Matthew and Jeff Bush are third-generation orthopaedic surgeons practicing together at Central Maine Orthopaedics in Auburn.

They started work on the same day seven years ago, but the similarities end there.

One’s hands. One’s hips.

One’s Willie Nelson, one’s a little White Stripes.

Age: Matthew 38, Jeff 40

When did you both know you wanted to follow family tradition?

Matthew: Growing up in the same town where our father practiced (and where our grandfather founded the hospital’s orthopaedic department), it was common to see our father interact with people/friends/patients in the community regarding their orthopaedic ailments. Those interactions certainly influenced our desire to work in the field of medicine. We never felt any pressure to pursue an orthopaedic or medical career, but there was certainly an understanding that we were going to succeed with schoolwork, treat people with respect, and work hard at whatever challenge or career path was chosen. Those values were equally shared by our mother’s dairy farming family, and hopefully those values translate to good medical care.

Jeff: Growing up, I always had an appreciation for orthopaedic surgery and was pretty sure that I wanted to follow in my father and grandfather’s footsteps. I studied engineering in college to make sure that I was exposed to something other than medicine. Eventually, I made my way to the OR and spent some time with my dad and his partners. I was hooked the first time I saw a knee replacement.

How do you go about choosing your specialty?

MB: I think we both migrated to orthopaedics as we were very active with sports growing up and value the importance of returning back to the playing field as well the workplace. I chose hand and upper extremity surgery as I enjoyed the variety of this aspect of orthopaedics, which ranges from microscopic surgery to arthroscopic surgery to more invasive techniques such as total shoulder replacement. As my father specialized in hand surgery, I have enjoyed consulting his expertise and vast experience with hand surgery problems.

JB: My specialty within orthopaedics is hip and knee replacement. I have a background in mechanical and biomedical engineering, so joint replacement really ties in well with my prior studies. Most of all, I really enjoy getting to know my patients and improving their lives.

Was it important to practice together?

MB: Certainly. Jeff and I share similar interests outside of work so we were attracted to similar areas. Our interest was heightened at practices that had potential opportunities to work together.

You grew up in Pennsylvania. What brought you to Maine?

JB: My wife had always wanted to live in Maine. That led us to spend some time here during my residency. We both loved it and decided that someday we would make it happen. I couldn’t be happier with our decision to move here.

MB: The central Maine community is very similar to the area where we grew up. People have an appreciation for the outdoors, emphasize ethics of hard work, and are generally appreciative of their medical care. We have embraced recreational family activities including snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, biking, and boating.

Playing on your iPod during surgery:

MB: I prefer Willie Nelson during surgery. I listen to U2 during exercise as it reminds me of my younger days when I was more fit and working toward athletic goals.

JB: We listen to everything in the OR. The most common ones are probably Mumford and Sons, The White Stripes, Kanye West and Lyle Lovett.

Thing we could do to try to avoid meeting you someday (no offense):

JB: A healthy diet and regular exercise is certainly good for everyone. In addition, I still don’t think that people realize how much smoking negatively impacts every aspect of their health. It not only destroys lungs but also weakens bones and joints and lessens the ability to recover from any injury or surgery.

Gadget you couldn’t live without?

MB: My dad bought me a Stihl Kombi tool with interchangeable parts. Spring cleaning in Maine is quite different than Pennsylvania and I have grown accustomed to using this. Jeff and I share the chain saw attachment. I try not to return the gas tank empty to his home.

JB: Sadly, my iPhone. I use it for everything, especially directions. Siri and I have gotten pretty close.

Strangest question you’ve been asked at a dinner party?

MB: Many wonder if we grew up practicing knot tying and reviewing musculoskeletal anatomy books at the dinner table. I play along for a while, but then reassure them that Jeff and I had a pretty normal upbringing without any pressure to pursue a surgical career.

JB: Someone recently asked me if I played for the Portland Sea Dogs. (I said yes.) Mostly, people ask me about their knee pain. I’ll always talk joint replacement with anyone who will listen.

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