Kirstina Olson

MD

Chief, Foot and Ankle Surgery
Orthopedic surgeon

Dr. Kirstina Olson is an orthopedic surgeon and chief of foot and ankle surgery at the UCSF Orthopaedic Institute. She treats all conditions of the foot and ankle, including arthritis, bunions, flat feet, tendon disorders and fractures, and performs surgeries ranging from minimally invasive procedures to complex reconstructions. Her goal is to offer treatment options that enable patients to regain a high level of function and improve their quality of life.

In her research, Olson has studied tendons and how to stimulate healing. She has also investigated flatfoot reconstruction surgeries and the use of implants to repair fractures of the foot.

Olson earned her medical degree at the University of Southern California. She completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at University of Chicago Medicine, followed by a foot and ankle fellowship at OrthoCarolina's world-renowned Foot & Ankle Institute.

Olson is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Medical Women's Association, American Orthopaedic Association's Emerging Leaders Program, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society and Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society.

  • Education

    University of Southern California School of Medicine, 2003

  • Fellowships

    OrthoCarolina Foot and Ankle Institute, Orthopedic Surgery, 2009

  • Board Certifications

    Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.6

    Overall Experience
    550 Ratings
    About our process
    Dec 02, 2023
    The caregiver was distant and direct. I had covered a lot of ground with outside caregivers and knew what was being said. I didn't want to bother the caregiver with a bunch of little questions and will direct much attention on that front to her assistant.
    Dec 01, 2023
    Dr Olson listens well is understanding and explains well. Thank you Dr Olson
    Nov 22, 2023
    Superlative treatment care and concern. Dr. Olson is an exceptional communicator and I especially appreciate that she seems to take as much time as you need to discuss all concerns thoroughly.
    Nov 18, 2023
    Radiographs were NOT reviewed or discussed benefits and risks of surgery for ORIF and syndesmosis ORIF were NOT discussed but doctor stated in the notes that they were. Very disingenuous.
    Nov 15, 2023
    Could not of asked for more
    Nov 11, 2023
    Dr Olson voice very concerned about the wound healing was it an infection or or not and she suggested a way how to find that out that was very helpful for me
    Nov 08, 2023
    Honestly she seemed like she couldn't care less and didn't want to be there. Didn't actually seem interested in getting me care
    Nov 04, 2023
    Dr OLson was very helpful friendly explained every aspect clearly and listened to my concerns.
    Oct 22, 2023
    Thank you for the knowledge to guide me for proper way of healing
    Oct 20, 2023
    Dr. Olson is the best. She told me to exactly what I needed to know for my next phase in healing. She took the time to answer my questions. And she made sure I was ok after my fall in x ray.
    Oct 16, 2023
    Dr. Olson is an excellent doctor who cares as much for the patients' lives as well as her surgery for them.
    Oct 13, 2023
    Great candid conversation with clear advice and straight forward explanations. Very much appreciated.
    Sep 23, 2023
    I met with one of Dr Olson's resident Doctors. She asked excellent questions about my concerns.
    Sep 20, 2023
    Wonderful Doctor
    Aug 30, 2023
    Dr Kirstina Olson is an excellent Doctor & really listens to all your issue / concerns and was able to fully resolve same !
    Aug 25, 2023
    The doctor came in looked at the x-ray told me I had some arthritis and only after I asked did she look at my foot for 2 seconds. While she asked if I had any questions it was clear she was ready to move on. She gave me some brochures with little explanation of what they were even after I asked. I felt dismissed - either because of my age and that my problem was really minor and unimportant - maybe to her but it is to me.
    Aug 25, 2023
    The care provider showed interest to understand my concerns and corrected by misunderstanding of my condition
    Aug 23, 2023
    Gave good advice. Concise direct and reassuring
    Aug 19, 2023
    Dr. Olson is fantastic.
    Aug 11, 2023
    I absolutely love Dr Olson she's so caring and so knowledgeable and so wise
    Aug 11, 2023
    Very professional and caring among all staff
    Aug 05, 2023
    Excellent dr!
    Aug 03, 2023
    Dr. Olson is extremely professional highly organized and an excellent role model for being compassionate caring and very informative with her patients. Having Dr. Olson as your care provider is a major blessing! Dr. Olson is generous with her time and yet timely with appointments. She is kind patient caring sensitive to her patient's concerns. Dr. Olson exhibits the qualities of an excellent doctor. And she is a wonderful example of why patients come to UCSF!
    Jul 31, 2023
    Courteous knowledgeable and very approachable with questions and concerns.
    Jul 25, 2023
    I felt I was listened to.
    Jul 22, 2023
    Confidant in care
    Jul 15, 2023
    Dr. Olson has been excellent in every encounter I have had with her.
    Jul 06, 2023
    Dr. Olson is so personable and kind while showing her obvious competence. I live far away and she is so worth the effort.
    Jul 01, 2023
    She was not warm did not give many details was not encouraging.
    Jun 30, 2023
    Dr. Olson took the time to listen to how I was doing post op vs just doing a wound check. I've experienced the latter with another provider and it's a striking difference. She always speaks to where I'm at.
    Jun 26, 2023
    I have seen Dr. Olson several times over the years for different injuries and in my opinion she is an excellent physician in every way: knowledgeable probing listening evaluating communicative highly personable and professional.
    Jun 21, 2023
    Dr Olson is great!
    Jun 17, 2023
    It was a very cursory and quick exam. No discussion of pain or pain management. Just a referral to imaging and that's all.
    Jun 13, 2023
    Overall very content
    Jun 08, 2023
    Outstanding orthopedic providers and overall clinic!
    May 26, 2023
    Dr. Olson was very nice and attempted to answer my questions. However when I received my after visit summary a large part of what we discussed was not included in the notes. I've been given a prescription for a walking boot but there's no Indication In the notes as to how long I need to use It. I feel like I still have questions and concerns. I'm also having a hard time reaching the office again to ask my questions and request clarification.
    May 24, 2023
    Dr. Olson is the best!!
    May 22, 2023
    Answered all questions completely but did not offer info about risks and benefits of various treatment options
    Apr 30, 2023
    Dr. Olson is everything you want in a care provider! Great bedside manne extremely helpful in making decisions about my health plan!
    Apr 29, 2023
    Absolutely the best!
    Apr 26, 2023
    Never examined my ankle to check movements Gave me my shot and left. Never asked how I was doing.
    Apr 12, 2023
    Dr. Olson was fantastic. I felt like she acknowledged my pain and had clear steps to treat my pain
    Mar 29, 2023
    Dr. Olson is very pragmatic takes time to listen and answer with relevant information gives options for tratment with the pro's and cons of each. She is an excellent clkinician
    Mar 22, 2023
    Dr. Olson guided my recovery and responded to my questions with professionalism and confidence with comprehensive knowledge of the injury as basis. Deep appreciation to her and her team to provide timely care for me at each stage of the recovery.
    Mar 10, 2023
    Dr. Olson was pleasant and perfunctory
    Mar 02, 2023
    Her skills are outstanding but I often feel she doesn't "listen" to me and understand my needs and history.
    Feb 22, 2023
    My provider was extremely professional and eased my mind that I was in great hands!
    Feb 18, 2023
    When the provider arrived 50 minutes late she didn't acknowledge that she was late. The notes she took for the AVS reflect severalInaccuracies and are incomplete.
    Feb 11, 2023
    Dr. Olson was seemingly relaxed and unhurried. I felt like her explanations were thorough and all my questions were answered. I really want to stress that she did not seem in a hurry to finish my appointment but rather to be present and listen and engaged and that was a typical from many doctors visits I've had through the years and I thoroughly appreciated this
    Feb 08, 2023
    I really like Dr. Olson. She listens ask questions and includes me what might have to happen in the future. She shows appropriate compassion.
    Feb 08, 2023
    I broke my ankle and arrived anxious and concerned. I had questions that were answered with patience and honestly. Dr. Olson has excellent bedside manners. She's professional and empathetic
    Feb 08, 2023
    Dr. Olson was fantastic!!!
    Feb 06, 2023
    I come to Dr. Olson because she listens communicates clearly and is compassionate.
    Feb 01, 2023
    I feel very confident with Dr Olson.
    Jan 23, 2023
    Dr Olson was very thorough and professional. Took time to discuss any questions and anticipated questions
    Jan 14, 2023
    Dr. Olson was excellent. She did not tell me whether I should make a follow up appointment though so I'm not sure what to do.
    Jan 07, 2023
    Dr Olson very available for questions or concern
    Dec 22, 2022
    I have a life changing injury and conveyed my urgency upon making appointment. The doctor spent 10 minutes with me and said I need surgery soon but that she is going on vacation but she would look into scheduling me with an available surgeon. Based on my experience I don't expect a follow up from ucsf
    Dec 16, 2022
    Excellent surgeon
    Dec 07, 2022
    Dr Olson is incredible surgeon.takes timeexplains everything.
    Dec 07, 2022
    Dr. Olson was excellent!
    Dec 07, 2022
    Besides obvious expertise I appreciate that Dr.Olson addressed my concern in a manner respectful of my intellegence. I greatly appreciate this.
    Dec 02, 2022
    Dr. Olson is the best! She spent a lot of time with us and answered all my (many) questions thoroughly.
    Nov 23, 2022
    It seemed that the doctor was in a hurry to get out of the room she barely looked at my foot and she was talking fast. I don't think I was heard and because it seemed that she wasn't happy to be there I didn't get to ask all of the questions that I or my parents had. We drove almost 6 hours for this appointment and I don't think that the doctor was in the room for more than 5 minutes.
    Nov 23, 2022
    I have been somewhat astonished a how discordant my visits have been. I go and am seen and then I'm on my own until I call because nothing has happened.
    Nov 05, 2022
    I have already recommended Dr. Olson to another.
    Nov 05, 2022
    Dr.Olson is the consummate professional: Caring knowledgeable informative and skilled in all aspects of her profession.
    Nov 02, 2022
    Dr. Olson is the best. I drive a long way to be treated by her. She's a strong communicator and listener and I have every faith that I'm receiving the best from her.
    Nov 01, 2022
    Excellent care provided
    Oct 31, 2022
    Very knowledgeable and answer all questions and addressed all concerns.
    Oct 12, 2022
    Dr Olson very thorough in explanationetc
    Sep 24, 2022
    Short and dismissive.
    Sep 14, 2022
    Dr. Olson is an excellent doctor and surgeon!
    Sep 10, 2022
    Didn't clearly describe my condition and provided options for treatment but wasn't very specific with treatment options (things like inserts etc) and didn't give me specific timelines or prognosis.
    Sep 08, 2022
    Thank you Dr. Olson!!!
    Sep 05, 2022
    Not much post op education and guidance (when can walk drive etc)
    Sep 03, 2022
    Hands-down the best experience I have ever had with a physician and or their team. Thank you so much!
    Aug 31, 2022
    Very pleased with Dr. Olson's clinical expertise .
    Aug 27, 2022
    Always great go meet with the Dr.
    Aug 24, 2022
    Dr. Olson was great but the desk staff was dismissive and just short of rude.
    Aug 20, 2022
    I did not feel listen to I didn't feel understood. I felt like they really didn't hear me at all.. Explain I explained that I was still in pain in some areas.
    Jul 30, 2022
    Overall my experience has been always excellent
    Jul 29, 2022
    Some questions were answered clearly and helpfully; others were not and in fact some questions got answers in contradiction to what I had been told before
    Jul 22, 2022
    My Chart posted post appointment- a Redemonstration of a well-corticated fragment medial to the distal first proximal phalanx likely a prior intra-articular corner fracture which appears less distinct today consistent with interval healing. Dr should have compared old X-ray to new one that day so I'd know if bone was healing from Sept break and if broken bone fragment's displacement from this second fall was changed and. ok . Although I see on MYChart now that post appointment a radiologist posted : Redemonstration of a well-corticated fragment medial to the distal first proximal phalanx likely a prior intra-articular corner fracture which appears less distinct today consistent with interval healing. I'd like to know from Dr. Olson if first break was healing- bone rebuilding. And what are repercussions from second fall in more detail. Perhaps both old and new X-rays weren't compared at my last appointment.
    Jul 22, 2022
    Overall I had a fantastic experience. I felt very well taken care of and Dr. Olson was great at listening to my concerns (around travel etc) and helping me to understand what I should be doing to take care of myself.
    Jul 12, 2022
    When finally talking to Dr.she is very thorough.answers every question.
    Jul 10, 2022
    Dr. Olson is an amazing human - kind and the best foot and ankle surgeon in CA.
    Jun 09, 2022
    My only criticism is that the doctor didn't introduce herself when she came into the room. Besides that she was great.
    Jun 04, 2022
    Put the information in the instructions given by Dr. Olson's office were always very clear and very helpful
    May 23, 2022
    I thought I should have had a more in depth description of my situation
    May 20, 2022
    Please note that the resident saw me first. She did not provide the correct information regarding ankle exercises and PT. I clarified the procedures with the attending. I emailed the attending via UCSF email to inform her regarding the incorrect information that the resident provided regarding ankle exercises and PT.
    Apr 22, 2022
    Always thoughtful
    Apr 06, 2022
    Felt like doctor didn't really care. It was lunch time
    Apr 04, 2022
    Dr. Olson has an excellent bedside manner. She made sure to look at my goals and ensure that all of my questions were answered. I felt very comfortable with her advice and would recommend her to anyone with similar issues.
    Apr 02, 2022
    Very good after care summary on the patient portal
    Mar 28, 2022
    At first I was taking notes with my phone but the Doctor said she would have everything printed out for me. She made me feel relaxed and that with care I could overcome my pain.
    Mar 26, 2022
    Dr Kirstina Olson is the top rated foot/ankle surgeon in the state according to Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins
    Mar 16, 2022
    I would have expected that a Chief of Staff has the power to expedite diagnostics required to get me out of the PAIN and SURGICAL failure I have experienced for the past 2 1/2 years a bit quicker. Waiting for nearly 3 months for an MRI at a world renowned facility like UCSF is ABSURD.
    Mar 16, 2022
    Didn't get any follow up care
    Mar 11, 2022
    The hardest part of the visit was that I'm in a cast and had to park far away. Plus I spent on parking and this is a serious barrier to care. in parking to see a doctor? UCSF should make business deals with the parking garages so it costs an hour. I'm serious. Or no charge with proof of validation from physicains' office.
    Mar 02, 2022
    Dr Olson isliterally (!)one of the finest MD's I've ever encounteredworld class in every sense of the wordSO grateful for her!

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