Dr. Petersen received a Bachelor Of Science degree from Union University Albany College Of Pharmacy in 1952, and graduated from Albany Medical College in 1956. After his internship, he was stationed at the Landstuhl Army Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany for 3 years. He then returned to Albany Medical Center to complete his Pediatric training.
From 1962 until 1965 he remained on the Pediatric staff at Albany Medical Center running the Pediatric and Birth Defects Clinic as well as teaching. In 1965, he entered private practice, joining Dr. William Boland. Their office was located at 11 Sunset Drive in Latham until the practice moved in 1998 to 10 Century Hill Drive.
Dr. Petersen lives in Loudonville with his wife Carole. He has 4 grown children and 12 grandchildren. He still enjoys skiing and spending time with his family.