Jonathan Hagen, MD (left) comes to us from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, OK. He did his medical school at Texas A&M in Temple, TX.

"I could not be more excited about spending this year at the Lake Tahoe Sports Medicine Fellowship. I first became interested in the program after learning that several Oklahoma graduates had matched into the fellowship in the past. All of these past graduates raved about their year in Tahoe. As I researched the fellowship further, I realized it was the perfect match when considering my career aspirations and hobbies. The year in Lake Tahoe provides the opportunity to learn from world class orthopedic surgeons while treating the full spectrum of athletes. I look forward to expanding my orthopedic knowledge and surgical skills while enjoying the countless activities Lake Tahoe has to offer."

Dr. Hagen has joined Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, CA.

Andrew Odland, MD (right) comes to us from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He did his medical school at the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, IA.

"I could not be more excited to continue my education here in Lake Tahoe. I was first drawn to the program based on the location and the community-based approach to orthopedics and sports medicine. I was also impressed by the board mixture of cases and strong operative experience provided to fellows. It was clearly the program that offered the best opportunity for me to further my skills and knowledge to pursue the type of practice I eventually hope to build. Furthermore, the location is obviously unbeatable with amazing and unlimited outdoor activities year round. My wife and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to spend a year in this incredible destination."

Dr. Odland has joined Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion, IA.

Judd Allen, MD (left) comes to us from Medical School at the St. Louis University School of Medicine and a Residency from the University of Oklahoma.

"I’m ecstatic to be spending a year in Lake Tahoe working with leaders and pioneers in the field of Orthopedic Sports Medicine.  My journey to Tahoe was a gradual conversion.  I was drawn here by the reputation, won over by the majesty of the area, and finally sold on the professionalism and expertise of the staff.  The atmosphere and program design will provide me with the continued training I desire.  I hope to obtain the respect of my community through exceptional care and surgical skill as is seen with Tahoe Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.   My family and I can’t wait to explore the mountains, play on the slopes, and lounge on the beaches in my time away from the hospital which can only be accomplished in this beautiful haven!"

Dr. Allen has decided to continue his education and is doing a fellowship in Pediatric Sports Medicine in Boston, MA.

Daniel Leigey, MD (right) comes to us from Medical School at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and a Residency at the University of Pittsburgh.

"I feel very fortunate to be completing my orthopaedic training here in Lake Tahoe. What first caught my eye about the fellowship was the location. After spending my entire life in Pennsylvania, Lake Tahoe sounded like a pretty nice place to spend a year. However, after looking into the fellowship more closely and coming out to interview, I realized this was also the perfect place for me professionally. The attendings here are very knowledgeable, down to earth, and are clearly invested in the education of the fellow. The fellow plays a prominent role in a large volume of Sports Medicine cases but also does enough Trauma and Arthroplasty procedures to keep up those skills during the year. The fact that this fellowship is in such a spectacular place with so much to do is quite a bonus."

Dr. Leigey has joined Excel Health in Greenburg, PA and will practice general orthopedics with an emphasis on sports medicine.

Mike Schicker, DO (left) comes to us from St Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, MO. He went to medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He is joining North Idaho Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Sands Point, ID.

"It’s hard to describe the level of excitement I had when I learned I would be coming to Lake Tahoe for my fellowship year. It has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Upon arriving it was very apparent the orthopedic doctors here have an amazing reputation for excellence of care here in the community and throughout the West. The operative experience here is very hands on, high volume, and centered around the fellows. I feel extremely fortunate to train and “play” in such an incredible place. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has to offer and explore Tahoe!"

Jessie Dickens, MD (right) comes to us from Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, TX. He went to medical school at University of Texas, Southwestern in Dallas, TX. He is joining West Texas Orthopedics in Midland, TX.

"I first visited Lake Tahoe 14 years ago and thought this must be the most beautiful place on earth. I remember saying how great it would be to live here and get to do the two things I like most, water skiing and snow skiing. As luck has it, Lake Tahoe happens to also be home to a great sports fellowship program. Tahoe is paradise to both the athlete and those that like to be active. Unfortunately, injuries happen to active people which affords an opportunity for great orthopedic training. Lake Tahoe Orthopedics was an easy choice to make when choosing a fellowship.  It offers a variety of patients, excellent faculty,  and in a setting unlike anywhere in the world."

Derek C. Chase, MD (left) came to us from UCSD. He went to medical school at the University of Vermont. He will be practicing at Northwest Medical Center in St Albans, Vermont.

"I couldn't be more excited to train at the Lake Tahoe Sports Medicine Fellowship this upcoming year! I was first drawn to the location..both for it's beauty and highly active patient population. Prior to interviewing I had heard great things about the fellowship but first hand I've been blown away by how incredibly personable, approachable, down-to-earth, friendly, and "fellow-centric" the attendings, staff, hospital are and fellowship is as a whole. Additionally, the operative experience is heavy and really is second to none as Lake Tahoe is home to TONS professional and olympic athletes and also a huge die-hard community athlete population. Another perk is the opportunity to work with and travel abroad with the US Ski Team which has to be the ultimate "team coverage" assignment!

Lauren E Hansen, MD (right) came here from Tufts Medical Center in Boston. She went to Albany Medical College in New York State. She has joined Summit Orthopedic Specialists in Grass Valley, California.

I am very excited to spend a year learning from the doctors at the Lake Tahoe Sports Medicine Fellowship. Our attendings have an excellent reputation because they provide the highest level of care to all patients, from weekend warriors to nationally and internationally recognized athletes. The program is also quite unique, in that the focus is on Sports Medicine, but there is ample opportunity to practice the full spectrum of general orthopaedics in a ski town. And, we are lucky enough to call this beautiful place home for the year!

James "JR" Meadow, MD (left) came to us from the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.

"I was excited to be a part of the Lake Tahoe Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Fellowship because of the progressive nature of the program, the wide variety of cases performed, and the unique experience of treating outdoor enthusiasts. This program offered the benefit of a program centered around the fellows and lining in the Tahoe area can't be beat."

Kevin O'Keefe, MD (right) came here from the State University of New York - Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, New York.

"I picked the Lake Tahoe Sports Medicine Fellowship because during the interview process I realized that the physicians of TOSM shared an excellent approach to patient care, their surgical practice, and balancing that with an active lifestyle. I hope to someday develop a similar approach to my practice. The physicians of TOSM are well respected in the community due to their exceptional care and surgical skill, so I am excited and looking forward to a year of learning from them."

Matthew M. Diesselhorst, MD (left) is board eligible and a member of AAOS and AANA. He has an interest in fracture care especially joint arthroplasty. He enjoys playing golfing, basketball, exercising and spending time with wife and two daughters.

Education:

• University of OK- BS Zoology/Biomedical Sciences - 2003
• University of OK- Doctor of Medicine - 2007
• University of OK - Residency - 2007-2012

Jason N. Holm, MD (right) chose the Lake Tahoe Sports Medicine Fellowship due to the large athletic population spanning all age groups wanting to remain active. Additionally, the surgical volume is large, with most fellows logging over 500 cases during the year-long fellowship.

Education:

• Bethel College-MN - BS Biology - 2002
• University of MN - Doctor of Medicine -2006
• University of MN - Residency - 2007-2012

Dr. Luger graduated from the University of Minnesota Orthopaedic Surgery program (Go Gophers)! Native to Minnesota, she enjoys many sports: golfing, skiing, hockey, football and even socializing - yes, she considers socializing a sport. Lake Tahoe was a natural choice for her, given the program's excellent reputation, recommendation from a colleague as well as the outdoor activities that Lake Tahoe offers. She is definitely looking forward to her year and many visitors, especially come winter snowfall. Dr. Luger also has her fingers crossed she doesn't become a patient, but knows she's in a great place if she does.

Education:

• University of MN - BS Biology 1998
• University of MN - Doctor of Medicine 2006
• University of MN - Residency 2007-2011

Dr. Smith completed medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Oklahoma. Continuing his training with a fellowship in Sports Medicine was a natural choice for Dr. Smith. He chose the Lake Tahoe Sports Medicine Fellowship for several reasons. First, there is a large athletic population that spans all age groups who want to remain active and their injuries are often unique due to the nature of sporting activities in the area. Second, the surgical volume is large, with most fellows logging over 500 cases during the year-long fellowship. Lastly, Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in the world and it’s a great privilege to live here for a year. During his time off, Dr. Smith spends most of his time with his wife and daughter exploring the area around Lake Tahoe. However, he is still able to squeeze in plenty of time for mountain biking and can’t wait for slopes to open in the winter.

Education:

• University of AR - BS Biology 2002
• University of AR - Doctor of Medicine 2006
• University of OK - Residency 2007-2011

Aaron Florence, DO is the first graduate of our newly ACGME accredited Lake Tahoe Sports Medicine Fellowship.

Education:

• Idaho State University-Biology BS 1999
• Kirksville College, Kirksville, MO-Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine 2004
• Peninsula Hospital Center, Far Rockaway, NY-Residency 2005-2009

Dr. Florence applied to our fellowship to enhance his education and surgical skills. He feels that the excellent mentorship from our attendings will be a great asset to him in his future practice. He especially likes our moto of ‘keeping active people active’.

He is currently practicing at Estes Park Medical Center in Estes Park, Colorado.