What is your medical and educational background?
I completed my undergraduate education at Andrews University in Michigan and went on to attend medical school at Loma Linda University in Southern California. After that, I completed my orthopedic surgery residency through Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, followed by a fellowship in total joint arthroplasty at Dartmouth. Those experiences gave me the opportunity to train in a wide range of orthopedic care and ultimately shaped my passion for helping patients restore mobility and improve their quality of life.
Why did you become a doctor?
I was inspired to become a physician through a combination of personal experiences, family influence, and my own interests growing up. Playing sports and dealing with injuries gave me an early appreciation for how important it is to restore function and help people get back to doing what they love. I also had strong family influences in medicine that showed me the impact a physician can have on patients and their community. At the same time, I've always enjoyed working with my hands-building, fixing, and problem-solving-which made orthopedic surgery feel like a natural fit. It brings together all of those passions in a way that allows me to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
What aspects of medicine are you passionate about?
What I'm most passionate about is helping people regain their function and quality of life. Whether it's relieving pain, restoring mobility, or helping someone return to work, sports, or everyday activities, it's incredibly rewarding to see that transformation. I also enjoy the problem-solving side of orthopedics-understanding the source of a patient's pain, developing a treatment plan, and using both surgical and non-surgical options to help them heal. Building relationships with patients and guiding them through that process is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.
What would you want a prospective patient to know about you and your practice?
I want prospective patients to know that my focus is always on providing thoughtful, patient-centered care tailored to their individual goals. I take the time to listen carefully, make sure patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options, and work together to develop a plan that fits their needs and lifestyle. My approach to orthopedic surgery is to use the least invasive and most effective treatment whenever possible, with the goal of restoring function and improving quality of life. I value clear communication, trust, and making sure patients feel supported throughout their entire care journey.
Are there any patient experiences that moved you in a powerful way?
Caring for patients with significant injuries and seeing the difference that timely, well-executed treatment can make has been especially meaningful. In orthopedics, you often meet people at a very vulnerable point-when they've lost function or independence- and being part of their recovery journey is incredibly rewarding. Those experiences have reinforced for me the importance of listening carefully, being thoughtful in decision-making, and always focusing on helping patients return to the activities and quality of life that matter most to them.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors as much as possible. A lot of my free time revolves around staying active in the mountains-whether that's hiking, skiing, or spending time with my dogs. I also really enjoy more hands-on outdoor activities like horse packing, which is a great way to explore and spend time in nature. In addition to that, I like working on projects around the house and doing things that involve building, fixing, and problem-solving.