Steven Olson, MD

	Joined Feb, 2006 Department: Family Medicine Services [Map] Title: Physician Degree: MD Interests: Tennis, gourmet cooking, hiking, reading, bridge, economics and the psychology of financial markets Languages: English and Medical Spanish Physician Homepage
Bio I am a Northern California local, being raised in Millbrae, California and living there until attending UC Davis Medical School. While at UC Davis, I met and married my wife, Jeanie. After receiving my medical degree in 1984, we moved to Santa Rosa (Jeanieâ€™s birthplace) to start our family and complete my Family Practice Residency training in 1987. I have been enjoying practicing medicine in Santa Rosa since. I came to Kaiser in 2006 after practicing for 19 years in a large Family Practice office 4 miles from my current location at Kaiser. Those first 19 years have resulted in many fond memories built on relationships with patients, staff, and colleagues. I am in the enviable position of having fun while working. Since joining Kaiser I couldn't be happier in my professional life. The most satisfying part of my 'work', the relationships with patients, is not only preserved, but also enhanced. I perform about 50% more medicine in any given day than before, yet still have more time to spend with individual patients. This is possible because of the vast array of tools available that improve efficiency as well as the quality of care I can provide. (And no time is spent with insurance authorizations and paperwork.) While I have always been a technophile, the tools available are truly amazing. Working in this technologically advanced system of care, coupled with an organization consisting of patients, staff, educators, nurses, physicians, therapists, pharmacists, and many others all working together is invigorating. My practice philosophy is strongly supported by the culture at Kaiser. My practice philosophy is to enable patients to make health decisions that are uniquely appropriate for them. I do this through education, shared knowledge and respectful communication. Outside interests include gourmet cooking for family and friends, playing tennis with reckless abandon, information technology and observing the psychology of the financial markets. I welcome you to my practice.
My Medical Specialty
More details about my specialty: I chose Family Medicine because it offers me the chance to develop ongoing relationships with patients and their families, spanning decades. Every visit is unique, owing to the tenor of the day, the family dynamics involved, the type of health issues being covered, and many other conscious and unconscious variables. These relationships are built on mutual respect and the knowledge that each interpersonal contact has an opportunity for mutual personal and professional growth. After more than 2 decades, I still look forward to the next visit. Current projects or research: I am currently the Kaiser Santa Rosa lead physician for three projects. They include the enhancement and efficiency training of our information technology resources, fine tuning the appropriate diagnosis of major depressions, and appropriately coding and documenting visits and services to help quantify quality and work standards. All of these projects are designed to improve quality and service to members.
Interests
My wife and I are true tennis fans. We play often, and when both of our sons are home, family doubles lures us to the court. Many of our vacations involve tennis. We try to attend the Australian Open every year, which we combine with visiting family members living in Australia. We have also queued overnight at Wimbledon on multiple occasions. This involves sleeping overnight in line, with fans from around the world, and results in front row center court seats at the most prestigious tennis tournament of the year. Currently reading: Confessions of an Economic Hitman My favorite book or author: Word of Honor by Nelson Demille Great movie: The Shawshank Redemption	Hobby Photos & Links: Peach Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust (awesome recipe - from bonappetit.com) Wife Jeanie with Son Mats Australian Open Tennis Tournament Bonappetit Magazine
Family & Friends
	Photos of my Family & Friends: Boys Home for a Visit (Jeanie, Mats, Connor)
	Pet Photos: "Mr. Kitty" - The best cat in the world. "Rollie Roo" - The goofiest (but sweetest) dog in the world. "BeBe" A very bad dog who loves everyone and has me wrapped around her finger.
Travel
An adventure I've had: Backpacking and hiking are favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors. Recently we went packing into the Kaiser Wilderness (No affiliation with Kaiser-Permanente) in the Sierra National Forest. Favorite place in the world: Glacier National Park. Truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen or hiked. One of my recent trips: We had a great time during our last yearly visit to the Australian Open. The crowd is really fun. Each country roots for their favorite player, and during change overs, friendly cheering competition will break out between rival countries. This year Jeanie and I found ourselves sitting in the middle of the Australian "cheering section". One of the members of the section called out, "Hey, random man, would you like a hat?"	Travel Photos: Leaving for home after 3 days in the Kaiser Wilderness View from Kaiser Peak (Elevation 10,200 feet) A Photo of One of My Favorite Places: View from "Going to the Sun" Road in Glacier Early morning on one of the many lakes in Glacier National Park Iceberg Lake, Glacier National Park. The coldest water I have ever been swimming in. (Very briefly!) Northern Glacier, just across the Canadian border Trip Photos: The Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road in Southern Australia Starting the walk back into town from the Australian Open "Random Man and Woman" joining the Aussies From the middle of a group of Aussies at the 2006 Australian Open 2006 Vista from one of the many Southern Autralian Coastal Lighthouses