FromSports Injury to Orthopedics Specialist at 24 | Karmen Rettinger | Called 2 Serve Podcast Episode 24

In this episode of the Called 2 Serve Podcast, host Reggie Hubbard talks with Karmen Rettinger, a 24-year-old orthopedic specialist who transformed her own sport injury into a thriving career in orthopedics.After 13 years in competitive sports as a cheerleader, a knee injury in high school shifted Karmen’s path. That sport injury sparked a deep interest in healthcare, eventually leading her to work in the trauma ICU and now as an orthopedic specialist helping others heal from sports-related injuries.Karmen now works in durable medical equipment (DME), fitting patients with braces, boots, and recovery gear after injury. She collaborates closely with athletes recovering from ACL tears, shoulder surgeries, and other common sport injuries. Her love for sports, movement, and helping others makes her journey relatable and inspiring.In this episode, Karmen shares:* How a sport injury led her from cheerleading to orthopedics* What life is like as a young orthopedic specialist* Her experience working in trauma and sports injury recovery* The truth about DME and why it's so vital in orthopedic care* How COVID shaped her career and personal life* Her passion for working with athletes and staying active* Why she doesn’t like chocolate — and what people always ask herWhy this episode matters:Whether you're an athlete, recovering from injury, or simply interested in sports medicine, Karmen's story highlights how personal struggle can lead to meaningful service. As an orthopedic specialist, she’s helping others return to the sports and lives they love.About Karmen Rettinger:* Orthopedic specialist at Peachtree Orthopedics* Master’s in Exercise Science* Former trauma ICU professional* Competitive cheer athlete for 13 years* Passionate about sports, recovery, and serviceAbout the Called 2 Serve Podcast:Hosted by Reggie Hubbard, this show features real people who lead with service, purpose, and strength in their everyday lives.Timestamps:00:00 – Meet Karmen: Her background in cheer and sports03:00 – Her sport injury and entry into orthopedics07:45 – Trauma ICU and early healthcare experience12:00 – Life as a DME expert and orthopedic specialist18:30 – Working with athletes and managing injury recovery25:00 – Pickleball, sports competition, and relationships30:00 – Travel, family, and life lessons beyond sports35:00 – The chocolate surprise and fun facts38:00 – Final thoughts on purpose, injury, and service🎧 Listen now on:👉 Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/show/1QI4k5GtEdp6AXBmdEj8yk](https://open.spotify.com/show/1QI4k5GtEdp6AXBmdEj8yk)👉 Apple Podcast: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/called-2-serve-podcast/id1785553680](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/called-2-serve-podcast/id1785553680)Follow Called 2 Serve Podcast:Facebook: @Called2ServePodcastInstagram: @called2servepodcastSubscribe for more real stories of strength, sport injury recovery, and purpose through service.#SportsInjury #OrthopedicSpecialist #InjuryRecovery #SportsMedicine #Called2ServePodcast #DME #WomenInHealthcare #CheerInjury #SportInjury #ServiceThroughSports #HealingThroughInjury