Practice Overview

Ryan C. Nielsen, DO, MSc, is a board-eligible, fellowship-trained trauma surgeon.  He received his medical degree from Des Moines University and completed an Orthopedic Surgery Residency in Detroit, Michigan.  After residency, Dr. Nielsen went on to the Reno Orthopaedic Clinic to complete an Orthopaedic Traumatology Fellowship.  His practice focuses predominantly on trauma surgery, as well as some general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery. His interest and specialty training in trauma includes the treatment of both adult and pediatric fractures, polytraumatic injuries, pelvis and acetabular fractures, periarticular fractures, malunion fractures, nonunion fractures, and surgical treatment of musculoskeletal infections.

Often seeing patients at their worst after an injury, Dr. Nielsen enjoys jointly formulating a treatment plan with his patients’ goals in mind, helping to promote a safe recovery and return to activity.  Dr. Nielsen has made contributions to both local and international communities during volunteer work and surgical missions overseas to Tanzania and Uganda.

Prior to joining TCO in September 2023, Dr. Nielsen worked as an orthopedic trauma surgeon in Des Moines, Iowa, and served as the Medical Director for Orthopedic Trauma Surgery.  His wife, Laura, is a family medicine physician at Ridgeview.  Outside the operating room, Dr. Nielsen enjoys being outdoors with his family, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and traveling.

Clinical Interest

Ankle care, including fractures and dislocations

Elbow care, including fractures and dislocations

Fracture care, including clavicle fractures, humerus fractures, scapula fractures, elbow fractures, forearm fractures, hand & wrist fractures, pelvis fractures, acetabulum fractures, hip fractures, femur fractures, tibia fractures, foot & ankle fractures, periprosthetic fractures, malunions, and nonunions

Hand & wrist care, including fractures and carpal tunnel syndrome

Hip care, including fractures and dislocations

Knee care, including fractures, dislocations, quadriceps and patellar tendon ruptures

Pediatric care, fractures of the pelvis, upper and lower extremities

Shoulder care, including humerus fractures, clavicle fractures and dislocations

Education

Certification
Board Eligible, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Fellowship
Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship, Reno Orthopaedic Clinic, Reno, NV

Residency
Orthopedic Surgery Residency, Beaumont Farmington Hills Hospital, Farmington Hills, MI

Medical Degree
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA

Hospital & Surgery Center Affiliations

Maple Grove Ambulatory Surgery Center
Maple Grove Hospital
North Memorial Hospital

Professional Affiliations

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Osteopathic Association
Michigan Osteopathic Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Orthopaedic Trauma Association
AO Trauma
Health Volunteers Overseas

Achievements & Awards

Health Volunteers Overseas Orthopaedic Traveling Fellowship Grant (2018)
Michigan Osteopathic Association International Fellowship Award (2018)
DuPuy Synthes AO Basic Principles Resident Course Grant (2013)
International Medicine Scholarship Award (2012)
Surgical Skills Teaching Assistant Outstanding Achievement Award (2011)
Sigma Sigma Phi, Honorary Medical Society (2010)
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, Biology Research Scholarship (2007)
Special Merit Award Scholarship (2005)
Foundation Scholarship (2005)

Appointments

Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (2019 – Present)
Medical Director, Orthopaedic Trauma, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Blank Children’s Hospital, Des Moines, IA (2019 – Present)
Operating Room Committee, Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, IA (2019 – Present)
Emergency Preparedness Committee, Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, IA (2022 – Present)

Staff

Kaylyn Freeman, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant

Rhonda E.
Care Coordinator

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