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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Chilton County residents with hip pain will soon have an option closer to home to receive a diagnosis.

Dr. James “Rusty” Bowman of St. Vincent’s Orthopedics will be coming to the Clanton location one Friday a month starting July 10 to see hip patients.

“I think it would be a good service to have to the community,” Bowman said.

There are already 10 patients scheduled for that day.

Bowman specializes in knee and hip replacement surgery. However, he said there are a number of hip issues that could cause pain that could be addressed without surgery.

“There are non-operative things that we can do,” Bowman said. “Most times if someone has an end stage arthritis in their hip, and they have gotten to the point where it is negatively affecting their quality of life there is nothing short of a surgery that can help them in the long-term.”

He said other issues, if caught early enough, can be treated.

“Many times, people just want a diagnosis of why they are having pain,” Bowman said.

Giving an option closer to home means those in pain will not have to drive as far to see a specialist.

Any patient’s needing surgery would go to the Birmingham location but could do pre-surgery consultations and post-surgery rehabilitation in Clanton.

Bowman has been with St. Vincent’s Orthopedics for nearly three years. Prior to that, he completed a year-long fellowship at the University of Colorado after his orthopedic residency at UAB.

Bowman’s initial interest in medicine came from his grandfather being an orthopedic surgeon.

“I have always been a pretty curious person,” Bowman said.

This took a mechanical bend as he enjoyed working on cares and construction. He also enjoyed biology. As a high school student, he began studying sports medicine. These interests and experiences led to his chosen field.

For appointment availability, contact St. Vincent’s Orthopedics at 205-933-7838.