September 14, 2022 - TCO
TCO Welcomes New Physician Dr. Nels Leafblad
Join us in welcoming our newest physician, Nels D. Leafblad, MD, to Twin Cities Orthopedics.
Dr. Leafblad joins TCO as a Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon. He completed his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Mayo Clinic and his Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Utah. Dr. Leafblad specializes in Sports Medicine and arthroscopic surgery, as well as knee and shoulder replacement. He offers assessment and diagnostic care for all musculoskeletal conditions as well as activity-related sports injuries. During his Fellowship, Dr. Leafblad was an assistant team physician for the Utah Jazz (NBA), the University of Utah Utes Football (NCAA Div. I), and Real Salt Lake (MLS).
Nels D. Leafblad, MD
What are a few interesting facts that people may not know about you?
Before medical school, I was a contestant on American Idol. It was one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking experiences of my life getting to sing for Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson. I continue to write music, have recorded a few albums, and ever-so-often get to play a gig.
Why did you go into medicine?
I knew from a young age I wanted to go into medicine. My father was an OB/GYN and my mother was a nurse midwife. I remember being inspired by their conversations about work. I started shadowing doctors and took a job in an ER, which served as a fantastic window into the world of medicine. Physicians have the unique opportunity to meet people in their most vulnerable states, empathize with them, and then ultimately utilize their knowledge, experience, skills, and tools of modern medicine to bring healing and hope to the patients they care for.
How did you choose orthopedics?
My passion for orthopedics developed early in medical school. I was fascinated by human anatomy and its relation to function. In orthopedics, we have the wonderful opportunity to repair or reconstruct anatomical structures that allow our patients to improve their function and quality of life. It brings me great joy to help my patients get back to doing the things they love.
What is your care philosophy?
I try to live by the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I do my absolute best to put the needs of my patients first. From the moment I meet them in clinic, to the time of surgery, and through to our last visit together, my team and I will deliver excellent, compassionate care for our patients.
Dr. Leafblad will practice at TCO’s Stillwater and Vadnais Heights locations.