November 30, 2021

Meet Kimberly Bartosiak, MD 

Hip and Knee Surgeon

Dr. Bartosiak specializes in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis of the hip and knee. She also specializes in avascular necrosis and all other degenerative conditions of the hip and knee.

Where are you from? Anything fun/special about your hometown? 

I am from Bethalto, IL. This is a small town of only 9500 people about 35 miles from St. Louis. 

What made you choose orthopedics as a specialty?

I was the only female in my high school wood and metal shop class and the last of four daughters who enjoyed building with my dad. I knew upon entering medical school I would go into something surgical or procedural, as I have always enjoyed mastering technical skills. First year of medical school in anatomy lab I found the most enjoyment in learning about the musculoskeletal system and my advisor suggested I consider orthopedics. I started spending time with a local orthopeadic surgeon and never turned back. I loved the patients, the surgeries and felt as if I fit in with the mindset of those around me. I chose joint replacement for all of the same reasons. Returning an individual to the activities they enjoy is one of the most incredible things for me. And being technically skilled at hip and knee replacement to accomplish this goal of returning someone to their functional level is incredibly rewarding.

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics? How long have you been with Washington University? 

I grew up in the area and was lucky to have completed my five years of orthopedic residency training at WashU. There is no place I would be more thrilled to be a part of. Having seen a variety of practice models there is a reason I chose to return to an academic setting. Because the culture here promotes new ideas and collaboration, it helps us to be at the forefront of current orthopedic practices - and specifically to excel at joint replacement and the care surrounding this procedure. All of this allows us to care for straightforward, first-time total knee or hip patients as well as the more complex patient.

What aspect of your practice do you find most interesting or rewarding?

I enjoy getting to know my patients. Seeing patients at the beginning of the process when their lives are impacted by their hip and knee arthritis I ask, “What do you want to get back to?,” because for everyone that is different. Maybe it is caring for your grandchildren, gardening, running, biking or even just being able to walk around the house without hip or knee pain. Everyone has different goals, and it is incredible to see people be able to get back to the activities they enjoy through a surgery I helped them through.  

Are you working on any interesting clinical trials or studies right now? 

I am starting to investigate sleep following total knee arthroplasty. Many of our patients suffer from sleep disturbances pre- and post-operatively, despite being pleased with their joint replacement. My current focus is to understand sleep alterations around the time of total joint arthroplasty with a goal of improving this for our patients.

What’s on the horizon for recon patient care? What are you excited about?

We are increasingly involving robotics and technology in total joint arthroplasty. It will be exciting to see how total knees and hips change over time as technology becomes more integrated into patient care.

What’s the best thing about working and practicing at an academic medical center?

The academic setting keeps us up-to-date on current concepts to employ evidence-based medicine. Remaining current helps guide our clinical decision making, ensuring the highest level of care. Having an affiliated residency and fellowship prompts new ideas and encourages excellence in all facets of patient care, education and research.

What’s the best advice you ever received and who/what was it from?

“Measure twice. Cut once.” – My Dad

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?

I enjoy riding my bike around Forest Park, fishing, cooking/baking and home renovation projects.

If you weren’t a doctor, what would you like to be doing? 

I greatly enjoy cooking and baking, so I expect I would be a chef.

Anything else you'd like to share? 

Dr. Bartosiak treats patients at the Center for Advanced Medicine - South County and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. Learn more about  Dr. Bartosiak and why patients choose Washington University Orthopedics.