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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anthony VanBergeyk, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon whose clinical interests include virtually all aspects of orthopedic foot and ankle surgery, traumatic injuries, knee arthroscopy as well as knee and hip replacement surgery. He feels blessed to be a part of the greater Puyallup medical community and he looks forward to providing individualized, patient-centered education and healthcare for many years to come.Dr. VanBergeyk was born and raised in British Columbia, Canada. He moved with his family to the Pacific Northwest in 2005. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, golfing, camping, and hiking. He is also an avid sports fan. He is actively involved in his local church as well as serving at the South Hill food bank and volunteering at his children’s school and Girl Scout activities. Dr. Vanbergeyk is highly rated in 9 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Achilles Tendon Rupture, Tendinitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Eric Puttler, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who performs anterior approach total hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, knee arthroscopy to include ACL reconstruction, shoulder arthroscopy to include rotator cuff repair, and provides fracture care to include distal radius fractures, collarbone fractures, and proximal humerus fractures. After completing his residency in orthopedic surgery he had several duty assignment in the US Army, including a year in Iraq in command of a Forward Surgical Team. Dr. Puttler has three beautiful daughters who keep him and his wife busy. He enjoys snow skiing, waterskiing, and all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Dr. Puttler is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

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.

Frederic Johnstone is an Orthopedics provider in Bonney Lake, Washington. Dr. Johnstone is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Ganglion Cyst, Dupuytren Contracture, Hemangiopericytoma, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Dr. Johnstone 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.

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.

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.

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.

Sravya Vajapey, MD, has Midwestern roots—she is originally from Ohio, where she graduated from The Ohio State University with a Summa Cum Laude in Biomedical Engineering and Research Distinction in Materials Science and Engineering. She spent most of her childhood and early adulthood in the Midwest and Northeast. Being an avid hiker, she gravitated to Puyallup because of the amazing green outdoor spaces in Washington and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.Her practice interests include treating knee, hip, and shoulder arthritis along with lower extremity fractures and trauma. She completed a Joint Replacement Fellowship at Harvard University (Brigham and Women’s Hospital) in Boston, MA, where she learned from the best joint replacement surgeons in the country about not only the latest techniques in total and partial joint replacement but also how to take care of complications of joint replacement surgery. She is also experienced in trauma, fractures and work related injures of the shoulder, hip, and knee. Dr. Vajapey contributes to the latest innovations in orthopedic surgery and actively researches new treatment methods for arthritis. She has published over 50 research articles and written many book chapters in orthopedic surgery.​Dr. Vajapey enjoys painting, running, writing, and spending time outdoors.  She is an avid supporter of equal rights for all and welcomes patients from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBTQ individuals, and persons with disabilities. Dr. Vajapey is highly rated in 3 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Radial Nerve Dysfunction, Mononeuritis Multiplex, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement.

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.

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.

Michael Miller is an Orthopedics provider in Enumclaw, Washington. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, Tendinitis, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Miller is currently accepting new patients.

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.

Neal Shonnard is an Orthopedics provider in Puyallup, Washington. Dr. Shonnard is highly rated in 6 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, Herniated Disk, Vertebroplasty, and Bone Graft. Dr. Shonnard is currently accepting new patients.

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.

Erin Moyer is an Orthopedics provider in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Moyer is highly rated in 3 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Knock Knees, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement. Dr. Moyer 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.