Returning to His Roots: Dr. Anthony Mustovich’s Journey from Military Medicine to Pittsburgh’s Orthopedic Care

By Daniel Casciato

Dr. Anthony Mustovich's journey to becoming a distinguished orthopedic surgeon is deeply rooted in his blue-collar western Pennsylvania upbringing. Growing up working with his father as a contractor, he developed a passion for working with his hands, which naturally led him to the field of orthopedics. "As an orthopedic surgeon, I enjoy getting my patients back to doing things they enjoy, restoring their function, reducing their pain, and overall improving quality of life,” he says, emphasizing the immediate positive impact he has on their lives.

His previous tenure as an orthopedic surgeon at Bassett Army Community Hospital in Fort Wainwright, AK, and later as an army flight surgeon, was marked by treating sports-related injuries and maintaining the health of pilots.

Reflecting on this period, he recalls, "I got to see firsthand the amazing things our brave men and women can do while serving their country."

This experience instilled in him a deep respect for the resilience and dedication of soldiers, shaping his approach to patient care.

In his civilian practice, Dr. Mustovich encounters various orthopedic issues, with sports-related injuries, hip, knee, and shoulder arthritis, and broken bones being the most common. He tailors treatment plans to each patient's unique needs, drawing from his background in osteopathic medicine, which emphasizes treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

"Each patient is unique. We all have different backgrounds, activity levels, goals, occupations, and as a result, ‘one size fits all’ does not always work," he explains. His holistic approach ensures that his patients receive comprehensive care that addresses their physical ailments and overall well-being.

Dr. Mustovich is particularly excited about advancements in orthobiologics, AI, and robotics, and he continually seeks ways to incorporate these technologies into his practice. "These are all tools that I use and incorporate into my practice, but also I'm always looking for ways to add new advancements and technologies to always deliver state-of-the-art and world-class care," he says.

He also highlights significant strides in non-narcotic pain management, allowing for quicker recoveries. "Now, with the kind of multimodal pain control regimens that we have, we're able to get our patients out on the same day after surgery."

This progress is a testament to his commitment to minimizing patient discomfort and enhancing recovery times.

Transitioning to practice with the Sports Medicine Joint Replacement Specialists in Pittsburgh, Dr. Mustovich is eager to contribute to his hometown's community.

"My philosophy has always been to treat my patients as they would be members of my own family," he notes, underscoring his commitment to personal and compassionate care. His goal is to grow the practice and continue to provide world-class care. "I'm very excited to return to the city where I grew up," he shares, ready to embrace the beauty, diversity, and hardworking spirit of Pittsburgh.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Mustovich is also passionate about community engagement. He plans to involve himself in local initiatives and outreach programs aimed at promoting health and wellness. By fostering strong relationships within the community, he hopes to build a practice that not only provides excellent medical care but also serves as a supportive resource for Pittsburgh residents.

Dr. Mustovich's dedication to his patients and his community shines through in his practice. Whether treating elite athletes or weekend warriors, his personalized approach and commitment to incorporating cutting-edge advancements make him a trusted and respected figure in the field of orthopedic surgery.

His return to Pittsburgh marks not just a professional milestone, but a heartfelt homecoming. He looks forward to making a lasting impact on the community he holds dear, continuing his journey of healing and innovation.

For more information, visit www.smjrscorp.com.