Additional Links

• website https://providers.beaconhealthsystem.org/provider/Heather+Saffel/1603028
• reservation https://providers.beaconhealthsystem.org/book/1603028
• menu https://providers.beaconhealthsystem.org/book/1603028
• order https://providers.beaconhealthsystem.org/book/1603028
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Hours of Operation

• M-F 8am-12pm
• 1pm-5pm
• Sa-Su Closed

Brand Names

• Beacon Health System

Associations

• Memorial Hospital of South Bend

Services

• Sports Medicine

Languages Spoken

• English

Payment Options

• American Express
• Check
• Discover
• Financing
• MasterCard
• Visa

About Heather Saffel, MD - Beacon Bone & Joint Specialists South Bend

Dr. Heather Saffel chose primary care sports medicine because it combines several of her passions: sports, the musculoskeletal system and helping people return to physical activity. She feels the decision to practice at Beacon was an easy choice. "I am excited to work alongside an all-star cast of people in a thriving sports medicine clinic," she says. "I have the opportunity to mentor and educate family medicine residents and sports medicine fellows, all while doing what I love."

She is the first in her family to become a doctor. The most common career path in her family is teaching, which she believes is an especially important aspect of being a doctor. She credits her own experience while in the fifth grade for choosing a career path in medicine. "I broke my leg snowboarding," she explains. "My positive interactions with my orthopedic surgeon made me realize I would love to provide patients with that same kind of care. He made me feel comfortable, clearly explained the x-rays and the treatment plan; he gained my trust."

That trust is the key to Heather's own philosophy today. "I think getting to know the patient - really listening and working together to come up with a plan that we both feel good about - is a strategy for success. It's important to me to understand what they have gone through to get to where they are today."

What she loves most is getting people active and functional again after an injury - it's her goal for all her patients, and she does so through kindness, empathy and working together as a team. "I never want them to feel like I am telling them what to do, but more that we are partners working to develop the best plan for them as an individual."

In her own words...

Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My parents.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I was a newspaper delivery girl. I remember my three-street route, the nice people I delivered to and always trying to get the paper to stay together while putting it in the door.

What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite food is steak. My favorite movie is Finding Nemo.

What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subject was math; my worst was organic chemistry.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My maternal grandfather who passed away when I was six. He did a lot for my small community of Elkins, WV. He was admired by many, and I would love to hear more from and about him in my adult life.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? Family, friends and sports. I love playing and coaching sports, traveling and attending local festivals and events.

What is something most people don't know about you? I enjoy school and constantly learning.

Keywords / Tags

Adolescents, Adults, Children, Older Adults, Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Sports Doctor, Sports Expert, Sports Medicine Doctor, Sports Medicine Physician, Sports Physician, Sports Provider, Sports Specialist, High Blood Protein, Living Smoke Free, Strep Throat, Enlarged Spleen, Acl Injury, Achilles Tendon Injury, Achilles Tendon Tear, Achilles Tendonitis, Achilles Tendonosis, Acromioclavicular Fracture, Acromioclavicular Joint Separation, Adhesive Capsulitis, Ankle Dislocation, Ankle Fracture, Ankle Impingement, Ankle Injury, Ankle Pain, Ankle Sprain, Ankle Strain, Ankle Tendon Injury, Ankle Tendon Tear, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury, Anterior Tibialis Tendon Tear, Arm Fracture, Arm Injury, Arm Pain, Arthritis Of Knee, Athletic Pubalgia, Avascular Necrosis Of The Arm, Bicep Injury, Bicep Tear, Biceps Tendonitis, Bucket Handle Meniscus Tear, Bursitis Of The Elbow, Bursitis, Subcutaneous Tendo Achilles, Calcific Tendonitis, Calf Muscle Injury, Cartilage Injury, Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome, Chronic Muscle Injury, Clavicle Fracture, Comminuted Fracture, Compartment Syndrome, Compound Fracture, Dislocated Patella, Distal Radial Fracture, Elbow Bone Spur, Elbow Dislocation, Elbow Fracture, Elbow Injury, Elbow Pain, Femur Fracture, Fibula Fracture, Foot Pain, Foot Tendon Tear, Forearm Fracture, Gastrocnemius Injury, Gluteal Injury, Gluteus Medius Tear, Hamstring Injury, Hand Injury, Hand Pain, Hip Abductor Tear, Hip Click, Hip Dislocation, Hip Impingement, Hip Injury, Hip Pain, Hip Pain Under Age 60, Hip Rotator Cuff Tear, Humerus Fracture, Joint Dislocation, Jumper'S Knee, Knee Clunk Syndrome, Knee Fracture, Knee Injury, Knee Instability, Knee Pain, Knee Pain For Patients Aged Younger Than 60, Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear, Lateral Epicondylitis, Leg Fracture, Leg Injury, Leg Pain, Ligament Injury, Ligament Tear, Locking Knee, Loose Body In The Knee

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