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Hernando Today

Dr. Jason Likes It Where It's Warm

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: February 4, 2009

SPRING HILL - Dr. William Jason feels like he is practicing sports medicine again.

While an orthopedic specialist in Scranton, Pa., he often had to deal with injuries related to slipping on ice or shoveling snow.

Down here, people come to see him after they have strained their backs from a golf swing or fallen off a ladder while fixing their houses. Either way, people seem to be more vigorous in Florida.

"I used to have to deal with ankles, hips and other injuries that were weather related," Dr. Jason said. "Here, people are more active. They're decorating their house or working in the garden."

The Harvard graduate moved his practice in December from snowy Pennsylvania to sunny Spring Hill.

Years earlier, the Pittsburgh native chose to remain close to family in Scranton. Before long, he grew tired of the sight of snow. It was time for something new. He wanted to experience life on the flipside of snow bird season.

Dr. Jason, who has been practicing medicine for 11 years, soon discovered the persuasive power of the recruiters from Health Management Associates - which operates Brooksville and Spring Hill Regional hospitals. They coaxed him to move to the area.

He also performs surgery at Oak Hill Hospital and All Saints Surgery Center.

"They have very good equipment here," he said of the local facilities. "They're willing to let me personalize the type of equipment I use."

At his office, Dr. Jason offers new digital X-rays, a casting room and an electronic medical record system - not to mention new furniture and a household pet.

His Jack Russell terrier - named Ody - had always joined the doctor in his office. He decided some time later to certify him as a therapy dog.

"It was retroactive," he said.

Dr. Jason's lobby area comes with a variety of magazines - including Rolling Stone - and a big-screen TV with basic cable.

He started his new practice "from scratch" and has two staffers working for him. He hopes to add one or two more in the coming months.

His desire to become an orthopedic surgeon came about at a young age, Jason said. He has been an athlete all his life.

The soccer-related injuries he suffered caused him to regularly visit an orthopedic specialist. He had four surgeries on his knee.

"My doctor was an orthopedist anyway," he joked. "That had a lot to do with it."

While at Harvard, Dr. Jason majored in pre-med, as well as government and political philosophy. He attended medical school at Columbia University and served his residency at University of California, Los Angeles. He had a fellowship in Salt Lake City before moving to Pennsylvania.

He specializes in advanced techniques associated with joint replacements and shoulder and knee arthroscopy.

"I decided I needed a change of lifestyle and weather," he said about his move to Spring Hill. "At the age of 45, it was either move somewhere else or stay and retire in Scranton."

He opted for the warmth and the abundance of golf courses, he said.

Biz at a glance:

Name of biz - North Tampa Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

Name of doctor - Dr. William Jason

Where he practices - 320 Medical Blvd., Suite 209, Spring Hill

Get in touch - 352-683-0007

E-mail - drjason@northtampaortho.com

On the Web - www.northtampaortho.com

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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