March 29, 2024

Surgical podiatrist to join Newton Clinic

Jeffrey Olson, D.P.M., is excited to get patients back up on their feet when he starts working at Newton Clinic and Skiff Medical Center next month.

As a doctor of podiatric medicine, Olson specializes in all things related to the foot and ankle. His offerings range from those in the clinic, such as plantar fasciitis injections, wart removal and ingrown toenail treatments, to those in the operating room, including fractures of the foot and ankle, bunions and even amputations.

“Basically any pathology of the foot and ankle is something I’ll be able to take care of right here at the clinic or the hospital,” Olson said. “People won’t have to drive somewhere else for those services.”

Having been an athlete in both high school and college, Olson had an early appreciation for the importance of foot health and, conversely, how foot pain can hinder quality of life. “I had always felt the call to help others,” he said. “We had a family friend in podiatry, and I realized that would be a great fit for what I was interested in and wanted to do.”

Olson grew up outside of the Seattle area and got his undergraduate degree in exercise science in Oregon, but he swapped the west coast for the midwest when he attended Des Moines University for podiatric medical school.

“I fell in love with Iowa immediately,” he said. “The people are nice, genuine and kind. The overall feeling is one of family. Even the extremes of weather were a nice change after Seattle’s rain. Coming to Iowa felt like home.”

Residency took Olson out of Iowa for a while, when he moved to Michigan for three additional years of training in podiatric medicine and surgery. He knew, however, he wanted to return to Iowa to establish his career.

“While I was in medical school in Des Moines, I met my wife at church,” he said. “She has family in Ankeny and the greater Des Moines area, so we thought it would be great to start our own family near hers.”

Newton quickly caught his eye as a place he might practice medicine. In addition to its proximity to his in-laws, he liked the idea of being part of a large, independent clinic.

“When I looked at the physician roster, I saw tenures of 10 years, 15 years, 20 years,” he said. “I liked that this was a practice and a community where people want to put down roots and stay for the long haul.”

He said he also appreciates the close relationship with the hospital, which will also serve as a great benefit to patients. “I’ll be sending patients over to the Radiology department for CTs and MRIs, I’ll be sending them downstairs for physical therapy, and I’ll be working with the many of the other physicians in other specialties to provide the best care for my patients. Plus, when my colleagues refer patients to me, I can just walk down the hallway to consult with them. If my patients need to be seen by me on a regular basis, they can make a five-minute drive each week, instead of a 45-minute one to Des Moines. The continuity will be wonderful.”

Starting Aug. 1, Olson will see patients in the clinic on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and will have scheduled time in the operating room on Tuesdays, with flexibility to attend to urgent surgeries as needed.

As busy as he plans his practice to become, he doesn’t use his off time for laziness. He enjoys training for triathlons, a hobby he picked up during medical school as a break from studying. He and his wife, Rachel, also have a son, Luke, who will soon celebrate his first birthday. The family of three has just moved into their home in southwest corner of town, and they are excited to start getting involved in the community.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Newton Clinic at 641-792-2112.