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1815 South Clinton Ave
Rochester, NY, 14618.
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Tomaino Arm Care Network

Dr. Tomaino's Blog

Mind, Body AND Soul

November 2nd, 2008
I was privileged this past thursday to perform a complex revision surgery on a woman from some 100 miles away who has not been able to raise her arm above waist level for 10 years, despite some 7 previous operations. I placed a new Reversed Shoulder Prosthesis, transfered some tendons, and rebuilt both her "socket" and her arm bone.

When I met her in the Holding area, she asked if I would pray with her and her family before moving into the operating room. And so I held her hand, listened to her prayer, and then offered my own words. This was a special moment. I had previously reflected, myself; asking for "guidance" throughout the day so that I might do my best.......She, too, was "soulful" and it was a gift to share that moment.

My highschool ring from McQuaid--a Jesuit School here in Rochester--has the initials A.M.D.G on one side. Ad maiorem Dei gloriam (AMDG) is the motto of the Society of Jesus--the Jesuits. In Latin, the motto means "For the greater glory of God" and is believed to have been coined by the founder of the religious order, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, as a cornerstone of the society's philosophy.

My own awareness of the gravity of my work and its impact on my patients is, in part, bundled with my humble appreciation of a greater mission (AMDG).

To have the opportunity to connect spiritually with my patients, and their families--notwithstanding the import of "treating the mind" through thoughtful dialogue regarding options and outcomes AND "the body" through precise and careful surgery--is SPECIAL.

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