Pasionate about his handiwork: Carpentry and orthopedics go together for this QC physician

Meet ORA Orthopedics’ Dr. Andrew Bries in this “Why I Move” profile and find out what intrigues him about the level of craftsmanship required to excel in both carpentry and orthopedic surgery.

For Iowa native Dr. Andrew Bries, working with his gifted hands is both his profession and his hobby. Find out more what moves Dr. Bries in our monthly What Moves Me feature.

Meet ORA Orthopedics Surgeon: Dr.Andrew Bries

Name:

Dr. Andrew Bries, ORA Orthopedics

Years in Practice:

4

Specialty:

Sports Medicine and Shoulder Reconstruction

Tell us about your hobby in carpentry and woodworking.

I started woodworking with my dad when I was in 4-H. I also came from a do-it-yourself family, so I truly appreciate the time and hard work that goes into a project.

I’ve built a dresser, kitchen table, toy and jewelry boxes for my children, nephews and nieces, as well as doll beds, and even a decorative family tree that hangs in my house from an actual tree from my family’s farm. Orthopedics really does have crossover with woodworking. I joke with my family that “I’m just a glorified carpenter.” Many of the mechanics of fracture work are the same as building a piece of furniture.

When not at the office….

I like to workout, bike, play with my kids and continue to dabble a bit in woodworking. I’m currently and very slowly working on a desk for my home office.

Favorite movie:

My favorite is the Lord of the Rings series. The scenery is amazing and the director did an excellent job of portraying it as I pictured it to be. When I watch movies I enjoy escaping to another world, and Peter Jackson did a superb job allowing the viewer to do so.

Time well spent:

I love spending time with my kids and family. I really enjoy vacations away from home where there are no distractions so we are just focused on each other.

Where would you like to travel, but have never been?

I’d love to see the Egyptian pyramids and travel to Italy to see all the history there.

What made you decide to become a doctor and specifically an orthopedic physician?

Dr. Andrew Bries enjoys working out and bike-riding as well as the time he spends in his woodshop.

What do you like best about practicing medicine?

I like to make a difference in people’s lives. I also think it’s pretty cool that I get to put people back together when they are broken.

What piece of advice do you wish your patients would take to heart?

Realize that you are part of your care team and without your active participation in your care, you will not likely have the result you desire.

What inspires you most about your patients?

Their drive to get better and back to their normal lives.

Meet ORA Orthopedics Surgeon: Dr.Andrew Bries

Name:

Dr. Andrew Bries, ORA Orthopedics

Years in Practice:

Specialty:

Tell us about your hobby in carpentry and woodworking.

When not at the office….

Favorite movie:

Time well spent:

Where would you like to travel, but have never been?

What made you decide to become a doctor and specifically an orthopedic physician?

Dr. Andrew Bries enjoys working out and bike-riding as well as the time he spends in his woodshop.

What do you like best about practicing medicine?

What piece of advice do you wish your patients would take to heart?

What inspires you most about your patients?