Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Hribar at the Grove City Medical Center was the first orthopedic surgeon in the region to use a new replacement knee developed and produced by Smith Nephew.

"I am very impressed with many of the qualities of this knee," said Dr. Hribar.

The new knee, named the "Journey" by Smith Nephew, more closely assimilates the function of a natural knee than previous replacement joints, and is also designed to have a longer life span.

Last summer, the Center for Wound Healing at Grove City Medical Center opened in the hospital's Physical Therapy Department under the direction of Dr. Thomas Serena.

Chronic wounds caused by diabetes, poor circulation and other conditions keep nearly five million Americans from doing the things they love. In recent years, the American Diabetes Association has published statistics that show a growing need for medical centers that specialize in multi-disciplinary approach to deep wound care.

2.5 million people suffer from pressure ulcers

1 million people have circulatory ulcers

15 percent of all diabetes will develop chronic wounds

Patients with diabetes have a 15-fold increase in the risk of amputation

About 60,000 people with diabetes undergo amputation each year

One-half of all diabetics have or will develop neuropathy, which can lead to injuries, chronic infections, or amputations

Dr. Serena is a graduate of The College of William and Mary and Penn State Medical School. He completed his residency in surgery at The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center with fellowship training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Southern Illinois University.

He is a professor at Gannon University in Erie, where he has established a research program and developed an acute wound-healing model.

Along with Grove City Medical Center, he operates 10 clinics in Western Pennsylvania.

Kim Earman, certified wound specialist, oversees the day-to-day operations of the wound center.

New physicians on the staff of the Grove City Medical Center are Dr. Charles G. Majchrzak Jr., Dr. Christopher Sprando and Dr. Susan T. Federoff.

Dr. Majchrzak is a board certified general surgeon. He was educated and trained at Gannon University, Hahnemann University and Guthrie Clinic/Robert Packer Hospital. His office is at 410 Hillcrest Ave., Grove City.

Dr. Sprando is a family practice physician. He was educated and trained at University of Pittsburgh and UPMC St. Margaret Hospital. His office is at 420 Hillcrest Ave., Grove City.

Dr. Federoff is a family practice physician. She was educated and trained at the University of Pittsburgh, the Dartmouth Medical School, Brown University and the Forbes Regional Health Center. Her office is at 321 E. Mercer St., Harrisville.