We’re giving you a peek into what makes Orthopedic Institute (OI) tick by shedding some light on our best and brightest.
Today’s featured team member is Adam Halseth, one of our physical therapists (PT). Adam graduated from the University of Minnesota and earned his doctorate from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. He additionally is certified by the Titleist Performance Institute and provides golf medicine services to OI patients.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what motivates Adam and keeps him passionate about treating patients at OI.
How did you decide to become a PT?
I decided to become a PT after my competitive athletic journey came to an end. I had a fascination with health, fitness and medicine. I quickly learned that physical therapy encompasses each of these aspects and found that it was a perfect job for me.
What led you to join the OI team?
Growing up in Sioux Falls and being around those who were injured, I always knew of the high reputation OI had. My family and I decided to move back to Sioux Falls from the Twin Cities. I always thought of OI as the standard for sports medicine in Sioux Falls, which is why I actively pursued a career here. They also gave me an opportunity to continue my passion and develop a golf program I started in the Twin Cities.
What is your favorite part of your job?
So far, the best part of my job is the support I have had in developing our golf medicine program. The facilities and support I have access to have been the best of my career thus far. Also, the interaction I have with physicians is excellent, as I can give my patients the best possible care. If I have any questions, I can walk down the hallway and speak with the physician about ongoing treatment and plans.
What are the strengths of OI’s PT team?
The knowledge and experience of the staff is incredible. I learn every day I am at work just from watching and interacting with colleagues.
What is the best part about working with patients?
I enjoy getting to know the patients and building relationships. I feel when doing this, I gain their trust, they know I am a professional, and it allows for a better recovery. I also, obviously, love the end result of PT. I know how hard they worked in PT and seeing them return back to their sport or other activities they love is very rewarding.
If you could tell every patient one thing before they came in, what would it be?
Our job is not to cause pain. Everyone has this idea that PT will be very painful; however, this is not the case. There are times when it is uncomfortable, but I try to always keep discomfort very limited. Also, if you truly want to get better and quickly, you have to do your exercises at home!
What is your career highlight?
My career is still in its infancy. But one thing I did while working in the Twin Cities was create and instruct a golf fitness class at Hazeltine National in Chaska, Minn. Because of this, I had the opportunity to play at Hazeltine two months before the Ryder Cup, which was an incredible experience.
How do you spend your time when you’re not at OI?
I spend as much time as I can with my wife and two-and-a-half-year-old son. When not doing this, I try to golf as much as I can during the nicer months. I tell my wife that “golf is part of my job” now, which is my excuse to play a little more often!
What is your ideal way to spend your birthday?
I have a winter birthday, so I can’t do much outdoors. I like to keep it simple, ordering dinner in and watching a movie after we put our son to bed sounds like a perfect night.
