Robert C. Vercio, MD, is fellowship trained in all aspects of surgery in the hand, elbow and shoulder. He completed the Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is passionate about patient education and partnering with patients, working together to help them make the best treatment decisions. He is skilled in ultrasound of the upper extremity for diagnosis and treatments and is co-author of a textbook to assist other physicians with these useful exams and techniques. Dr. Vercio has also spent time in developing countries from Nepal to Haiti and plans to continue helping those in need.Dr. Vercio is a South Sound native who grew up in Gig Harbor and is excited to be back in the PNW. When not mending bones in need, he enjoys chasing around his small family, spending time on the water, artisan bread baking and photography. Dr. Vercio is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Ganglion Cyst, Osteotomy, and Bone Graft.

Sean D. Ghidella, MD, is fellowship trained in hand surgery and specializes in the surgical management of the upper extremity. He has been practicing since 1996 and has received a CAQ subspecialty certificate in orthopedic surgery of the hand from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He brings experience rarely found outside military practice to Tacoma, Lakewood, and Gig Harbor. He is well versed in management of common sports, work-related, arthritic, and traumatic injuries and ailments. He has a wealth of experience managing severe injuries and conditions resulting from combat as well as birth defects in children.Once management short of surgery has failed, Dr. Ghidella tries to speed recovery and improve function surgically with a combination of traditional techniques that have proven reliable and the latest techniques that depend on current technology. His goal is to restore function to his patients and get them back to their daily activities as quickly as possible by solving their orthopedic problem, big or small.He is a graduate of the Unites States Military Academy, West Point and has served in the military as an orthopedic and hand surgeon with the last eight years of his career holding positions of Chief of Hand Surgery and Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center. He retired from the Army as a Colonel and a combat veteran after 21 years of service in 2010 to pursue civilian practice. He has previously taught as an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M, USUHS, and Swedish Medical Center.He hails from New England, but he considers the South Sound home. He is an avid skier and enjoys water sports. His passion is assistant coaching for Gig Harbor High School Tides Varsity Football. Dr. Ghidella is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Trigger Thumb, and Dupuytren Contracture.

Philip Yearian, DPM, is a board-certified surgeon specializing in the lower extremity treatment of the foot and ankle. He believes that staying on the forefront of treatment involves educating his patients, which leads to better outcomes.While competing as a Division I Track and Field athlete in the 3000 meters Steeplechase and Cross Country at the University of Portland, his own injuries introduced him to some of the very treatments he uses today to get patients back on their way to a non-painful walk or ultra-marathon.His training involved specializing in both bone and plastic reconstructive surgery. After over twenty years in practice in Gig Harbor and Tacoma, Dr. Yearian has improved some of these very techniques, which now allow some patients to shorten their recovery and return to play or work sooner.Dr. Yearian coaches basketball at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School. He also enjoys running marathons, skiing, traveling and teaching for the Franciscan Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Residency program. Mr. Yearian is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Bunions, Flat Feet, Synovitis, and Tendinitis.

John T. Heffernan, MD, is fellowship trained in all aspects of shoulder and elbow surgery and has extensive training in sports medicine surgery. His interests include arthroscopy of the shoulder and elbow, rotator cuff repair, shoulder instability, shoulder and elbow reconstruction, fracture care of the upper extremity, ligament reconstruction of the knee, and knee replacements. He is a Candidate Member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and serves as a reviewer for their Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.During his medical training, Dr. Heffernan volunteered his time providing medical care as a sideline team physician for high school football teams of New Orleans, worked as an assistant team physician for Columbia University Athletics and assisted with the medical care of the New York Yankees and New York City FC (MLS). As a former varsity collegiate athlete in swimming, Dr. Heffernan is passionate about getting athletes of all ages back to their best performance.Dr. Heffernan is passionate about his work as an orthopedic surgeon and getting his patients back to their highest quality of life and activity. He believes that providing outstanding orthopedic care starts first with listening carefully to his patients.Dr. Heffernan is a fifth-generation native of the Puget Sound region and is proud to return home and take care of the people of his community. He and his wife, who is also a physician, are avid downhill skiers and enjoy cycling, hiking, being on the water, and spending time with their family. Dr. Heffernan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Congenital Mirror Movement Disorder, Frozen Shoulder, Tendinitis, and Tennis Elbow.

Peter Krumins, MD, is fellowship trained in sports medicine with a professional interest in joint reconstruction of the lower extremity, including foot, ankle, knee and hip. He enjoys solving complex surgical problems to help individuals regain function and return to the activities they love.Dr. Krumins is an avid sports enthusiast enjoying snow skiing, paddle boarding, and hiking with his three children, as well as competing in bike races as a member of the Old Town Bicycle "dirt" team. Dr. Krumins is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Achilles Tendon Rupture, Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Rebecca Whitesell is a Pediatric Orthopedics specialist and a Pediatrics provider in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Whitesell is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. Her top areas of expertise are Beukes Familial Hip Dysplasia, Scoliosis, Clubfoot, and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD). Dr. Whitesell is currently accepting new patients.

Neil Shah, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty in hand surgery. Dr. Shah believes communication and education are key to caring for patients effectively. He listens to the concerns of his patients and, together, formulates a treatment plan. His practice is innovative, focusing on constantly improving and adapting new techniques to better patient care. He relies on patient-oriented problem-solving to elucidate medical mysteries and enhance perspective.Dr. Shah has a biomedical engineering background and has interest in the latest technological advances of the orthopedic field. He performs stitchless, minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release as well as complex hand and wrist surgeries. He also offers the latest shoulder and wrist arthroscopy techniques including rotator cuff repair, along with custom shoulder replacement with preoperative 3D CT planning.Away from work, he enjoys basketball, swimming, hiking and sightseeing. Dr. Shah is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Rhizarthrosis, and Synovitis.

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 Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Trigger Thumb, and Rhizarthrosis.

Bryce Barker is a Hand Surgeon in Gig Harbor, Washington. Dr. Barker is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Trigger Thumb, and Ganglion Cyst. Dr. Barker is currently accepting new patients.

Ryan Riel is an Orthopedics specialist and a Hand Surgeon in Gig Harbor, Washington. Dr. Riel is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Rhizarthrosis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Trigger Thumb, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Riel is currently accepting new patients.

David Cortese, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, joint replacement and fracture care. His particular practice interests include arthroscopic management of tendon, ligament and articular cartilage disorders of the knee and shoulder.Dr. Cortese values a collaborative relationship with his patients to educate them on their condition, the variety of treatment options available and their treatment goals. By partnering with his patients, he develops individualized treatment plans that optimize outcomes and enable his patients to return to the active lifestyle they enjoy.Dr. Cortese is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS) and the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and is a 12 year U.S. Army veteran. When away from work, he enjoys hiking, cycling and skiing the trails in the region.Request an orthopedic appointment. Dr. Cortese is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis, Bursitis, and Hip Replacement.

Issei Komatsu is an Orthopedics provider in Gig Harbor, Washington. Dr. Komatsu is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Ganglion Cyst, and Trigger Thumb. Dr. Komatsu is currently accepting new patients.

Joseph Shung is an Orthopedics provider in Gig Harbor, Washington. Dr. Shung is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Ganglion Cyst, and Osteoarthritis. Dr. Shung is currently accepting new patients.

Lance L. Bear, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who provides expert surgical care for a variety of general orthopedic conditions, with particular interest in surgery of the hand. Whether he is treating a sports-related injury, a repetitive stress condition or an osteoporosis-related fracture, Dr. Bear partners with his patients to develop customized solutions that will get them back to actively living the life they love.A member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Bear is committed to making a difference in his patients' lives through expert, compassionate care. Dr. Bear is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Ganglion Cyst, and Hip Replacement.

William Clark, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and subspecialty certified hand surgeon. He has a clinical interest in arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement, trauma/fractures, nerve and tendon disorders, minimally invasive surgery of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder, complex hand surgery, and treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture.As a physician, he involves patients by discussing the diagnostic and treatment options for each condition and by encouraging them to participate in making their healthcare decisions. As a surgeon, he believes his mission is to provide safe, effective surgical care while staying abreast of the latest advances and techniques. His ultimate goal is patient satisfaction because this is what makes orthopedic surgery an enjoyable and rewarding profession for him. Dr. Clark is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Rhizarthrosis, Trigger Thumb, and Hip Replacement.

Joanna Branstetter, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in state-of-the-art hand, wrist, shoulder and knee preservation care. Dr. Branstetter had a 20-year career in the United States Army and has been a practicing orthopedic surgeon locally at Joint Base Lewis-McChord for the past 14 years. She recognizes that every patient and injury is unique, and designing a treatment specific to the individual is key to successful outcomes. She works with the patient and their care team to develop the best comprehensive, mutually agreeable plan. This may involve both surgical and non-surgical options like physical therapy, stretching, bracing, medications, injections, arthroscopy, surgical reconstruction and joint replacement.Dr. Branstetter is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Society of  Military Orthopaedic Surgeons, Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society and the Washington State Orthopaedic Association. Dr. Branstetter is passionate about diversity and inclusion in medicine.Outside of medicine, she enjoys activities with her husband, two children and their Labrador retriever.Conditions and procedures in adolescents and beyond:Arthroscopy of the shoulder and kneeCarpal tunnelChronic exertional compartment syndromeCubital tunnelElbow, wrist and finger tendonitisKnee arthritisKnee ligament reconstructionRotator cuff repairShoulder instability. Dr. Branstetter is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. Her top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, and Tenosynovitis.

Gavin H. Smith, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and surgeon of the foot and ankle. He has been practicing medicine since 2004. He feels that his professional responsibility is the successful treatment of foot and ankle disorders. His professional interests include deformity correction, joint disorders, overuse injuries and trauma care. His philosophy of care is that the needs of the patient are the first priorities, and that any intervention, whether it be medical or surgical, should be evidence-based.Dr. Smith has volunteered for The Susan G. Komen 3-Day and is a surgical instrutor in the Franciscan Podiatry Residency Program. In his free time, he enjoys working in his shop and martial arts training with his sons. He and his wife have three energetic children who keep them busy. Mr. Smith is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Bunions, Tendinitis, Achilles Tendon Rupture, and Plantar Fasciitis.

Spencer A. Coray, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and arthroscopy procedures of multiple joints. He has been practicing since 2003 and is one of the few orthopedic surgeons in the state with a CAQ subspecialty certificate in orthopedic sports medicine from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.His philosophy of care is to take the lowest intervention necessary to return patients to full function, which may or may not include surgery. His goal is to help patients be as active as they want to be, whether that means walking around the block or running a marathon.Dr. Coray is involved with a number of high schools in the Auburn, Franklin Pierce, Tacoma, Clover Park, and University Place school districts by providing sports related medical services and is frequently called on to present on sports medicine in health classes. He frequently goes on medical missions to Argentina and attends conferences as a surgical presenter locally and abroad. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching his children grow, and cooking. Dr. Coray is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Synovitis, Tendinitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Peters T. Otlans, MD, MPH, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine injuries, arthroscopic surgery, shoulder and knee replacement surgery and fracture care. He performs arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, knee, hip, and elbow, addressing cartilage, ligament, and tendon injuries in a minimally invasive fashion.Dr. Otlans believes in the importance of building relationships and earning trust with his patients. He focuses on developing individualized care plans after listening carefully to his patient's needs and goals and clearly communicating all treatment options.Dr. Otlans grew up in Washington State and has a passion for international medical work and orthopaedic research. Prior to returning to the community, he served as an assistant team physician with Portland State athletics and then with Philadelphia's professional and college sports teams. He serves as team orthopedic surgeon for Highline Public Schools and an editor of Arthroscopy</em> and the American Journal of Sports Medicine</em>, the premier orthopedic sports medicine journals in the country. Dr. Otlans is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Small Patella Syndrome, Sandhaus Ben-Ami Syndrome, Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, and Osteotomy.

Ian Lawson is an Orthopedics specialist and a Hand Surgeon in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Lawson is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ganglion Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Trigger Thumb, Ganglion Cyst, Rhizarthrosis, and Hip Replacement.