Orthopaedic surgeon to return to Newton, Skiff Medical Center

Orthopaedic surgeon Ronald Charles (right) will return to Skiff Medical Center later this year in March. Submitted Photo

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Special to Daily News

Orthopaedic surgeon Ronald Charles, M.D., is returning to practice in Newton and Jasper County. Charles, who moved his practice to Clarion in February 2008, will return to practice full-time at Skiff Medical Center later this year on March 2.  “This is my home,” Charles said. “I didn’t quite realize until I left how rooted I am in this community. But this is where I belong.” Charles practiced at Skiff Medical Center from 1989 until early 2008. He split his time between Newton and Grinnell for the first 12 years, then practiced full-time in Newton for six years. “Dr. Charles has been an extremely important part of our medical community, and it’s wonderful to have him back,” Skiff President and CEO Kris Baumgart said. The hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Tammy Chance, D.O., said Dr. Charles’ practice will complement Dr. Frank Butera’s practice, and together they will strengthen Skiff’s orthopaedic services. Dr. Butera agreed, saying that he looks forward to working with the veteran surgeon. “I’ve heard lots of good things about Dr. Charles and it will be good to practice in the same community with him,” he said. Butera said that between the two surgeons, they will help Skiff be a “center of orthopaedic excellence.” Many of Charles’ Jasper County patients continued to seek his treatment even after he moved his practice to Clarion. “It was really gratifying that so many people chose to drive two hours to stay with me,” he said. “It was one of the things that made me realize that I belong back in Newton.” Originally from South Africa, Dr. Charles received his medical degree from the University of Natal Medical School in Durban, South Africa. He completed an orthopaedic internship and residency program at King Edward VII Hospital in Durban, then a residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. He is a fellow of the American College of Orthopaedic Surgeons and is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons.