12 Summit Physicians Honored with 2022 Top Doctors Recognition

What makes a great doctor? Is it technical skill? Diagnostic ability? Creating a treatment plan that works for a patient’s lifestyle, not just for the patient’s orthopedic issue? Perhaps it’s something harder to define, like being a good listener or giving every patient plenty of time and personal attention. At Summit Orthopedics, we’re proud to say that our doctors have it all — and for proof, look no further than this year’s 2022 Top Doctors list.

The 12 physicians featured on this year’s list from Mpls.St.Paul Magazine are each outstanding in their specialties. The selection process for the 2022 Top Doctors list is extensive. It begins with a survey sent out to physicians across Minnesota, asking them to name the doctors they would choose to go to themselves or would recommend to a family member. The doctors who make the cut go through an additional evaluation process by an expert panel before being named to the prestigious list.

Congratulations to our 12 amazing 2022 Top Doctors! We’re glad you’re part of the Summit family.

Amy Beacom, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2008

 Dr. Beacom is a sports medicine physician who focuses on nonsurgical treatment options for athletes at all levels. When she’s not working, she serves as a team physician for the Minnesota Twins.

A patient had this to say about Dr. Beacom’s care:

“Dr. Beacom is fun, smart, attentive, compassionate, and very clear in her communication. I adore her. I’ve never felt this respected and cared for by any other M.D. Ever. She’s a rare find.”

Kristoffer Breien, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2007

Dr. Breien is a hip and knee surgeon who specializes in total joint replacement. He completed an arthroplasty fellowship in hip and knee reconstruction in addition to his orthopedic surgical training.

Check out what one of Dr. Breien’s recent patients shared about him:

“I have been struggling with a bad knee replacement and went to see Dr. Breien about this problem. He has done wonders for me, and I have gotten my life back on track. He has helped me in many ways, emotionally and physically. I believe that I received the best care possible from Dr. Breien; he never gave up on me.”

Peter Daly, M.D. — Top Doctor since 1999

Dr. Daly believes that empathy is the foundation of a great patient-doctor relationship. He is an orthopedic surgeon with particular expertise in knee, shoulder, hip, sports medicine/arthroscopic surgery, and joint preservation and restoration.

Here is a recent recommendation from one of Dr. Daly’s patients:

“I love Dr. Daly. He restored both of my knees and was the only doctor who would listen to me and help me. He was so kind and caring.”

Jack Drogt, M.D. — Top Doctor since 1992

Dr. Drogt is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee reconstruction. His goal is to work in partnership with his patients to help people with arthritis get back to enjoying their active lifestyles.

One of Dr. Drogt’s recent patients shared what sets him apart:

“Dr. Drogt and his team are just wonderful. I couldn’t speak any higher about the care I received from Dr. Drogt and his team. In the last six months, I have had both knees replaced and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I wish I had done it sooner. I had my concerns and questions answered and never felt rushed.”

Erik Ekstrom, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2016

Dr. Ekstrom is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician (also called a physiatrist). He focuses on caring for patients with back, neck, and spine problems that are standing in the way of their ability to lead healthy, pain-free lives.

Take a look at this glowing recommendation from one of Dr. Ekstrom’s recent patients:

“I had back problems for so many years, and I am so grateful for Dr. Ekstrom for making my life ‘normal’ again!”

Michael Forseth, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2015

Dr. Forseth is an upper extremity surgeon who specializes in hand, wrist, and elbow, complex reconstructive surgery of upper extremities, and microsurgery. He takes a conservative approach and is dedicated to finding the right treatment plan for each patient, which many times does not require surgery.

One of Dr. Forseth’s recent patients shared what makes him so special:

“Dr. Forseth is great! He takes the time to listen to you and do a thorough check/evaluation and then does a wonderful job explaining what is going on and what his recommendation is for the long road.”

Michael Q. Freehill, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2006

Dr. Freehill is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes helping people recover from shoulder and elbow injuries. He has a special interest in adult joint reconstruction and arthroscopic surgery.

Read this recent review of Dr. Freehill’s care from one of his patients:

“Doctor Freehill has provided me exceptional care throughout my journey, surgery, and recovery. I appreciate not only his professionalism and expertise but also his kind and very thoughtful care.”

James Gannon, M.D. — Top Doctor since 1996

Dr. Gannon is a fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder arthroscopy, sports medicine, joint preservation, and joint replacement. He has been an honoree on the Top Doctors list for more than two decades.

Check out this patient’s assessment of Dr. Gannon’s care:

“Dr. Gannon provided compassionate, expert, and technically impeccable care. He is kind, caring, and a surgical expert. His team is top-notch; these professionals are engaged, knowledgeable, and concerned. Dr. Gannon answered all questions, was interested in my recovery, and comforted me that I would be able to get me into my physical routine after a period of rest and rehab. He and his team are great.”

Peter Parten, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2008

Dr. Parten is a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon. He specializes in shoulder arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery, as well as sports medicine. When surgery is necessary, he works with his patients to prepare for recovery and minimize the disruption to their lives.

A recent patient shared what makes Dr. Parten stand out:

“Dr. Parten and his team are the absolute best. I was dealing with a complex shoulder injury for two years. When I saw Dr. Parten, he was kind and helped me understand the plan for reverse shoulder replacement. Other surgeons wouldn’t touch my shoulder, stating it was too complex of an injury. I am so very thankful that Dr. Parten and his team had the expertise to not only fix the shoulder, but also to help me believe that it could be fixed.”

Edward Santos, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2019

Dr. Santos is a spine surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive back, neck, and spine surgery, and cervical disc replacement. He is dedicated to conducting a thorough review of patients’ symptoms and working in partnership with patients to determine the best treatment plan possible.

A patient had this to say about Dr. Santos’s care:

“I went there for an evaluation for a previous injury, and Dr. Santos answered my questions and made suggestions. What impressed me was that he wanted what was best for me and my care.”

David Strothman, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2020

Dr. Strothman is a spine surgeon with particular expertise in cervical disc replacement and minimally invasive back, neck, and spine surgery for the treatment of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disorders. He considers the full range of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for each patient to address the spine issue in the least invasive way.

Take a look at this recent recommendation of Dr. Strothman’s care:

“Dr. Strothman and his team are extremely great. It is like seeing old friends every time I visit — excellent people — everyone I see there is really helpful and explains in detail so I can understand. THANK YOU!”

Andrew Thomas, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2018

Dr. Thomas is a fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon. He specializes in diseases of the hand, wrist, and elbow; carpal tunnel syndrome; and hand and wrist arthritis. He is committed to helping each of his patients avoid pain and return their hands to the strength and function they need for a good quality of life.

Here is what a recent patient had to say about Dr. Thomas’s expertise:

“Dr. Thomas is one of the best doctors I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with. In my experience most doctors have told me, rather than ask me, my problem. Dr. Thomas is a great doctor and friend, which puts him on my list. We’ve gone through at least seven surgeries together, and his staff has always been professional, and friends as well.”

Summit Orthopedics supports healthy communities

Community health flourishes when specialized orthopedic care is conveniently available close to home. Summit Orthopedics is proud of our fellowship-trained subspecialty teams offering the full spectrum of orthopedic expertise in bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, and joint conditions—in addition to our wellness, prevention, and rehabilitation services. We have the expertise to proactively improve fitness, evaluate discomfort, and deliver personalized treatment to quickly and safely return you to the lifestyle you love.

Start your journey to a healthier, more active self. Visit our Facebook page to learn about our wellness services and schedule a free wellness consultation online. Find your orthopedic expert, schedule an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as several additional community clinics.

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