Samuel Ogden, MD

Orthopaedic care is in high demand at D-H because of our aging population, our increasing life expectancy, and our very active population in Vermont and New Hampshire. I’m excited to be part of meeting that demand. I appreciate being able to help improve my patients’ quality of life, whether by restoring their function and decreasing pain after a trauma, or by helping to manage a chronic condition by improving mobility and alleviating pain. Developing personal relationships with my patients so that we can engage in open and honest communication is very important in my practice. Good communication allows us to choose the treatment that best meets my patients’ goals. Forging these close relationships also lets me provide the very best post-operative follow-up care, and to help my patients manage chronic orthopaedic conditions by encouraging routine visits, wellness and preventive care.

I love helping others as much as I love the science behind biomechanics, exercise physiology and motor control. Orthopaedics is the perfect avenue to bring those interests together. My patients say I am approachable, friendly and thorough. Building strong relationships with them is a crucial part of my care. I want my patients to feel in control and empowered. I make sure they understand their symptoms and available treatments. In my care, they know that they have the power to choose which treatment feels right for them. When a patient returns healthier and happier after their surgery, injection, cast or physical therapy program, I know I’ve succeeded as a provider.

I became an orthopaedic surgeon because I wanted to improve the quality of life for my patients. Feet and ankles are amazingly complicated and delicate. Yet, we pound on them every day as they get us through work and play! If your feet hurt, it is hard to do your job and to have the motivation to play and take care of your body. Working in orthopaedics lets me express two sides of my personality. One side enjoys getting to know people. The other side likes to solve problems. I love hearing my patients’ stories and their expectations. I enjoy helping patients make sense of their experiences and understand different solutions to their conditions. Whether the treatment is surgical or non-surgical, my goal is to help them get back to doing what they love. My job is easy: I educate patients about what is going on with their ankle or foot. I tell them about their treatment options. And then they tell me what they want to do. I may be the expert about feet, but my patients are the experts about their bodies and lives.