At Mobility Bone and Joint Institute in New Hampshire, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joshua M. Philbrick (Pre-Medicine ’04) treated a local mother struggling with a painful hand tumor. The long, cold winters caused the affected finger to ache, making routine tasks like grocery shopping, driving, and childcare nearly insurmountable. Dr. Philbrick diagnosed the condition and expertly removed the tumor in surgery. The woman was thrilled to have mobility restored. “She was so happy. She teared up when she told me how thankful she was,” Dr. Philbrick recalled. “It is very rewarding to have a patient walk in with a problem and say that you can help that patient get better, not just manage a chronic issue.”
Building Toward Orthopedics
Since beginning his career, upper extremity orthopedic surgeon Dr. Philbrick has treated thousands of patients for conditions affecting the arms and hands. As a practice partner and a member of esteemed groups like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Society for Surgery of the Hand, he is an expert known for excellence and empathy in patient care.
Dr. Philbrick shared that a key contributor to his orthopedic career was working in his father’s construction business, which gave him transferable knowledge. He learned about screws, which are also employed by orthopedists. While using tools like these for construction, he found that each piece of a building is essential to proper function, a principle also true of the human arm. “[Orthopedists and construction workers] use similar tools and a lot of geometry and physics, which has always been interesting to me,” Dr. Philbrick shared.
“I did not have anyone in my family in medicine to prepare me for a course of study in science, but God had it worked out and started teaching me those skills I would need at a young age.”
As an orthopedist, Dr. Philbrick now applies these insights to restore injured bones and treat disorders, allowing the upper extremities to move properly again. Looking back, he is grateful for his preparation. “I did not have anyone in my family in medicine to prepare me for a course of study in science, but God had it worked out and started teaching me those skills I would need at a young age,” Dr. Philbrick explained.
Studying Pre-Medicine in Pensacola
As a Christian, Joshua knew from high school that he wanted to study pre-medicine at an institution that would strengthen his faith. When he graduated, this desire influenced him to attend Pensacola Christian College, a school founded on the biblical worldview. “I chose to study at PCC because it [teaches] the morals and character I was looking to foster in my life,” Dr. Philbrick recalled.
“Dr. Alvarez was my inspiration at PCC. He knew all of us and our goals and would spend extra time after class with us helping us master the material.”
While studying, Joshua met and shared classes with his future wife, Elisabeth “Liz” Lutrick, who also planned to be a doctor (Biology ’04). They began preparing for healthcare careers through challenging courses like microbiology, biochemistry, and genetics. Whenever they needed academic support, instructors like Dr. Carlos Alvarez readily assisted. “Dr. Alvarez was my inspiration at PCC,” Dr. Philbrick shared. “He knew all of us and our goals and would spend extra time after class with us helping us master the material.”
After commencement, Joshua continued his medical education at the University of Toledo, Ohio. Looking back, Dr. Philbrick sees his pre-medicine degree prepared him to embody excellence in his studies and profession. “A good foundation of facts and the work ethic taught at PCC allowed me to succeed.” He also was encouraged by faculty long after leaving Pensacola. “[Dr. Alvarez] came to my medical school graduation and bestowed my hood to me at the ceremony,” Dr. Philbrick recalled fondly.
Witnessing through Healthcare and Missions
After Dr. Philbrick began practicing medicine in 2015, a diagnosis in his family shaped him into an even more empathetic professional. Their two children were born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that can lead to lung infections and digestion problems. While the siblings lead active lives, they need frequent doctors’ appointments and medication. “I can honestly say that Liz and I became much closer to God as we had to lean harder on Him,” Dr. Philbrick observed. “That also taught me through a patient’s perspective.”
As an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Philbrick handles appointments on three days and performs surgeries during the remaining two. He diagnoses conditions including arthritis, tumors, and carpal tunnel syndrome, provides treatment plans, and performs surgeries such as shoulder replacements and rotator cuff repairs. During crucial moments, he is known for a calm demeanor and often points others to Christ. Sometimes, patients ask him about his thoughts on helping them specifically. He often responds, “In all things, do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” Jesus Christ’s words in Matthew 7:12. “I always try to treat patients the way I would want to be treated or the way I would treat my family members.” Dr. Philbrick shared.
“I always try to treat patients the way I would want to be treated or the way I would treat my family members.”
Out of the office, Dr. Philbrick and his family are involved in worldwide evangelism. He sees these activities as another way to serve compassionately while sharing the cure for peoples’ spiritual needs: the gospel of Jesus Christ. In March 2026, he, Liz, and his children joined a large team for a Peru missions trip where they helped renovate a place of worship. “We were able to get a roof on a new church, and we had services and saw 220 people saved!” Dr. Philbrick recalled. “My daughter was able to lead her first soul to the Lord with a Spanish interpreter.”
Before Dr. Philbrick knew he would have a future as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the upper extremities, God prepared him with experience in construction. With foundational skills, a pre-medicine degree from PCC, and a graduate education, Philbrick was equipped to help countless patients like the New Hampshire mother. Each day he looks forward to relieving his patients’ pain and restoring their quality of life. “God had a plan for my life from the beginning,” Dr. Philbrick observed. “The most rewarding part of being an orthopedic surgeon is being able to help people.”
Read more about how God is directing and working through PCC faculty and alumni.