Puget Sound Orthopaedics offers you the combined expertise of nine highly skilled, compassionate orthopedic surgeons. All of our surgeons are board certified and most are fellowship-trained, meaning these doctors have additional training in state-of-the-art techniques in their subspecialties. These include computer-assisted joint replacement, arthroplasty, spinal implants, and minimally invasive procedures for restoring stability and function.

Puget Sound Orthopaedics surgeons have privileges
at leading South Sound hospitals, including:
St. Clare Hospital, Tacoma  /  Allenmore Hospital, Tacoma   
Tacoma General Hospital  /  St. Joseph Hospital, Tacoma  
St. Francis Hospital, Federal Way  /  Morton General Hospital

Julian Arroyo, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship-Trained Shoulder Surgeon

Julian Arroyo is board certified and a partner at Puget Sound Orthopaedics. He specializes in shoulder reconstruction, upper extremity orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, and is the only fellowship-trained shoulder specialist in Pierce County.
 
Dr. Arroyo took his Medical degree at Creighton University and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the Creighton/ Nebraska Health Foundation. He then completed his fellowship training at The Shoulder Service at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, the premier shoulder fellowship in the country. He is on the National Board of Medical Examiners, a frequent contributor to leading orthopedic journals, and lectures and instructs physicians in advanced shoulder reconstruction techniques.

Dr. Arroyo is a member of the Washington State Medical Association, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Washington State Orthopaedic Society, and the Pierce County Medical Society.

“For a number of years, Puget Sound Orthopaedics surgeons have been in the forefront of the transition to arthroscopic surgery. We use the most advanced techniques to help patients return to a normal lifestyle more quickly and with fewer complications.”

A native Northwesterner, Dr Arroyo is active in the community, coaching youth soccer and is a strong supporter of the YMCA. He also has interest in golf, snow skiing, water sports, and fishing.
Back to top of page

Brandt Bede, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Bede, a native of Washington State, has a professional focus on trauma, sports medicine and joint reconstruction. His undergraduate education was at the University of Washington, followed by medical school at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He interned at Presbyterian Medical Center and his general surgery residency was at Saint Joseph Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, and orthopedic residency was at McGill University, Canada. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery both in the United States and in Canada.

After his medical education he was active duty, United States Navy, as an orthopedic surgeon in 1976 and 1977. He has been an orthopedic surgeon in the Tacoma area since that time.

His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a Fellow of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Western Orthopaedic Association, Washington State Orthopaedic Association, and Pierce County Medical Society.

He has contributed to his community for many years as a member of the Pierce County YMCA Camp and Foundation Boards, and Tacoma Rotary. He has also been very involved in Shriners Hospitals for Children, presently completing his sixth year as a member of the Board of Trustees.

“My one-on-one relationship with my patients is paramount, yet they can take advantage of the strengths of this group practice, including immediate consultations, coverage by my colleagues when necessary, and a top-notch office staff.”

Dr. Bede has had a lifelong interest in the history of logging locomotives and served on the Western Forest Industrial Museum board for 12 years.
Back to top of page

John Blair, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Spine and Scoliosis Fellowship-Trained Surgeon

Dr. Blair has a special interest in the treatment of degenerative conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine. He did his residency at the University of California at San Diego Medical Center after completing medical school at the University of Chicago. His fellowship training is in spine and scoliosis from the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Blair is active with a number of professional affiliations, including the North American Spine Society, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Pierce County Medical Association and the Tacoma Orthopedic Society.

“My role as a physician is to understand each patient’s individual needs and personalize treatment. I have over 13 years of experience in all aspects of spinal surgery and I am constantly learning new and innovative skills to better serve my patients.”

Dr. Blair and his wife have three children, with twins on the way. In addition to family time, he enjoys computers, photography and the outdoors.
Back to top of page

Spencer Coray, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship-Trained Knee and Shoulder Reconstruction Surgeon

Dr. Coray, a partner at Puget Sound Orthopaedics, specializes in orthopedic surgery with a focus in sports medicine. After taking his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, he completed his residency at the University of Oklahoma and subspecialty training at Aspen Sports Medicine.

Dr. Coray was fellowship-trained in sports medicine, which included knee and shoulder reconstruction, at the Rocky Mountain Sports Medicine Fellowship in Aspen, and is board certified. He is affiliated with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

Dr. Coray serves as team physician for a number of high schools in the Auburn and Tacoma school districts, and he is also frequently called on to present to sports medicine and health classes.

His philosophy of care is to take the lowest intervention necessary to return patients to full function, which may or may not include surgery. “My goal is to help patients be as active as they want to be, whether that’s walking around the block or running a marathon.”

In his free time, Dr. Coray enjoys skiing and golfing.
Back to top of page

Jon Geffen, DO
Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Fellowship- Trained in Interventional Spine and Electrodiagnosis

Dr. Geffen is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and is fellowship-trained in Interventional Pain Management. After medical school at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, he completed his residency at the Howard A. Rusk Rehabilitation Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia, followed by an Interventional Pain fellowship at the Alabama Orthopedic and Spine Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

Specializing in the non-surgical treatment of spine and musculoskeletal pain, he integrates current best evidence, leading edge technology and the art of medicine to decrease pain and improve function. Some of the conditions Dr. Geffen diagnoses and treats with interventional procedures include: low back and neck pain from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, facet mediated pain, degenerated discs and even shingles. Dr. Geffen also diagnoses and conservatively treats rotator cuff tendonitis, and shoulder, hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Dr. Geffen is trained in electrodiagnosis, utilizing EMG and nerve conduction studies to diagnose and differentiate such conditions as: carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve neuritis, cervical or lumbar radiculopathy, foot drop and peripheral neuropathy.

He is also a member of the International Spine Intervention Society and the North American Spine Society.

“As a physiatrist, I focus not just on patient’s symptoms, but how it affects their lifestyle. My goal is to provide optimal patient health by combining exercise with conventional medical treatment. Having my patients play an active role in their treatment is an important part of the process. We have a saying in physiatry: Now that we’ve added years to life, let’s add life to the years.”

A native Northwesterner, Dr. Geffen enjoys running, skiing and keeping up with his kids.

Back to top of page

Since 1971, Dr. Hirz has

Dale Hirz, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Since 1971, Dr. Hirz has been a leading force in regional orthopedic surgery. He co-founded Lakewood Orthopaedic Surgery in 1991 with Dr. Teeny, which has evolved into Puget Sound Orthopaedics.

Dr. Hirz took his medical degree at the University of Iowa College of Medicine. He completed his internship at Wayne County General Hospital in Eloise, Michigan and his residency at Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota.

He is affiliated with the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Washington State Medical Association and the Pierce County Medical Society. He served for many years as a team physician for Pacific Lutheran University and local high schools, and volunteered at Washington State Hospital for 30 years.

“First and foremost, I’m in orthopedic practice because I enjoy helping people, and value the relationships I’ve developed over the years. I’m pleased that patients I’ve treated now send their kids who need orthopedic care to me.”

Dr. Hirz is active in the community, and currently volunteers with the Caring for Kids program.
Back to top of page

Michael Martin, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon

Dr. Martin brings his advanced training in spinal medicine and surgical techniques to the practice. After medical school at Wayne State University, he completed his general surgery and orthopedic surgery residencies at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey. He did his spine medicine and surgery fellowship in San Francisco, and was board certified in 1995. Dr. Martin is also a senior member of Puget Sound Spine Institute, a multidisciplinary collaboration of spine specialists with over 20 years of service in Western Washington.

Affiliated with a number of professional associations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, North American Spine Society, and Tacoma Orthopaedic Society, Dr. Martin is currently an investigator in a nationwide FDA clinical trial involving a less invasive lumbar spinal stenosis treatment he helped develop. He is also actively involved in developing other innovative treatments and devices for the treatment of diseases and conditions of the spine.

“We see ourselves as teachers and facilitators in helping people heal
themselves. That’s why our high quality, compassionate care includes spending time educating patients about their condition and providing a personalized treatment plan that works for them.”

In addition to his community volunteer efforts, including coaching youth sports, Dr. Martin enjoys spending time with his wife and children, biking, skiing and cooking.
Back to top of page

Gavin Smith , DPM
Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon
Fellowship Trained Podiatric Medicine Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Dr. Smith has successfully been practicing clinical and surgical podiatry for five years now and has found a home practicing at Puget Sound Orthopaedics in Lakewood. Prior to joining the PSO family he was an associate podiatrist with Puget Sound Specialty Physicians. He completed his prerequisites for podiatry school at the University of Utah within the Department of Biology in the College of Science. After completion he then went on to the California College of Podiatric Medicine and later did his residency at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. In addition to this he completed a fellowship in Internal Fixation and Foot and Ankle Traumatology with the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation in Dresden, Germany.

Dr. Smith's professional affiliations include The American Podiatric Medical Association, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, American Board of Podiatric Surgery, AO Alumni Association, Washington State Podiatry Association, and he is Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

He feels that his professional responsibility is the successful treatment of foot and ankle disorders. Some of his professional interests include, but are not limited to, the surgical treatment of bunions, flatfoot deformity correction and injury-care.

"My philosophy of care is that the needs of the patient come first and I have made it my goal to direct my care based on this. My primary areas of focus are time and cost effective, evidence-based medical, biomechanical and surgical interventions tailored for each individual patient."

Some of the things he enjoys doing in his free time include carpentry, maintaining classic cars, and judo training with his sons. He and his wife have three energetic children who keep them on their feet.

Back to top of page

Steven Teeny, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship-Trained Lower Extremity Reconstruction Surgeon

Dr. Teeny, a partner at Puget Sound Orthopaedics, has practiced orthopedic surgery for 18 years, specializing in lower extremity reconstruction and sports medicine. He completed his medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1984, before attending the University of Southern California School of Medicine for his internship and residency. He then completed his lower extremity reconstruction fellowship training at Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Teeny has been the principal investigator on numerous breakthrough clinical studies in the areas of senior fall prevention; implant design, and hip and knee arthroplasty. He is a frequently requested conference presenter and won the Crystal Communicator Award of Excellence for a 2003 Health Education Television Program on arthritis. He is a contributor to Clinical Orthopedics & Related Research and the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

He is founder and president of the Northwest Orthopaedic Institute (NWOI) and is on the board of directors of both NWOI and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and a member of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Dr. Teeny’s community involvement includes his position as orthopedic physician for Pacific Lutheran University, as well as staffing numerous Washington State High School Basketball Championships.

He comments, “ I love working with all types of people, and am always learning from my patients. My greatest satisfaction is restoring a patient to full health and function.”

In his free time, Dr. Teeny enjoys golf, running and skiing with his family.
Back to top of page

Alan Thomas, MD, PhD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship-Trained Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon

Dr. Thomas is a partner at Puget Sound Orthopaedics and has a special focus in upper extremity surgery. He took his PhD in Biochemistry and his medical degree at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, where he completed his orthopedic surgery residency. He completed his fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at the University of Washington, with a certificate of added qualification in hand surgery.

He is affiliated with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,
the Washington State Medical Association, the Washington State Orthopaedic Association, and the Pierce County Medical Society.

“I enjoy the challenges of restoring people to health through my practice. The work I did in biochemistry opened up new approaches for treating complex problems and made me a more detailed clinician.”

Dr. Thomas tries to keep up with his three children who are avid skiers, wake boarders and surfers.

Puget Sound Orthopaedics Provider Team Members
Back to top of page

Puget Sound Orthopaedic Provider Team

Maggie Lyman, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant

Maggie earned her bachelor of science in biology from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, and her master of medical science in physician assistant studies from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois.

She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is a member of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants and the Washington Academy of Physicians Assistants.

"I really enjoy working with the wide variety of patients we see in the orthopedic setting. It is very rewarding to see the progress patients make over time as the health care team helps them get back to their favorite activities."

Maggie enjoys soccer, skiing, hiking and traveling.
Back to top of page

Van Phan, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant

Van has a bachelor of science in Zoology and has completed the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program at the University of Washington. She has additional training in emergency medical training (EMT) and hematology, and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Her professional affiliations include the Washington Academy of Physician Assistants as a Fellow Member, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery.

“Surgery is a journey. My job is to help people feel as comfortable and educated about that journey as possible. Because I’m a distance runner who has had my share of injuries, I can share my experiences about how patience and persistence can help speed the recovery to an active lifestyle.”

In her free time, Van runs races of all distances from marathons to 100-mile events.
Back to top of page

Lindsay Rades, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant

Lindsay earned her bachelor of science in astrophysics at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, where she also completed the physician assistant program. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Washington State Academy of Physician Assistants, and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

"I strive to provide exceptional health care to all my patients. As a physician assistant, my goal is to restore a patient's quality of life after injury and to educate the patient about his or her diagnosis. I work closely with our physicians to decide a course of treatment, both conservative and surgical."

Her hobbies include running, snowboarding, cooking and traveling.
Back to top of page

Tiffany Sande, PA-C

Tiffany received her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington and then went on to complete the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program also at University of Washington.

She is certified by The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is a member of the Washington Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Official Organization of Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery. In addition to that she has 13 years of emergency medical experience as a paramedic and as an EMT under her belt. The bulk of her previous experience was working as a PA-C for several years at St. Joseph's Hospital in the Emergency Room. One of her more recent undertakings has been working as a Sub Investigator for Charles River Laboratories which is a Phase 1 research company studying upcoming medications.

"I made it my goal when I entered the healthcare industry to provide the highest quality care available. I continually aspire to make the patient's experience with me a positive one, all the while keeping their health and well being my primary focus. I find great reward in my work maintaining and restoring a patient's quality of life, this is paramount in orthopedics and in my personal practice of medicine."

In her free time she mentors and assists in training paramedic students who are enrolled in the paramedic program at Tacoma Community College. She also likes being outdoors. Boating and gardening are some of her favorite things to do when the weather is nice.

Back to top of page