Charles F Leinberry, MD

What a disappointing experience. My right thumb on my hand had been bothering me 3 weeks since I was a passenger in car accident. I debated about going to a doctor since the pain was not severe and would come and go. However, I am right handed and I spend almost all day typing on a computer for work and noticed it was sore after a long day of work, plus it was sore after I was pulling a suitcase. Dr. Leinberry spent about 30 seconds with me — took a quick look at the x-​rays, moved it a bit… he didn’t hear a click, I did and said it was sprain, and that I did not need to do anything. He said I could get a neosprene or custom made splint if I wanted, and that I should be healed in 6 weeks and maximum 6 months. He seemed incredibly distracted and disinterested in my case… if I could read his mind it was like he was saying «why are you wasting my time with this…». I am not a hypochondriac and I do not run to the doctor for every little thing.
One positive thing… the rest of the staff (receptionist, radiologist and nurse) were incredibly friendly and helpful. I can see that it is tough to do in the busy Rothman environment.
I was really surprised with my experience because I have heard glowing reviews from other people about this practice.

We all know Philly is a hub for good medicine. Rothman Institute brings the best of sports and orthopedic medicine to the table. I’ve been to them twice-​once for a long standing problem, and more recently for a fractured hand. Dr. Leinberry, a specialist in hands (surgery and sport’s injury) is an engineer’s brain devoted to treating your problem appropriately. The ER doc in Canada (when i saw them emergently after a kayaking incident) said i might need a pin. When i returned to the US early, Dr. Leinberry got me into the office immediately after i returned, saw me before his surgical schedule on a Thursday. He was initially stand-​offish as he decided what to do with me. After Xrays with the cast on, cast off to see the motion of my hand while making a fist, some prodding and pain, but then an honest human appraisal: no surgery, hurts for a while, no cast, here is some PT for you to do-​be in control of your own healing. Oh, and look, this is what your hand will look like: little bump over your healed oblique fracture of your dominant ring finger metacarpal, but easy peasy given the alternatives.
Given i had already fished and swam with a poorly fitted cast on my arm, it gave me a sigh of relief.
Thanks to a really awesome surgeon who didn’t run right to surgery. I really appreciate him and feel like he deserves the accolades for good communication, treating me like a human being once he got through the engineer minded «i need to figure out what’s happening here to make sure i have it all right.» I feel as though there are few docs who can appeal to both my head as a fellow health care provider, and my fears with my first appendage fracture.