Pursuing your passions - Dr. Richard Konsens - Jewett Orthopaedics

Rekindling a passion from his youth, Central Florida orthopedic surgeon Richard Konsens, MD, will represent the United States and compete in the long jump at the World Masters Association Outdoor Championship in Lyon, France, August 4-16, 2015. He earned this honor after coming in third in the 55-59 age group at the National Masters Track and Field Championship in Boston last year.

Dr. Konsens’ love for track and field, and the long jump in particular, began back in elementary school and continued through high school where he became the New York State champion. He then attended Dartmouth College where he served as captain of the track team and was the Ivy League Long Jump Champion in 1980.

From there, Konsens “retired” from long jumping and began pursuing his other passion, medicine. He completed medical school at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York, eventually specializing in orthopedics and sub-specializing in reconstructive surgery of the knee. This brought him to Jewett Orthopedic Clinic in Winter Park where he has cared for patients since 1989.

At Jewett, Dr. Konsens focuses on sports medicine and joint replacement which has allowed him to marry his career with his love of sports. He has served as a team doctor for the Orlando Magic, the University of Central Florida and Rollins College as well as for the World Cup when it came to Orlando in 1994.

A conversation a couple of years ago with one of his Jewett partners and long-time friend, Reginald Tall, MD, sparked Dr. Konsens’ interest in long jumping again. The two attended college together, and Dr. Tall had recently heard of one of their classmates who was competing in Masters Track and Field.

“I had never thought about it before,” said Dr. Konsens. “I had basically retired from the sport for three decades, but then I looked into it and thought I’m healthy, why not? I have two teenage sons and what better way to teach them the importance of setting goals, following through on plans, and working hard to achieve something — no matter what your age.”

He began an extensive training program that included running, weight lifting and a strict diet. His family supported him and helped him along the way.

“It has really become a family project for us,” explained Dr. Konsens. “My wife is an avid tennis player and has encouraged me every step of the way. My sons help me train — we run together and work out together. And they all travel and attend my Masters Track and Field events. They are my biggest cheerleaders.”

While Dr. Konsens has always enjoyed sports medicine, taking up long jumping again has sparked a new interest and appreciation for what he calls the “aging athlete.”

“I’ve always had older patients who continued to pursue their sports passions whether it be running marathons, competing in triathlons or climbing mountains,” said Dr. Konsens. “Now I have an even greater appreciation for what they do and new insight into proper training and recovery, including the importance of balancing hard training with periods of rest and recovery. I also understand their motivations and frustrations, their mindsets, and the desire and drive to train and compete even after an injury or surgery. It really is a lifestyle choice.”

Despite the hot summer weather and a heavy patient load, Dr. Konsens is hard at work training for the World Masters Association Outdoor Championship next month in France.

“I feel so fortunate.” he shared. “My family is supportive, and I’ve stayed healthy enough to compete at this level. I’m ready.”

Dr. Konsens graduated Cum Laude from Dartmouth College and received his medical degree from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York. He completed his residency at the Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland and a fellowship in total joint replacement at Oxford University in England. He currently serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at both the University of Central Florida and Florida State University Colleges of Medicine.

About Jewett Orthopedic

Founded in 1936 by Eugene L. Jewett, MD, the Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic has been recognized internationally as a pioneer and leader in orthopaedic care for almost 80 years, performing some of the first total knee replacements in the state of Florida and some of the first arthroscopic knee surgeries in the Southeast, as well as designing and developing several innovative joint replacement systems used worldwide. Jewett also serves as the team physicians for the Orlando Magic, Houston Astros, the Orlando Solar Bears, the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, and the Orlando Ballet. The practice has 10 offices throughout Central Florida and accepts most insurance plans. To schedule an appointment or learn more, go to jewettortho.com.