Each year, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine asks thousands of Minnesota physicians whom they would trust if they needed care for themselves or their family members. The doctors most frequently named are then evaluated by a panel of experts before being named to the magazine’s Top Doctors list. This year, Summit Orthopedics is proud to congratulate 15 of our talented physicians and surgeons — a record high number for the practice — for being honored among Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s 2025 Top Doctors[LB1] .
The 15 physicians featured on this year’s list are well known for providing expert, compassionate, patient-centered care.
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: “Dr. Breien thoroughly explained the issues with my knee and the recommended surgery. He took the time to answer all of my questions and did not make me feel rushed. I was so impressed!!”
Peter Daly, M.D. — Top Doctor since 1999
Dr. Daly is an orthopedic surgeon with particular expertise in knee, shoulder, hip, sports medicine/arthroscopic surgery, and joint preservation and restoration. He believes that empathy is the foundation of a great patient-doctor relationship.
Here is a recent recommendation from one of Dr. Daly’s patients: “Dr. Daly spent a fair amount of time discussing not only medical alternatives, but insurance vs. Medicare options. It was greatly appreciated.”
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 the best! Very knowledgeable, professional, and I have the utmost faith in their practices.”
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: “Everything about this visit was wonderful. It was the first time in the 50-plus years with this issue that I feel a doctor has actually listened and been interested in me, the issue, and how it affected me and my ability to live comfortably with any seriousness!”
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 awesome! He takes the time to explain options and answer questions about my medical care. He also takes the time to get to know his patients personally. Chatting about life happenings. Super pleasant.”
Michael Q. Freehill, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2006
Dr. Freehill is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in 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: “Dr. Freehill came highly recommended, and I understand why. He is very easy to share information with and developed a plan of care together with me. Kind and caring. I will recommend him to others who may need his expertise.”
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 two decades.
Check out this patient’s assessment of Dr. Gannon’s care: “Family members and I have seen Dr. Gannon for probably 17 years. He is an excellent surgeon, has excellent rapport with patients, and you never feel rushed during visits. I have recommended him many, many times, and I wouldn’t see any other orthopedic doctor.”
Debra Parisi, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2023
Dr. Parisi is a hand surgeon who specializes in hand, wrist, and elbow care, hand and wrist arthritis, carpal tunnel, and surgery. Her surgical practice combines a biomedical engineering background with her passion for helping people, enabling her to design effective, individualized treatment plans that minimize an injury’s effect on a person’s quality of life.
One of Dr. Parisi’s recent patients had this glowing report: “Dr. Parisi is excellent! Caring, knowledgeable, professional. Each time I see her, I feel like I am in excellent hands. Highly recommend to others.”
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 care team are amazing! I feel very grateful for their compassion, care, and communication during a time when I was very scared about having surgery. They are all exceptional!”
Scott Pepin, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2025
Dr. Pepin is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and total joint replacements. Before joining the Top Doctors list, Dr. Pepin was a fixture on the magazine’s “Rising Stars” list, which honors physicians in the first 10 years of their practice.
Here is a recent review from one of his patients: “Very professional doctor who cared about what I was saying and my concerns.”
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: “Doctor Santos is remarkable. Explains everything in a clear way. Cannot help but feel better after being with him.”
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 was fantastic. Took the time necessary to listen and explain the procedure and choices. Very thorough and caring.”
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: “I always highly recommend Summit. Dr. Thomas is great, as is his staff. I have told several others about what a great job they do. But also the care!”
Brent Warner, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2025
Dr. Warner is a sports medicine surgeon with particular expertise in the shoulder, as well as the elbow, hip, and knee. Before being named a Top Doctor, Dr. Warner was honored as a “Rising Star” by the magazine.
A recent patient had this to say about his care: “Dr. Warner explained things in a way that was easy to understand and also gave many choices regarding care along with the pros and cons of the choices. I left feeling informed and supported and am confident in the plan going forward.”
Nicholas Wills, M.D. — Top Doctor since 2025
Dr. Wills is a minimally invasive spine surgeon. His surgical expertise won him repeated recognition on Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s “Rising Stars” doctors list.
Take a look at this glowing report from a recent patient: “Dr. Wills was just great. He described the medical problem, advised on various options, and assisted with a sound recommendation.”
Congratulations to our 15 amazing 2025 Top Doctors! We’re glad you’re part of the Summit family.