Arthur E. Thiel, M.D.
Dr. Arthur Thiel is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, signifying board certification by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He has a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery granted by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He has re-certified twice in both board certifications. He joined Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates in 1986. He enjoys the entire field of orthopedic surgery, but especially enjoys hand surgery, arthroscopic surgery, shoulder surgery and joint replacement surgery.
Dr. Thiel was born in Spokane, Washington and grew up in Fairfield, Washington. After graduating from Walla Walla College in College Place, he attended Loma Linda University School of Medicine. After receiving his MD in 1979, he completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency in June of 1985. Next followed a 6 month fellowship in surgery of the hand and upper extremity also at Loma Linda University. Then he joined BFOA here in Kennewick.
He treasures being Dad to Tiffany (away at medical school) and Cedric (college). Most of his non-practice time is spent helping The REACH (a new church plant located in West Richland) grow. Snow skiing, snowboarding, bicycling, scuba diving and computers are hobbies much enjoyed. He and Shelley (otolaryngologist at Tri City Ear Nose & Throat) get spoiled by being able to work in the same office.
To schedule an appointment, please complete our online Patient Appointment Request form, or call (509) 586-2828.
Christopher A. Kontogianis, M.D.
"Dr. K," as he is frequently called, went to NYU School of Medicine after which he was invited to stay and train at Bellevue Hospital in orthopedics where he gained an extensive background in trauma. He is board certified in Orthopedic surgery and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. He is the managing partner at BFOA where his main interests are knee and shoulder injuries.
His interest in sports medicine and surgery was kindled by his participation in gymnastics and by the fact that he is an avid skier and cyclist (not to mention wake boarder, water skier, snowboarder, windsurfer, kite boarder and paraglider) and has had many of the injuries he now treats. This interest was also fueled by his training in the military where he treated a large population of active men and women and their associated injuries as well as significant amounts of trauma. He was a major in the USAF and served as commander of a mobile surgical unit in the middle east during operation Brightstar 1995.
Dr. K's particular interest in shoulder and knee pathology probably stems from the multiple surgeries he personally has had, this has also given him unique insight into the need of athletes to return to their sport. Many of his patients are fellow athletes in the many activities that he himself participates in.
Dr. K is married and has two daughters. His family is enjoying the recreational opportunities in the Tri City area and its proximity to White Pass Ski Resort. He rides, flies, and plays in the Tri-Cities as well as many areas in Washington and throughout the U.S. and abroad.
To schedule an appointment, please complete our online Patient Appointment Request form, or call (509) 586-2828.
David W. Fischer, M.D.
Dr. David Fischer attended medical school at Loma Linda University, located in Southern California, which he completed in May 1977. He also completed his internship and residency training at Loma Linda and upon completion in 1982 moved to the Tri-Cities to enter into private practice in orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Fischer is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, signifying board certification by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery as well as being a member of the American Association of Hand Surgeons. He enjoys orthopedic surgery with a special interest in hand surgery. He has a certificate of added qualifications of surgery of the hand granted by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He has recertified for the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery of the Hand twice.
He is an avid cyclist and enjoys the abundant opportunities that the Tri-Cities and Washington State offer for bicycling.
To schedule an appointment, please complete our online Patient Appointment Request form, or call (509) 586-8686.
Heather L. Phipps, D.O.
Dr. Heather Phipps joined Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates in 2003 after completing her residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey Orthopaedic Residency Program.
She is a 1994 graduate of Cedarville University and a 1998 graduate of Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Phipps completed her internship at Doctor's Hospital of Columbus in Columbus, Ohio. In 2005 she became board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (AOBOS).
Dr. Phipps has areas of sub-specialty interest in total joint replacement, arthroscopic surgery and fracture care.
To schedule an appointment, please complete our online Patient Appointment Request form, or call (509) 586-2828.
Michael C. Sherfey, D.O.
Dr. Michael Sherfey completed his undergraduate studies at Washington State University and received his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. His residency through Michigan State University was followed by a fellowship in Adult Reconstructive/Total Joint Surgery at the Texas Hip and Knee Center in Fort Worth. Dr. Sherfey has received several orthopedic research awards and is board eligible in orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Sherfey specializes in complex primary and revision surgery of the hip and knee, with interest in joint preserving and reconstructive surgery. He also performs total joint arthroplasty and hip, knee and shoulder arthroscopy. He is sub-specialty trained in minimally invasive hip and knee surgery, partial knee replacements, and hip resurfacing procedures.
To schedule an appointment, please complete our online Patient Appointment Request form, or call (509) 586-2828.
Andres Garcia, Jr. 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.
To schedule an appointment, please complete our online Patient Appointment Request form, or call (509) 586-2828.
Currently on sabbatical
teaching in the orthopedic surgery department at Loma Linda University School of MedicineThomas R. Burgdorff, M.D.
Dr. Burgdorff is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, signifying board certification by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He enjoys the entire field of orthopedic surgery with a special interest in joint replacement.
Dr. Burgdorff attended college at La Sierra College in Riverside, CA. Medical school at Loma Linda University School of Medicine followed, then residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center in orthopedic surgery, finishing in 1979. He was chief of orthopedic surgery at San Bernadino County Medical Center for two years, then he moved to the Tri-Cities.
