Orthopedic surgeons parallel each other in life and work

Dr. Erik Slette and Dr. Kyle Muckenhirn are pretty similar.

They’re both orthopedic surgeons at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota. They both grew up playing sports with, and against, each other. They’re the same age.

They both went to their respective medical schools at the same time, and they both started at Sanford Health within the last six months.

Oh, and they’re also cousins.

Built-in best friend

Dr. Slette grew up in Moorhead, Minnesota. Dr. Muckenhirn grew up just 45 minutes away in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Both consider the other a “built-in best friend” in both life and work.

“What’s not to like about Erik?” laughed Dr. Muckenhirn.

“I tell people I remember when I was a med student, and I did a rotation with him down in his residency in Texas. One of the nurses came up to me and asked, wholeheartedly, ‘is he a Mormon? Because he’s the nicest person I know.’

“He goes out of his way to take care of patients, he goes the extra mile, and he’s genuine,” he added.

Orthopedic walk-in clinics: Find fast, convenient care

They’ve mirrored each other on purpose.

“We’ve always been really close. We paralleled each other completely in high school. Exact same years, both played football and basketball,” said Dr. Slette.

“We went to different undergrad colleges, but (the) same years. I was at Concordia in Moorhead, and he was at University of Minnesota. We each spent a gap year in Vail, Colorado, where we both did orthopedic research.”

Lifelong goal comes to fruition at Sanford

Being orthopedic surgeons at the same health care system was important to both of them.

“We always talked about it, even growing up. But early on in medical school we really started talking about it,” said Dr. Muckenhirn.

They knew that they had a true confidant in one another growing up, and even more so now at work. They lean on one another whenever it’s needed.

“I’ll bop into his office any time I have a patient case or a scenario that I need to bounce off of someone else,” said Dr. Muckenhirn. “It’s invaluable to have someone that you can interact with without feeling judgement or shame. When you go to school and then medical school – so basically kindergarten through 12^th grade twice – and you feel like you should know everything, and you don’t, it’s humbling. And to have a built-in reference that you trust wholeheartedly is truly valuable.”

Dr. Slette said he and his cousin both feel grateful to call Sanford Health their home.

“Landing at Sanford together, we were fortunate. We joined a really great orthopedic community of (both) newer surgeons and experienced surgeons. All the experienced surgeons do a great job of helping to raise up a community of younger surgeons and support us.

“They’re great examples of how to take exceptional care of people. We’re fortunate to be here.”

Learn more

• Father, daughter share a career in medicine with Sanford
• Teen cousins with same condition get surgery at Sanford
• Trust science, pros when dealing with orthopedic injuries

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Posted In Detroit Lakes, Fargo, Orthopedics, People & Culture

Simon Floss

Simon Floss produces multimedia stories for Sanford Health News. A former Emmy nominated TV news anchor, reporter, producer, and photographer, he brings nearly a decade of experience to the team at Sanford Health News. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his cat, Tobias. You'll also likely find him on a stage somewhere - he's a member of The Goodnight Theatre Collective, a Sioux Falls based professional theatre company, and also fronts a local rock cover band, Bangers and Mash. You can reach him at simon.floss@sanfordhealth.org.