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.

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 highly rated in 15 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Trigger Thumb, and Rhizarthrosis.

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 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.

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 highly rated in 8 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Trigger Thumb, and Dupuytren Contracture.

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. Dr. Smith is highly rated in 6 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Bunions, Tendinitis, Achilles Tendon Rupture, and Plantar Fasciitis.

John M. Blair, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with a specialty in the treatment of degenerative conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine. His professional interests focus on outpatient minimally invasive spinal surgery resulting in the least possible amount of down time, early return to work and active lifestyles for his patients. He treats a wide range of spinal conditions with expertise in deformative spinal conditions, such as scoliosis, and major reconstructive spine surgery. Dr. Blair believes that his role as a physician is to understand each patient’s individual needs and personalize treatment. A practicing surgeon since 1994, he has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of spinal surgery. He is also constantly learning new and innovative skills to better serve his patients. He gives community lectures on new innovations in spinal care and is an active member of the Puget Sound Spine Interest Group, a local group that meets quarterly with guest speakers. He is also a member of an annual medical mission group. He and his wife have six children. In addition to family time, he enjoys computers, photography, and outdoor activities. He is an Eagle Scout and currently helps out with his son’s local Boy Scouts troop. Dr. Blair is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Fractured Spine, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.

Julian S. Arroyo, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder reconstruction, upper extremity orthopedic surgery, and sports medicine. He began practicing in 1996 and is the first fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon to practice in Pierce County. He is professionally interested in minimally invasive shoulder procedures and outpatient shoulder arthroplasty. He uses the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques available to help his patients return to a normal lifestyle more quickly and with fewer complications.Dr. Arroyo is a frequent contributor to leading orthopedic journals and lectures and instructs physicians in advanced shoulder reconstruction techniques. He also has worked with major manufacturers, assisting in development and design of orthopedic implants and techniques. Dr. Arroyo is one of a select few surgeons in the state with membership in the distinguished American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Association and is also a reviewing editor for the association’s Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Surgery. As a Pacific Northwest native, Dr. Arroyo is very active in the community. He enjoys snow skiing, water sports, fishing, hunting, and golf. Dr. Arroyo is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Frozen Shoulder, Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, and Bursitis.

Richard Gray, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacement and general orthopedic care. As an orthopedist with over 25 years of experience serving the Tacoma community, he brings a uniquely holistic skill set to the diagnosis and treatment of his patients. His goal is to team with his patients and their families to accurately and clearly define their problems, provide understandable treatment options, and to carry out the plan with professional, precise and expert care. His first goal is to avoid surgery, but when it’s necessary, he has the perspective to advise the best surgical procedure for each patient. He meticulously oversees the rehab and recovery phase of his patients to get them back to their best selves as soon as possible.Dr. Gray consults and instructs courses on spine reconstruction techniques for Stryker Spine, a medical device manufacturer. He shares his orthopedic knowledge by volunteering as a sports medicine consultant for Bellarmine Preparatory School.He is an active participant in his community school and church. Together with his wife and six children, he enjoys a wide range of family activities, mostly involving the great outdoors. He is proud to call the Pacific Northwest home. Dr. Gray is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, 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.

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.

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.

Ari Holtzman, MD, is fellowship trained in spine surgery at University of Washington/Harborview Spine.He started his training in Orthopedic surgery in New York City at Montefiore Medical Center, the largest hospital in Bronx, NY. He completed his training at the Spine Fellowship at Harborview and the University of Washington, which focused on treating degenerative spine conditions, spinal trauma, and complex spine deformity.Dr. Holtzman is passionate about not only treating, but educating his patients about their conditions so that they can make the best decisions together as a team. His goal in his practice is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to work with his patients to help them achieve their individual goals in treatment and recovery.Dr. Holtzman is a member of the North American Spine Society, AO North America, and has presented his research at national meetings, as well as published and peer-reviewed in scientific journals. He is an Upstate New York native who fell in love with the PNW during his fellowship and is now proud to call the region home. When not working, he can be found with his wife and four children, skiing, sailing, biking, hiking, and enjoying any other outdoor activities. Dr. Holtzman is highly rated in 12 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Cord Abscess, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, and Scoliosis.

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 highly rated in 11 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Ganglion Cyst, Osteotomy, and Bone Graft.

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.

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 highly rated in 7 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Congenital Mirror Movement Disorder, Frozen Shoulder, Tendinitis, and Tennis Elbow.

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.

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 highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Synovitis, Tendinitis, 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.

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.

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.

Paul Degenfelder is an Orthopedics provider in Puyallup, Washington. Dr. Degenfelder is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Acute Pain, Bowlegs, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement. Dr. Degenfelder is currently accepting new patients.