Kathleen Fossen,
PA-C, MPAS
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Katie L. Fossen is a Physican’s Assisant (PA) at the University of Utah who exclusively treats hand, wrist and elbow conditions. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, she has been working in Orthopaedic Surgery since receiving her graduate degree, and has extensive experience in treating hand, wrist, and elbow problems.
In addition to many common problems affecting the upper extremity, Katie Fossen, PA, also has specific expertise in treating injuries to the hand, wrist, and elbow. She helps to treat urgent and acute problems due to broken bones, tendon lacerations, nerve injuries and trauma. Katie is available to see patients with acute problems on short notice, helping to identify which injuries may need surgery urgently.
She primarily works in concert with Dr. Andrew Tyser, MD at both the University Orthopaedic Center and the South Jordan Medical Center. Katie performs all aspects of non-surgical upper extremity care including injections, casting, and splinting, and helps to refer patients who may wish to explore surgical options with Dr. Tyser. Together, they help find the best solutions for patients with upper extremity problems, and work as an integrated team.
Andrew R. Tyser M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Utah Hospital and Clinics who exclusively specializes in hand, upper extremity (hand / wrist / forearm / elbow), peripheral nerve, and microvascular surgery.
Katie Fossen and Dr. Tyser treat common upper extremity disorders such as:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Dupuytren's disease (collagenase/Xiaflex injection, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy, and surgery)
Trigger finger
Thumb arthritis
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Injuries of the elbow, wrist and hands including:
Distal Radius Fractures
Elbow Fractures
Scaphoid Fractures
Lacerations to nerves and tendons
For selected smaller procedures, and based on patient preference, Dr. Tyser commonly performs "wide-awake" surgery--a streamlined experience that can help decrease the time, expense, and inconvenience associated with having hand surgery. This is also known as WALANT (wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet) surgery.
Internationally, Dr. Tyser has been involved with multiple service trips to locations such as the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. He is an active member of Health Volunteers Overseas, and considers care of the underserved both at home and abroad a priority.
Dr. Tyser received his B.A. in Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Utah. His fellowship training in Hand and Microvascular Surgery was completed at the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore, MD.
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Orthopaedics
-
Advanced Practice Clinician |
| Board Certification | National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.7/ 5
Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.7/ 5
Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.7/ 5
Wait time at clinic
4.6/ 5
Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.7/ 5
Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
November 20, 2022
University Orthopaedic Center
Your organisation runs like clockwork!! The respect shown for the patients time is greatly appreciated
UofU Patient
November 08, 2022
South Jordan Health Center
Once K Fossen joined us, she was great at listening to me explain hand/finger pain and came up with a solution, which for the time being, was not surgery. She was very helpful and friendly which helps make up for the wait time.
UofU Patient
October 31, 2022
University Orthopaedic Center
See first comment
UofU Patient
October 25, 2022
University Orthopaedic Center
Kathleen Fossen was wonderful! She showed me the xrays and exactly what they had done in the surgery and answered all of my many questions.
UofU Patient
October 23, 2022
University Orthopaedic Center
Knew the problem. Suggested treatment options
UofU Patient
October 21, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
She was very helpful and caring. I was able to talk to her and felt like she heard my concerns and she answered my questions. I did not feel like she rushed through our visit at all even though it was pretty clear we both knew I was basically there to see if we could do surgery on my hand. Great provider!
UofU Patient
October 16, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Kathleen Fossen is amazing. She's knowledgeable and caring and made sure all my questions were answered before I left. My dreaded procedure went smoothly because of her.
UofU Patient
October 15, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Fossen was very friendly and skillful. A true professional.
UofU Patient
October 14, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
She was wonderful! She answered all my questions, and confirmed that they were legitimate questions! I was very thankful to have somebody so knowledgeable, and willing to show me exactly what was going on with the x-ray, and explaining the procedure and answering all of my questions.
UofU Patient
October 11, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Good
UofU Patient
October 10, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
100 percent I'd recommend her.
UofU Patient
October 02, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Waste of time and money
UofU Patient
September 19, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I had to ask many follow up basic questions, like what cause it, what I need to do , what I need to avoid ..etcI wish there was more explanation, I felt I was rush out
UofU Patient
September 15, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Fossen showed us the post surgery x-rays and explained how anatomically correct the surgical procedure was for my arm now and future. She personally escorted my wife and I down to the Therapy Wing of the Hospital. Great experience
UofU Patient
August 27, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Fossen was awesome! She understood and even supported that my new cast would afford finger and elbow movement while fully protecting the broken bones.
UofU Patient
August 25, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
PA Fossen was very thorough with explainations with the issues with my right hand. She was very clear verbally and visually with X rays. She made suggestions and recommendation.
UofU Patient
August 18, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
SCHEDULING WAS DISTRESSING.. CARE DR FOSSEN EXCELLENT
UofU Patient
August 04, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Outstanding care.
UofU Patient
July 17, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I do wish there were more options for treatment, but it is what it is.
UofU Patient
July 15, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Muy profecional y acertado muchas gracias
UofU Patient
June 26, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Again outstanding in all respects.
UofU Patient
May 29, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Very useful info provided in a professional & courteous manner.
UofU Patient
May 24, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Being able to see the first x-rays and compare the changes to the last x-ray was reassuring. The bone remodeling was evidence that my wrist was healing. TIme, diet, and wrist exercises were making a difference although the wrist fracture will take a year to completely heal, I have hope that my self-care will make a difference. Preventing another fall that may result In another fracture is a goal of mine. Kathleen Fossen PA gave me accurate Information to help me recover from this fracture and realistic expectations for healing. Thank you.
UofU Patient
May 15, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Again both the PA and later the Doctor were understanding, caring, and left me with a sense of confidence.
UofU Patient
May 10, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I did not feel my PA was open or supportive re my independent point of view - I understand this is a surgical center and so that surgery is more often than not the chosen course of action. I prefer alternative methods, and believe that surgery would even further the trauma to my aging bones. Well she was cordial, my experience is that she just sort of threw up her hands and tolerated me.
UofU Patient
May 02, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Great experience
UofU Patient
April 25, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Nice lady but.She doesn't listen to my concerns;(
UofU Patient
April 24, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Had injections
UofU Patient
April 21, 2022
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Service was excellent.
Katie L. Fossen is a Physican’s Assisant (PA) at the University of Utah who exclusively treats hand, wrist and elbow conditions. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, she has been working in Orthopaedic Surgery since receiving her graduate degree, and has extensive experience in treating hand, wrist, and elbow problems.
In addition to many common problems affecting the upper extremity, Katie Fossen, PA, also has specific expertise in treating injuries to the hand, wrist, and elbow. She helps to treat urgent and acute problems due to broken bones, tendon lacerations, nerve injuries and trauma. Katie is available to see patients with acute problems on short notice, helping to identify which injuries may need surgery urgently.
She primarily works in concert with Dr. Andrew Tyser, MD at both the University Orthopaedic Center and the South Jordan Medical Center. Katie performs all aspects of non-surgical upper extremity care including injections, casting, and splinting, and helps to refer patients who may wish to explore surgical options with Dr. Tyser. Together, they help find the best solutions for patients with upper extremity problems, and work as an integrated team.
Andrew R. Tyser M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Utah Hospital and Clinics who exclusively specializes in hand, upper extremity (hand / wrist / forearm / elbow), peripheral nerve, and microvascular surgery.
Katie Fossen and Dr. Tyser treat common upper extremity disorders such as:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Dupuytren's disease (collagenase/Xiaflex injection, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy, and surgery)
Trigger finger
Thumb arthritis
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Injuries of the elbow, wrist and hands including:
Distal Radius Fractures
Elbow Fractures
Scaphoid Fractures
Lacerations to nerves and tendons
For selected smaller procedures, and based on patient preference, Dr. Tyser commonly performs "wide-awake" surgery--a streamlined experience that can help decrease the time, expense, and inconvenience associated with having hand surgery. This is also known as WALANT (wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet) surgery.
Internationally, Dr. Tyser has been involved with multiple service trips to locations such as the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. He is an active member of Health Volunteers Overseas, and considers care of the underserved both at home and abroad a priority.
Dr. Tyser received his B.A. in Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Utah. His fellowship training in Hand and Microvascular Surgery was completed at the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore, MD.
Academic Locations
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Orthopaedics
-
Advanced Practice Clinician |
| Board Certification | National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants |
Education History
| Graduate Training | Idaho State University Physician Assistant Studies M.P.A.S., 2010 |
| Undergraduate | University of Nebraska Biological Sciences B.S., 2008 |