Dr. Heather Saffel chose primary care sports medicine because it combines several of her passions: sports, the musculoskeletal system and helping people return to physical activity. She feels the decision to practice at Beacon was an easy choice. "I am excited to work alongside an all-star cast of people in a thriving sports medicine clinic," she says. "I have the opportunity to mentor and educate family medicine residents and sports medicine fellows, all while doing what I love." She is the first in her family to become a doctor. The most common career path in her family is teaching, which she believes is an especially important aspect of being a doctor. She credits her own experience while in the fifth grade for choosing a career path in medicine. "I broke my leg snowboarding," she explains. "My positive interactions with my orthopedic surgeon made me realize I would love to provide patients with that same kind of care. He made me feel comfortable, clearly explained the x-rays and the treatment plan; he gained my trust." That trust is the key to Heather’s own philosophy today. "I think getting to know the patient – really listening and working together to come up with a plan that we both feel good about – is a strategy for success. It’s important to me to understand what they have gone through to get to where they are today." What she loves most is getting people active and functional again after an injury – it’s her goal for all her patients, and she does so through kindness, empathy and working together as a team. "I never want them to feel like I am telling them what to do, but more that we are partners working to develop the best plan for them as an individual." In her own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My parents. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I was a newspaper delivery girl. I remember my three-street route, the nice people I delivered to and always trying to get the paper to stay together while putting it in the door. What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite food is steak. My favorite movie is Finding Nemo. What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subject was math; my worst was organic chemistry. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My maternal grandfather who passed away when I was six. He did a lot for my small community of Elkins, WV. He was admired by many, and I would love to hear more from and about him in my adult life. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? Family, friends and sports. I love playing and coaching sports, traveling and attending local festivals and events. What is something most people don’t know about you? I enjoy school and constantly learning.
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