January 12, 2022
Meet Michael Sookochoff, MD
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist
Dr. Sookochoff specializes in the nonoperative evaluation and management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries in kids and adults, including sports injuries and spine conditions.
Where are you from? Anything fun/special about your hometown?
I’m originally from Little Current, Ontario, Canada though my family moved to Eagle River, WI when I was in grade school, so I consider myself to have two hometowns. Little Current is on Manitoulin Island where locals are referred to as “Haweaters” nicknamed after hawberries, which grow in abundance in the area. Eagle River is affectionately referred to as the “Snowmobile Capitol of the World” and hosts the annual World Championship Snowmobile Derby, which makes the town smell like exhaust for about a week.
What made you choose orthopedics as a specialty?
I’m trained in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with fellowship training in interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine. I initially learned of PM&R in medical school when I had tangential exposure to the specialty through another service. PM&R is a specialty focused on physical function and how body systems work together to maintain that function. It really is the cross-section of where orthopedics, neurology, kinesiology, and pain management meet. What’s not to love?
What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics? How long have you been with Washington University?
I came to WashU for residency in 2016 and have been here since. Through residency I was able to rotate with the musculoskeletal PM&R faculty and never looked back. I stayed on for my fellowship training and am thrilled to be staying on as faculty.
What aspect of your practice do you find most interesting or rewarding?
I think the aspect I find most rewarding is something that all physicians, regardless of specialty, seek -- there is nothing better than having a patient tell you that you made a positive difference in their lives. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to see a patient who is in pain or is struggling and be able to comfort them and implement a treatment plan that is ultimately effective for restoring function.
Are you working on any interesting clinical trials or studies right now?
We are in the process of submitting a review on non-operative management of pre-arthritic hip disorders. Hopefully this review will fuel future high-quality studies in the area.
What’s on the horizon for PM&R patient care? What are you excited about?
I think we will start seeing more of an emphasis on ultrasound as an extension of the physical exam, which is an exciting thought. If we can implement more technologies at the patient visit to improve our diagnoses and clinical decision making, we could potentially reduce burden from the patient and on an already overburdened medical system.
What’s the best thing about working and practicing at an academic medical center?
There are a few things that really motivated me to stay in academics. One is the ability to be on the forefront of our specialty and ensure that I’m practicing the most up-to-date medicine I can for my patients. At WashU, I savor the opportunity to work with such a wonderful group of colleagues who are curious and motivated. I am also excited to take a role in teaching with residents and medical students and help shape the future of our specialty through shared experience.
What’s the best advice you ever received and who/what was it from?
My parents taught me the importance of supporting your local community, the global community, and the planet. I always remind myself that my actions, however great or small, have an impact.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My wife would tell you I have too many hobbies! I would say my favorite thing is spending time with my family, followed closely by playing music and board games.
If you weren’t a doctor, what would you like to be doing?
I’d probably be a game-designing, guitar-playing, garden-loving theoretical physicist.
Anything else you'd like to share?
My wife, Cristina, and I recently celebrated the birth of our first child, Silvia, in October. Our cat, Stella, and dog, Andy, are still getting used the idea of having a little sister!
Dr. Sookochoff treats patients at the Center for Advanced Medicine - South County and the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield. Learn more about Dr. Sookochoff and why patients choose Washington University Orthopedics.