The latest edition to the Kansas City Bone & Joint family is Dr. Michael Latteier, MD. We had the great pleasure to sit down with him to get the inside scoop of the man behind the coat.
Past
Where are you from?
Fullerton, California, close to Orange County. I am the 2nd oldest of 6 kids.
Where did you go to school?
For college I went to Dartmouth in New Hampshire. I then went to the University of Southern California for Medical School and did my Orthopaedic training at Wayne State University in Michigan.
What extracurricular activities did you participate in high school or college?
I was in track in high school, and played intramural soccer in college.
As a child, did you want to be a doctor? If not, what occupation?
My grandfather was a doctor. I can remember thinking about being a doctor as a kid, but I was more interested in engineering.
Who inspired you to go into Orthopedics?
I majored in Engineering in college, and was headed that direction. The Dartmouth engineering school has a program where orthopedic surgeons throughout the country sent in joint replacement implants that were retrieved from revision surgeries where the artificial joints had worn out or failed. The retrieved joint replacement implants would be analyzed to figure out how to improve them. This gave me exposure to orthopedics and joint replacement. I also had some biomedical engineering lecture by an orthopedic surgeon which I found fascinating. That led me down the path to orthopedics.
Present
What do you like most like about your job?
I believe in an old adage, “Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” I love the hands-on nature of orthopedics and surgery. I enjoy seeing my patients improve and help them maintain their quality of life.
What is most challenging about your job?
Revision procedures for patients who have had multiple prior surgeries and poor quality bone remaining can be challenging, but are also very rewarding.
What do you like about living in the Kansas City Area?
We moved here to be closer to family and that has been nice. I have enjoyed the Royal’s games, eating barbecue, and many other things this city is known for.
Fun Facts
Where did you meet your wife? How long have you been married?
We met in Los Angeles while I was in medical school. We have been married for about 15 years.
How has your spouse been an instrumental role in your career?
She has been so supportive through our many moves for my training and education. She has always given me encouragement during the challenges we’ve had.
How many children do you have?
I have 3 children, a daughter who is 12 and two sons ages 10 and 7.
Do you have any pets?
We have a dog. We had two tortoises, but had to leave them in Arizona when we moved here to Kansas City.
Who is your favorite sports team?
The Angels, but the Royals are a close second.
If you were on an island, what 3 items would you bring?
A survival knife, sunscreen, and a good book. (Of course I am assuming I can’t bring items like a helicopter, or my family)
What is your favorite meal?
I like all kinds of food. I like trying new things.
What do you want to do when you retire?
Travel. Spend more time with friends and family.
Coffee or tea?
I don’t drink either. – I actually prefer water most of the time.
Books or movies?
Books
Baseball or basketball?
Baseball
Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate, dark chocolate in particular.
