There are certain words that echo through the halls of Shriners Children’s hospitals and clinics.
“He is my hero.”
“She saved my life.”
“Thanks to my doctor, I’m living my dream.”
For families facing a difficult medical diagnosis or injury, our physicians are more than healthcare providers – they’re the lifelines behind every milestone, every breakthrough, every dream made possible.
What sets Shriners Children’s physicians apart isn’t just advanced training or impressive credentials – it’s how they blend the most innovative treatments with a commitment to each child’s future. And they’re mentoring the next generation of doctors, conducting breakthrough research and developing new protocols that raise the standard of care worldwide.
Restoring function and confidence
Dr. Bojovic talks with patient Ben and his mom, Jessica, about following up after treatment.
Branko Bojovic, M.D., chief of plastic, laser and reconstructive surgery at Shriners Children’s Boston, brings a world-class level of skill in craniofacial surgery, scar management and microsurgery, honed during a career that includes being one of the surgeons who performed the world’s most comprehensive facial transplantation to date.
As part of Dr. Bojovic’s medical training, he rotated at Shriners Children’s Boston, where he learned essential plastic surgery techniques, including methods that employ laser technology. “The laser therapeutic options are cutting-edge. Our approach is unique in that surgeons, not dermatologists, offer those treatments to accompany their surgical techniques.”
One young patient, Juan Diego, came to Shriners Children’s Boston after surviving an electrical accident that severely damaged both his hands. But after a series of advanced reconstructive procedures – including microsurgery and laser therapy, and eventually a prosthesis, Juan Diego regained sensation and mobility.
Dr. Bojovic discusses surgery recovery with Juan Diego, who was burned at age 13.
“Technically, I’m not supposed to be alive. I’m not supposed to have hands,” said Juan Diego. “I know that if I hadn’t come to Shriners Children’s, I wouldn’t have the same functionality. They gave my hands back to me.”
Dr. Bojovic credits Shriners Children’s mission with making that level of care possible. “Our ability to treat patients without concern for their family’s ability to pay has always been a distinguishing feature that is so special,” he said. “That is truly remarkable and life-changing for many families.”
Training the next generation of specialists
At the heart of the Shriners Children’s mission is a deep commitment to education. Mitchell Bernstein, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon at the Shriners Children’s hospital in Montreal and Residency Program Director at McGill University, is one of the key figures driving this commitment forward.
“Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada is not just one of our teaching sites – it’s the academic hub of the residency program,” said Dr. Bernstein. Residents from McGill’s orthopedic program gather weekly in the hospital’s state-of-the-art simulation center, where they practice highly complex procedures without the pressure of being in an operating room. “It’s one of the best ways to accelerate learning while keeping patient safety at the forefront,” he explained.
Dr. Mitchell Bernstein oversees the next generation of medical residents at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada.
Dr. Bernstein is confident that surgical education will continue to evolve, noting that simulation, virtual reality and data-driven coaching are already reshaping the way they teach.
“We’ve built an environment where residents not only see the full range of pediatric orthopedics but also work closely with our allied healthcare teams – therapists, nurse practitioners, psychologists and more,” said Dr. Bernstein. “At the core, it’s about developing healthy, effective physicians who can lead in their communities. That’s what we’re trying to do here every day.”
A surgeon’s Kentucky homecoming
On a busy afternoon on the third floor of Shriners Children’s Lexington, Anne Marie Dumaine, M.D., moved between exam rooms, offering encouragement, high-fives and laughter to her young patients. One teen beamed as she proudly showed Dr. Dumaine her Taylor Swift T-shirt – a moment that the doctor celebrated with a big smile and genuine excitement.
It’s small moments like these that set the tone for Dr. Dumaine’s approachable and compassionate patient care – and builds trust in her role as the newest pediatric orthopedic surgeon on staff at Shriners Children’s Lexington.
A Kentucky native, Dr. Dumaine completed medical school, surgical residency and a pediatric orthopedic fellowship in various parts of the country. Now, she’s proud to return home and serve families across the region.
Dr. Dumaine focuses her full attention on Hayden as they talk about how he’s doing after surgery.
Dr. Dumaine treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including clubfoot, hip dysplasia, traumatic injuries and neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy. She’s especially passionate about collaborative care, working closely with specialists in the motion analysis lab and neuromuscular clinic to support each child’s mobility, function and comfort.
“My goal is for every patient and family to feel heard, supported and empowered,” she said. “I want them to know I’m truly invested in their journey.”
Dr. Dumaine’s warm style and strong communication skills have already made a lasting impression on patients and families.
“She’s the best doctor we have ever seen,” said one family. “We would recommend her to anyone.”
Excellence that inspires confidence
At every Shriners Children’s location, our doctors lead with expertise, but they heal with heart. When parents ask why they should trust Shriners Children’s, the answer is simple – because our doctors make the impossible, possible.
