TYM FRANK
CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Division:
Arthroscopy
Site:
Fraser – Burnaby Hospital
Dr. Tym Frank is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the UBC Department of Orthopaedics and an Orthopaedic Upper Limb Surgeon at Burnaby Hospital. Dr. Frank completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at UBC in 2016 and went on to complete two clinical fellowships: the first focusing on upper limb arthroscopy and reconstruction and the second on upper limb reconstruction and trauma.
Can you share a little bit about your educational background and journey, and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Calgary and went to McGill University for my undergraduate degree where I also played varsity volleyball. I then went to Toronto for medical school and came back out west to UBC for orthopaedic surgery residency. I did one fellowship at the Hand and Upper Limb Centre in London, Ontario focusing on upper limb arthroscopy and reconstruction and a second at Sunnybrook in Toronto for upper limb reconstruction and trauma. After training, I was fortunate to be able to return to Vancouver to work alongside my old teachers and colleagues at Burnaby Hospital.
What inspired you to work in orthopaedics, specifically Arthroscopy?
My father was an orthopaedic surgeon and it was fairly obvious to tell that he loved his work, which is the main reason that I gravitated towards the field. I chose upper limb surgery mostly because I had a group of excellent mentors in my residency training that showed me the diversity of pathology, techniques and the technical challenge associated with the field. I’ve enjoyed incorporating more complex arthroscopic techniques in my practice as time goes on and as more vanguard surgeons push the boundaries of what can be accomplished through an arthroscope.
What impact would you like to see your work have on patients, communities and society at large?
The orthopaedic care that I provide can have a lasting impact on individual patients and their families, which is very fulfilling. Orthopaedic education and leadership have tremendous potential to significantly impact entire communities, and I take pride in advocating for my patients and their care, and the future of orthopaedic education excellence within UBC.
What excites you most about your work? What are you most proud of?
I love when I can create a surgical plan with a patient, and the planned implementation is perfectly executed. When I get to see the outcomes translate into improved patient satisfaction and care, that’s just the best and certainly something that I can say I’m proud of. I also love educating patients on their pathology, but it is always interesting when patients ask questions that are not yet known…it seems to push to envelope for me to always be learning.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to current trainees?
Attitude is paramount. Any experience in training or practice, whether positive or negative, can be shaped by attitude and can be significantly enhanced if you always maintain your curiosity.
When you’re not working, where can we find you?
Spending time with my new baby daughter or tinkering around in the woodshop.
