Since September, patients requiring treatment for a variety of hand, wrist and elbow medical conditions, along with plastic and reconstructive surgery and joint replacement, can turn to Dr. Jesse Meaike, MD for treatment close to home.
Dr. Meaike is a graduate of Wisner-Pilger High School. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. He went on to earn degrees in Integrated Plastic Surgery from the Mayo Clinic Division of Plastic Surgery and completed a fellowship with Duke Orthopedic Hand, Upper Extremity and Microvascular Surgery from Duke University in North Carolina.
After the birth of his children, he and his wife realized the value of being close to family and made the move back to Nebraska.
"I want to be able to offer care similar to that which is available in larger cities in a rural area so people do not have to travel as far to receive treatment," Dr. Meaike said.
Dr. Meaike is part of the team with Regional Physician Services in Norfolk and sees patients at Providence Medical Center in Wayne on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.
He works with his senior partner, Dr. Tristan Hartzell, who also provides guidance for handling cases.
"People tend to minimize their conditions and there are a lot of common ailments in the hand. We have lots of good options that allow patients to enjoy daily activities comfortably," Dr. Meaike said.
Dr. Meaike said he tries to do as much of a patient's treatment here in Wayne as possible, although some bigger re-construction situations require a patient to go to Norfolk for treatment.
Many of the conditions Dr. Meaike deals with are very common and patients have been seeking treatment for many years. However, activities such as gaming and other computer use are putting additional stress on hands and wrists.
"The number of patients I am seeing is definitely picking up. I have seen a good mix of plastic surgery, breast reconstruction, wound care and treatment for skin cancer, Dr. Meaike said.
In his spare time, Dr. Meaike enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, who are seven years, four years and 16 months. He helps coach flag football and wants to get back to running.
"Moving back to Nebraska from North Carolina, it has been wonderful to have family so close," he said.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Meaike, contact the Providence Medical Center at (402) 375-7953 or the Norfolk office at (402) 844-8291.
