At Slocum Orthopedics, we have the privilege of helping athletes and performers of all levels overcome injuries and achieve their dreams. Brita Gilbert’s story is a shining example of the resilience, dedication, and passion that drives our patients.

Brita’s love for dance began at the age of six, and by the time she was a teenager, she knew that ballet was her calling. However, her path to professional dance was not without its challenges. In February 2019, a ski trip to Mount Bachelor took a devastating turn when Brita suffered a traumatic knee injury. “Laying in the snow, I knew something felt off with my right knee,” she recalled. “It wasn’t until after being taken to the infirmary by ski patrol and talking to my mother that I understood the gravity of the situation. An injury like this could end my dance career.”

Brita’s initial diagnosis was a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), a common but severe injury among athletes and dancers. To make matters worse, her first orthopedic surgeon told her that she would never dance again, and that recovery would take 9-12 months. For Brita, who was about to start auditioning for collegiate dance programs, this prognosis was devastating.

Unwilling to give up on her dreams, Brita sought a second opinion at Slocum Orthopedics. That’s when she met Dr. Jeffrey Tuman, a specialist in arthroscopic and total joint replacement of the knee. Dr. Tuman offered a glimmer of hope, proposing a single hamstring ACL reconstruction surgery with a reinforced internal brace that could have Brita back in the studio within six months.

“Dr. Tuman was the one who gave me hope,” Brita shared. “Even though I was not a professional athlete or dancer yet, Dr. Tuman and the Slocum team treated me as such and committed to investing in giving me the best possible care to give me the [future] option of dancing professionally for which I am incredibly grateful.”

After her surgery, Brita began her recovery journey with Julie Embree, PT, Slocum Orthopedics’ Director of Therapy, who had experience working with dancers from the Eugene Ballet. With hard work, determination, and the support of her care team, Brita made a full recovery within nine months and was able to audition for Butler University’s collegiate dance department.

Today, Brita is a proud graduate of Butler University’s Jordan College of Arts with a Bachelors of Science in Dance and Arts Administration. Her years of training and perseverance have paid off, as she recently accepted an Aspirant position with the Eugene Ballet for their 2024-2025 season.

“It’s so incredible to have gotten to this place because the percentage of dancers that make it to a professional level is between 1-5%,” Brita said. “I have been able to do it with the added obstacle of overcoming this injury right before my collegiate dance career.”

As the Official Team Doctors of the Eugene Ballet, Slocum Orthopedics is committed to providing world-class orthopedic care to help dancers and performers achieve their goals. Our highly-trained, specialized joint and knee surgeons utilize the latest technologies and techniques, like minimally invasive knee arthroscopy ACL reconstruction, to help patients recover from injuries and return to the stage stronger than ever.

Brita’s journey is a testament to the power of expert care, unwavering support, and the indomitable human spirit. “I could not have done it without Dr. Tuman, Julie Embree, PT, and my whole Slocum team,” she shared. “They not only provided me with the best possible care — but they believed in me and my future as a dancer. They encouraged me to believe in myself and work hard to get where I am today.”

At Slocum Orthopedics, we are honored to be a part of stories like Brita’s, helping athletes and performers overcome obstacles and reach new heights. Our commitment to helping patients Live in Motion is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re a professional dancer or simply someone who wants to enjoy a pain-free, active lifestyle, our team is dedicated to providing the expert care and support you need to achieve your goals.

If you’re facing an orthopedic injury or setback, know that Slocum Orthopedics is here to help you get back in the game and back on the stage.