x
Breaking News
More () »

Former Ark. State Trooper shares story of why he 'wears the gown'

A former Arkansas State Trooper tells THV11 why he chooses to "Wear the Gown"

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Putting on a gown and seeing your primary care physician on a regular basis is just about the smartest thing you can do.

We know of a former state trooper who would say the same thing. His name is Brian Burke.

A little over a year ago, Brian wouldn't have attempted to take very many steps because of what happened.

While patrolling, he topped a hill and a car pulled out in front of him.

“Next thing I knew I was laying on the ground,” said Burke.

He was rushed to the ER with gruesome injuries to his shin, ankle and hip.

“I was lookin’ at all that thinking, ‘how am I gonna get this back together?’”

With two tedious and determined operations, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Robert Olive put Brian back together.

"Pretty amazing, you've done well,” said Dr. Olive.

A year later, playing sports with his four kids is no longer allowed but they still get to spend time together.

“I do pretty much what I want to do. I just try to do it in a safe way,” said Burke.

What makes this story remarkable though is not how he is a year later, but how he responded just days after the accident.

“One of the things that impressed me the most about Bryan was the fact that he did rehabilitate faster than most people do,” said Dr. Olive. “One thing he had on his side was that he was young, he was healthy, had no bad habits. As a result of that, he healed a lot better.”

That brings us to the gown. Wear it. See your doctor regularly. It is the best health assurance out there.

“It's one thing to have a primary care doctor. It's another thing to actually use the services of that primary care doctor.”

While Brian Burke's injuries have required him to retire from the state police, he is pain free and obviously mobile. He is a strong advocate for wearing the gown.

Before You Leave, Check This Out