10 Questions with Dr. Jonathan Sunkin
Jonathan Sunkin, MD, describes his 17-year career in the Air Force as a rewarding, amazing and unforgettable experience. He has traveled all over the world to places like Afghanistan, Qatar and Guantanamo Bay, worked as an F-15 flight surgeon, jumped out of planes and spent several months with the Navy Seals.
But his time in the Air Force put things in perspective and makes him appreciate where he is today. “In Afghanistan, I saw a lot of terrible things, and I met a lot of amazing people born into an unstable country,” says Dr. Sunkin. “It makes you thankful to wake up here and be with your family and just to have a normal life.”
Dr. Sunkin, who grew up in Albany, N.Y., joined the military right after Sept. 11 and was accepted into the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland. “I wanted to help however I could,” says the father of three children under the age of 10. “I was feeling patriotic, and I was excited not only about the opportunity to learn medicine, but to also put on a uniform and serve our country.”
Today, Sunkin is looking forward to putting down roots in East Falmouth with his wife and three children. The orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in total joint replacement, recently joined Cape Cod Healthcare and practices at Falmouth Orthopedic Center on Gifford Street in Falmouth with Drs. Dimond, Markwith, Nielsen and O’Malley.
While a majority of his patients are over the age of 40 and facing hip or knee arthritis, Sunkin says he starts with the least-invasive approach. Surgery is often the last resort. “For many patients, surgery leads to great outcomes,” says Sunkin. “But a lot of people with arthritis do very well with anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy and steroid injections.”
When patients do take the surgical route and are pleased with the results, Sunkin says it’s very rewarding to see them so happy and return to everyday activities, such as walking around town, getting out of their cars, going to the grocery store and returning to sports they enjoy.
During a recent interview with Cape Cod Health News, Dr. Sunkin reflected on what he’s most excited about on the horizon, his idea of a perfect day off and the last time he danced.
1. What was your very first job?
When I was 16, I worked at the Gap in the mall in Albany, N.Y. The biggest takeaway was learning how to approach a stranger and gain the confidence to start a conversation with someone. Even as a surgeon, part of my job is about customer service and talking to patients is so important.
2. What is a mantra or quote/phrase you live by?
Never put off something for tomorrow that you can do today. It’s important to stay motivated, make progress and to always stay ahead of the curve.
3. What would be your dream job, or if you could have another career, what would it be?
I love what I do, but if I had to do something else, it would be very different—I’d be a scuba diving tour guide. I love the water and enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving.
4. What would a perfect day off look like to you?
Sun, sand and my family.
5. Iced or hot coffee?
I’m 100 percent hot coffee. I drink black coffee, no sugar. I drink so much coffee; I don’t need any extra calories.
6. What song is stuck in your head at the moment?
After all of the driving we’ve done to go skiing in Vermont, with my daughters (6 and 9 years old) being the DJs, I would say, “Call Me Maybe,” by Carly Rae Jepsen.
7. Favorite movie?
“Star Wars.” I like all of them.
8. Last time you danced?
In the last few days, with my daughters in our kitchen.
9. Favorite binge TV show?
“The Walking Dead.” I have six more episodes in the last season. It’s been on for 11 seasons. It’s my guilty pleasure. It was better in the beginning, but I have to see it through now. I’m all in now.
10. What on the horizon are you most excited about?
We are most excited about moving to East Falmouth and getting settled into our new house and our new neighborhood. I’m looking forward to planting roots in Falmouth and becoming part of the community here with my wife and kids.
