Bone Voyage with Mark Klaassen, MD

Joe Pardavila sits down with Dr. Mark Klaassen, an orthopedic surgeon with a life story as extraordinary as his medical career. From growing up as a missionary kid in the Andes Mountains of Colombia—where he dreamed in Spanish and rode horses to fetch mail—to becoming a pioneering surgeon in the U.S., Dr. Klaassen’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.

Dr. Klaassen shares insights from his new book, Bone Voyage: Following One Surgeon on the Journey of a Lifetime, and delves into his unique philosophy: “Helping patients is everything.” He discusses the challenges of modern healthcare, including the burdens of electronic medical records (EMRs) and the importance of human connection in medicine. The conversation also explores advancements in orthopedic surgery, such as outpatient joint replacements and innovative pain management techniques that minimize opioid use.

With humor and humility, Dr. Klaassen reflects on his upbringing, the lessons he’s learned as a father and grandfather, and the unwavering support of his wife, Sue. Whether you’re fascinated by medical innovation, inspired by resilience, or simply love a great life story, this episode offers a heartfelt and enlightening look at the intersections of medicine, family, and purpose.

Dr. MARK KLAASSEN is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in advanced joint replacement, hip and knee surgery, and robotic-assisted techniques. With over thirty years of experience, he has served as both a practicing surgeon and an educator, mentoring orthopedic surgeons worldwide and contributing to medical device development. Dr. Klaassen volunteers regularly on mission trips, providing life-changing surgeries to underserved communities in Central America. He is a Professor of Science at the University of Notre Dame and an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Indiana University. An avid outdoorsman and family man, he brings his personal philosophy of faith and service to his work.