After spending her entire adult life as a member of the United States Air Force, Marion Swall MD believed that it was time to put down some family roots.

Recently, Dr. Swall joined Lincoln Medical Partners as an orthopedic surgeon, bringing with her a wealth of experience ranging from providing care during war time, working in at least a dozen hospital systems, and participating in a sports medicine fellowship that included assisting the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals.

“I tell people that I’m kind of from all over,’’ she said. “I was raised in Minnesota but had many different deployments with the Air Force. I really loved serving, but it was time for the family to settle in one spot.”

Dr. Swall earned her undergraduate degree from the United States Air Force Academy, her graduate degree from Colorado State University, and her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.

Her military career was impressive and included a stint as an orthopedic surgeon working on some of the most difficult cases during war time in Afghanistan, earning her the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. This was one of six medals she earned while in the Air Force. Dr. Swall was also Chief of Orthopedic Surgery with the 81st Surgical Operations Squadron at Kessler Air Force Base in Mississippi.

When it came to finding a place to raise a family and continue her career, choosing Maine was an easy decision, she said. “My great grandparents had a farm in Brookville and I’d been going there since I was an infant. My parents built a home there as well and for the last 15 years, it’s been our home away from home.”

Dr. Swall said that the commitment she saw from LincolnHealth leadership, the cooperative spirit of the medical team and the positive culture made LincolnHealth a good professional fit.

“I’ve been in at least 12 hospital systems or hospitals, and this culture stands out,’’ she said. “What absolutely drew me here was the exemplary commitment to patient care that begins with the leadership. Many of our team members have been working here a long time and are extraordinarily good at their jobs. A positive culture is contagious and the LincolnHealth culture struck my core values.”

Dr. Swall said that she views surgery as a “team sport” and that she enjoys the feeling that comes with helping people.

“I feel like I am the quarterback but that everyone in the operating room has an important role,’’ she said. “I love working with my hands and being able to help people return to an active life.”

Dr. Swall, her husband and two school-aged children reside in Walpole. If you need orthopedic care, please talk with your physician about Lincoln Medical Partners Orthopedics.