News Article

An Orthopedic Surgeon Reflects on the Staples Community

Wednesday, December 31, 1969

Two years ago, Dr. Amy Lelwica was a fresh new face in the Staples area; specifically at Lakewood Health System. Lelwica, an Orthopedic Surgeon from Northern Orthopedics, brought her expertise to Lakewood as part of an ongoing outreach program between Northern Orthopedics and Staples that spans more than 30 years.

“My Father is Dr. Peter Schmitz. He founded Northern Orthopedics in 1975 and was instrumental in bringing outreach care to Staples and other communities near the Brainerd Lakes area,” explained Lelwica.

Dr. Lelwica has certainly followed in her Father’s footsteps. She chose medicine as her profession; selected orthopedics as her specialty; and has cared for members of the same Staples-area families that her Father cared for going all the way back to the 1970s. “It’s a good feeling being part of a tradition like that. Plus, at Lakewood I was part of a hospital system that my Father-in-Law Dr. Ted Lelwica helped found many years ago. That’s rewarding too,” Lelwica said.

As area communities grow and evolve, so does Northern Orthopedics’ outreach strategy. That sometimes requires changes in personnel at outreach locations, and it’s the reason why Dr. Lelwica will be moving on from Staples to bring her talents and passion for orthopedic medicine to residents in the Onamia area.

“It’s a very bittersweet change,” said Lelwica. “My time and patients in Staples have been wonderful, and it will be hard to leave. But new challenges are always exciting too. I owe a large debt of gratitude to Staples, Lakewood Health System and my patients for helping to make me a better surgeon,” she added.

Residents of the Staples area in need of orthopedic surgery and related care can rest assured that Northern Orthopedics will retain their presence at Lakewood Health System. Orthopedic Surgeons Dr. Paul Rud and Dr. Christopher Metz will work as a seasoned team at Lakewood – at least two days per week. Appointments can be made by calling 218-894-1515.

When asked for a final comment about her move from Lakewood Health System and Staples, Dr. Lelwica smiled and predicted “perhaps one day my children will pursue orthopedic surgery and participate as the third generation of the outreach program in Staples. That would make me happy and very, very proud.”

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Meet our Specialists

Christopher M. Metz, MD

Originally from the Twin Cities, Dr. Metz came on board in 1998 following his studies at the University of Minnesota and residency at the University of Michigan.

Robert L. Brown, MD

Dr. Brown grew up in Minnetonka, studied at the University of Minnesota and completed his orthopedic residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 1986.

Paul D. Thompson, MD

Alexandria, Minnesota was Dr. Thompson's hometown before studying at the University of North Dakota. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 2001 following his residency in Michigan.

Benjamin D. Robertson, MD

Studies at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Oslo [Norway] Medical School led Dr. Robertson to completion of his residency at the University of Minnesota. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 2007.

Amy E. Lelwica, MD

Dr. Lelwica grew up right here in Brainerd, MN and has practiced at Northern Orthopedics since 2008. Prior to that, she studied at the University of Minnesota and completed her orthopedic residency there too.

Paul T. Rud, MD

After graduating from the University of Minnesota and Finishing his residency in Michigan, Minnesotanative Dr. Rud joined the Northern Orthopedics team in 1993.