Susannah T. Clark, MD

I pursued a career in orthopaedic surgery because I wanted to help restore function and quality of life for my patients, and to reduce their pain in a tangible way, while being able to work with patients of all ages. I strive to help each patient achieve their goals through careful evaluation and patient-centered treatment options. Since every patient has different concerns, goals and needs, I discuss each available treatment for their particular condition, from conservative non-operative options to surgical options. I also provide patients with research data and clear information about what they can expect from their treatment. It’s important that patients feel well-informed so that they can choose the treatment that best meets their personal goals so that they will ultimately be happy with their choice. Whenever possible, I include a patient’s family members and friends in these conversations as they provide a wonderful opportunity to help support the patient, gather information, ask good questions and help choose treatments. I am an active athlete and enjoy providing medical support to athletes in my community and elsewhere. As the Kimball Union Academy (KUA) head team physician, I maintain regular clinic hours at KUA during the academic year. In this role, I provide on-site treatment and evaluation of injured athletes. I am also a member of the U.S. Ski Team physician pool. I travel annually with the Slopestyle Ski and Snowboard teams to competitions and training around the world. I provide on-hill medical coverage for team athletes and help to ensure they are in great shape for competition. As a recreational athlete, I can relate to loss of function being a life-altering experience for patients. That’s why my goal is always to get patients back to doing whatever it is that they strive for, whether in athletics, hobbies, lifestyle, or work.

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 am a board-certified neurosurgeon focused on brain, spine and peripheral nerve disease. My goal is to restore patients' neurologic function. I'm here to improve their quality of life. An important part of my care is walking patients through the decision-making process. Meeting with a neurosurgeon often involves conversations about difficult diagnoses and complex treatments. Those conversations can be hard to digest. That is why I address patients' concerns clearly, comprehensively and compassionately. I want them to feel comfortable and informed about their care decisions. While I love taking care of all patients, my specific areas of focus are: Peripheral nerve surgery Functional surgery Epilepsy surgery Facial pain These conditions are often chronic and painful. They can make life's activities difficult to enjoy. But with the right surgical approach, patients see life-changing results. My team at Dartmouth Health makes achieving those results possible. We pursue evidence-based, personalized care for patients. Through innovative research and collaborations from the laboratory to the bedside, we advance scientific discovery. Together, we provide world-class care to our community.