH, in a large, contemporary surgical suite within the hospital. Along with Ria Philpott, PA, they see patients in their clinic at Front Royal Family Practice and Multispecialty Clinic | Valley Health, which adjoins the hospital. Dr. Mitchell is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, including ACL reconstruction, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, hip, knee and shoulder arthroscopy, and shoulder joint replacement. Dr. Shibeshi is a fellowship-trained adult reconstruction specialist who focuses on primary and revision total knee and hip replacement, as well as arthritis, trauma and fracture care.

“This repeated validation of the quality of our program from The Joint Commission reflects the collaborative efforts of a large team of care providers at our facility,” said Mesfin Shibeshi, DO. “From our orthopedic surgeons and advanced practice provider, to the OR team, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, case management and more, we have a dedicated group of care providers who prioritize the needs of our patients and ensure they are supported during every step of their total joint replacement journey.”

Utilizing robot-assisted procedures for total knee replacement, Dr. Shibeshi is able to create a 3D model of a patient’s knee before surgery, allowing for precise planning of incisions and implant placement. The robotic surgical technology offers a level of personalization and precision that can limit soft tissue damage, preserve bone and reduce post-surgical pain for some patients. Dr. Shibeshi uses this technology to aid in same-day total knee reconstruction procedures at Warren Memorial Hospital, as well as complex knee replacement cases. Dr. Shibeshi began offering robotic-assisted total knee replacement at WMH in early 2022 and has now completed more than 250 robotic cases at the facility.

Instructor Mackenzie Ross leads a group of patients attending the Total Joint Class prior to surgery.

A hallmark of the total joint program at WMH is the pre-operative patient education offered on site. Patients preparing to have a knee or hip replacement at WMH are invited to attend a Total Joint Class prior to their scheduled surgery, where they receive a Patient Guide to Total Joint Replacement and learn from an instructor in a classroom setting about how to prepare for their procedure and steps to take at home after their surgery.

“This one-on-one level of personalized care really makes a difference for our patients,” said Dr. Shibeshi. “They truly have a team of people in their corner, working with them through each step of their care journey — from pre-surgical education, to surgery, recovery and rehabilitation.”

Warren Memorial Hospital has two outpatient rehabilitation facilities to support patients regaining their strength and function following a total joint replacement. Warren Memorial Hospital Physical Therapy and Sports Performance is located adjacent to the main entrance of the hospital. Warren Memorial Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation is conveniently located on Commerce Avenue in Front Royal.