Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates

At Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates, our team of highly skilled surgeons is dedicated to providing excellence in medical and surgical care to our patients in an atmosphere of comfort, competence and warmth. We specialize in orthopedic, arthroscopic, hand, upper extremity, foot and ankle, sports medicine and total joint care. When we say team, we consider you, the patient, a member of that team in the process of developing the best treatment plan for your lifestyle.

For over 30 years, we have continued to offer state-of-the-art medical solutions and unparalleled patient care to the Tri-Cities, Washington communities we serve. As Washington’s premier choice in orthopedic surgery and physical rehabilitation we use a team approach when it comes to your recovery. Give us a call at 509.586.2828 to schedule an appointment or use our online Request an Appointment form to experience world-class care and compassion patients have become accustomed to here. (959)


General information:
Visit Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates at any of these locations:

Main:
911 S. Washington Street, Suite B
Kennewick, WA 99336
Call: 509.586.2828

Pasco Satellite:
9915 Sandifur Parkway Suite B
Pasco, WA 99301
Call: 509.545.8883

Kennewick Satellite:
711 S. Auburn Street
Kennewick, WA, 99336
Call: 509.586.8686



Physical/Occupational Therapy:
15 W. 10th Avenue
Kennewick, WA 99336
Call: 509.582.6335

You don’t have to live with an orthopedic injury or condition that hampers your quality of life. Get expert care and pain relief from Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates. Request an appointment through our online request an appointment form or call today at 509.586.2828.


Meet the Dr.(s):
Arthur Thiel, MD, FAAOS
“My goal is to help patients return to the sport or work or activity that is important to them.”
Board-Certified: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery)
Fellow: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery
Fellowship Training: Hand Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Loma Linda University
MD: Loma Linda University
Member: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington State Orthopedic Association, Washington State Medical Association, Benton Franklin County Medical Society


Christopher Kontogianis, MD, FAAOS
I speak with my patients, not at them, in language they seem to understand. Quite simply, my job is to get them back to doing whatever it was that they were doing before they got hurt. I understand what it’s like to have to give up something you love doing and hope my patients won’t have to.”
Board-Certified: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Fellow: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Bellevue Hospital/NYU Medical Center, New York, NY
MD: New York University, New York, NY
Adjunct Faculty: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
Member: American Medical Association, Washington State Orthopedic Association, Benton Franklin County Medical Society

David W. Fischer, MD, FAAOS
It’s gratifying to help restore the patient’s use of his or her hands to return to activities of daily living, including work.
“I like to think of my patients as part of my family, trying to keep their best interest foremost.”
Board-Certified: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery)
Fellow: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
MD: Loma Linda University
Member: American Association of Hand Surgeons
In his free time, Dr. Fischer enjoys riding bicycles and hobby farming. He farms juice grapes and hay and has about 50 acres.

Heather L. Phipps, DO, MBA
“I like helping someone return to work or sports activities. I feel empathy toward the pain the patient is feeling. I think patients should be actively involved in choosing a preferred treatment option based on the pros and cons of all the available options. I hope to give my patients the choice for a better life.”
Board-Certified: American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Stratford NJ
DO: Ohio University, Athens, OH
Adjunct Faculty: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
Member: American Orthopedic Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, American Medical Association, Washington State Orthopedic Association, Washington Osteopathic Medical Association, Washington State Medical Association (past delegate), Benton Franklin County Medical Society (past president)
In her free time, Dr. Phipps enjoys hiking, skiing, photography, reading and visiting national parks.




Michael C. Sherfey, DO
“I enjoy helping those with injury or arthritis restore their ability to function. I hope to give patients the means and encouragement to pursue their work and hobbies. This allows me to build a level of trust with my patients.”
Board-Certified: American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Fellowship Training: Adult Reconstructive Surgery of the Hip and Knee, Texas Hip and Knee Center, Fort Worth, TX
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan State University/MSUCOM, Botsford Hospital, Farmington Hills, MI
DO: Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona, CA
Medical Director: Kennewick General Hospital Total Joint Program
Adjunct Faculty: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
Member: American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, Washington State Orthopedic Association, Washington Osteopathic Medical Association, Washington State Medical Association, Benton Franklin County Medical Society
In his free time, Dr. Sherfey enjoys outdoor sports, fishing, hunting and spending time with his wife and three sons.

Andres Garcia, PA-C
Andres Garcia Jr. (Andy) is a Physician Assistant-Certified with experience in Family Practice, Emergency Room Medicine. He has an extensive background in Diagnostic Imaging and Orthopedics. Special interest in general Orthopedics, fracture care, sports medicine and arthritis. His career in medicine started in 1986 as a Certified Radiologic Technologist with certifications in general radiology, CT and MRI Imaging. Andy then attended the University of Washington (MEDEX) and received his certification as a Physician Assistant in 1997. This was followed by a position as a PA-C in Columbia County (Dayton, Washington) working in the Emergency Room and Family Practice. He has been part of our group since March of 2001.
PA-C: University of Washington (MEDEX Northwest)
BS: Clinical Health Services, University of Washington
Member: Washington Academy of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Physician Assistants, Washington Society of Radiologic Technologists, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Inc.


Physical / Occupational Therapists:

Melanie Hanson MPT
Melanie received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Montana in 2003, after completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Melanie joined Benton Franklin Physical Therapy in 2006 and enjoys working with people with a variety of orthopedic conditions.

Rodney Kump, DPT
Rod graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. He then attended Creighton University and graduated in 1998 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Rod joined Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates in 2002. He enjoys all areas of orthopedic physical therapy with a special interest in sports medicine. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and belongs to Orthopedic and Sports sections.

Jay West MPT, OCS
Jay attended Eastern Washington University where he obtained both his undergraduate degree in sports medicine/athletic training and his master's degree in physical therapy. He has been with Benton Franklin Physical Therapy since January 2003 and has enjoyed working in orthopedics. He particularly enjoys working with knee and shoulder injuries and rehabilitating athletes but enjoys all aspects of orthopedic physical therapy. In 2009, Jay became certified as an Orthopedic Specialist in physical therapy.

Occupational Therapist:
D. Justine Ossman, OTR/L
Justine has only been practicing for one year, but loves interacting with a wide variety of people and the personal fulfillment she gets from helping others. For her, occupational therapy presents the perfect mix of personal and professional interactions in a growing healthcare field. The most rewarding part of her job is seeing the transformations patients can make, along with their progress and improvements. She's dedicated to helping patient regain their independence after injury so they can participate once again in meaningful activities.