Erik Severud, M.D.

Erik Severud, M.D.'s journey into orthopedic surgery began on a Friday night in September. He was a junior in high school and the starting varsity quarterback. That night, he tore my ACL, which first introduced him to an orthopedic surgeon. He recovered from the injury and played my senior year, and then signed with UC Davis, where he was the starting JV quarterback. However, with ongoing knee problems and the realization that a pro career was unlikely, he devoted more focus on academics, with the goal of going to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.

After graduating with a degree in Biochemistry from UC Davis, he chose Baylor College of Medicine among several options to pursue his medical degree. His focus on orthopedics continued, which resulted in being chosen for an orthopedic residency at the University of Kansas – Wichita program. After completing five years as a resident in orthopedic surgery, he accepted a fellowship position in sports medicine that included joint replacement under Wesley Nottage, M.D. in Laguna Hills, CA. In September of 1999, he came back to Kansas, where he started a private practice in orthopedic surgery here in Hutchinson.

He grew up the older of two sons, and our parents were devoted to education. His father taught engineering at a junior college and his mother was a librarian at the elementary and high school levels. They lived in the Bay Area of Northern California in a time when there was still open land there. In his third year at UC Davis, he participated in an education abroad program and spent the year in Norway. During that year, he had a tremendous amount of personal growth and was able to have an introduction to his family heritage on his father’s side.

The best result of choosing Baylor College of Medicine for medical school was that he met his wife there. He and Dr. Kathryn Sawchak were married during their third year of medical school. They were fortunate enough to both get positions for residency in the same location. Now, they are raising six children, who are the main focus of their life.

They enjoy exercising and have both completed several half marathons. In their spare time, they also enjoy traveling, art, and food. On the weekends, he can often be found working in his yard or learning the art of grilling and BBQ.