By: Columbus Community Hospital
Originally from Middleton, Wisconsin, Matthew Niesen, MD was excited to return to the Badger State to establish his orthopedics practice at the Prairie Ridge Health Clinic, a service of Columbus Community Hospital (CCH).
“Growing up in Wisconsin, I always thought it would be nice to raise a family here,” said Dr. Niesen, whose wife and five children are also happy to be back home near family and friends. “When the opportunity came up to practice in Columbus, it was perfect for our family. CCH is close to home, close to family, and it’s a great facility.”
Dr. Niesen attended Middleton High School, where he played three sports. After high school, he attended the Universi- ty of Wisconsin – Madison, where he walked on to the football team and played for the Badgers for the 2000-2001 seasons. Due to concussions, he ended his football career and after completing his undergraduate, pursued his Doctor of Medicine at the Uni- versity of Wisconsin – School of Medicine.
“I knew that I wanted to be a doctor since I was a kid (about fourth or fifth grade),” said Dr. Niesen, who specializes in orthopedic surgery and joint replacement. “I chose orthopedics, because you can have a profound impact on a patient’s life.”
He completed his Residency at the University of Cali- fornia, Los Angeles, where he served as Chief Resident and was honored with the Longmire Surgical Society Research Award. He then traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to complete his orthopedic training and Joint Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, operating with some of the top orthopedic surgeons in the U.S.
Dr. Niesen credits his experience in sports as part of the reason he chose orthopedics. “With the amount of sports that I played, I was exposed to athletic trainers, sports medicine and a variety of orthopedic injuries. I was lucky enough not to suffer any major injuries,” he explained.
While Dr. Niesen’s focus will be hip, knee and shoulder replacement surgery, he will also offer other orthopedic surgeries (including scopes) if the procedure is the right fit for the patient.
He offers both anterior and posterior hip replacements. “I did the additional training at Mayo Clinic in Joint Replacement for a rea- son,” explained Dr. Niesen. “I wanted to build a special program and to provide an incredible level of care to my patients.”
Dr. Niesen hopes to more than triple joint replacement surgeries that are currently taking place at Columbus Communi- ty Hospital each year. “By partnering with Dr. Coe and the rest of the orthopedic team, I know the future looks very bright,” said Dr. Niesen. “I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellent outcomes while growing our orthopedic program.”
“I want to give every patient the time and attention they need and deserve. Joint replacement is a fairly large procedure to undergo and can be very challenging for the patient and their family. From the first moment I meet the patient, I am going to be open and honest with them about their options, so they can make an informed decision with me. I’m here to help guide them along the path of recovery and get back to the things they enjoy most in life.”
With starting a new practice and assisting in growing a joint replacement program, Dr. Niesen will be a busy man, but he does plan to spend time reconnecting with family and friends, and maybe even assist with a youth activity or two.
“My children are starting to be at the age when they will be in sports, theatre and dance. I’d like to continue to be involved in their lives as much as possible,” said Dr. Niesen. “My wife is an amazing woman and continues to impress me with how she takes care of everyone. She has been through a lot with residency and fellowship and has supported me fully along the way. She is an incredible mother and wife. “
And what does he plan to do in his spare time? “We are Badger fanatics, so we also hope to attend a few games,” he added.
For more information regarding Dr. Niesen, call the Prairie Ridge Health Clinic at 920-623-1200 or 920-356-1000.
