Dr. Donna Smith

Matthew J. Robon, MD, is board-certified in hand and orthopedic surgery. He treats patients with all types of orthopedic fractures in addition to his specialty focus in hand and upper extremity surgery.In his years as a competitive All-American swimmer, he endured years of medical treatment for multiple orthopedic injuries. These experiences shaped his practice philosophy today: good patient care involves making accurate and timely diagnoses, but equally important is treating patients with respect and compassion. By helping his patients understand their problem, he can treat the immediate problem and hopefully help them avoid future injuries and pain.Dr. Robon is married and has three sons. He and his wife enjoy exploring the great outdoors by hiking, golfing, and trail running in the Cascades. Dr. Robon is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rhizarthrosis. His top areas of expertise are Trigger Thumb, Dupuytren Contracture, Rhizarthrosis, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

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

Grant R. Lohse, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery. He cares for both adults and children. In addition to general orthopedics, he specializes in upper extremity nerve problems, tendon and ligament injuries, fractures, and arthritis.Dr. Lohse grew up in Indiana. He received his bachelor's of science in Mechanical Engineering, graduating with highest honors, from Purdue University. He went on to attend medical school at Northwestern University where he graduated Alpha Omega Alpha (highest honors). Dr. Lohse completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Washington before going onto subspecialty training in hand and upper extremity surgery at Vanderbilt University.His care philosophy is centered on education. He believes patients are best able to participate in their care when they thoroughly understand their problem and treatment options. He feels strongly that treatment must be individualized, as the same condition may affect two people very differently.Dr. Lohse enjoys spending time with this wife and three children. He also enjoys running, skiing (snow and water), hiking, and camping. Dr. Lohse is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rhizarthrosis. His top areas of expertise are Dupuytren Contracture, Trigger Thumb, Rhizarthrosis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Hip Replacement.