Radiculopathy near Yelm, WA

Biography: 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.

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

Biography: Dr. Halpin is a native of Olympia and graduated from Capital High School before attending Brown University in Rhode Island where he earned a degree in Chemistry with Honors. He graduated medical school from Northwestern University and remained there to complete a residency in the Department of Neurological Surgery. During that time he also spent one year doing advanced training in complex spinal deformity and minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Halpin was awarded the Susan Perlman award during his chief resident year, given to the senior resident who best exemplifies academic excellence, special leadership skills, and compassion for patients. He joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in 2011 and sees patients in our Westside location. Dr. Halpin is a member of the South Sound Gamma Knife® Team at St. Joseph.

Care Philosophy: Katie Krause, MD, specializes in degenerative spinal conditions; complex and minimally invasive spine surgery; spine and brain tumors; and general cranial neurosurgery. Away from work, Dr. Krause enjoys hiking, skiing, football, and finding good cheese and wine.

Biography: Colin Rock, MD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained pain management specialist who cares for patients age 18 and older. Dr. Rock addresses a spectrum of pain conditions, from amputations to fibromyalgia to trigeminal neuralgia. All along the way, he treats his patients as he would wish to be treated, with an emphasis on attentively listening to each patient. Away from work, he enjoys fine art, running and hiking.

Care Philosophy: Christine Hammer, MD, is a neurosurgeon who specializes in adult spine neurosurgery. She treats degenerative conditions, tumors, cysts and Chiari malformations; implants spinal cord stimulators, pain pumps and shunts; and performs arthroplasty and laminoplasty. Dr. Hammer pursues an evidence-based, comprehensive care plan that has been individualized to each patient in order to address their unique needs. While she has trained with the most advanced tools and technology, she understands the circumstances that indicate when a minimally invasive or open surgical approach should be used. Dr. Hammer is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons and Counsel of State of Neurological Societies. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and being active.

Care Philosophy: He strives to partner with his patients and assist them to take a critical role in their own care and well-being. For the control of acute and chronic pain, he draws from multiple modalities ranging from physical therapy and injections, to complementary medicine and surgery. Each program is tailored to the patient, not to the diagnosis. Dr. Swedarsky has a strong formal education in electrodiagnostic testing and the use of ultrasound. He also has training in the neurophysiology of pain and practices osteopathic manipulation. Dr. Swedarsky is a veteran who served as a physician for wounded warriors, family members and veterans. After completing his residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he was transferred to Joint-Base Lewis McChord, where he completed his military service obligation as Chief of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service.

Biography: Joseph Duong, MD, is a board-certified neurologist who welcomes the opportunity to help people and the quest for lifelong learning that his profession provides. Dr. Duong's mission is to inform and educate his patients about the condition(s) causing their symptoms, to provide choices for treatment and management, and, in a partnership facilitating shared decision-making, to arrive at the best course of management. _x000D_ Dr. Duong is a member of the American Academy of Neurology; American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine; and American Medical Association. _x000D_ Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters.

Biography: Dr. Kathy Wang, MD is a Pain Medicine Specialist who practices in Puyallup, WA. She is 55 years old and has been practicing for 25 years. Dr. Kathy Wang, MD is affiliated with St. Clare Hospital.

Care Philosophy: ``Being a physician is a not prestige, but a privilege``. How true it is. ``Medicine is 70% art and 30% science``. Let not get our head too big as a physician.

Care Philosophy: I enjoy getting to know my patients, not just their neurosurgical problems. This helps me understand how an individual's health problem is impacting their life. My focus is always to provide treatment with the ultimate goal of returning patients to the activities they enjoy.