In service to one who served

Photo courtesy of Duane Rodriguez

Veteran praises Ozarks Healthcare for exceptional spine surgery and compassionate care

New York–born Duane Rodriguez decided early in life to serve his country, joining the U.S. Army at age 17. Over 16 years, he protected the freedoms of his homeland before an injury ended his military career.

That injury, the result of a 28-foot fall that compressed his spinal column, left Rodriguez with lasting back problems. When he moved to West Plains 15 years ago, finding skilled medical providers became essential to his quality of life.

"I've used Ozarks Healthcare for years now, being that I'm a disabled veteran," Rodriguez said. "They have me on what's called the Community Care program, where I don’t go to VA hospitals anymore. I go to my local hospital, and the Veterans Administration pays for it."

When his pain worsened, the VA referred him to Ozarks Healthcare orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Troy Caron. Rodriguez underwent a laminectomy earlier this year after a first attempt was postponed due to a heart condition.

"Dr. Caron is a highly skilled surgeon; he did the operation and I had absolutely no problems. My back pain was gone," Rodriguez said. "He knows what he's doing, and I personally feel he's a great asset for the Ozarks Healthcare staff. He's very caring and has a great bedside manner."

Rodriguez emphasized that his positive experiences extended beyond one physician. "It's not just Dr. Caron and his nurse, Ashtin. In my opinion, Ozarks Healthcare has a very professional staff. I can’t say I’ve ever had one issue with the direct caregivers. I have much respect for them."

His pride in the hospital is personal, too—both of his children work at Ozarks Healthcare. "My daughter, Maria Eskandar, is a family nurse practitioner, and my son, Bucky Rodriguez, is an ICU nurse," he said. "So not only did I have the hospital staff checking on me, but I had my children, who are also healthcare professionals, taking time to check on me. I was very well cared for."

Reflecting on his many visits, Rodriguez said his experiences have consistently been positive. "Basically every experience I’ve had with Ozarks Healthcare has gone very well. If somebody is complaining to me about Ozarks Healthcare, they’re basically talking to the wrong guy."