Dr. Alexis Shelokov passed away of a heart attack while mountain biking in Colorado this past week (reported by the Daily Planet) This man was many things to many people. He has changed so many peoples' lives in so many ways.To me personally, he was the one physician who looked at my unique situation and knew a logical way to improve it. As a child I grew up with scoliosis wearing a back brace to prevent a worsening curve. Ultimately, I still ended up having scoliosis corrective surgery by Dr. Walter Bobechko (also deceased from cancer), which was successful and left me pain free. In 2007, as a result of a car accident, the Harrington rod in my back broke and was surgically removed. Overtime, scoliosis reappeared along with kyphosis and degenerating disc leaving me in a lot of pain. I was having a hard time locating a physician who had experience with a similar situation who would be able to guide me in the right direction.
My father participates in triathlons and marathons. During a biking event, he met a woman who raved about Dr. Shelokov and the ways that her corrective surgery improved her life allowing her to be very active. When I contacted Dr. Shelokov's office to inquire about their knowledge with my situation, I was impressed with the office staffs' immense knowledge and scheduled an appointment. After reviewing everything, we decided that surgery was the best route to go.
Dr. Shelokov was so helpful with the entire process. I was set to begin nursing school in 4 months and he worked wonders to get me squeezed into the surgical schedule to make that possible. He had many admirable qualities, but his great attitude and attention to his patients was at the top of the list. I also admired his honesty during the entire pre-op process. He told you his entire statistical history with past patients so that you knew the surgical risks up front. I will always remember how he explained that surgeons are people just like everyone else and that one tiny slip could alter the entire surgery. How many pre-ops have you gone to where the surgeon was this blunt and up-front about everything?
With the help of Dr. Shelokov and his physicians assistant (Eric) and staff, I have officially made it almost to my one year mark post surgery. I am thankful for the improvement in my quality of life compared to almost a year ago. I thank God for opening the doors that led me to him as my surgeon.
Dr. Alexis Shelokov, even at the young age of 55 years old, would truly be able to say that he had a fulfilling life in which he touched so many people in so many ways. My heart goes out to his wife and children in this hard time as well as his close present and past colleagues. The work that he has done with scoliosis is groundbreaking and hopefully continues on with future physicians.
My father participates in triathlons and marathons. During a biking event, he met a woman who raved about Dr. Shelokov and the ways that her corrective surgery improved her life allowing her to be very active. When I contacted Dr. Shelokov's office to inquire about their knowledge with my situation, I was impressed with the office staffs' immense knowledge and scheduled an appointment. After reviewing everything, we decided that surgery was the best route to go.
Dr. Shelokov was so helpful with the entire process. I was set to begin nursing school in 4 months and he worked wonders to get me squeezed into the surgical schedule to make that possible. He had many admirable qualities, but his great attitude and attention to his patients was at the top of the list. I also admired his honesty during the entire pre-op process. He told you his entire statistical history with past patients so that you knew the surgical risks up front. I will always remember how he explained that surgeons are people just like everyone else and that one tiny slip could alter the entire surgery. How many pre-ops have you gone to where the surgeon was this blunt and up-front about everything?
With the help of Dr. Shelokov and his physicians assistant (Eric) and staff, I have officially made it almost to my one year mark post surgery. I am thankful for the improvement in my quality of life compared to almost a year ago. I thank God for opening the doors that led me to him as my surgeon.
Dr. Alexis Shelokov, even at the young age of 55 years old, would truly be able to say that he had a fulfilling life in which he touched so many people in so many ways. My heart goes out to his wife and children in this hard time as well as his close present and past colleagues. The work that he has done with scoliosis is groundbreaking and hopefully continues on with future physicians.
4 comments:
Dr. Shelokov changed my life too. I had my surgery January 15 of this year, and I was so shocked and upset upon learning of his death. He was a great man, and he will forever have a place in my heart, for he gave me my life back. I hate that his is gone. Rest in peace, Dr. S.
I had my surgery in 2002 by him and I am too deeply saddened by his sudden death! I am glad that you got the chance to have your surgery done by him!
Gosh I dont even know where to begin, my daughters Sara was a patient of Dr. Shelekov during her senior year of school. It was a difficult time for her but after several failed attempts, she finally fused and went on to college. Dr. Shelekov went above and beyond for her, often times mentoring her about boys, grades, school and SO MUCH more! My daughter is really depressed and upset by his untimely death. I pray that his legacy will continue, and thank him for all that he did for my family.
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