Doctor Profile: William Olson, M.D.
Meet a Quad City surgeon whose hometown roots grow deep.
« View the directory listing for William Olson, M.D.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Joy, Illinois, on a family farm. There I learned discipline, a hard work ethic and how to endure long hours. My father is still farming on the family farm with my brother Scott. Growing up I worked year-long raising hogs and cattle of my own as well as helping with the daily chores including bailing hay, maintenance of farm equipment and doctoring animals. I continue to help on the farm even today, when time allows.
Tell us about your family.
I have four children, triplets age 9 – two boys/one girl – Parker, Preston and McKenna, and a 2 year old son – Ashton.
Why did you choose to become a surgeon?
I enjoy helping people and working with my hands. I used to work as an EMT and enjoyed the trauma aspect. Trauma surgery was actually my first interest and still is but has now taken a back seat to my interest in advanced laparoscopic surgery. I was also a big fan of the TV series M*A*S*H, where I enjoyed the camaraderie of trauma surgeons who could be very jovial in the off time, yet very serious and commanding when it came crunch time in the trenches. And they always put their patients first.
What areas of general surgery do you specialize in?
Advanced laparoscopy, robotics, bariatric and breast surgeries.
What are some of the latest advancements in general surgery patients need to know about?
The use of robotics and advanced laparoscopy in general surgery. Advances in laparoscopic surgery including colon, adrenal and bariatric surgeries, can now performed laparoscopically.
Also technical advances in the laparoscopic field including single port access and the ‘NOTES’ procedure (natural orifice entry). Advances in robotic surgery also offer a new avenue of technical changes. All these advances equate to a faster recovery and return to normal activities, shorter hospital stay and fewer post-op complications.
What do you feel is the top healthcare issue facing patients in western Illinois and eastern Iowa today?
Rural health care issues include those surrounding a struggling economy. Hospitals, patients and physicians are all struggling to survive. Health care costs preclude patients from seeking appropriate medical attention due to expense or lack of availability or access. Failing hospital systems are unable to provide up-to-date services and have simply become band aid stations.
Farther travel to get health care is not always an option because of gas prices and lack of adequate transportation. I am also very concerned about the occurrences of morbid obesity and lack of appropriate insurance coverage.
What advice do you wish patients would take more often and why?
To eat healthier and take an active role in their own health maintenance.
