December 13, 2022

Meet Scott Simpson, MD

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Specialist 

Dr. Simpson specializes in treating acute musculoskeletal injuries, sports-related injuries, and injuries to the knee, shoulder, foot and ankle. He sees patients at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Center and the Orthopedic Injury Clinic in Chesterfield.

Where are you from? 

I grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington, in the suburbs of Seattle. It’s a beautiful harbor with views of Mt. Rainier as a backdrop to the harbor entrance.

What made you choose orthopedics and PM&R as a specialty?

I am a former long distance runner and have had all manner of running injuries. My experience with sports medicine as a patient is one factor that drew me into medicine as a career. I enjoy the breadth of patients we see as physiatrists, including athletes of all ages.

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?

I completed my sports medicine fellowship in the department in 2014-2015. I have been with the department since, apart from a one-year hiatus when my wife and I moved to be closer to family.

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

I enjoy the Orthopedic Injury Clinic, where the wide range of injuries we see across the age spectrum always keeps me on my toes. My practice is a great mix  - about half pediatric patients with a lot of fracture management and a more longitudinal relationship with some adult patients I have been seeing for years.

Was there a past patient who made a lasting impact on you?

One that stands out is a baseball player I saw through several shoulder injuries as a youth pitcher. He had almost given up on pitching due to frequent injuries but persevered and is now continuing to pitch at a high level beyond high school. I saw him recently and he is doing well, despite another small injury. His resolve to get back to the activity he loves is inspirational and getting to be a part of those journeys is rewarding.

Anything new on the horizon for PM&R care?

Our work as physiatrists in the Orthopedic Injury Clinic really is a new horizon for PM&R. There isn’t another place I am aware of in the country where physiatrists are routinely managing fractures and other acute injuries like we do here.

What is the best advice you ever received and who was it from? 

My father is a retired dentist and taught me the importance of working to build strong relationships with patients and enjoying those relationships. When time allowed he would take a few minutes and just sit and chat with his patients, frequently about nothing related to dentistry. The stories he would bring home weren’t about a specific procedure but about the conversation he had with a patient about fly-fishing or their charity bike ride. It’s not always easy with a busy schedule, but I try to do the same when I can and I enjoy getting to know my patients.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

I love spending time with family and in the outdoors, particularly camping, hiking and fly-fishing.

If you weren't a physician, what would you like to be doing?

I actually almost went into a career studying primate behavior in the wild. That would have been a pretty different life.

Anything else you would like to share?

My wife Erin is a primary care pediatrician and we have two kids, four year old Emma and 18 month old Sean.

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.