Denver Health Orthopedics Welcomes New Sports Medicine Surgeon

Ian Backlund, MD, started his life without access to health care. A traumatic accident he had as a teenager would change the trajectory of his life and bring him full circle here to Denver Health, where he feels privileged to work with those who come from a similar background as his. 

Dr. Backlund grew up in the southeastern U.S., in a low socioeconomic household, with a love of the outdoors and riding motocross. The accident that changed his life happened at age 15, when he was riding that off-road bike, and ended up with facial fractures and a broken thighbone. "I became inspired during my treatment and recovery by the unique skillset of the individuals who treated me and their passion for restoring the lives of individuals with significant injuries," Dr. Backlund recalled, talking about his decision to pursue a career in Orthopedics and pass his skillset onto anyone in need of it, regardless of their ability to afford private insurance or not. 

"Denver Health has an incredible culture and provides a high level of orthopedic and musculoskeletal care to all, regardless of insurance which represents an unfair barrier to patients across the country," he noted. "The environment and mission at Denver Health resonated with me and my background."

Today, Dr. Backlund helps anyone with knee, shoulder, hip and joint injuries – whether they are athletes or not – get back to doing the things that they love. He is proud to be a part of Denver's only Orthopedic Center of Excellence and work on the sports medicine team, led by Jarrod King, MD. 

His path to orthopedic sports medicine surgeon was also forged by his curiosity for how things work and his love for biology. Dr. Backlund has a prestigious background of medical training, having pursued research in orthopedics with Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, before attending the Medical University of South Carolina on a full merit-based scholarship.

Following medical school, Dr. Backlund completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Virginia, where he became inspired by the outcomes and innovation that takes place in sports medicine. "I shared and was inspired by the drive of patients to get back to an extraordinarily high level of physical activity and I loved the breadth of treating several joints," he said.

Dr. Backlund finished his training – calling sports medicine his dream career – in Vail, at the Steadman and Philippon Research Institute, operating on elite athletes as well as passionate weekend warriors. He said he learned directly from pioneers in sports medicine. "Training at Steadman has allowed me to learn and hone a skillset that I can apply to anyone who comes through my door, treating highly complex injuries in a skillful manner," he added.

What Dr. Backlund loves most about his job is that his patients drive him to be better and challenge himself everyday. He loves the inspirational stories he hears on a daily basis and takes pride in there being no barriers to care based on ability to pay. "I love the team that helps make my job possible, sharing a desire to better the lives of our patients," he said.

His goal, which is shared across Denver Health's Orthopedics team, is to provide the highest quality care to patients.

"We treat a large number of knee, shoulder and hip conditions, from aches and pains all the way to traumatic and complex injuries," Dr. Backlund said. "These services are not unique to those who participate in formal sports. We treat individuals who simply need to be able to work and care for themselves all the way to professional athletes. Our goal is to get you back to the thing that gives you a sense of passion and wellbeing. We would love to evaluate you whether your problem started yesterday or it has been being ignored for years. Our goal is to get you back to what you love doing, no matter what that is."

When he isn't seeing patients, Dr. Backlund has a wide variety of diverse hobbies, from painting and woodworking, to engine building and restoration projects. He has a background in home theater installation and home automation as well. "These interests and hobbies have all given me a great foundation in mechanical skills and hand eye coordination as well as a strong ability to problem solve and think outside the box. I love outdoor activities with my family and tackling projects of any variety and size."