For: Brandee Black, M.D. - Sports Medicine / Windward Orthopaedic Group Long post, but fractures are personal. Diagnosis: fractured ankle with 7mm mortise widening. Life lesson: learn to pause (or some kumbaya namaste ohm bs) If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of discovering that your ankle, foot, and leg have collectively decided to quit mid-week--because you're a great uncle, and maybe you were chasing children before bedtime-and honestly who doesn't love a Hump Day plot twist--let me save you some time: Dr. Brandee Black is the doctor you want. Here's the timeline. Wednesday: Foot fractured. Foot is dangling. It's bedtime and I'm old. Cut to 2:00am ER visit: I'm told to elevate for 24 hours, take Tylenol (not Advil...apparently Advil doesn't help bones heal, who knew. ) Then I was told to "call ortho." And they gave me Dr. Black as a referral. But, who doesn't love lying around with their foot dangling while their toes slowly transform into Vienna sausages? All the little piggies were absolutely not going to market tho...not on my watch. And there's nothing better than having your feet above your head ...so elevated rest and panic I did. What they don't mention is that even doctors have a work-life balance (as they should). So I spent the rest of the week and weekend marinating in swelling, fear, and Google searches until Monday, when calls were finally returned to schedule consults. Tuesday: I meet Dr. Black. Within minutes, she calmly confirmed all the things the ER didn't tell me (slash I didn't ask because it was 2am, I was in shock, and I just wanted to go home). Reality hit. Hard. I'll be honest--I was shopping around. Some doctors looked exhausted. Some looked like they were 12. Some couldn't or wouldn't take me. Some offices failed the receptionist vibe check (details matter). Dr. Black (and team) passed all of it. She was sharp, present, and human. I respected her immediately. By the end of the consult--a full week after my nephew chose chaos and my ankle doubled down--she confirmed I needed surgery. And then... I pulled out my list. Twenty-three questions. Yes, I counted. Yes, I gathered them from ChatGPT after I put everything in my Patient Portal from the ER and asked Chat to give me a list of questions I wouldn't know to ask about and questions their peers would ask too. No, she did not flinch. She answered every single one--clearly, patiently, without rushing me, without talking down to me, and without that tired, quota-driven energy you sometimes get in medical offices (no shade, it is a business). I cried during the Q&A. Not a full sob--but definitely more than a single dignified tear. (Also, shoutout to the movie Boys Don't Cry... respectfully, they're wrong.) It had been a full week of "hurry up and wait," and it finally caught up to me. Then she scheduled surgery for the very next day. Wednesday: Surgery day at Castle. I'm sitting there waiting for my knifing (jk), and Dr. Black comes in to check on me. Even then--even then--she made time to ask if I had any last-minute questions. I did. Of course I did. But it was more for post surgery. I asked about PEMF mats ( ChatGPT again asked me to look into it and ask her)...She gave me an honest answer: it couldn't hurt, there are studies, but she didn't have a fully formed opinion yet. That kind of grounded honesty matters to me. The surgery itself? About an hour long, yet somehow felt like a one-night stand where I woke up disoriented and immediately had to do the walk of shame. Shout-out to the whole surgical team: * the cute doctor who gave me a nerve block (while my ass was fully out because he asked me to flip over--sir, have you been watching Heated Rivalry because I'm obedient and blushing, call me Shane Hollander. * the nurses who asked me the same questions approximately 97 times...ONLY THE LEFT FOOT ANKLE (nurses were a little less impressed with me but I digress) * the moment I woke up to liquids being forced down my throat before being gently but firmly kicked out like, "Okay, you're alive, a hui ho. Malama your mama." All jokes aside: I trusted Dr. Black with a complicated foot with multiple issues surgery, and I'm a patient with a very anxious attachment style. She earned my trust completely. Skilled, direct, compassionate, and present when it counted--before surgery, during surgery, and in the moments where fear sneaks in. She's delightful and non fussy - not much of a hand holder...all things that spoke to me. Truly. If you need an orthopedic surgeon who listens, answers your questions (even the long list ones), respects your intelligence, and still has a soul--Dr. Brandee Black is it. 10/10. Would let her fix my foot again. Would prefer not to need to tho Thank you Dr.Black Also thanks to Bri (the Nurse at WOG) read more

Windward Orthopaedic Group - Third day after surgery. I was nervous but we had instructions to clean it. Already I knew I made the right decision...chefs kiss. - Orthopedists Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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Dr. Rasmussen recently did my whole knee replacement surgery. It's been one month & the knee has healed nicely with hardly any pain. I still have a ways to go but I'm so happy with the results. The office staff & nurses are so helpful & nice. read more

From start to finish I received excellent care. Dr Linda Rasmussen is a knowledgable, caring human being. You will be treated as an individual and given warm and friendly care by ALL the staff from the office personnel to the radiologist and nurses. I do not hesitate in recommending them to anyone needing an orthopedic evaluation and treatment J Miller BSN, MPH, MS, EdD read more

You will not find a better upper extremity surgeon than Dr. Ganesh. He came to my bedside after long day off island. He is advanced trained at top programs: NYU, UW, Orlando. He is kind, professional, and an expert in the field. You will not find a better surgeon and person on Oahu. His office staff is efficient and professional. Top notch care and service. read more

dr. Rasmussen agave me a full hip replacement since another doctor tried another method and it was a botch. My hip replacement that she did is just fine! Am happy she replaced it. read more

Dr. Rasmussen gave me 2 hip replacements within 5 months. She was very professional and I always felt comfortable the whole way. Her team from Windward Orthopedic Group were just as professional and welcoming. Never waiting long for my appointment. It's also nice to have everything in Kailua with the surgery performed at Castle Hospital. I totally recommend Dr. Rasmussen and her team for hip replacement surgery. Paul Perry read more

Excellent office and professional staff. They worked seamlessly with Dr. Rasmussen, to get me scheduled ASAP for a hip replacement. They then literally walked me through the process, followed up with phone calls, made sure I had pre-op appointments at Castle. They answered all my questions and were patient and friendly doing it! Dr. Rasmussen's surgery team was first rate as well. They followed up with me post op- even to the point of cheering me while walking with my walker on Kailua Road (thank you Kaitlyn!) read more

Before I made an appointment I was walking with the help of a walker (the pain in my back and what I thought was my sciatic nerve down my right leg) I made the appointment to get my knee evaluated from a motorcycle accident from 42 years ago. When Dr. Linda Rasmussen started checking my mobility, she immediately discover that my hips were severely damage. Within a week I had a brand new right hip and within 3 weeks I was walking without a walker. I had my right hip replaced in July and my left hip replace in September and now in October Im almost back to normal. We were truly blessed to find Dr. Rasmussen and her staff including her team at Castle hospital. read more

I have nothing to say but great things from this practice. I recently had a potential problem with a torn shoulder. it was quick and easy to get in and see my Dr, Brandee Black. I worked with an associated PT who was also great. Brandee and group were fantastic at working around my schedule as I was just getting ready to go on 10 day vacation. They set me up to do ptwhile traveling and take care of my scans as soon as I got back. The whole staff was very courteous and knowledgeable. I also worked with Dr Medoff a couple of years back on a wrist issue. All well now. Highly recommend this team. They are the best. Mahalo WWOG read more

Typing this as I sit waiting. My appt was for 3:20 and I am still waiting at 4:15. This is the 3rd time. If Dr. Ganesh wasn't so amazing, I would have found another place. I agree with the other reviews, feels as if they don't respect the patients time. I can never make an appointment during work hours because of the long wait. read more

My 2nd experience with Windward Orthopaedic Group and much like the first one, everything went very smoothly. The front office was professional and courteous, I was called in for my appointment exactly on time and promptly seen by the x-ray tech for updated scan of my hip. Dr. Rasmussen came in almost immediately for my 30-day post-op check and thoroughly covered all aspects of my left hip replacement and x-rays. She was attentive, clear, and helpful in addressing my questions and providing me with some additional guidance for my recovery. I strongly recommend Windward Orthopaedic Group and Dr. Rasmussen, a really talented team! read more

As a surgeon my hands are my livelihood. After suffering an injury to my right wrist (TFCC tear) I was worried not only about how I was going to do daily activity but also was genuinely fearful that I would be out of work permanently. I saw Dr Devin Ganesh as a patient and he expertly assessed the problem and even noted my unique anatomy that may have contributed to it. He was calm and collected even in the face of what I saw as a crisis and he was confident in his treatment decision and that confidence helped to reassure me. He was not overly cocky and in fact did have me see a second Hand surgeon just to get a different opinion to consider. Ultimately, I went with Dr Ganesh's treatment plan and am very glad I did. We went with a non-surgical approach (which I know makes him less money) and though the prolonged casting was uncomfortable I am now 12 weeks out from the injury and am back to work more than full time. I am still recovering and going to hand therapy but the outcome has been great. The whole time Dr Ganesh provided reassurance that it would get better and I would be able to get back to work. Ultimately I cannot say enough good things about Dr Ganesh. His judgement and treatment plan were spot on for a difficult problem without strong evidence for treatment. I would recommend anyone to go to see him for hand and shoulder issues. I would (and have) sent my family to him and they were very well taken care of. If you need a Hand or Shoulder surgeon take my advice and go to the "surgeon's surgeon" no matter where in Hawaii you are coming from. read more

First contact was w/ a phone call to welcome and advise paperwork in the mail to be completed and patient portal. Very professional and upon arriving at office very courteous and acknowledged everyone enter. As we were greeted to go to exam room, other associates and doctors were in passing and very welcoming w/ smiles or greeting. FELT GOOD! POSITIVE VIBES! Dr. Rasmussen!! Plenty ALOHA, KNOWLEDGE, and SINCERITY! Great office Experience to include after surgery! Mahalo nui! read more

Just want to put this out there if you are experiencing pain and looking for help Do Not choose Dr. Brandee Black. She will dismiss your pain unless maybe its something surgically beneficial for her. No following through with you about xray readings and if you try to talk with her through her office or the portal you will not get a response. She wrote a totally incorrect diagnosis on my Physical therapy script and refuses to correct the error unless I come back in for another visit. $$$ Im at a loss here. So sad :(. read more

I'm from San Francisco and just recently discovered from an MRI that I had a torn ACL and 3 tears to my meniscus on my left knee. My San Francisco orthopedic surgeon did not want to repair my knee as he felt I didn't need it considering that I'm not very active and at my age, recovery might be challenging. Went to Dr Rasmussen for 2nd opinion without telling her anything except a copy of my MRI on disc. She suggested I hold off on surgery, not because of my age, weight or inactivity but she explained she would like to see me exhaust using PT and a brace to stabilize my knee before we consider surgery. She said my knee was in good condition with minimal arthritis so there's no immediate need to repair it if PT and a knee brace could stabilize it. When the arthritis progresses more, she has no hesitation to do a knee replacement... when needed. Love that she explained why I can hold off for now. The front office staff were friendly both on the phone and in person. I waited no more than 10 minutes before being seen. read more

This practice is amazing. As an occupational therapist I have worked with their patients for over 20 years and their work is exceptional and thorough. They are easy to communicate with and work with while I am caring for their patients. As a patient myself, I have also received care from them over the years for many equestrian based injuries! Most recently I had a work injury that was complicated. Dr Black was so wonderful in helping me through all the trials and tribulations of injury, surgery and then recovery. Despite having less than optimal conditions (my injury) to work with, my knee is now pain free and almost perfect! Throughout the entire process, Dr Black was caring, compassionate and encouraging- I highly recommend her! In fact, I highly recommend all the surgeons in this group- Dr Medoff, Dr Rasmussen, Dr Black and Dr Ganesh! Knowing them all these years professionally and personally I have no reservations in whole heartedly recommending them. We are lucky to have access to such great care here on Oahu! read more

Dr. Linda Rasmussen recently replaced my left hip. I was released from the hospital on the day of the surgery. I am moving around better than ever, and I am way ahead physically than I thought I would be just six weeks after the surgery. I just want to thank her and her office. If you are on the fence about having the surgery or which surgeon to use, I would make an appointment at Windward Orthopedic in Kailua. read more

Dr Ganesh is a very nice guy. I trusted him to perform surgery on my hand to correct contractures that had resulted from nerve damage. The surgery has left my hand MUCH worse, in fact it is now virtually disabled and severely deformed. The experience has been a nightmare. read more

two surgeries done by Dr. Brandy Black in 2021. First one successful. second shoulder replacement in October 2021 still not functional. physical therapist sent me back to Dr. Black because no strength and extremely limited range of motion. well, evidently surgery resulted in nerve damage. Dr. Black however has not followed up with me on this and I still cannot use right arm without assisting it with my left arm. I neede knee replacement surgery this year. Found a much better doctor at Straub and surgery was successful. WILL NOT RECOMMEND DR. BLACK TO ANYONE; she doesn't seem to care. read more

I have always checked out reviews for everything from a recipe to a product to dentists or doctors. So, I felt like I would be negligent if I didn't leave a review here. A year and a half ago, my left hip started hurting. The pain radiated from the hip to my knee to my ankle. I tried everything from acupuncture, cupping, acupressure, chiropractic, and massage therapy. Nothing worked. I finally decided I needed to look at other options. I called the Windward Orthopedic Group in Kailua and set up a meeting with Dr. Rasmussen. She was wonderful. She explained what was going on with my hip and how it could be fixed. She was thorough and kind and funny, and quickly put me right at ease. On October 3rd, I went in for a complete hip replacement. Two months later, I am walking around without any limp or pain. AMAZING! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND DR. RASMUSSEN, and the entire Windward Orthopedic Group team. I have only good things to say about their skill and professionalism. read more

They made time for me, treated me kindly and answered all my questions. I hurt my shoulder at work and they have handled the paperwork promptly. I really Like Jessica who works at the front desk and of course my Dr. Brandee Black. read more

Dr. Rasmussen of Windward Orthopaedic performed my left hip replacement. Process would not have been better from start to end. Short wait times, professionalism, caring doctors and staff, and a perfect surgery and new hip. Will be back for any future orthopaedic needs. read more

My family and I have seen been patients of this group several times over the years. Dr. Rasmussen replaced my left knee when the pain made it difficult for me to keep up with my students at my elementary school. She went out of her way to schedule my surgery ove4 winter break so I did not have to use much sick time. She referred me to a super physical therapist and I as back at work pretty quickly, a little slower for a while, but able to the stairs again. She took care of my knee and made other great other health issues. Her office staff was efficient and her hospital crew was caring and committed. She took great care in explaining the medication that was prescribed and checked in on me both days I was in the hospital and followed up on me at home. Overall experience was wonderful read more

Dr L Rasmussen, office staff and surgical team were phenomenal - THANK YOU! I felt comfortable with Dr. Rasmussen and trusted that she would take care of me. Everyone was friendly, kind and informative. As I was a flight risk, the care and support received throughout my TKR (pre op, op, and post op) was reassuring, comforting and much appreciated. Dr. Rasmussen and her awesome surgical team (after introducing themselves) listened to my reservations (verbal and non-verbal), calmed my nerves and patiently explained ALL the do's, what's and when's. In office post surgery follow-up visits were friendly and informative. Although this is not an experience anyone would want to go through, this is the team of professionals to see. Continue your awesome work! Wishing you ALL the best as the care you have given me. read more

Dr Ganesh was great. He's caring, thorough and patient. He doesn't push surgery if it is not needed. His nursing staff also friendly and helpful. Unfortunately The front desk is rude, sassy and has inappropriate conversations for patients to hear. No one wants to know about your dating life and what dating site you've tried and failed at. Keep that to your lunch breaks and outside. Where is the office manager to stop these conversations? read more

I'm beginning to understand the lower ratings. Despite the great mannerism by Dr. Black during the visit, things just don't move fast after the visit. I was supposed to be getting the MRI done, and I just found out the paperwork hasn't been filled out since my visit on Friday morning (it is Tuesday). I would give a lower rating for not only the slow processing but also not keeping the patient informed. I'm a patient patient, but not sure my leg is as patient. I'd give 1 star but Dr. Black keeps this rating at above average. read more

After a seriously horrible experience with the island's only other foot specialist, I finally was able to see the Dr I was supposed to see to begin with, and boy was it a huge relief to be in the capable hands of Dr Keller. I broke my foot in Guam and by the time I got back, Dr K was on vacation and I had no choice but to see someone else. The experience was daunting, and I swore I'd do whatever it took to not return, and thankfully Dr K's team got me in right on time. The office is conveniently located in downtown kailua near Cinnamons and the new Uahi Grill, with plenty of parking. Despite my broken foot, it was easy to get to with elevators and handicap parking on both sides. Only downside to my experience was that I waited about 45 minutes past my appointment time due to another patient having a cast emergency, but I understand these things happen. When I finally was seen by Dr K, he was warm and friendly, explaining all the medical details in a way that I could understand, and really listened to my concerns. All my various questions were answered, and he gave me a firm timeline to expect on my healing. I was finally given a boot that actually fits me, he explained how to use it, referred me to physical therapy in my own city, and extended my disabled parking placard for the duration of my healing. I left this appointment feeling relieved, informed, and optimistic about my injury and my treatment with this medical team, which is the entirely opposite of how I felt after seeing the only other foot specialist on the island. I would definitely return if I had an injury in the future, and highly recommend Dr K to others. read more

I was in need of help. The pain in both my hips was unbearable due to OA. Although my obese weight made doctors unwilling to help me, I found a wonderful sympathetic surgeon who understood my blight, knew how OA was ruining my life. I struggled everyday to take care of my family, home and profession. Dr Linda Rasmussen MD took my case and replaced my left hip first, then 8 weeks later replaced the right side. She had me on a low carb, no sugar eating plan to make my surgery easier on me. I recuperated without PT and today 4weeks post opp I'm walking without my cane, most importantly free of arthritis pain! Mahalo Dr Rasmussen read more

Dr Rasmussen was so efficient that I had to delay the date she was securing for my complete hip replacement. There were no hidden surprises, and I was confident and prepared for what to expect. Walked out the day of surgery to the comfort of my own home and no Rehab......WHAT? After 10 days I was able to take a flight outer island and continue my healing. I know I'll get scolding's when I go back for the other hip, but I did have to climb a ladder a few times and carry some 'heavier than normal' items while on my vacation. Now 6 weeks along nearly 100% and definitely resolved the locking/popping/grinding hip. read more

In the past I have received excellent care from Drs. Rasmussen and Medoff. When I searched for follow up services for a broken wrist sustained on vacation, Dr. Black was kind enough to see me. Unfortunately service in this office has been difficult. Despite the kindness, 1. Dr. Black was unwilling to discuss anything but the wrist, and refused to authorize the PT needed to care for the other injuries obtained in the accident (a bruised tail bone and subsequent chronic dizziness), nor did she refer for these issues until a PT request was made. 2. Dr. Blacks attitude alternated between kind when my husband was present, to cold and perfunctory when he was not. 3. Staff at WOG were unhelpful to downright nasty about sending reports to another physician (in truth I responded nastily when confronted with staff passive aggression regarding the appropriately signed and delivered request for release of records. Staff were unhelpful and nasty, I was nasty back) Truly I wish I had received treatment from someone else read more

My wife and I went to see Dr. Rasmussen for a 2nd opinion on a right knee replacement. Very happy with her recommendations and her knowledge. She showed so much concern to my wife's pain and explained everything going forward. My wife was very happy to hear that after the surgery, she personally treats and follows up until the end, unlike Dr. Nakasone at Straub. Dr. Nakasone does not see you ever after the knee replacement surgery, you see hid physician assistants. That's one of the main reasons we switched to Dr. Rasmussen. No regrets! read more

I do not recommend this doctor's office if you need immediate assistance. I've had a wrist injury since November 2022 and I wasn't able to see anyone until the end of December. In addition, I was requested to get blood work done and go in for an MRI. I had to continually call the office to let them know I still have not received a call to get an MRI done. They always seemed confused and said they have to double check if the request was sent. I went to the Diagnostic Laboratory in December for the blood work and they said I can only receive the results when that "one" doctor that saw me once in my life is in the office. They wouldn't allow me to see or hear any results relating to my blood work or MRI because that "one" Doctor was always out of office. I did everything as I was told and continued to wait patiently for a response. Each time they would try to schedule me, there wasn't anything available until 2-3 weeks from that date. I finally went in and I was turned away and asked to reschedule because the person who scheduled me didn't book me into the system. It's March 2023 and they have not helped me in any way. I still do not know what is wrong with my wrist. As a patient, I am seeking the doctor for assistance sooner rather than later. For the past few months, I've been wearing a brace on my wrist because the Doctor at Windward Orthopedic has not gotten the chance to go over my results and the availability at the office is very poor. read more

Dr Rasmussen is an Angel. I recently injured my knee and returned to work a little too early which resulted in more pain(my own fault) Dr Rasmussen was able to relieve 90 % of almost unbearable pain not once but twice. The staff at Windward Orthopedic was able to squeeze me in at last minute and I feel great now. She explained everything in detail which is rare these days and made it so even I could understand the situation. If there was a 10 star rating She would have it. Recommend to EVERYONE! First class service. Mahalo Nui Dr Rasmussen you ARE THE BEST. I will always use her for any knee/ foot injuries in the future. read more

Time will tell how my Achilles heals but off first impressions the entirety of the Windward orthopedic Group were all wonderful people . I was referred to Dr. Brandee Black and thus far couldn't be happier, she had an amazing blend of care, confidence, reassurance and a radiant personality . Her nurses were all very sweet and professional making my time in the office both pleasant and expedient. I'm so grateful that there are people like Dr. Black in the world who have dedicated their lives to helping people like me get back to mine . read more

My son broke his arm playing baseball and he was well taken care of by Dr. Sakamoto and the staff. He was excited to pick out a red color for his cast. The appointments were all on time and we went in one extra time because my son had unraveled some of the inside of the cast. Booking was easy and the staff are all friendly. Breaking an arm in the summer is no fun for a kid, but he was in great hands and is fully healed now. read more

Saw Dr. Black today for a broken foot and broken ankle. I am a real pain in the butt when it comes to being a patient but Dr. Black and her nurse were absolutely excellent. She was very knowledgeable, made me feel very comfortable and really helped us out a lot. Thank you Dr. Black! read more

Absolutely ridiculous wait times. All parties in the waiting room waited at least 45 minutes past their scheduled appointments to be seen. Some over an hour. And that's just to be put in a room. Not to actually be seen. read more

Tried repeatedly to schedule surgery with Dr. Rasmussen, but the front office continuously transferred me to voice mail. Didn't know if anyone was picking up messages or not. I had earlier consulted with Dr. Rasmussen and found her competent and caring; however, it seemed to take forever for her office to get back to me. Finally, got a call back after leaving two messages and waiting for days. Hope things go smoothly from here on out. read more

Unbelievable that I have been here for 7+ appointments and not once have I been seen within 30 minutes of my appointment time. The real kicker is I wait 30+ minutes for a doctor to talk to me for maybe 5 minutes. No respect for patient's time. It's sad. read more

I have taken my children to many Drs and dr Keller is the WORST one ever!!! No bedside manners. He was rude, abrasive and not helpful. Spent 3 minutes with us, said he'd come back to talk to us after X-rays. Ended up not needing the X-ray but I asked to talk to him. He came back into the room irritated. I felt like we were a bother. I asked him for a diagnosis and he told me. I asked him 2 more times. I didn't understand - his aid wrote it down for me. Ummmm ..... hello .... I didn't go to medical school, I didn't take Latin in school ... please "dumb" it down for people like me. Took my son to another doctor Front office lady was sweet and the Drs assistant was helpful. read more