Puget Sound Orthopaedics Ground breaking ceremony, 2004 — Ground breaking ceremony, 2004

Construction of Lakewood clinic building and surgery center, 2004

Stairs leading up to the Lakewood clinic, 2004

Puget Sound Orthopaedics Grand Opening Photo — Celebrating the completion of construction, 2004

Our History

Established in 1990 as Lakewood Orthopaedic Surgeons, Proliance Puget Sound Orthopaedics serves the Puget Sound region with comprehensive orthopedic care in musculoskeletal disorders.

Our team comprises 17 board-certified surgeons with sub-specialties ranging from joint replacement, shoulder, hand and upper extremity treatment, to sports medicine, spinal and podiatric care. They work with our 10 certified physician’s assistants and a 100-member support staff to ensure a high level of contact and ongoing patient education.

We work together with the common goal of delivering expert, individualized, and compassionate attention to every patient. In addition to three clinic locations, Puget Sound Orthopaedics also operates Puget Sound Surgery Center, an outpatient ambulatory surgery center, and Puget Sound Imaging, an MRI diagnostic imaging suite.

1971

• Dale Hirz, MD finishes his time in the Army as an orthopaedic surgeon and begins private practice in Lakewood.

1982

• H. Richard Johnson, MD joins Dale Hirz, MD in practice at 100th St SW & Bridgeport.

1990

• Lakewood Orthopaedic Surgeons is established.
• Steven Teeny, MD joins the practice as our first fellowship trained surgeon.
• H. Richard Johnson ventures out to start his own practice.

1998

• Julian Arroyo, MD joins the practice as the first fellowship trained shoulder surgeon in Pierce County .

2001

• Alan Thomas, MD joins the practice as our first fellowship trained hand surgeon.

2004

• Spencer Coray, MD joins the practice as our first fellowship trained sports medicine surgeon.
• Practice moves to a new location and opens an ambulatory surgery in Lakewood on 73rd and Bridgeport. The ambulatory surgery center is called Lakewood Surgery Center. The building includes physical therapy, DME and diagnostic imaging.

2005

• W. Brandt Bede, MD joins the practice from independent private practice.

2007

• Lakewood Orthopaedic Surgeons joins Proliance Surgeons, Inc PS, one of the largest surgical multi-specialty groups in the country.

2008

• John Blair, MD & Michael Martin, MD join from independent private practice as our first fellowship trained spine surgeons.
• Puget Sound Orthopaedics is established.

2009

• Gavin Smith, DPM joins the practice as a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon.

2010

• Sean Ghidella, MD retires from the Army as a colonel and joins the practice as our 2nd fellowship trained hand surgeon.

2011

• Practice opens a new clinic and MRI facility in Tacoma off of 18th and S. Union.
• The MRI facility is called Puget Sound Imaging.

2012

• John Bargren, MD joins the practice from Franciscan Orthopaedics.

2016

• Richard Gray, MD, Douglas Hassan, MD, Matthew Jenkins, MD, John Jiganti, MD, Peter Krumins, MD, Patrick Vaughan, MD & Philip Yearian, DPM join the practice from Franciscan Orthopaedics making PSO the largest independent orthopaedic practice in Pierce County.
• Practice opens new clinic in Gig Harbor off of Hollycroft Street.

2017

• Steven Teeny, MD retires from PSO after 27 years.

2018

• John Jiganti, MD retires after 26 years of private practice.

2019

• Albert d’Heurle, MD joins the practice specializing in hip and knee replacement.

2020

• John Heffernan, MD joins the practice specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery.
• Practice rebrands with Proliance and changes names.

2021

• Robert Vercio, MD joins the practice specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery.

2022

Douglas M Hassan, MD retires after 34 years of family medcine and 25 years of orthopedics. Joining PSO in 2016.

2023

• Ari J. Holtzman, MD joins the practice specializing in spinal surgery.

What People are Saying:

See what our patients and their families have to say. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive orthopedic care in a compassionate and caring environment.

"Your staff were very courteous and welcoming! Dr. Blair answered all my questions in a very thorough and patient manner."

"I am very impressed with Dr. Jenkins. He really put me at ease with what to expect. I would recommend him very highly to anyone who needs shoulder work."

"I thought Dr. Jenkins did a very good job. I have a lot of confidence in him. I'm thankful that I'm going to be able to get my shoulder fixed. I highly recommend your office to anyone else and I already have."

"He saw my problems and even researched dates of things I had forgotten. He saw that I needed a more updated EMG done and referred me back to my rheumatologist."

"I think the world of Dr. Smith; he has never done to me or my son anything but good."

"Dr. Blair was very friendly and took time to explain my condition and treatment options in a very understandable language. I will definitely see him again for needed treatment."

"Dr. martin is always very open and informative without feeling rushed."

"I felt like Dr. Gray was genuinely concerned about my musculoskeletal problem. he also took and interest in guiding me about other health issues. I have already recommended him to a friend."

"Dr. Jenkins is maybe the best, most well-rounded physician I've ever had the privilege of being cared for by. he listens well and explains simply and completely without feeling rushed."

"I very much appreciated Dr. Coray's medical care on the day I really needed to be seen by a doctor. His calm, relaxed demeanor helped me accept the exam and treatment more easily... not what I was expecting! Thank you!"

"Amber went above and beyond to assist me in getting my x-rays and accommodate my request, even with limited staff right before a holiday. Amber was friendly, helpful, and much appreciated. Thank you, Amber."

"Dr. Martin examined and listened closely to identify the extent of my injury, then clearly explained the projected next steps."

"I would recommend Dr. Hassan and Puget Sound Orthopaedics to anyone with hand injuries or shoulder problems."

"I really appreciate Dr. Krumins and his medical assistant; these two really make the practice great!"

"Dr. Arroyo is very personal and puts me at ease about my concerns."

"I believe Dr. Krumins is an extremely good listening and can quickly and accurately assess issues related to my condition. I have a very high degree of confidence in his competency."

"Great customer service when setting up my appointment."

"Dr. Ghidella made me feel very comfortable and was so helpful in assisting me in ways to better my wrist."

"I have been going to this office for a couple of years now. Everyone on the team has been absolutely wonderful to me. They are warm and friendly, but retain their professionalism. They do try to make my life easier."

"Angie Baker was really amazing. I can't say enough good things about her."

"I am so happy I was referred to this well-qualified provider."

"Dr. Yearian is the best! And Joyce, his medical assistant, makes every appointment an enjoyable experience. Thank you for taking care of me!"

"I had a wonderful experience at your surgery center. The nursing staff was helpful and patient. After going home to recover, your nursing staff was willing to help me through all of my post op questions and concerns. The Lakewood Surgery Center's staff was always willing to answer my questions professionally and with compassion."

"Dr. Thomas is an excellent physician. I highly recommend him."

"Dr. Smith has done surgery for me in the past and I was excited to have a referral to see him again. He's a great doctor!"

"Dr. Bede explained my condition and showed me the x-rays, explaining what he was doing in a manner that I understood."

"I appreciate Dr. Arroyo's concern for my well-being. he answers and explains all the answers to my questions. He doesn't rush through the visit and he is friendly, objective, and direct to what needs attention. I am very happy he is taking care of my shoulder."

"Dr. Yearian has provided me with exceptional care for nearly 20 years."

"My care was exceptional. Everyone was very professional and accommodating. I would recommend everyone there! Thank you so much."

"Dr. Yearian is out of my network but I still choose to see him. I wouldn't see anyone else!"