Robert Nied, MD

Bio

I was born in Long Beach, CA but mostly grew up in Irvine, CA. At graduation from Irvine High School I was selected to be a Pacesetter, our equivalent of a valedictorian that was based on global achievement rather than strictly GPA. I went to college about an hour further south at the University of California, San Diego. Just far enough from home to feel I'd moved away but close enough to return whenever I needed to. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After a month-long back-packing trip through Europe, I started my medical training at UCLA School of Medicine. While there, I had my research published, was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha (a medical honor society) and, most importantly, met my wife. Fortunately, we were far enough along in our relationship that when I decided to move to the Midwest for my residency, she agreed to go too. I did my internship and family medicine residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I was then fortunate enough to do my sports medicine fellowship at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

My wife and I had left for the Midwest knowing that when I completed my training we would return to California. For better or worse, however, our wonderful experience in Ann Arbor convinced us to not move back to Southern California. I initially joined a large group practice in San Luis Obispo where I did sports medicine and family practice. I also served as a team physician for both Cal Poly-SLO and Cuesta College. Unfortunately, shortly after I joined, the group found itself insolvent and closed in bankruptcy. I worked in two different urgent cares over the next ten months before accepting a position here at Kaiser Santa Rosa.

Twice during our time in San Luis Obispo we had to rely heavily on our medical insurance. Unfortunately, due to factors beyond our control, we also changed insurance carriers four times in eight months. I am now well acquainted with the difficulties that patients face dealing with today's health care market. Hopefully I can transfer some of my experience into empathy for my patients and the challenges they face.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

I joined Kaiser Permanente, Santa Rosa in March 2003. Before coming here I was in private practice in San Luis Obispo, CA. Although I was originally reluctant to leave the Central Coast, joining Kaiser Permanente was one of the best decisions of my professional career.

Working at Kaiser Permanente allows me to spend my time and energy directly on patient concerns, not on running a small business. The vertical and horizontal integration of primary and specialty medicine with ancillary services makes it much easier to coordinate patient care. This ensures that my patients get the attention and treatment they need in a timely fashion. I can honestly say that I am delivering better health care than I did prior to joining Kaiser Permanente.

On a more personal level, I really appreciate the extensive network of continuing medical education and best practice initiatives that are an integral part of the Kaiser Permanente system. Medicine today is a constantly changing and advancing field. As a member of Kaiser Permanente I am able to challenge myself to be the best physician I can be. Working in this environment, with the many talented and dedicated professionals of Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa, is truly a joy.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

What is a sports medicine physician?
Sports Medicine has been a recognized sub-specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialists since 1989. Sports medicine physicians must be board-certified in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, or Pediatrics, successfully complete a one year (or greater) accredited Sports Medicine fellowship (there are about 60 in the country), and pass a board certification examination (which is jointly sponsored by the above specialties and offered every other year).

Sports Medicine was initially founded as a way to provide comprehensive consultative and continuous care for the orthopedic, medical, nutritional, and psychosocial issues of athletes and teams. Although this concept was originally developed for professional and elite level athletes, it is now being applied to adolescent and recreational athletes, “industrial athletes,” and the promotion of lifelong fitness and wellness in any age group.

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, an organization of sports medicine physicians from around the country, has more information.

What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Both are trained in musculoskeletal medicine. Sports medicine physicians specialize in the non-operative medical treatment of musculoskeletal sports conditions while orthopedic surgeons are also trained in the operative management of these conditions. Approximately 90% of all sports injuries are non-surgical. Sports medicine physicians are able to expedite referral to an orthopedic/sports surgeon when needed by identifying those patients most likely to benefit from surgery. In addition, because of their primary care background, sports medicine physicians are well trained in the myriad of non-musculoskeletal issues that confront athletes.

Current projects or research:

Currently I help provide medical care for Santa Rosa Junior College, Cal State Sonoma, and many other local athletes.
I am also involved in the development of sports medicine programs throughout Northern California Kaiser Permanente.

An interesting story from my training:

One of my greatest experiences during my training was acting as a team physician on the sidelines for the Michigan State, Michigan football game in "The Big House" in Ann Arbor, MI, on the field before 111,000 screaming fans!

Photos from My Training Years or of Practicing Medicine in My Field:

Former MSU Spartan TJ Duckett

In the Big House with Jack Arute of ABC

Interests

Currently reading:
Younger Next Year

My favorite book or author:
East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Great movie:
The Good Shepard

Hobby Photos & Links:

Always wear your helmet!

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My wife, Kris, is a finance attorney who works from home.

My children and people I care about:

We have two daughters, Savannah and Sophie.

Travel

An adventure I've had:

During the summer between my second and third year of medical school, I spent 6 weeks working in a rural health clinic in central Mexico. I lived in a patient room in the small hospital and met a lot of interesting and hard working people. This was a government sponsored free clinic. All of our patients were too poor to pay for any care. It was a humbling experience. I developed febrile diarrhea twice during that time. Also a humbling experience.

Favorite place in the world:

Although Southern California is still home in my heart, I love living up here because I have ready access to everything I love to do. Plus the traffic is much better, as long as I stay off of Hwy 101.

One of my recent trips:

My roommates from UCLA and I try to get together every year for a weekend of mountain biking. Each year we try to go someplace new. My favorite place is Sun Valley, ID. The riding there is spectacular. Well-maintained single track, endless vistas, no crowds, and the climbs are very mellow - good for older guys like us! In 2007 we went to Park City, UT. It was our 11th consecutive year!

Trip Photos:

Sun Valley, a mountain biker's paradise.