When Dr. Brent Thiel was in college a few decades ago, he had a life-changing experience. Well, his wife had the experience, but it changed the direction of Dr. Thiel’s life.
“My wife and I were both gymnasts — that’s where we became friends. She competed through college, where she had four ankle surgeries and broke her back. She received a lot of orthopedic care, and seeing that process drew me into medicine,” he says.
Dr. Thiel studied chemistry in his undergrad at Seattle Pacific University before moving to Wisconsin for Medical School and Orthopedic training. He spent his first years as a doctor in Guam, serving in the US Navy, before bringing his family back home to Everett in the early 2000s. After years working with a different provider, he’s making the switch to Western Washington Medical Group this July.
“Western Washington Medical Group has great values. They are physician-run, which means I have more decision-making power and can offer my patients the care they need. It’s rewarding to be in a smaller team where we can offer personalized care.”
Comprehensive care
After practicing Orthopedics for the last 22 years, Dr. Thiel has extensive training in the musculoskeletal system, and in recent years has focused most on shoulder and knee injuries.
“I do everything from arthroscopic surgeries to full ACL reconstructions and knee and shoulder replacements,” he says. “The solution is not always surgery. Often physical therapy or a cortisone injection to reduce joint inflammation can be effective, and certainly less invasive.”
No matter the injury, Dr. Theil says both doctors and patients should commit to the process, from diagnosis through months of rehabilitation, to achieve positive results.
“Most Orthopedic specialists are proficient surgeons, but some do not follow up with the patient through their whole rehab. Patients often expect surgery to be a quick-fix, but recovery can take months and involves a lot of work.”
No aspect of your health works in isolation, and Dr. Theil tells all of his patients that, no matter their injury, it’s extremely important to stay active.
For Dr. Theil, that means strong teamwork between him and his patients, from their first meeting through a full recovery.
Find Dr. Brent Thiel at the Western Washington Medical Group’s Orthopedic, Sports, Spine & Hand Center in downtown Everett. To make an appointment call 425-317-9119.
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