Q & A With Mike Steele

Tuesday, April 30th, 2019

Q: I know that you studied physical therapy before going on to study medicine. What was it that drew you to make that move?
A: I actually had the opportunity to work with patients while training as a physical therapist and I found that the spectrum of care was a bit too narrow for me. Moving into medicine allowed me to broaden that spectrum.

Q: What are your special interests in practice?
A: I’m drawn to treating patients with musculoskeletal issues and I enjoy practicing Sports Medicine. I’ve had a lot of education and significant experience in orthopedics – specifically providing care for people with injured upper extremities, shoulders and spines. I’ve grown into further expertise in cardiovascular care, diabetes and, of course nutrition, which goes hand and hand with all of it.

Q: How do you approach a typical patient visit?
A: Patients will find me rolling my chair away so I can observe their body posture and facial expressions — and just listen. I want to hear their story and gain a deeper understanding of the problem. Sure there are patients who just have an earache, but many people have more than one simple issue. I find that the initial reason for the visit is often just part of the story — and if I sit back and listen I can pick up more of the whole picture. Then I have an idea of what my concerns are, and I can start to ask questions.

Q: What is the most common advice you give to patients?
A: Good health is often about lifestyle. Lifestyle is about what is important to people. I encourage people to base their lifestyle choices on living a higher quality of life which incidentally increases their chances of living longer. I can help patients with choices but it’s up to them to make the ultimate decisions and I’m not going to pester them.

Q: What do you find most gratifying about your work?
A: I’m helping people help themselves. I’m problem solving within the provider-patient relationship. The fact that I’m having a positive impact on people’s lives is very gratifying for me.

Q: What are some good words to live by?
“Life is 10% of what happens to you
and 90% of how you react to it.”

Q: I know you enjoy the outdoors and traveling. Do you have any trips planned?
A: We get away to our cabin in Wisconsin on the Mississippi whenever we can. I go to Canada fishing each year and I am planning an elk-hunting trip to Colorado this October.

Mike has a tremendous relationship with his patients
and really enjoys meeting new patients, too!