September 27, 2024

Meet Katherine Caldwell, MD

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

Dr. Caldwell specializes in the nonoperative management of musculoskeletal and sports medicine conditions including tendon and ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, fractures, radiculopathy and pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain. As a former collegiate swimmer, she has special interests in caring for the female athlete, including swimming and diving injuries.

Where are you from? 

I'm from Columbia, Missouri. It's a great college town, and I grew up attending Mizzou Tigers sporting events. 

What made you choose PM&R as a specialty? 

The more holistic approach to patient care was what first drew me in to physiatry as a specialty. We focus not only on the specific problem or injury, but also the factors that contribute to the problem and how it's affecting the patient's function and quality of life. 

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics? 

I came to Washington University for my Sports Medicine fellowship and was thrilled when I was offered a faculty position here. I'm lucky to be surrounded by a lot of smart, caring physicians who make me a better doctor. 

What aspect of your practice do you find most rewarding? 

I think communication is part of what makes a great physician. I find it rewarding to be able to really talk to patients to find out how their condition is impacting them and come up with solutions together. 

Is there a patient who made a lasting impact on you?

I treated a high-level paralympic athlete after an injury, which allowed me to put my training in PM&R to good use. I was able to utilize my knowledge of limb deficiency, prosthetics, and sports medicine to help the athlete come up with a treatment plan. They were able to return to high level competition and are doing quite well. 

What's on the horizon for PM&R care?

The procedural side of PM&R is constantly evolving, including newer nerve ablations and orthobiologics research. 

What is the best advice you ever received?

The best advice I received during medical school was, "treat the patient, not just the disease." It's a good reminder of how we as physicians should think about the diagnosis in the context of treating the whole person. 

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Spending time outside with my family – we love to hike, go to parks, and swim. 

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

I would probably be a swim coach. I swam for Texas A&M University and I love combining my knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics with swim technique. 

Anything else you'd like to share?

My husband and I have twin daughters, who are just over a year and half old. We also have two dogs – a labradoodle and a miniature goldendoodle. 

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