Dr. Howkema did a wonderful job going over the MRI with me and offering advise on the next steps…read more Those did not include surgery. I found the doctor to be friendly and efficient.

I am a retired cop with 30 years of service. I definitely got a bit beat up on the job…read more Over the last two years I have had severe back pain and atrophy in my right leg, with numbness all the way to my foot and into my groin. I was told by an anesthesiologist treating me nerves in my lower back are being compressed. He did not say how. I have done PT, yoga and injections to no avail. I don't smoke, I am not overweight and I am in good shape otherwise. That said, my condition has progressively worsened. I was referred to Dr. Hoekema by the doctor who gave me injections in my back. As it turns out, Hoekema does not see people until he sees an MRI, even with a doctor's referral. I sent him the MRI I had just gotten. After waiting weeks, my Primary Care Physician contacted me and told me Hoekema would not see me because he did not think he could do anything for me. I got no consultation, no physical eval and most importantly...no explanation of what exactly is going on with my back and what to expect as I move forward. This is not my first rodeo when it comes to back issue back issues. I have been to three orthopedic surgeons over the years. They each examined me, reviewed MRIs with me, told me what the mechanical issues were and gave me their diagnosis and recommendations. Two times I avoided surgery and one I did not. Reviews of Hoekema make it seem like he is a bit of a jerk. Heck....the doctor who referred me implied he was. My experience (or lack thereof) with the good doctor does not do anything to contradict that. Frankly, someone needs to remind the good doctor he exists to care for patients. Shame on Peace Health for taking "care" out of Healthcare and thank you UW Med for giving me an appointment with a surgeon in a timely manner. Maybe I don't need surgery....maybe I do, but I expect the doctor there will tell me what exactly is going on with my back and recommend a path forward instead of just blowing me off.

amazing friendly wonderful doctor! not to mention his background...this guy has innovated partial…read moreknee replacement surgery!

In December I needed surgery on my spine, and met Dr Kwon at the spine centre. I do not wish that…read moreanyone should have to have spine surgery or any surgery for that matter but if you have to Dr. Kwon is the man to see. In a age where docs have no time for you or have personality of a rock in a starched white coat Dr Kwon is not only an amazing technical surgeon but a nice, kind and respectful young man, Do not let his young age scare you, if you do any research on him you will be amazed at his accomplishments. He spent a lot of time with me after my surgery and for me the most amazing and human part of this time was that he understood that even though I live with a mental illness I still deserved the dignity of proper pain management and was not judged to be addict based on my illness. I am happy to say that post op I feel great and he freed my life up to live again. Dr kwon made my experience a good one because of who he is as as a doctor and a man.

Visit with Dr. Kwon made an unbearable situation as good as it could be. He was very professional,…read morehad his undivided attention, no waiting time... he made sure to cover areas that other Dr.'s did not. Would certainly recommend him to my closest friends!

I saw Dr. Matheson today for knee pain ( arthritis in my knees). I quite liked her, she smiled,…read moredid an examination and explained everything as she went. she chose a medication that was expensive but seemed to do the trick for me. how long it will last I don't know and am not sure I could afford too many treatments. she was very pleasant and has made a phone appointment with me for six weeks. I am very happy I got in to see her. my knees feel better. she did not recommend surgery at this time. apparently you cannot book in the future when you are doing pretty well today . thank you Dr. Mathis for giving me so much of your time today I felt good about seeing you . Fran Cooperman-Pfaff

I have now had two separate injuries that I ended up at rebalance for. The time it was for my…read moreshoulder, I waited almost to years to see Dr Zorzor to get surgery on it. Then finally I get to see him, he walks in the room says hes not going to do surgery on it, I say so you are telling me I won't be able to work? Im right handed and my shoulder was keeping me from being able to do much. He said i didn't say that and left the room. ( I did get surgery but needed to go to the mainland) Then recently I saw Dr DuPreez who put a bunch of incorrect information on his report, stating I said the opposite of what i told him. I've repeatedly ask for it to be corrected but have been ignored