Dr. Knudson attended the University of Iowa, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences. She received her Doctor of Osteopathy from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and completed her general surgery residency at Mercy Medical in Des Moines. She didn’t have to look far for influences on her career choice. Her uncle was a trauma surgeon, and her grandmother and aunt were nurses.

Dr. Knudson and her husband, Brady, live in Sioux City with their son, Sam, age 8. Brady is an environmental scientist but is staying at home right now.

She and Brady are certified in SCUBA diving and have enjoyed the waters of the Caribbean and Hawaii. Knudson also enjoys scrapbooking and canning.