Dr. James Olson, MD

Dr Olsen was my surgeon and provided excellent medical care. My painful symptoms were fully corrected and I have been pain free for several years following the surgery. My thanks to the good doctor!

He doesn't mince words and can be borderline rude, even to the vulnerable patient or accompanying family. It took me a long time to adjust to his behavior and to recognize that in his own way he was kind. He was also very methodical and thorough, I could tell he prides himself in his work. Unfortunately, I did experience some complications from my surgery. He did not accept these complications as "his problem" and instead I several months visiting other departments all wind to end up back on the table with another colon and rectal surgeon because he stopped seeing patients with Medicaid. If you enjoy the manner of communication where when being explained something there's a sarcastic and almost condescending/playful attitude to it all, he's your guy. Not a bad person by any means. I wouldn't recommend him to friends or family simply because I wouldn't want them to be talked to in a way that would make them uncomfortable when they're in pain and vulnerable.

Dr. Olson and his staff took great care of me. I wasn’t the easiest to deal with but they answered my questions and responded to my concerns. The surgery could not have gone better.

After a complete surprise of a diagnosis I asked my friends and family in cancer care what surgeon to go to. Dr Olson was the answer from all. He is the gold standard in this field here in Boise. I appreciate his straight forwardness and have never felt rushed. His staff is also excellent. I've had one surgery thus far and will need more in the coming months. I feel lucky that he is guiding me through an extremely difficult journey.

Dr. Olson was quite awful. He was very disrespectful and rude to my wants and desires. I needed options and guidance with an issue that I have been struggling with for the past several years. What I got were snarky remarks, a dismissive attitude, and an inhumane outlook on my situation. It seems Dr. Olson struggles with empathizing with his patients as well as communicating effectively the totality of a situation. When I wanted more clarification on certain subjects, he seemed very annoyed at the prospect of helping me understand the potential SURGERY I may have. I would not recommend Dr. Olson to anyone who wants an empathic doctor and one who can explain things properly.

In 2009 a colnoscopy found a large polyp that had been bleeding for a while, leading me to think I had hemerroids. After seeing other Dr's who suggested I may need a colon removal and a colostomy bag at age 44, I luckily found Dr Olson. He assured me that a removal would be a last resort. He performed 2 surgeries to remove the polyp and the margins since T cells were found on the polyp. He and his staff treated my wife and I very well and explained what and why he was using his treatments. It has been 11 years now and I have not had any further problems. I highly recommend Dr Olson!

I saw Dr. Olson four times in connection with a recent surgery; first for the diagnosis, next before and after the surgery at the hospital, then at the time of removal of the stitches, and finally for the follow-up visit. Dr. Olson listens carefully, is thorough in his analysis, takes time to discuss and weigh options, and performed my surgery effectively. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Dr. Olson is a great doctor/surgeon! Intelligent, patient, and personable. He takes the time to answer questions and explain things.

I have been seeing Dr. Olson since 2010 for a couple of issues. I could not recommend him highly enough. He is extremely thorough explaining and engaging me in all of my decision-making processes to determine what is best for me.

Dr Olson is an extremely knowledgeable, caring and skilled surgeon. I feel blessed to have him over see my care folllwing a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Can not imagine there is anyone better. I trust him so much I travel from Colorado to see him following a relocation.

I highly recommend Dr. Olson. His surgical skills are excellent, as demonstrated by my rapid recovery and full functions quickly returning. His bedside manner is equally excellent. I can't imagine a more difficult role than delivering a Stage III colon cancer diagnosis, and yet Dr. Olson provided the diagnosis in a straightforward and informative manner along with a clear description of the status, future and expectations with grace and and understanding. Very good listener, too.

I saw Dr. Olson twice in 2018. He is a dynamic person with an aggressive approach to the patient’s needs. He cares about the patient’s condition and needs and isn't in a hurry to hand out pills and leave the exam room. My condition included needs other than what Dr. Olson provides. He took positive action to ensure that immediate care from other specialists was provided. I was treated with dignity and respect. When you go to his clinic, you see him, not someone with no MD after the name.

We were totally satisfied with Dr. Olson. My husband had cancer of the colon which Dr. Olson removed and also took out his appendix and repaired an old hernia while he was in there. Great job and very good about explaining in detail all that went on with the surgery. My husband is not good about going to the doctors, but he would go back to Dr. Olson for sure if needed.

Excellent knowledge of condition. Thoroughly explained surgery and answered questions. Very personable and took away any embarrassment of exam/surgery.

Dr Olsen most likely saved my life in more than one way. He is very professional and can be tough, but he cares about his patients. I have stopped smoking after 50 years because he didn't want to take a chance of losing me during surgery. He can be stern but gives you facts. I am cancer free because of his excellent surgery! I would trust his judgement regarding my life.

I would highly recommend Dr. Olson to friends and family. He is an excellent doctor and professional. I have been his patient for about 1 year and have had three surgeries with him. I continue to be cared by him and his staff. I still have one more procedure to go. His explanations and thought process continues to amaze my wife and I. He explains in great detail the processes and how all things work. His office staff is excellent and very kind and understanding. They are top notch staff

I had urgent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in June 2018. Have had a colonoscopy and a CT scan since, all clear! About 9 inches of colon removed and no colostomy bag!! I would give doctor Olson 1000 stars if I could. I had a fair amount of bruising which is long gone. If it had been permanent

Excellent Doctor! Bedside manner not so much.

Excellent experience.

Today marks my 6 week postoperative date.yIhaven't felt this good in six months. My colonoscopy was on a Thursday and the following Monday I saw Dr. Olson. He wanted to get me into surgery that same week unfortunately I had taken Aleve that morning so I had to wait a week. His concern was that sincere. The diagram shown the explanation given left me with a full scope of the surgery plus the assurance of a good outcome. Post op care was as first class as pre op. My entire family feels as I do