Dr. Blake Peterson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Blake, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Our life is hectic. My wife and I have a large blended family of 7 kids between almost 2 and 12. Juggling our busy careers and our kids seemingly never ending schedule is beyond a full time job. However, I would say it is the most rewarding job you can imagine. We get the opportunity to share in our children’s success and have our children share in our journey as well. Most of my days start around 5am with some sort of workout. OR days start around 645am clinic days start around 8am. My wife and I work together to get our kids to school before starting our own day. By the time work wraps up we are off to some sort of sports practice or music or dance lesson. We try to get the kids in bed and spend the last hour of the day wrapping up loose ends and spending time together, before starting it all over again!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Blake Peterson and I am a fellowship trained, board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. I am a partner at the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center and an owner of soon to be two surgery centers in Northwest Missouri. Our practice is growing remarkably fast to help care for the growing needs of our communities. Our practice was founded nearly 35 years ago in St Joseph and we have spread to the northland. We value providing the highest quality orthopedic care in the most cost effective ways.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My wife, Mandi, is someone who has been the most instrumental in getting the most out of me. We were both college athletes and have this unique understanding about pushing ourselves to be things that you dont always believe you can be. Almost always that involves being uncomfortable. I am somewhat introverted most of the time. I have fairly tight circles of friends and my wife is friends with everyone she meets almost instantly. Mandi has taught me to be more open, to allow others to get to know the real me more. That has been one of the most refreshing and rewarding parts of my life. Moving myself beyond superficial niceties that fills time and into meaningful connections with more people. She saw this in me long before I knew I would benefit so much from that.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of failure. Ive always had some amount of pressure on myself. Whether that pressure was in collegiate wrestling, running multiple businesses, or being the best father and husband- it sometimes feels overwhelming. The ability to trust the process and trust yourself is the best way to avoid letting the fear of failure paralyze you.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Healthcare is best served and managed by physicians. We, as physicians, have taken too passive of a role in the care of our patients. We let too many outside influences change how we treat our human neighbors. Whether than be politics, insurance, or the business of medicine—physicians need to take charge again. Physicians should be at the center of medical decisions. Physician owned hospitals and facilities have been shown to have better care for less cost. We are given the trust of our patients to do what is best for them, we need to do a better job of living up to that.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When have you had to bet the company?
Right now. Our practice is embarking on a huge growth that takes a ton of risk. When large healthcare systems take these risks, they do it with house money in some ways. Physician owners are putting their family’s livelihood on the line when they sign for loans to pay for new buildings and new surgery centers. We bet it all on things we believe in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.osmcortho.com
- Instagram: /blakepetersonMD
- Facebook: /BlakePetersonMD
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