Dr. Blake Ohlson
Board Certified Fellowship Trained
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Sports & Regenerative Medicine Specialist
Dr. Blake Ohlson is an Orthopedic surgeon in Charleston treating orthopedic injuries and diseases.
Dr. Ohlson completed his training in Baltimore, MD and moved with his family to Charleston in 2007. He has been practicing general orthopedics, foot and ankle surgery, and regenerative medicine for over 15 years. He also volunteered as an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at The Medical University of South Carolina.
His research in the past has focused on implant design for complex hindfoot fusions and rehabilitation protocols for total knee replacement. He has been a featured speaker and moderator at the AAOS annual international meeting. He serves as a reviewer of articles for Foot and Ankle International. He is actively involved in clinical trials for regenerative medicine.
Dr. Ohlson co-founded Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Centers with Dr. Shane Woolf in 2024. His goal is to provide patients with comprehensive orthopedic care, blending traditional management with cutting edge surgical and regenerative treatment options.
Dr. Ohlson is married and has three kids. He is a multi-instrumentalist and professional musician. His band, Steel Petals, has released three albums since 2009. He is a competitive club tennis player and enjoys yoga and time with his family. He is passionate about helping athletes of all ages and levels reach their fullest potential. Dr Ohlson accepts both pediatric and adult patients.
A Few Words From Dr. Ohlson
I was raised in a small suburb outside of Cleveland, Ohio known as Chagrin Falls. I knew from a young age I wanted to be a scientist. I spent a lot of time as a kid tearing things apart and putting them back together. My parents were very supportive of my curiosity and ambition. After graduating John Carroll University in 1996 I went to work as an analytical chemist for a pharmaceutical company. I spent several years in the lab before moving on to a career in medicine. I realized an enormous amount of personal satisfaction through patient care and being able to fix things with my hands. The operating room filled that niche, and so I decided on a career as an Orthopedic Surgeon.
I completed a five-year residency in Orthopedic Surgery in Kalamazoo, MI in 2006. This was followed by a one-year Fellowship in Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Union Memorial Hospital Baltimore, MD. I moved to Charleston in 2007 and began my practice as an orthopedic surgeon. I’ve had the privilege of treating patients from all over the country. I’ve cared for military personnel, professional athletes, children, and the elderly. I consider it a great honor to serve and treat patients in the Charleston area.
I have lived on Daniel Island with my wife and three kids for over a decade now. We absolutely love it here. I have other interests in my spare time, including music and tennis. My wife Melissa is a registered dietician who worked for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation for several years and contributed to their “Heart Healthy Cookbook”. She is now the practice manager for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Centers. Since making Charleston our home, we’ve become a “tennis family”. We play together often and follow the ATP and WTA tours throughout the year. Thus far we’ve been to Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Laver Cup. Next up is Indian Wells or The French Open!
I began playing guitar at age 12. I taught myself to play by ear listening to old records and cassette tapes. I gigged throughout college and medical school helping to offset the cost of rent and gas. Since moving to Charleston, I’ve performed at The Windjammer, Music Farm, Pour House, and The North Charleston Coliseum. I currently run and own a professional recording studio. I’ve recorded projects that include professional touring acts as well as radio commercials and, of course, my own band, Steel Petals.
Medical Education
Foot and Ankle Fellow, PGY-6/Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Union Memorial Hospital
Baltimore, MD
2006-2007
Chief Resident, PGY-5/Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, Michigan State University
Kalamazoo, MI
2005-2006
Resident Physician, PGY-2-PGY-4/Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, Michigan State University
Kalamazoo, MI
2002-2005
Surgical Internship, PGY-1/ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, Michigan State University
Kalamazoo, MI
2001-2002
Doctor of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Cleveland, OH
1997-2001
Employment
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Centers, LLC
Mount Pleasant, SC
March 2024-Present
Responsibilities:
- Specializing in general orthopaedics and complex disorders of the foot and ankle
- Conducting routine telehealth visits with patients
- General orthopaedic trauma
- Joint replacement surgery
- Orthobiologics (PRP, Concentrated bone marrow, Adipose)
- Shockwave
- Primary and revision foot and ankle reconstruction
- Arthroscopy of the knee, ankle, and foot
- Conducting IME and second opinions
- Chart review and utilization using evidence-based criteria and literature reviews
- Maintaining CPT and ICD-10 compliance
- Navigating EMR while maintaining documentation and coding compliance
- Conducting Expert witness Testimony and medical-legal causation
- Managing Workers Comp Claims (IME, impairment ratings, disability exams)
Physician Clinical Reviewer/Orthopaedic Surgery
Evolent
Dec 2023-Present
Responsibilities:
- Conducting peer to peer calls with treating providers
- Assessing appropriateness for treatment (CPT codes versus insurance plan clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed resources)
Utilization Reviewer/Orthopaedic Surgery
Dane Street
Feb 2023-March 2024
Responsibilities:
- Evaluating appeals, groups health plans, and disability claims
- Perform IME and disability exams
- Conducting peer to peer call with treating providers
- Assessing appropriateness for treatment (CPT codes versus insurance plan clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed resources)
- Scope of practice includes general orthopedics as well as subspecialty claims regarding foot and ankle
Coastal Carolina Research Center
Principle Investigator
Charleston, SC
Dec 2023-Present
Responsibilities:
- Oversee Clinical Trials
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Charleston Sports Medicine Associates
Charleston, SC
Aug 2022-March 2024
Responsibilities:
- Specializing in general orthopaedics and complex disorders of the foot and ankle
- Conducting routine telehealth visits with patients
- General orthopaedic trauma
- Joint replacement surgery
- Orthobiologics (PRP, Concentrated bone marrow)
- Shockwave and laser therapy
- Primary and revision foot and ankle reconstruction
- Arthroscopy of the knee, ankle, and foot
- Conducting IME and second opinions
- Chart review and utilization using evidence-based criteria and literature reviews
- Maintaining CPT and ICD-10 compliance
- Navigating EMR while maintaining documentation and coding compliance
- Conducting Expert witness Testimony and medical-legal causation
- Managing Workers Comp Claims (IME, impairment ratings, disability exams)
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Chief Foot and Ankle Division
Orthopaedic Specialists of Charleston/Roper St Francis Healthcare
Charleston, SC
2007-2021
Responsibilities:
- Specializing in general orthopaedics and complex disorders of the foot and ankle
- Conducting routine telehealth visits with patients
- General orthopaedic trauma
- Joint replacement surgery
- Primary and revision foot and ankle reconstruction
- Arthroscopy of the knee ankle and foot
- Conducting IME and second opinions
- Chart review and utilization using evidence-based criteria and literature reviews
- Maintaining CPT and ICD-10 compliance
- Navigating EMR while maintaining documentation and coding compliance
- Conducting Expert witness Testimony and medical-legal causation
- Managing Workers Comp Claims (IME, impairment ratings, disability exams)
Assistant Professor Orthopaedic Surgery/Volunteer Faculty
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC
2007-Present
Responsibilities:
- Performing didactics
- Training of residents in the operating room and clinic setting
Analytical Chemist/Department of Research and Development
Matrix Essentials Inc. (Bristol Meyers-Squibb)
Cleveland, OH
1992-1996
Responsibilities:
- Developed and characterized dermatological skin ointments for the treatment of acne and psoriasis
- Trained Employees in the use of Analytical Instrumentation and statistical Analysis
- Formulated standard operating procedures for lab techniques and analytical methods
Education
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH
1994-1996
Ursuline College (no degree)
Pepper Pike, OH
1991-1994
Medical Licensure
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South Carolina License
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State of Maryland Medical License
Expired September 30, 2007 -
Michigan Medical License (Educational Limited) License
Expired June 30, 2006
Specialty Certification / Examinations
-
Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Recertified 2019 -
Passed Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the USMLE
Completed July 2004
Academic Appointments
Clinical Assistant Professor
Medical University of South Carolina
2007-Present
Clinical Assistant Professor
Medical University of SC
2007-2020
Clinical Instructor
Western Michigan Homer Stryker School of Medicine
2001-2006
Clinical Fellow
Union Memorial Hospital
2006-2007
Hospital or Affiliated Institution Appointments
Trident Medical Center
2025-current
East Cooper Hospital Attending Physician
2007-2009
Roper St. Francis Healthcare Attending Physician
2007-2021
Fellow in Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery
Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital
2006-2007
Orthopaedic Surgery House Officer
Bronson and Borgess Hospital
2001-2006
Major Committee Assignments
Joint Podiatric Advisory Committee
2017-2024
Steering Committee
Roper St Francis Healthcare
2018-2021
Chief Dept Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics
Roper St Francis Healthcare
2015-2021
Performance Improvement Committee Bronson Methodist Hospital
2005-2006
OR Committee Borgess Hospital
2004-2006
Student Committee on Medical Education
1997
Professional Societies
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Fellow Member
2001-Present
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Fellow Member
2006-Present
Awards and Honors
Orthopaedic Research and Educational Foundation Award, 1st Place
2006
Michigan Orthopaedic Society 2nd Place Research Award
Midwest Resident Research Symposium Competition, University of Chicago
2006
Hip and Knee Society Award Nomination, Dallas Texas
2006
Cuyahoga County Medical Foundation Scholarship
1999-2001
Arnold and Sydell Miller Foundation Scholarship
1992-2001
Mastin Scholarship
1999-2001
Crile Research Fellowship for Pneumococcal Vaccine Development
1998
Cum Laude Graduate
1996
Alpha Sigma Nu International Jesuit Honor Society
1995
Editorial Responsibilities
Contributory Editor for Foot and Ankle International
2009-Present
Contributory Editor for the medical school text: The Immune System, by Peter Parkham
1999
Book Chapters
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Miller, S. Ohlson, BL: Operative techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery: Transection and burial of Neuromas of the Foot and Ankle, 1st ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2007
Publications
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Ohlson, BL. O’Connor, PL: Turf Toe. Emedicine (Internet Based Review Article). May 2003: Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Section.
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Ohlson, BL. Marcus, RE: Viscosupplementation for Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Clinical Challenges in Osteoarthritis and Viscosupplementation. August 2000: 4-7.
Postors / Presentations
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Ohlson, BL. Intramedullary Nail versus Periarticular Locking Plate Fixation in Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis: A Biomechanical Investigation. Presented at the annual Union Memorial Orthopaedic Luncheon and Visiting Professor Day, Baltimore, 2007
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Ohlson, BL. Blostica, T. Curtis, J. Reineck, FT: Local Infiltration of Ropivicaine Knee Solution in Total Knee Arthroplasty. Presented at the annual KCMS Research Day, Kalamazoo, MI, 2006
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Ohlson, BL. Greenspan, N. Schreiber, J: Characterization of T Cell Receptor Vβ Gene Expression in T Cell Hybridomas Elicited by Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines. Presented at the Irwin Lepow Research Day, CWRU School of Meidine, Cleveland, OH, 1998.
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Ohlson, BL. Ketterer, M: Analysis of Petroleum Pollutants in Fresh Water Samples Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Presented at the annual research forum for the American Association for Applied Spectroscopy, Cleveland, OH, 1996.
