A dog is often called man’s best friend... but sometimes your dog can hurt you in ways you might not expect. Already this year we have seen several patients come into Washington Orthopaedic Center as a result of injuries caused by their own dog. One woman was walking across the road with her dog. Traffic was coming, and as she hurried to get onto the curb, her dog got spooked, and she tripped on the curb. As she held onto the leash, she was unable to break her fall effectively and fell down fracturing her elbow. Another injury happened when a woman got out of bed at night and stepped on her small dog resting on the floor in the dark. She tried to hoist her leg up and over the dog, lost her balance and fell fracturing her hip. Another episode occurred when a patient was out for a walk with his dog. Another dog walked by, and his dog lunged for other unexpectedly, perhaps trying to protect his owner. The man was unprepared and fell forward onto his outstretched wrist, suffering a displaced wrist fracture. People who are older or who have osteoporosis are especially vulnerable to breaking their bones [...]

What motivates you to work hard?  I love seeing  the direct impact as a surgical team that we can make in the level of function and quality of life in our patients.  I am motivated by incredible desire that our patient's have to get better.  What is your family background?  My Father is from Zadar, Croatia in Europe and my Mum is Canadian. My Dad is a stone mason and my Mum is a classically trained concert pianist.  Where did you meet your wife?  French class in college. So cliché, however so fortunate!  What is your favorite type of food? Japanese.. and "deep fried". My wife has to remind me that "Deep fried" isn't a food. What are your hobbies?  My baby girl Maddie is 17 months old and my son Christian is 7 years old. I am having so much fun revisiting my childhood through their eyes, playing hockey (I'm Canadian!), attending soccer games and watching them get excited about the same things that I enjoyed when I was a little guy. My wife and I enjoy camping, traveling and the adventure of seeing new places and introducing them to new cultures. How would your friends describe you?  Approachable, funny, decisive, dedicated to "keeping it real". What is your [...]

Congratulations to Lynn Sitton! She is our 2015 1st Quarter Washington Orthopaedic Center Employee Excellence Award recipient! Here is what Lynn's coworkers are saying about her: “Lynn always goes the extra mile to help out.  She decorates the entire upstairs for holiday’s, seasons and general gatherings.  She also puts together the quarterly newsletter by herself!  Whenever I need assistance with a task I know that I can depend on Lynn to help me out.” Next time you see Lynn, make sure to congratulate her on her accomplishment!

  We are happy to announce the Judy Harris is our 2014 4th Quarter Washington Orthopaedic Center Employee Excellence award recipient! Here is what Judy's peers have to say about her: “Judy is always happy, smiling and positive.  I often enjoy running into Judy in the hall- she brightens my day.  She boosts others energy and is very pleasant to be around.“ “Judy has been an employee at the ASC since 2009.  She comes to work every day with energy and a smile. When given new tasks, she accepts them without complaining.  Is willing to switch her schedule around to accommodate the ASC.  Will do whatever it takes to help this place run smoothly.  And in 6 years, I have never seen her negative or give attitude.  Always happy and upbeat!“ Next time you see Judy, make sure to congratulate her on her accomplishment!

Chris' career in medicine started when he joined the US Army.  After his training as a medic he was assigned to an infantry unit of the 10th Mountain Division, which is based in upstate New York.  His unit deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 where in addition to combat related injuries, Chris saw a large amount of the local Afghanis in his clinic and on medical civilian assistance program (MEDCAP) missions.  For a short amount of time he was attached to a company of the Afghan National Army as their only medical personnel. On returning to the US, Chris left the active US Army and joined the Army Reserves so that he could pursue his education.  While assigned to the USAR he became the leader of the emergency department of a reserve combat support hospital.  His primary role in that position was the training of junior medical personnel and his role as a trainer has continued since then.  Chris is currently assigned to a unit based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord where his team is responsible for the training and proficiency of other military units. Chris returned home when he was accepted to the Physician Assistant program at the University of Washington.  He has continued to [...]

Washington Orthopaedic Center would like to congratulate Brittany Gall for receiving 3rd Quarter WOCEE (Washington Orthopaedic Center Employee Excellence) award! Brittany has been recognized for her hard work and dedication. Below is a picture of Brittany with Dr. Sherfey presenting her with the award.    

  We are pleased to announce Dr. Michael Dujela has been invited to speak at the second annual World of Congress of Orthopaedics in Xi'ang, China in September 2015. This meeting brings together leading orthopedic experts from around the world. National recognized expertise is available at Washington Orthopaedic Center!

Join us at Washington Orthopaedic Center for a free seminar on hip and knee pain by our very own Keith Anderson, MD, and Royce Larson, PT. 

Dr Dujela just returned from presenting lectures to surgeons from around the nation at an advanced foot and ankle surgery course in New Orleans over the weekend. He is a frequent national and international lecturer and serves on several national committees. Patients from all over Western Washington come see Dr. Dujela for his expertise in foot and ankle care. To learn more about Dr. Dujela, click here.