10 Questions with Orthopedic Sports Medicine Physician William Muse, DO

Orthopedic sports medicine physician William Muse, DO, comes from a long line of health care professionals. He is particularly enthusiastic about being able to get people back to the activities they love – whether that’s kicking a ball, pushing a rototiller, or playing a musical instrument. Dr. Muse, who now practices at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks and will be at LVPG Orthopedics and Sports Medicine–Gilbertsville when the Health Center at Gilbertsville offices open this summer, is creating a niche for himself in treating orthopedic injuries that result from musical performance. In this case, his wife and professional oboist Mary Kausek Muse, has been a primary influence.

Read more about what motivates Dr. Muse and his “exercise is medicine” philosophy.

My grandfather was a neurosurgeon during WWII, and my mother was a nurse, so I was introduced to the medical field at a young age. I saw how caring they both were with their patients, the difference that they made in people’s lives and how rewarding their careers were for them. Medicine was a field I was interested in as well, so I followed in their footsteps. 

During medical school I realized how important exercise is to overall health, and that exercise truly is medicine. When I was introduced to sports medicine, I saw that the field isn’t just for athletes, but for everyone in order to help us keep moving. Seeing people’s reactions after a physician was able to help their joint pain and get them back to doing what they loved was inspiring. I knew I wanted to do something similar. 

I enjoy the wide variety of patients we see. We treat everyone from a high school or college athlete who got injured during the game to an amateur runner who’s just trying to keep moving. We see weekend warriors as well as people with pain related to their profession, osteoarthritis or issues caused by wear-and-tear on joints. 

One particular area that I have an interest in is musical performance. My wife is a professional oboist, and her involvement in playing music introduced me to the types of injuries musicians can experience. Due to the demanding nature of their work, musicians often attempt to play through pain or an injury. I found there was a need for improved medical care for this group of patients. There is also a need to communicate that there are treatment options for many of these injuries.

It’s the idea that medicine is a team sport, and the patient is the most important player. I want my patients to feel heard and for them to have a firm understanding of their diagnosis and treatment options. I want to assure them we will work together to come up with the treatment plan that works best for them. 

Spending time with my wife and dogs, going to concerts, tennis, playing music and gardening. 

Work hard, ask questions and spend time shadowing physicians in a variety of practices. There are many different niche areas in the field, so there’s bound to be one that suits you. 

The Baltimore Orioles (Go, Os!)

‘Jurassic Park’

Being able to help a patient get back to doing what they love.