Jason Thompson, MD, is board certified and is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon who specializes in the care of patients with simple or complex problems of the neck or back. As an expert in the care of the spine, he may prescribe treatments including physical therapy, spinal injections, medications or massage, or he may perform surgical procedures including decompression, disc replacement, scoliosis correction or spinal fusion. He has special interests in treating young adults with scoliosis and in using cutting-edge technology to reduce the "footprint" of spinal surgery.He serves as Medical Director of The Spine Center, which allows him to improve his patients' experience as they move through the office, hospital, and rehabilitation phases of treatment. Coordinating and collaborating with other experts, such as therapists, radiologists, and physiatrists, he utilizes the strengths of a team approach to help his patients reach their goals.Recognizing that each patient is unique, he helps each person develop an individualized treatment plan. Whether a patient comes to him with leg cramps from stenosis or a numb arm from a blown-out disc in the neck, his goal is helping people regain their maximum potential. He believes in the power and success of an accurate diagnosis, rapid, individualized treatment, and multi-modality rehabilitative care. Patients frequently refer their families and friends to Dr. Thompson, and he believes there is no greater compliment than a satisfied patient saying, "Thanks! I’ll send my family to you."A Florida native, he has embraced the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, sailing and skiing. Dr. Thompson is highly rated in 13 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Kyphosis, Spondylolisthesis, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.

Michael Franceschina is an Orthopedics specialist and a Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine provider in Federal Way, Washington. Dr. Franceschina is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Franceschina is currently accepting new patients.

Praveen Kanneganti is an Orthopedics specialist and a Sports Medicine provider in Federal Way, Washington. Dr. Kanneganti is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Frozen Shoulder, Bursitis, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Kanneganti is currently accepting new patients.

Rachel Wheeler is an Orthopedics provider in Bonney Lake, Washington. Her top areas of expertise are Scoliosis, Sciatica, Spondylolisthesis, and Spinal Stenosis. Dr. Wheeler is currently accepting new patients.

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 highly rated in 16 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Trigger Thumb, Ganglion Cyst, Rhizarthrosis, and Hip Replacement.

Christopher Howe, MD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon who specializes in a wide array of spine care ranging from degenerative conditions to spine trauma and metastatic disease. He practices at POA's Renton and Covington locations. He has a clinical focus on simple and complex surgical care of the spine and general orthopedic fracture management.Dr. Howe's goal is to educate patients and allow them to make an informed decision about their care and treatment options. He serves as a member on the Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.Away from orthopedics, he enjoys spending time with his family as well as backcountry skiing, cycling, running, and international travel. Dr. Howe is highly rated in 12 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Spondylosis, Cervical Disc Surgery, and Herniated Disc Surgery.

Niket Shrivastava, MD, is board-certified in orthopedics with a special focus on hand and wrist surgery. In addition to his clinical experience, he has substantial research experience including serving as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Orthopaedics at Columbia University and a research assistant in both the Department of Orthopaedics and Center for Bioengineering at University of Washington. Dr. Shrivastava is highly rated in 11 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Trigger Thumb, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Frozen Shoulder, and Hip Replacement.

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 highly rated in 11 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Klippel-Feil Syndrome, Spondylolisthesis, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.

Erik Novak, MD, PhD, is board-certified and a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon providing surgical and non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions. He also specializes in general orthopedics and the treatment of fractures. He believes that taking the time to explain to patients their musculoskeletal conditions and treatment choices allows for a faster recovery and return to the activities and sports they enjoy.He serves as the team physician for the Thunderbirds hockey team and has international experience as a volunteer with Orthopaedics Overseas in Mthatha, South Africa. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family. He also takes part in outdoor recreational activities and traveling. Dr. Novak is highly rated in 9 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Achilles Tendon Rupture, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Metatarsalgia, and Hip Replacement.

Craig T. Arntz, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic shoulder specialist with 25 years of experience treating problems that often require shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff tears, instability, fractures, and shoulder arthritis. He has advanced training in shoulder surgery with extensive experience in treating the most complex shoulder disorders. He has particular interest in arthroscopic shoulder repair, rotator cuff surgery and shoulder replacement surgery, including reverse shoulder replacement.Dr. Arntz is also a board-certified hand surgeon, and he is recognized in the Seattle and Renton communities as a shoulder and upper extremity specialist. He is proud to have had thousands of physician and patient referrals.He uses advanced techniques to restore his patients' shoulder and hand comfort and function as quickly and safely as possible. He has co-authored several articles and book chapters about rotator cuff repair and shoulder arthritis reconstruction.He is a native of Seattle. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys snow and water skiing, boating, and travel. Dr. Arntz is highly rated in 7 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, and Frozen Shoulder.

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 highly rated in 7 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Rhizarthrosis, Trigger Thumb, and Hip Replacement.

Wendy Heusch, DO, is a Pacific Northwest native, originally from Oregon. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound where she played volleyball on the 1993 NAIA Championship team. Her orthopedic training has taken her from West Coast to East Coast and although she enjoyed each area of the country, she believes there is no place quite like the Northwest.Her practice interests include treating all sports related injuries, with special interests in the shoulder and knee. She completed an Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Fellowship at Orthopedic Research of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia where she learned from some of the most respected arthroscopic surgeons in the country about the latest techniques in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. These include all arthroscopic surgery of the rotator cuff and other disorders of the shoulder including dislocations and instability, as well as ACL surgery of the knee. She is also experienced in treating work related injuries of the shoulder and knee. She understands the unique circumstances surrounding work related injuries and helps her patients navigate the L&I process.Dr. Heusch has pursued and obtained subspecialty board certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine. This subspecialty certificate is for board certified orthopedic surgeons who have demonstrated qualifications in sports medicine beyond those expected of other orthopedic surgeons. This includes additional training, a practice characterized by a volume of cases in sports medicine, and by passing an exam administered nationally by the AOBOS.Being an athlete herself, she enjoys treating the needs and injuries of all types of athletes, from high school players to the recreational athlete. She has also spent a portion of her fellowship with the team physician for the Washington Redskins learning about the care of the professional athlete. Dr. Heusch enjoys being a part of the Rainier Orthopedic Institute team and serving the Puyallup community.In her free time, Dr. Heusch enjoys gardening and throwing pottery, and spending time outdoors. She is also an avid supporter of local animal rescues.“I believe in treating my patients as a whole person and that there is more to being healthy than just the absence of disease. By looking beyond just the symptoms and by considering all aspects of a patient’s lifestyle, I strive to work with my patients as part of a team so we can better understand and work towards accomplishing their goals.” – Dr. Wendy Heusch, DO. Dr. Heusch is highly rated in 6 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Frozen Shoulder, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

In his practice, Fred Huang, MD, enjoys focusing on several areas of orthopedic surgery, including sports injuries, arthroscopic knee surgery, knee and hip replacement surgery, and fracture care. He strives to provide care that is tailored to fit each patient's individual needs, and he believes that educating patients about their orthopedic conditions promotes success and patient satisfaction.Dr. Huang was a clinical instructor in the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. He taught UW orthopedic residents at the Seattle VA hospital from 2001 to 2019. In his spare time, he enjoys cheering for the Florida Gators football and basketball teams. Dr. Huang is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Infectious Arthritis, Tendinitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Brian Jones, DO, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in full spectrum treatment of cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar spine (low-back) surgery. He also has a clinical interested in knee and shoulder repair and reconstruction, hip, knee, and shoulder replacement, and fracture care.He believes the patient-physician relationship relies on a team approach. Striving for successful results and improving one’s quality of life is an extremely rewarding process for the whole team. His goal is to gather enough information to make the right diagnosis, explore the best treatment options, and develop an individualized treatment plan in collaboration with each patient. Through this personalized approach, he is present at every step of the process so that each patient’s healthcare needs are met with the best possible results. Dr. Jones is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Coccydynia, Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Spondylosis, Hip Replacement, and Microdiscectomy.

Timothy Alton, MD, is a dual fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon. He completed his first fellowship in fracture surgery at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA then completed a second fellowship in adult reconstruction, hip and knee replacement surgery. He trained directly under Dr. William Barrett at Valley Medical Center, mastering the direct anterior approach for total hip replacement and learned Dr. Barrett’s technique for primary knee replacements. He then traveled the country learning advanced arthroplasty and revision techniques from master surgeons at the Florida Orthopedic Institute in Tampa, FL and at the world-renown Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Dr. Alton specializes in the management of acute fractures, malunions and nonunions of the upper and lower extremity in addition to both primary and revision hip and knee replacements. He has published in national and international journals, has written multiple book chapters and presented his research at local, national and international meetings. Dr. Alton has a particular interest in direct anterior total hip replacement surgery and moving joint replacement surgery from the inpatient to outpatient setting. Outside of medicine, Dr. Alton enjoys spending time with his wife and small children. He enjoys football, running, weight lifting and playing with his kids. Dr. Alton is highly rated in 3 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinitis, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement.

W. Barrett Payne, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a special interest in knee, hip, and shoulder arthroscopy including complex reconstruction, repair of ligament, tendon, and rotator cuff injuries.As a physician and surgeon, Dr. Payne feels a profound responsibility to provide the best possible care for every patient he has the privilege to serve. He accomplishes this by communicating clearly, being an empathetic provider, using sound judgment, and involving his patients in the decision-making process. He uses the best technical skills with the latest and most advanced technologies. He strives to always make himself available to answer questions and address concerns throughout the treatment process. Dr. Payne is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, and Hip Replacement.

Andrew L. Merritt, MD, is dedicated to getting injured athletes back to the activities they love. His practice is focused on sports medicine and surgical treatment of the knee and hip. He has specialized training in ligament, cartilage, and tendon injuries of the knee. He also specializes in hip and knee replacement, including minimally-invasive partial knee replacement.Dr. Merritt brings advanced training to his practice, using the same surgical techniques and individualized care that helps professional athletes get back in the game. He has published many papers and chapters on orthopedics and complex knee surgery. He served as an assistant team physician for the New York Giants professional football team.He spends most of his free time outdoors and enjoys traveling. He has provided medical services to natives and fellow travelers in Peru and Nepal during two treks to Mt. Everest base camp. He and his wife reside in the Seattle area with their two children. He is honored to be involved in your care and will work with you toward regaining your active lifestyle. Dr. Merritt is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Baker Cyst, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

John Steedman, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacement of the hip and knee, sports medicine and arthroscopy, and trauma reconstruction.His philosophy has always been to integrate a patient's orthopedic treatment into his or her overall health plan. He feels strongly that it is essential to maintain the highest level of physical activity possible regardless of one's age. Such activity benefits the whole person in numerous ways including improved balance, psychological well-being, and improved immune function. Intervention may be as simple as exercise modification or as complex as advanced joint reconstruction. Dr. Steedman will always choose the most conservative means available that also offers a high likelihood of success. He considers it a privilege and a blessing to be able to serve his patients and his community in the specialty of orthopedic surgery.Dr. Steedman has tried to live according to the same principles he advocates to his patients, by participating in a daily exercise routine. He enjoys golf, the outdoors, traveling, playing with his grandsons, and scuba diving. Dr. Steedman is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Alan Barronian, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a special interest in joint replacements of the hip, knee, and shoulder including minimally invasive hip and knee replacements. He also has a special interest in sports injuries including ligament reconstruction, foot and ankle reconstruction, and fracture care. He believes that physicians and patients need to be a team during treatment. His goal is to carefully listen to his patients, determine what the problem is, and then discuss options for treatment. This way he and his patients can formulate a plan and work together to cure the problem. Treatment is frequently non-surgical but if surgery is needed he will walk through that process with each patient. Dr. Barronian is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Baker Cyst, Rhizarthrosis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Kristina Welton is an Orthopedics provider in Auburn, Washington. Her top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Bursitis, Frozen Shoulder, Osteotomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Welton is currently accepting new patients.

Joshua Johnston is an Orthopedics provider in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Johnston is highly rated in 7 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Osteonecrosis, Heavy Metal Poisoning, Tendinitis, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Johnston is currently accepting new patients.

Eric Alyea is an Orthopedics provider in Burien, Washington. Dr. Alyea is highly rated in 7 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, and Frozen Shoulder. Dr. Alyea is currently accepting new patients.

William Barrett is an Orthopedics provider in Renton, Washington. Dr. Barrett is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinitis, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Barrett is currently accepting new patients.

Robert Tamurian is an Orthopedics specialist and a Sports Medicine provider in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Tamurian is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Desmoid Tumor, Hip Replacement, and Osteotomy. Dr. Tamurian is currently accepting new patients.

Nathan Bowers, MD, is originally from Peoria, Illinois. He spent summers growing up working on his grandpa's farm and learned that he loves working with his hands. He has been going to the Rocky Mountain West for several weeks each year since he was five to ski, raft, and enjoy the outdoors. Dr. Bowers is so excited to be permanently located in the Northwest to enjoy all it has to offer. Dr. Bowers' philosophy as a doctor is that he wants to provide the highest quality, evidence-based care for his patients. He advises patients as he would a family member and helps guide them to the decision that fits them best. He wants to be able to care for all of his patient's upper extremity problems from shoulder to fingertip.His advice to patients regarding maintaining a healthy lifestyle is that it is important to stay active and moving. The time to seek care is when the problem is interfering with work or recreation. Dr. Bowers loves his job because he gets to help people get back to their occupation, their hobbies, and the things that make life worth living.In his free time, Dr. Bowers loves spending time with his wife, a pediatrician, and son, exploring the outdoors, and trying new cuisines and foods. Dr. Bowers is highly rated in 9 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Dupuytren Contracture, and Trigger Thumb.