Steven A. Olson, MD: Physician Q&A
Dr. Olson discusses his role as a Duke orthopaedic physician in this Q&A session.
Why did you choose to practice orthopaedic medicine?
I cannot recall a time when I did not want to be a physician.
As a youth, I learned the enjoyment of restoring function, benefits of hard work, and opportunities arising from customer service while having the opportunity to be a mechanic in my father's service station.
As a medical student, I fell into orthopaedic surgery naturally. It just felt right.
Why did you choose to work at Duke?
I had the opportunity to join Duke faculty in 2000. At the time, I was recruited to develop an orthopaedic trauma program at Duke University Hospital. However, my practice has expanded.
My focus on injuries to the pelvis and hip lead directly into my interests in hip joint function and hip preservation.
Currently, my practice spans orthopaedic trauma or fracture care, as well as hip procedures, including hip arthroscopy, hip and pelvis osteotomy, hip impingement surgery, and hip arthroplasty.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The most rewarding parts of my job are the opportunities to help my patients return to function, teaching my residents and fellows to be quality physicians and surgeons, and contributing new knowledge to areas of medicine.
