Company Profile
Orthopedic Physicians of Alaska
Company Overview
Our mission is to deliver extraordinary, individualized healthcare to all Alaskans and visitors, restoring their health and function following injury or illness and maximizing their ability to fully engage in all life has to offer.
Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) is a group of orthopedic surgeons and other providers committed to delivering world-class care in a friendly, patient-centered environment. In addition to offering comprehensive adult orthopedic services, we offer pediatric fracture, spine and congenital (hereditary) scoliosis and hand care.
The OPA “care team” model of service helps patients enjoy the personalized attention and a family feel of a small practice…with all the conveniences, advanced technologies and cost-saving advantages of a large group practice. The group includes:
Orthopedic Surgeons
Rheumatologists
Physiatrists
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists, Occupational (Hand) Therapists & Massage Therapists
Athletic Trainers
Support Staff (medical assistants, surgery schedulers, etc.)
Company History
1966: Ed Voke, MD, Founds Practice
OPA had its beginnings in 1966, when renowned spine surgeon Edward M. Voke, MD, founded the practice after spending two years practicing with the Public Health Service in Alaska and after completing his surgical residency in Ohio. In those days, there were only 3 orthopedic surgeons practicing in the Anchorage area. His medical-surgical expertise and good humor improved the quality of life for thousands of grateful Alaskans. Dr. Voke worked well into his seventies before finally retiring to spend more time with his family. He passed away in 2015.
2001: Group Practice Expands: In 2001, Dr. Voke brought on his colleague and friend Robert J. Hall, MD—a young, highly regarded orthopedic surgeon from Iowa who had been living and practicing in Alaska for several years, and who was then specializing in joint replacements.
In 2006, Rick Watson, CMPE, joined OPA as Chief Executive Officer.
2008: Alaska's First Orthopedic Walk-in Clinic. OPA opened Alaska’s first orthopedic injury walk-in clinic in 2008. The clinic helps injured patients save time and money and receive direct access to orthopedic specialists. With the clinic’s success, OPA hired additional orthopedic-trained, certified physician assistants to operate the walk-in clinic, and today offers walk-in hours 7 days a week. OPA remains Alaska’s only orthopedic injury walk-in clinic that is open every day.
2008: OPA Athletic Trainers Begin Covering High School Athletic Teams, Free of Charge. OPA hired certified athletic trainer Lynne Young, ATC, MEd, in 2008 and donated her services to the Anchorage School District and other community sporting events. Soon thereafter, OPA expanded its athletic training staff to a team that now consists of seven full-time trainers, led by Ms. Young, who are dedicated to serving the Anchorage and Mat-Su Valley school districts as well as community athletic programs and events. OPA provides these services at no cost to the athletes.
2009: Rheumatology Clinic Opens : Dr. John Botson, MD, RPh, CCD, a fellowship-trained rheumatologist, was brought on in 2009. In 2012, the rheumatology clinic expanded, as Ryan Ragle, MD, also a fellowship-trained rheumatologist, returned to Alaska to join OPA and serve his hometown community.
2015: OPA Expands to Mat-Su Valley and Incorporates "Alaska" into Its Name
2015: Onsite Surgery (Alpine) & Recovery Services (Alpenglow) Open at Anchorage Location
2017: Preferred Provider Contracts Finalized
In 2017, OPA became a preferred, in-network provider for Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska, CIGNA, and First Choice Health.
2018: Three Physicians Join, Wasilla Location Expands: Dr. Jessie Janowski, MD, Dr. Curtis Mina, MD, Dr. Adam Ellison, MD.
2018: South Anchorage Physical Therapy Center Opens – and Adds Massage Therapy
2019: Wasilla Physical Therapy Center Opens
2019: Anchorage and Wasilla Walk-in Hours Expand
2020: Telehealth Appointments & COVID-19 Safety Measures Introduced
2020: OPA Eagle River Moves, Expands
2020: Wasilla Relocates & Expands Services
2020: Six Physicians Join OPA: OPA is pleased to welcome several new doctors to the team, including fellowship-trained spine surgeon Derrik Foge, MD; joint replacement specialists Thomas Paynter, MD, and Bryan Haughom, MD; fellowship-trained hand and upper extemity specialists Dann Laudermilch, MD, and Alan Swenson, MD; physiatrist Erik Olson, DO.
2020: Soldotna Hand Clinic Opens
Dr. Owen Ala opened an OPA office in his hometown of Soldotna, giving Peninsula residents better access to hand, wrist & upper extremity specialty care.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Dr. Powell, Phyician for the US Ski Team.
The OPA team includes Alaska’s leading specialists and offers some of the latest, most advanced treatment procedures available today.
Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) is proud to play an active role in the community through sponsorships, memberships, and the services of our certified athletic trainers to high school athletics and many other community programs throughout the region, provided free of charge.
OPA’s team of full-time certified athletic trainers serves the needs of student athletes, coaches and parents throughout the Anchorage and Mat-Su school districts.
OPA providers work with local ski and bike patrollers, health care providers, coaches and others to help keep the community current on the latest in orthopedic issues, injury treatment and prevention, and more.
Benefits
Education Assistance Program
Tuition Assistance Program
PCA/OPA "Professional courtesy" after deductible is met