I fell off a ladder and broke my left hip last week. I'm a 78 year old retired grandpa with multiple medical issues including high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, on blood thinners, a stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer survivor, I've had two brain shunts for hydrocephalus. After my fall on Thursday, I was rushed to St Josephs Medical Center in Burbank by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics. My family physician, Dr Mark Gerard, directed my therapy. He contacted renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr Shahan V Yacobian, who agreed to operate on me the next day. The surgery to repair my broken femur (hip) went extremely well. With minimal bleeding and pain, I was up in and walking that afternoon. The nurses and staff at Providence St Josephs Medical Center in Burbank were knowledgeable, kind, and attentive. The day after surgery they instructed me on negotiating stairs, using a walker and cane, and helping me make the most of my newly handicapped condition. There are many to thank for the excellent care I received: LAFD Paramedics for treating me at the scene of the accident and driving me to the hospital, Dr Mark Gerard and staff for coordinating my treatment behind the scene and at the hospital, Dr Shahan Yacobian for performing a complicated total hip replacement within 24 hours of the accident, and the nurses and technicians at Providence St Josephs Medical Center in Burbank. read more