
Overview
Ian Mullikin, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with specialty training, certification and experience in hand and upper extremity surgery. His goal is to return patients back to their active lifestyles and passions.Dr. Mullikin is a member of the American Society of Surgery of the Hand. He is a former military hand surgeon who was based at Tripler Medical Center and recognized teaching faculty.Away from work, Dr. Mullikin enjoys trail running/marathons, bicycling, hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.Conditions and procedures:Basal thumb and finger arthroplastyCarpal/cubital tunnelDistal biceps tendon repairDupuytren’s releaseHand and elbow collateral ligament repair/ replacementHand, wrist, forearm, elbow, humerus, clavicle fracture open reduction and internal fixationNerve and tendon transfers for upper and lower extremity, brachial plexus reconstructionSoft tissue reconstruction with free and rotational flapsTrigger finger and Dequervain's releaseUpper extremity soft tissue mass excisions.
Dr. Mullikin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Contracture Deformity, and Mononeuritis Multiplex.
His clinical research consists of co-authoring 4 peer reviewed articles. MediFind looks at clinical research from the past 15 years. In particular, he has co-authored 1 article in the study of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Insurance
Accepted insurance can change. Please verify directly with the provider.
Accepted insurance plans:
- HMO
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- PPO
- OTHER MANAGED MEDICAID
- EPO
- HMO
- PPO
- OTHER MEDICAID
- STATE MEDICAID
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
Locations
11511 Canterwood Blvd NW, Suite 205, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Clinical Research
Clinical research consists of overseeing clinical studies of patients undergoing new treatments and therapies, and publishing articles in peer reviewed medical journals. Providers who actively participate in clinical research are generally at the forefront of the fields and aware of the most up-to-date advances in treatments for their patients.
Proliance Surgeons
Alan B. Thomas, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity surgery. He has been practicing medicine since 2000, and he has a special interest in arthroscopy of the wrist, elbow and shoulder. He received a CAQ subspecialty certificate in orthopedic surgery of the hand from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.He enjoys the challenges of restoring people to health through his practice. His doctorate work in biochemistry opened up new approaches for treating complex problems and made him a more detailed clinician.Dr. Thomas is a former vice president of St. Clare Hospital and has served on the operating and surgical committees for St Clare Hospital and the medical executive committee for Franciscan Health at St. Josephs Medical Center. He is a chairman for an outreach committee at his church and a member of the board of directors for The Health Project – Cambodia, which delivers medical supplies and equipment to underserved people in Southeast Asia and he travels to Cambodia each year to provide surgical care to those in need.Outside of his medical practice and volunteer work, he tries to keep up with his three children who are avid skiers, wakeboarders, and surfers. Dr. Thomas is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Trigger Thumb, and Rhizarthrosis.
Proliance Surgeons
John D. Beck, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a clinical focus on surgical and non-surgical treatment of the hand, wrist, and elbow, including complex trauma, contractures, and arthritis. He also focuses on nerve compression of the upper extremity, wrist arthroscopy, as well as endoscopic carpal tunnel and endoscopic cubital tunnel release. He has received subspecialty training in microsurgery and complex elbow surgery. Dr. Beck's philosophy of patient care is one that was cultivated during his residency and fellowship training. He believes in a shared effort with patients, families, and other healthcare providers to create the best treatment course and maximize results for each patient. He is an active contributor to the orthopedic field, publishing many research articles, authoring orthopedic textbook chapters, and presenting research at both national and international meetings. He lives on the Eastside and enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. Dr. Beck is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Synovitis, Trigger Thumb, and Ganglion Cyst.
Proliance Surgeons
John Howlett, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with a special interest in fracture care. He has completed additional fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery, including trauma, reconstruction, pediatric as well as microvascular surgery.He likes to remind himself that the origin of the Latin word “doctor” is “teacher,” and he considers it an important part of his role as a doctor to educate his patients about the conditions that are affecting them. He believes an informed and knowledgeable patient can participate more effectively in his or her own healing. As a former teacher who holds a master’s degree in education, Dr. Howlett deeply enjoys this aspect of working with patients.One of the experiences that shaped his career trajectory was his work as a counselor at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, founded by Paul Newman for children with cancer and other blood-related disorders. Witnessing the courage and energy of these children convinced him that healing involves more than medication and surgery. This experience led him to pursue his medical degree, where he saw an opportunity to combine his interest in caring for people with his passion for teaching.Having grown up in Washington enjoying hiking, backpacking, sailing, and canoeing, Dr. Howlett was eager to return to the Northwest for his residency and fellowship training. He now shares these same passions with his family. He and his wife both played soccer in college and can be found cheering on their two daughters at soccer games on the weekends. Dr. Howlett is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Trigger Thumb, Ganglion Cyst, Rhizarthrosis, and Hip Replacement.
Areas of Expertise
MediFind evaluates expertise by pulling from factors such as number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials, speaking at industry conferences, prescribing and referral patterns, and strength of connections with other experts in their field.
Learn more about MediFind’s expert tiers
- Experienced
- Carpal Tunnel SyndromeDr. Mullikin isExperienced. Learn about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- Contracture DeformityDr. Mullikin isExperienced. Learn about Contracture Deformity.
- Mononeuritis MultiplexDr. Mullikin isExperienced. Learn about Mononeuritis Multiplex.


