Some people come into our lives bringing joy and laughter. Others help us build stronger foundations and futures by teaching from their experience and expertise. At Olympia Orthopaedic Associates (OlyOrtho), Dr. Tom Helpenstell helped the business grow and his 2023 retirement leaves a lasting legacy behind. But now it’s time for this adventurous spirit to get back to seeing the world and conquering new heights, quite literally, and often with a ski pole, hiking boots or triathlon bib pinned in place.
Dr. Tom Helpenstell’s Lasting Orthopaedic Legacy
Helpenstell first crossed paths with OlyOrtho back in 1994. He was in Seattle for a training event and a friend mentioned that they were looking to hire additional specialists. At the time, what we know today as Olympia Orthopaedic Associates was three separate clinics, Helpenstell explains, which all merged into OlyOrtho in 2001. He believes that by banding together into the OlyOrtho family of caregivers, “it’s better for patients and overall to have this group rather than individual surgeons. And this group is amazing and gets along so well.”
Before settling down in the Thurston County area to work for OlyOrtho, Helpenstell traveled widely for his schooling. A graduate of Grinnell College in Iowa, he got his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. He then did additional training in New Mexico, a sports medicine fellowship in Oregon and studied foot and ankle issues in Seattle.
Medical Advancements Mean Improved Orthopaedic Care for Patients
During his time in medicine, Helpenstell has been witness to – and participated in – some tremendous technological improvements. For example, with many joint replacements, the whole timeline has been reduced.
“The move to an outpatient surgery setting,” says Helpenstell, “is impressive. Before we used to admit patients the night before and keep them for a few days afterwards. Now it’s an outpatient procedure thanks to this amazing development and growth. I never would have imagined it!”
Though Helpenstell officially retired from the staff on December 29, 2023, he’s still finishing up aftercare and treatment for his surgical patients through the end of March 2024. And he knows that future patients remain in great hands thanks to OlyOrtho’s smart new people who are in a great position going forward, he says.
Climbing to New Heights in Retirement
OlyOrtho CEO Ben Shah wishes his longtime friend and colleague all the best at this bittersweet milestone. “Dr. Helpenstell has been a foundational member of Olympia Orthopaedic Associates for many years, providing outstanding care to our community and outstanding leadership for our company. We are going to miss him both professionally and personally,” says Shah.
But there’s no resting on his laurels for this outdoorsy doctor. Helpenstell loves to stay physically active through triathlons, mountain climbing and back country skiing. But he doesn’t just tackle the Pacific Northwest slopes and trails close to home. To date, he’s conquered peaks in Chile, Antarctica and Russia just to name a few.
Or maybe another medical mission is in store? Having deeply enjoyed being able to give back to patients in Nepal on a similar trip, Helpenstell would be open to another such undertaking in the future.
Live Your Life In Motion at OlyOrtho
At OlyOrtho doctors like Helpenstell want to help you live your life in motion just like he does. With specialties in foot and ankle, hand and wrist, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, spine, joint replacement, neurosurgery and sports medicine, you don’t need to sacrifice mobility or pain free living to illness, injury or aging.
They even have a Rapid Orthopaedic Care (ROC) Urgent Clinic with walk-in appointments daily and offer pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation and diagnostic clinic services like MRI and X-ray or physical and hand therapy.
Book an appointment online now or by calling 360.570.3460 today. Their team of providers is happy to walk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. Start working towards a summer spent outdoors, enjoying those long days and balmy nights doing all the activities you and your family love best. Or take a page from Helpenstell’s handbook and climb to new heights with global flair. Whatever you choose, OlyOrtho will keep you on your feet into retirement and beyond.
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