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Spotlight: Family and Sports Medicine Physician Jennifer Oberstar wants to get you back to health
Family and Sports Medicine Physician Jennifer Oberstar, MD, is passionate about athletics—and knows exactly how frustrating it can be when an injury or illness sidelines you from your favorite activities.
Oberstar, who joined University of Minnesota Health earlier this fall, loves helping patients get back to their day-to-day physical routines. M Health talked with Oberstar about her background, why she enjoys working with patients and the lefse, jellies and pies she makes from scratch.
Tell us your role under University of Minnesota Health.
I am currently working in a clinical position at the University of Minnesota Health Sports Medicine Clinic in Stadium Village and the University of Minnesota Health Orthopaedic Clinic. I treat patients at the clinics—in addition to teaching medical students and residents. I am actively engaged in patient care and research, and I enjoy sharing with learners my passion for sports medicine.
Why are you passionate about your position?
I have been involved in organized sports since middle school and have pursued a variety of activities, including volleyball, basketball, scuba diving and ski patrol. I can appreciate those who desire to stay fit or have a passion for particular sports and the frustration they must feel if they are sidelined by an injury or physical condition. I enjoy working with patients and getting them back to their preferred activities.
What do you love about the University of Minnesota Health community?
I love the collaboration between all of our disciplines. Teamwork and communication are key to our patient outcomes. Our specialists and services are very willing to communicate with one another to further the interests of our patients. I am honored to be a part of such an experienced medical network that provides care to our Gopher athletic teams and the wider community.
What is one of your favorite memories from your job?
A new patient arrived with hip pain that he had experienced for over two years, and he did not know what was causing the pain. I listened to the patient as he explained that this condition was making his daily activities difficult. We discussed his imaging results and possible treatments. With assistance from a colleague, we were able to provide an ultrasound guided hip injection that immediately reduced his pain. He thanked me for taking the time to explain his condition and for the pain relief.
Tell us one surprising or interesting fact about yourself.
Every September, my family gets together with my husband's relatives for a fall harvest party. We make lefse, jelly and pies from scratch. We also can vegetables from his Mother's garden. This has given our family great memories, and we love working together as a team.