10 Questions With Orthopedic Sports Medicine Doctor Margaret Vido, DO

She’s an athlete herself – a marathon runner with a goal to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Trials. So orthopedic sports medicine specialist Margaret Vido, DO, identifies with her patients and works hard to help them meet their recovery goals. She’s out running early, long before her family wakes up, so she can fit her busy professional and personal life into the rest of the day. She started out wanting to be an emergency medicine doctor, so read on to find out how she ended up in sports medicine.

My mother and grandmother were nurses, so I was exposed early to health care and its personal impact on patients. I also experienced this firsthand when my sister underwent cancer treatment. I am passionate about science, especially anatomy. Pursuing a career that blends my academic interests with a desire to help others felt like a natural and fulfilling choice.

I want my patients to know that I am on their team. It’s important to me to understand my patients’ goals and the activities that matter most to them. I strive to empower my patients to take an active role in their recovery.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing athletes recover and return to competition after an injury or setback. It’s incredibly fulfilling to track their progress over time and witness their improvement as they return to doing what they love.

The most challenging aspect is having to sideline an athlete due to injury. As an athlete myself, I understand how frustrating it can be to take time to rest. However, I also know that taking the necessary time to heal ultimately leads to a faster and more complete recovery, rather than risking further injury.

That has its challenges, but I’m incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system in my husband, parents and in-laws. We have two young children who are lucky to spend a great deal of time with their grandparents. My husband also works in medicine, so we both understand the demands of the profession and have learned to be intentional about prioritizing our family time whenever we’re home.

Looking back, I think I would have been surprised to know I’d end up in sports medicine. It is a perfect fit for me, but when I started medical school, I didn’t realize it was an option. I completed my residency in emergency medicine, and during that time, I rotated (training “rotations” give aspiring doctors experience in various areas) in sports medicine and I absolutely loved it. That experience led me to pursue a sports medicine fellowship, and I’ve been fortunate to continue to practice at LVHN.

My mornings start very early so I can work out before my family wakes up. This allows me to spend quality time with them when I get home from work. I’m also fortunate to be part of a running club made up of women who are juggling family, careers and running. They’re always willing to meet early and train efficiently, making it easier to stay committed to my fitness goals while balancing my busy life.

I love spending time with my husband and our two children, a 3-year-old and a 9-month-old. Running is a big part of my life – I ran track and cross country in college before transitioning to marathons. I also enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, skiing and spending as much time as possible outdoors.

Growing up in Pennsylvania and attending school in Philadelphia, I am an Eagles, Phillies and Sixers fan. While I love all sports, my favorite sport to follow is professional running. I’ve even managed to convince my daughter that watching a televised marathon on a Sunday morning is exciting.

Both! I can’t start the day without coffee and I like to end the day with tea.