Laura Gill-Sealy, MD

Languages:
English
Service: Orthopaedics and sports Medicine
Specialty/Profession:
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Board Certifications:
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Areas of Clinical Interest:
Neuromuscular disease/cerebral palsy, foot and ankle injuries/deformity, hip dysplasia, trauma, general pediatric orthopaedics
Education:

Fellowship: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (2013)
Residency: University of Virginia (2012)
Medical School: University of The West Indies (1998)
Undergraduate: University of The West Indies (1998)

Clinic Locations: Ashburn, Fairfax

Keystone Publications:

Jones JK, Gill L, John M, Goddard M, Hambleton IR: Outcome analysis of surgery for Blount’s  disease.  J Pediatr Orthop. 29(7):730-5 2009 Oct-Nov (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20104154)

Bowen RE, Abel MF, Arlet V, Brown D, Burton DC, D'Ambra P, Gill L, Hoekstra DV, Karlin LI, Raso J, Sanders JO, Schwab FJ: Outcome Assessment in Neuromuscular Spinal Deformity.  J Pediatr Orthop.  December 2012 32(8):792-8. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23147622)

Gill L, Dormans JP: Treatment of benign radiolucent bone lesions in children. Current Orthopaedic Practice May/June 2013, Vol 24(3): 253-259

Buchan, D, Gill, L, Case Report: Neglected Talus Fracture Dislocation in a Pediatric Patient, Current Orthopaedic Practice- May/June 2018 29(3): 278-282

Gill, L, Klingele, K, Management of Foot and Ankle Injuries in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes. Orthopedic Research and Reviews 2018:10 19–30

Mary Jane Romnek ,David P. Martin, Laura Gill, Jan Klamar, Joseph D. Tobias: Anesthetic Management During Posterior Spinal Fusion in a Patient With Moyamoya. Journal of Medical Cases June 2018; 9(6):190-193

Martin DP Samora WP 3rd, Beebe AC, Klamar J, Gill L, Bhalla T ,Veneziano G, Thung A ,Tumin D ,Barry N, Rice J, Tobias JD: Analgesic effects of methadone and magnesium following posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents: a randomized controlled trial. J Anesth. 2018 Aug 4. doi: 10.1007/s00540-018-2541-5. [Epub ahead of print]  (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30078167)

Service: Orthopaedics and sports Medicine
Where did you grow up?
Barbados
Why did you become a doctor and why did you choose your specialty?
I love caring for people, helping them through some of the most difficult times, seeing them thrive and prosper after the intervention, and restoring them back to full function. I hope/strive to improve access to healthcare and healthcare disparities in children, particularly those with orthopaedic conditions. I believe all children should have access to specialized medicine and providers regardless of their background. I have always loved interacting with children - they are fun and endearing with unique, challenging pathology. I initially wanted to do pediatric medicine but after exposure to surgical specialties, I realized I had an opportunity to surgically correct/change and shape young lives. Later, the dexterity skills I learned with my hands allowed me to combine the unique specialty of orthopaedics with my love for children and surgery.
How long have you practiced in the Washington, DC area and what do you like most about it?
I moved to the Washington, DC area to be with my family in 2018. Prior to this, I was in practice for five years in Columbus, Ohio. I have always loved the DMV with its storied history, openness, diversity, and culture. I also enjoyed its proximity to the mountains after living for a period of time in Jamaica and Charlottesville, Virginia, where I completed my residency. I also love the fall which is my favorite time of year. The DMV is one of the most beautiful areas in the country to witness the changing of the foliage.
What do you most enjoy doing outside of your clinical practice, when you’re not working?
I love to travel, and I am a voracious reader. I love to watch movies and hang out with my husband, stepson, and twin daughters. I am also very physically active and enjoy jogging and working out in the gym.
Do you volunteer? If so, where?
I have volunteered for several mission trips, mostly performing scoliosis surgery in Ghana, Barbados, and Trinidad. I think it is a privilege to give back and share my expertise in developing countries for which I have a special bond having grown up in Barbados. I would like to improve access to exemplary healthcare in these countries, allowing these children to achieve their dreams and minimize morbidity associated with delay in or untreated conditions and hopefully, eliminate them completely in the case of treatable conditions.
Describe your proudest accomplishment as a provider and/or in your personal life:
My greatest personal achievement is succeeding in becoming a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and most importantly, making my parents proud. I grew up on a farm with three brothers - my family did not have a lot of money and opportunities in Barbados were limited. However, my parents were very supportive and made sure that I was raised with integrity and a drive to succeed. They sacrificed personally and financially to make sure that all their children had access to a good education. As a result, I have been able to achieve all my goals to this point.

I have many proud moments as a provider but the one that stands out is a 16 year old girl who came to me with a bad unhealed ankle fracture and inability to walk for a year. It was wonderful seeing her confidence, happiness, and gratitude when I was able to return her to her activities and she later revealed that she wanted to become a physician because of her interaction with our team.
If you weren’t a doctor, what profession would you most likely be doing and why?
I don’t remember a time that I did not wish to be a physician but if if I had to choose, I would be an interior designer or fashion consultant. I love being creative and experimenting with designs and clothing.