David N. Westerdahl, MD

David Westerdahl, MD, became a sports medicine physician because he enjoys studying anatomy and working with active individuals. “As a teen, I had an opportunity to shadow orthopedic surgeons and family medicine physicians, and that influenced my choice in specialty,” he says. His focus is on maximizing a patient’s healing and minimizing recovery time.

In his practice, Dr. Westerdahl believes his most important role is “developing a trusting health care partnership with my patients so we can work together to positively influence each other and achieve mutually beneficial goals.” He strives to work with his patients to develop a health care relationship where there is effective communication, trust, and use of evidence-based medicine to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal-related conditions, and return his patients to the activities they enjoy.

After earning his undergraduate degree in business administration at Washington State University, Dr. Westerdahl obtained his medical degree at Loma Linda University. He completed his internship and residency at Florida Hospital and a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He is board certified in sports medicine, family medicine, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Before joining Providence, Dr. Westerdahl previously worked as a staff physician at Cleveland Clinic Florida in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and served as team physician for the Florida Panthers NHL hockey team.

His hobbies include triathlons, golf, skiing, being outdoors, traveling, and reading. He also enjoys volunteering at marathons, sports events, his children’s school, and church.