Golden moment

Angelique Flores

It wasn’t the first time Dr. Ram Mudiyam received a gift for performing a

successful surgery. Sometimes patients bring him cards or cookies.

But when Tien Lu gave him a 24-karat gold plaque during a routine

follow-up visit, the Fountain Valley orthopedic spine surgeon was

surprised.

“It’s quite impressive,” Mudiyam said.

Mudiyam performed an eight-hour lumbar surgery on Lu in December,

removing some of Lu’s spine.

“Only four days after the surgery, I could move my toes again,” Lu said.

Lu, 55, had suffered increasing back pain and loss of mobility throughout

last year. He had difficulty walking, standing and keeping his balance,

Mudiyam said

“He was pretty much in a wheelchair,” he said.

After seeing almost a dozen doctors and physical therapists, Lu was

referred to Mudiyam by friends. Mudiyam diagnosed the Fountain Valley

jeweler with spinal stenosis -- a tight spinal canal -- and performed the

surgery.

Though it’s not uncommon for Mudiyam to perform such a surgery, he was

overwhelmed by his patient’s appreciation.

“I didn’t expect something like this,” the doctor said.

The plaque has the words “Thank you Dr. R. Mudiyam, 1999-2000. From, Tien

Lu Family” in gold letters on a red background. There is also a large

gold dragon, representing the Year of the Dragon. The plaque is worth

about $200.

“I gave him the plaque to show our gratitude ... and thanks for treating

us well,” Lu said.

Lu also gave the doctor’s assistant, Marianne Hinsberger, a gold

Claddaugh ring.

“My mouth fell open. It was just gorgeous,” she said. “This is the nicest

present I’ve ever received from a patient.”

The plaque hangs in Mudiyam’s home office in Huntington Beach.