
My name is Danielle Coyle and I’m a sophomore in Duquesne University’s 5 year Physician Assistant program: I aspire to work with children, most likely in orthopedic surgery! At Duquesne, I’m the current PA-S class of 2026 PA representative, member of SAAPA (Student PA Association) integration committee, and member of Phi Eta Sigma.
My hips always hurt and felt out of place. I tried many sports and was limited by pain, so I started competitive swimming. When I saw my first orthopedic doctor, they blamed the hip pain on knee and foot deformities, all of which were repaired in extensive surgeries: The hip pain went unresolved. After many years of relentless pain, I saw a hip specialist in October 2020. I was diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia, fai, and labral tears. I made the difficult decision to retire from swim early and try a right scope in December 2020. After my right side was healed enough, the left was scoped. Everything was going fine until that Fall: Navigating college was becoming nearly impossible due to continued hip pain.
After many scans and opinions throughout 2021 and 2022, it was decided that a combined PAO and scope was the next step. I had recently had my RPAO on 12/19/22!
As a Junior Board Member, I’m super excited to advocate for hip dysplasia, spread awareness, and help others navigate their journey!