OPA Announces Retirement of Steven J. Anderson, MD
It is with great pride and a touch of sadness that OPA announces the retirement of Steven J. Anderson, MD, effective March 1, 2025. With a career spanning over 40 years, Dr. Anderson has assisted thousands of patients with all manner of orthopedic injuries and conditions—helping them return to healthy physical activities and sports.
While Dr. Anderson has cared for patients of all ages, he was one of the first physicians in the country to provide specialty level sports medicine care for the pediatric and adolescent age group. He has served as chair for the Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness for the American Academy of Pediatrics which has worked largely to set safety standards for youth sports. He has been a leading author and principal editor for 2 editions of Care of the Young Athlete (a comprehensive textbook published jointly by the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP] and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons [AAOS]). In 2022, Dr. Anderson received the Thomas Shaffer Award from the AAP for his lifetime contributions to the field.
In addition to his office practice, Dr. Anderson has served as head physician for the United States Diving Team and has worked extensively with competitive swimmers as well. He has been the Chief Medical Officer for multiple (>40) state high school championships; Pac-12 championships; NCAA championships; World Championships; Olympic Trials, and 2 Olympic Games. He has also been the consulting physician for Pacific Northwest Ballet and School and served on the Expert Medical Advisory Board for the Safe Return Playbook which was a nationwide guideline for actors and other performing artists outlining safe practices and safe levels of participation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Anderson has been the Physician Director for the Board of Certification of the National Athletic Trainers Association; a member of the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) for the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA); and a member of the American Board of Pediatrics where he helped establish the level of sports medicine knowledge pediatricians should possess before they become board certified in pediatrics. He is the founder of Seattle Pediatric Sports Medicine. This is a first of its kind organization that brings together sports medicine specialists with other medical professionals who care for young and active people—including general physicians, pediatricians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. Dr. Anderson is also actively involved in teaching sports medicine and primary care orthopedics to medical students, residents, specialty fellows, and practicing physicians both locally, nationally, and internationally.
Dr. Anderson also serves on the Leadership Council for the UW School of Medicine Alumni Association and is the co-chair for Healthcare Huskies (which is a mentoring program for UW student athletes interested in pursuing fields in healthcare). Those who best know Dr. Anderson would testify that one of his favorite aspects of his association with OPA has been the opportunity to get to know and work with the many fine medical assistants currently working at OPA who are looking to advance their careers in medicine by applying to nursing school, PA school, or medical school. He has stated that nothing is more comforting to a retiring physician than seeing, and hopefully, assisting, so many bright and capable young people who will represent the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Finally, Dr. Anderson would like to thank all of the patients and all of the physicians, physical therapists, coaches, and friends who have supported his practice throughout the years. Nothing is more gratifying than working with a diverse and varied group of individuals who are united by the common goal of striving for better health and fitness. OPA hopes to be able to continue as a resource and partner in your orthopedic needs as we all move forward to the future.
Please join us in wishing Dr. Anderson a happy retirement and best wishes for the next stage in his career!