Board Member Profile:
Sandra F. Olson, M.D.
Sandra F. Olson, M.D., currently serves on the ISMIE Mutual Board of Directors as chair of the Risk Management Committee and has been a board member since 1997. Dr. Olson received her Doctor of Medicine from Northwestern University, and she is an
attending physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago. She currently supervises several residents’ clinics. In addition, Dr. Olson serves/has served in many capacities, including:
• Current president of the American Academy of Neurology.
• Member and past president (1996- 97), ISMS Board of Trustees.
• Member of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
• Chair, AMA Council on Medical Education
• Member and past president (1993- 94), Chicago Medical Society.
We are pleased that Dr. Olson recently took the time to answer a few questions.
What compelled you to go into medicine as your profession?
In high school, I was interested in the biological sciences. I was also interested in helping people. The medical profession would blend these two interests, I thought, and so I
considered becoming a doctor. It took awhile to confirm my career choice, however. Although I had a natural interest in the field, there were very few women going into medicine back then, and no one in my family was a doctor. Eventually, I just knew that it
is what I was meant to do.
What have been your proudest moments as a physician?
Whenever I’ve been able to help a patient with a chronic neurological condition improve his or her quality of life. There’s a great sense of satisfaction in knowing that someone
feels better because of your care. Also, because of the level of trust placed in me, I have felt proud when I’ve been elected to posts in professional organizations.
Your lowest moments?
The low moments come when having to discuss with a patient a life threatening or fatal
diagnosis, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s very difficult. These moments have haunted me for days, or sometimes, for weeks afterwards.
What are the greatest concerns that physicians must cope with today?
Physicians must endure the harsh medical liability climate, decreasing reimbursement for services, and the increased time and expense related to running a practice. In addition, I’ve noticed a slow erosion of the doctor/patient relationship due to external forces such as third-party reimbursement. Feeling under siege and disheartened due to the current
professional climate is all too common today among practicing physicians.
What is your favorite “escape” or opportunity for relaxation?
I love opera, cooking (especially soups and stews!) and traveling. I used to ride horseback, and would like to resume that hobby when I have more time. I like crossword puzzles, and I’m an avid reader. My favorites are mysteries, especially those set in medieval times, and histories. I just finished The DaVinci Code, and I’m currently reading The Devil in the White City and Stephen Ambrose’s book about the Lewis and Clark expedition. Relaxing at the beach is also a favorite pastime.
As a devoted ISMIE Mutual board member for seven years, which board activity has given you the most satisfaction?
Working on the Risk Management Committee has been challenging, stimulating and rewarding as we pioneer new ideas in risk management and develop courses for our insureds. We hope that in the future we’ll see practice improvements and enhanced patient relationships due to this vision and work. I have truly enjoyed being a member of the committee. As its new chairperson, I’m looking forward to continued involvement.
Mutual Interests thanks Dr. Olson for taking the time to participate in this profile. We hope that with all of her commitments and activities, she will indeed have a few moments to relax at the beach this summer.
Watch this space for profiles of ISMIE Mutual board members in future issues.