For the first time in more than 40 years, the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) has elected a woman as its president — and that leader is Old Dominion University alumna Helga Olson (M.S.A. '09).
A graduate of the Master of Surgical Assisting (M.S.A.) program, now part of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS School of Health Professions at Old Dominion University, Olson has built a distinguished career as a surgical assistant, educator and advocate for the profession. Today, she helps train future surgeons and surgical assistants through the Center for Procedural Skills Mastery at Mayo Clinic.
While the historic milestone is significant, Olson hopes her presidency will inspire future leaders and elevate awareness of the essential role surgical assistants play in patient care.
“Professionally, I hope my presidency underscores the vital importance of representation and encourages more women to pursue leadership avenues within healthcare,” Olson said. “I am incredibly proud to step into the association’s history and grateful for the opportunity to help guide its future.”
For Olson, a career in healthcare seemed almost inevitable. Raised by a physician father and a nurse practitioner mother, she grew up immersed in the world of patient care. Initially drawn to clinical psychology, she later realized she wanted a more hands-on role in helping patients.
“I found myself increasingly drawn to the dynamic, team-oriented environment of the operating room,” she said. “Returning to school for a degree in surgical assisting allowed me to combine technical precision and fast-paced critical thinking with the compassionate, direct patient care I had always valued.”
That search led her to the Master of Surgical Assisting program, then offered through EVMS. “I chose this program because of its outstanding reputation for clinical excellence and rigorous, hands-on training,” Olson said. “What truly set it apart for me, however, was its dedication to developing the whole professional.”
The lessons she learned extended far beyond technical skills. Through faculty mentorship and clinical experiences, Olson developed the leadership, communication and teamwork skills that would later define her career.
“The program provided me with a solid clinical foundation and the confidence required to step into any operating room and succeed,” she said. “Beyond the essential technical skills, the program placed a heavy emphasis on accountability, leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
Following graduation, Olson focused on gaining experience across multiple surgical specialties before discovering a passion for cardiac surgery. Her career eventually expanded into education and mentorship, leading her to help establish the surgical assistant program at Mayo Clinic in 2012 as one of its founding educators.
Today, she continues her commitment to education through the Center for Procedural Skills Mastery at Mayo Clinic, where she helps train future surgeons and surgical assistants.
“Helping shape that educational pathway solidified my commitment to advancing our profession and upholding rigorous training standards,” she said.
Her involvement with the NSAA grew naturally from that same commitment. What began with committee service evolved into leadership positions and, ultimately, the presidency.
As president, Olson hopes to elevate awareness of the profession, while strengthening advocacy, educational standards and mentorship opportunities.
“One of my primary objectives is to continue elevating national awareness and recognition of surgical assistants as indispensable members of the healthcare team,” she said.
Throughout her career, Olson has witnessed significant changes in the field, including the rise of minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Yet, she believes the core mission of surgical assistants remains unchanged.
“To me, a great surgical assistant is the glue that keeps a case running smoothly,” she said. “It’s about anticipating needs before they’re voiced, keeping the rhythm of the room steady and being a true collaborative partner to the surgeon so that we can deliver the safest, most efficient care possible.”
When asked what accomplishment makes her most proud, Olson does not point to titles or leadership positions.
“Knowing that I have been able to contribute to positive patient outcomes, mentor students as they find their footing and help build educational programs that elevate our entire profession — those are the achievements that mean the most to me,” she said.
As she leads the NSAA into its next chapter, Olson remains committed to the values that first drew her to healthcare: service, lifelong learning and helping others succeed.
Learn more about the Master of Surgical Assisting (M.S.A.).
