1. After numerous appointments, struggles, and physical therapy sessions, the first group to complete
the Touchstone Orthopaedic program reunited for a luncheon on Friday, June 12, 2015 to celebrate
their success. Patients and their program coaches came together at the luncheon to share their
experiences and give feedback to the team on what worked for them and what could be improved
upon.
Dr. Travis Stoner and Josh Reiners, PA-C welcomed each patient as they walked in the door with
personalized greetings as if they’ve known each other their whole life. In fact, they always emphasize
that patients are part of the family.
Stoner got up in front of the group and expressed his
gratitude to all of the patients for choosing the Touchstone
program and for helping the Fillmore County Hospital
toward its goal to become the best in orthopaedic care. He
also thanked the staff members who were in attendance for
all of the hard work done behind the scenes that allows the
program to succeed. “I was born in Nebraska; raised in
Nebraska. And the way we celebrate is food!” joked Stoner.
His heartfelt greeting could only be ended in a humorous
manner, as is the approach of the entire Touchstone team.
“It’s a free for all! No food fights, though!” he exclaims with
a mischievous grin across his face.
The meal, catered by Kerry’s Restaurant, was a hit and
the room was filled laughter and story-telling. The patients
interacted with fellow program members, staff, and Dr.
Stoner and Reiners throughout the meal. The tone of the
luncheon was as if the family was together for a Thanks-
giving meal in the middle of June!
Marcus Ruhl, the Touchstone Orthopaedic Care Coordina-
tor, was in the spotlight next. He conducted a brief focus
group after the meal, asking questions about each
patients experience and what could be improved upon. All
of the patients have gotten to know Marcus extremely well
throughout the program, as he provides education and genuine thoughtfulness in all aspects of a joint
replacement surgery.
The first question of the focus group was to name activities that the patients are capable of doing now
that it is no longer painful. One patient’s husband teasingly states, “House cleaning!” Most of the
patients had something to share on this question because they had been missing out of life’s activi-
ties while in pain. Another woman spoke up saying, “After 10 years of walking up stairs one step at a
Luncheon: June 12, 2015

2. The Touchstone Orthopaedic team got excellent feedback from the group about what to change in the
future and what should be kept in the program. Each patient spoke up at one point giving praise to
the team saying “I knew you really cared” and “It (the joint replacement surgery program) is not a
production line”.
Dr. Stoner, Josh Reiners, Marcus Ruhl, and the rest of the Touchstone Orthopaedic team is looking
forward to future reunion luncheons and continuing to strive to be the best in orthopaedic care across
the region! What better place to have a joint replacement surgery than in your backyard at Fillmore
County Hospital.
time, I can now walk up stairs the normal way.” Furthermore, most members of our surrounding rural
communities drive pick-ups and sedans, which are elevated and difficult to get in and out of. One
patient was ecstatic that she no longer needed assistance getting into a vehicle.