Q&A with Dr. Swenson

Eshani Aundy, 10/30/24

Do you recommend certain things for students to do at their age to be successful at sports medicine? 

• Don’t be afraid to try a lot of different things! The more you are exposed to, the quicker you figure out what you love. 

What is most exciting about your job? 

• Musculoskeletal injuries are very common and have a big impact on function and quality of life. I love working with patients to get them back to doing what they love. 

Why did you decide to pursue medicine? 

• It took me a while to get to medicine. In college, I thought I wanted to be a product designer for health tech devices but then I realized I love working with people. 

How long have you been practicing medicine? 

• Between residency and fellowship, this is my 6th year of practicing clinical medicine. 

What types of conditions do you commonly treat in your practice? 

• I have a great practice because I do clinics and inpatients. My inpatient work consists of caring for patients who are deconditioned from prolonged hospitalizations as well as those who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and spinal cord injuries.  My outpatient clinic is focused on caring for what I call the “aging athlete.” Our focus is on osteoarthritis and chronic tendinopathies. 

Are there any particular procedures or treatments you specialize in? 

• Corticosteroid injections and PRP

If you could go back and choose a different specialty, would you? Why or why not? 

• No! I love my specialty. 

What was the most difficult aspect of your journey to medicine? 

• Imposter syndrome. You always feel like you’re not doing enough, but there is so much to learn in medicine and you slowly realize that it’s a journey, not a destination. 

How are you able to manage a work-life balance? 

• I have a great partner, very supportive family, and friends who are very understanding.