Dr. Ryan Pokorney shares his love of family, medicine, and beer brewing!

Meet ORA Orthopedics Surgeon: Dr. Ryan Pokorney

Name: Ryan Pokorney

Years in Practice:  3

Ryan Pokorney, ORA Orthopedics

Specialty: Fellowship trained in total joint replacement

Hometown: Yankton, SD

Favorite Quote:

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

What’s your favorite book or movie?

I enjoy reading journals. I don’t have a favorite movie, but over the last decade, the Marvel movie franchise has been good.

How do you like to spend your weekends?

I spend my weekends with my family. In the summer we can be found at the pool. In the cooler months, we take day trips to explore the area.

What are your interests/activities outside work?

I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, playing sports like golf, basketball and pickle ball. I also brew beer, watch movies and travel when we can.

You mentioned beer brewing. How did you get started?

I always had an interest in brewing beer, but when I moved to Iowa, I started brewing and found I was good at it. It is also fun experimenting with it to see what works well.

What kinds of beers do you like to brew?

I enjoy all types of beer but my favorites are NEIPA, IPA, stout, sours, barrel aged stouts, and Pilsner. It goes on but these are the top ones I like.

What do you enjoy most about brewing?

The thing I like the most about brewing is the research and experimentation that I can do. When I make a good beer, I enjoy the satisfaction of knowing it turned well.

Name one person you would like to meet.

Abraham Lincoln, to discuss his time in politics, and how he managed one of the most difficult times in our history.

Where would you most like to travel?

I would like to travel to Europe. There are so many interesting countries to visit and learn from.

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

I always enjoyed biology and anatomy, and I wanted to improve the lives of others. Orthopedics is a great discipline for enhancing comfort, mobility, and independence.

What do you like best about practicing medicine?

I enjoy my interactions with patients. I like the ability to problem solve, and I enjoy operating.

What inspires you most about your patients?

My inspiration comes from seeing a patient who has been living in pain and misery gain new comfort through treatment.

If there is one piece of advice you wish your patients would take to heart, what is it?

Trust us to put your interests first and foremost!