Hip fractures are a major health concern for older people – those age 65 and over – especially for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Each year, more than 300,000 older adults are hospitalized for hip fractures, and many do not recover.

In November, William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital underwent a rigorous onsite review, in which Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management and delivering and facilitating outstanding clinical care.

The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that signifies a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care, and in this case reflects on UTSW’s Returning Seniors to Orthopedic Excellence (RESTORE) Program, directed by Megan Sorich, D.O.

“We are very excited that the RESTORE program has been recognized for this certification,” Dr. Sorich said. “It’s a true multidisciplinary collaboration that’s co-managed across many departments. Together, our team members strive to provide the highest level of care and the very best outcomes for our hip fracture patients.”

Led by Dr. Megan Sorich, who had special fellowship training in orthopedic geriatric trauma, RESTORE is the only program in North Texas focusing on the musculoskeletal health of older people and consolidates clinical efforts across UTSW Departments including Geriatric Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Clinical Nutrition, and Physical Therapy. The program launched in early 2021.