
Overview
Michael J. Martin, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with advanced training in spinal medicine and surgical techniques for the treatment of degenerative conditions and fractures of the spine. He is professionally interested in spine treatment innovations with a focus on minimally invasive procedures.He has been a surgeon since 1992 and sees himself as a teacher and facilitator in helping people heal themselves. That’s why his high quality, compassionate care includes spending time educating patients about their condition and providing a personalized treatment plan that works for them.Dr. Martin was previously an investigator in a nationwide FDA clinical trial involving a less invasive lumbar spinal stenosis treatment that he helped develops. He is actively involved in developing other innovative treatments and devices for the treatment of diseases and conditions of the spine. He is a Peer Reviewer for the official journal of the NASS, The Spine Journal, and continues to publish articles in orthopedic journals and present community lectures on various lumbar and cervical spine topics.In addition to his community volunteer efforts at Bellarmine Preparatory School, he is an acting Board Member for Commencement Bay Rowing Club. He previously coached youth sports for local community baseball teams and basketball at Saint Patrick’s Catholic School in Tacoma. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and children, biking, skiing, and cooking.
Dr. Martin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Klippel-Feil Syndrome, Spondylolisthesis, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.
Insurance
Accepted insurance can change. Please verify directly with the provider.
Accepted insurance plans:
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- OTHER COMMERCIAL
- OTHER MEDICARE
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- HMO
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- HMO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- MEDICARE SNP
- OTHER COMMERCIAL
- OTHER MEDICARE
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
- PPO
- HMO
- INDEMNITY
- POS
- PPO
- HMO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- OTHER MEDICARE
- POS
- PPO
Accepted plan types not found. Please verify directly with the provider.
- OTHER MANAGED MEDICAID
- OTHER MEDICAID
- STATE MEDICAID
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- MEDICARE SNP
- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
- EPO
- PPO
- PPO
- EPO
- PPO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- OTHER COMMERCIAL
- PPO
- EPO
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- MEDICARE SNP
- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER MEDICARE
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
Locations
1724 W. Union, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98405
Proliance Hand, Wrist & Elbow Physicians
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, Ganglion Cyst, and Endoscopy.
Proliance Puget Sound Orthopaedics
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 Orthopedic Associates
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
- Distinguished
- Klippel-Feil SyndromeDr. Martin isDistinguished. Learn about Klippel-Feil Syndrome.
- Spinal StenosisDr. Martin isDistinguished. Learn about Spinal Stenosis.
- Advanced
- Ankylosing Vertebral Hyperostosis with Tylosis
- Cervical MyelopathyDr. Martin isAdvanced. Learn about Cervical Myelopathy.
- Cervical SpondylosisDr. Martin isAdvanced. Learn about Cervical Spondylosis.
- Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis
- Herniated DiskDr. Martin isAdvanced. Learn about Herniated Disk.
- Invertebral Disc DiseaseDr. Martin isAdvanced. Learn about Invertebral Disc Disease.
- Experienced
- Adolescent Idiopathic ScoliosisDr. Martin isExperienced. Learn about Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.
- Carpal Tunnel SyndromeDr. Martin isExperienced. Learn about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- Cervical Disc SurgeryDr. Martin isExperienced. Learn about Cervical Disc Surgery.
- DiskitisDr. Martin isExperienced. Learn about Diskitis.
- Foot DropDr. Martin isExperienced. Learn about Foot Drop.
- Fractured SpineDr. Martin isExperienced. Learn about Fractured Spine.



