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

    4.5

    Overall Experience
    512 Ratings
    About our process
    Sep 29, 2024
    Dr. Olsen was great! I was getting a second opinion about after another orthopedic surgeon recommended surgery for my ankle for a torn tendon. She told me the truth about the success of the surgery and encouraged me to regard it as a last resort and gave me other treatment to try. I am very grateful.
    Sep 24, 2024
    The visit felt rushed and the provider did not seem interested in helping me chart out my treatment based on my personal circumstance. Facts were rattled off and largely generalized. I was not properly informed of the risks associated with cortisone injection or that it could delay my ability to have surgery. My questions were answered with little to no elaboration. I found some answers by doing internet searches - not what I was expecting after investing two days in travel for a 15 min visit.
    Sep 12, 2024
    Fabulous experience
    Sep 11, 2024
    She was very helpful in answering concerns I had. Thank you!
    Sep 11, 2024
    She was awesome
    Sep 11, 2024
    Dr. Olsen always appears dedicated, willing to listen & empathetic in her care
    Sep 10, 2024
    Dr Olson is an excellent physician.
    Sep 07, 2024
    Dr olson had been a caring and thoughtful partner in my recovery.
    Sep 07, 2024
    Dr. Olson is amazing!
    Aug 24, 2024
    I love dr Olsen , I hope we can resolve this matter
    Aug 23, 2024
    See my prior notes regarding Dr. Olson and her assistant Kelly's outstanding service and care.
    Aug 14, 2024
    Dr. Olson was very informative and we are trying a nonsurgical solution but she will not be surprised to see me come back for the surgery that has a challenging recovery
    Aug 13, 2024
    Even though I may not have gotten the answer that I wanted, the doctor gave me very honest answers and that's much appreciated.
    Aug 10, 2024
    I was well informed of my treatment options. Dr. Olsen clearly set my expectations on the recovery process after my surgery. It's been rough but I knew what was coming which helped me prepare.
    Jun 22, 2024
    Dr. Olson left me feeling I will be in good hands for my procedure. She answered my questions and was caring and kind. Overall I was very impressed with Dr. Olson.
    Jun 22, 2024
    I really like Dr. Olson and her thoughtful care. Because of the volume of patients she sees its sometimes difficult to get all my questions answered when I am face to face with her.
    Jun 14, 2024
    Dr Olsen is quite competent, and I have no complaints. The only concern I have is that I'm not really sure what to expect long-term. Short term support and information was great.
    Jun 07, 2024
    Dr Olson was excellent, and feel lucky to have seen her in consultation
    Jun 03, 2024
    I learned my lesson not to take the last appointment on a Friday. The doctor was obviously in a rush to leave and barely took the time to review things with me. I will not go back to her for a follow up.
    May 16, 2024
    She is the best!!
    May 12, 2024
    Dr. Olson was professional and to the point
    May 10, 2024
    Not much negative to mention in this whole process!!
    May 08, 2024
    The Dr told me that I could buy a night splint from Amazon but didn't have any recommendations which isn't very helpful. I'm left to read reviews annd do my own research. Also i was given a somewhat blurry print out of stretches. You should have more materials such as videos etc. We live in a high tech world after all. AI is coming and will be more useful.
    May 01, 2024
    Excellent inclusive consultation
    Apr 10, 2024
    I have seen Dr Olson for 14 years. She, and her Fellows/Residents have always provided exemplary care.
    Apr 06, 2024
    Dr. Olson took the time to review my x-rays with me, explain where I'm at in my overall recovery process, and reassure me that though the surgery and recovery has been difficult, it's time to get back to enjoying life.
    Apr 04, 2024
    Saw 4 different care providers and Dr Olson was the only one who listened to me describe my pain and understand that all previous meds prescribed by others were ineffective for the type of pain I had.
    Mar 11, 2024
    I came into the appointment very concerned about my foot emotional and worried but left happy with a smile
    Mar 06, 2024
    This was my first appointment with Dr. Olsen in connection with a bone fracture. She was excellent in every way. She listened, she provided detailed medical information and instructions, and she was extremely nice. I couldn't be happier with the expert medical care I received from Dr. Olsen and am very grateful she is at UCSF and I was lucky enough to get a prompt appointment in light of a cancellation. Thank you.
    Mar 06, 2024
    Very knowledgeable and understanding
    Jan 06, 2024
    I trust Dr.Olson and believe she is excellent at what she does.
    Jan 06, 2024
    Kristina knew exactly what was going on, helped me understand all of the details around my situation, and was incredibly knowledgeable.
    Dec 16, 2023
    The Doctors & their respective staff were incredible.
    Dec 10, 2023
    She was all business. I Did not feel any empathy. Maybe an unrealistic expectation on my part.
    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
    Doctor 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 Kirtstina 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 Olsen 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. Olsen 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 olsen 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. Olsen. She listens, ask questions and includes me what might have to happen in the future. She shows appropriate compassion.
    Feb 08, 2023
    Dr. Olson was fantastic!!!
    Feb 08, 2023
    I broke my ankle and arrived anxious and concerned. I had questions that were answered with patience and honestly. Dr. Olsen has excellent bedside manners. She's professional and empathetic
    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 Olsen 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 was excellent!
    Dec 07, 2022
    Dr Olson is incredible surgeon.takes time,explains everything.
    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.

    Selected research

    See all research

    Contact me

    Share