Neal Shonnard, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with clinical interests in surgical care of the neck and back, stenosis, disk disease and replacement, minimally invasive spine surgery, joint replacement of the hip and knee, kyphoplasty and osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, sciatica, fusion lumbar injections, scoliosis, and spinal implants.
Dr. Shonnard grew up in a big family with six siblings, where they were all active in sports. His father, a general surgeon, was always busy putting one of his active siblings back together. His father’s ability to heal family, friends, and neighbors inspired him to become a doctor, but what ultimately drew him to medicine was the opportunity to help others. Orthopedic surgery allows him to help patients and make a real impact on the quality of their lives. He believes it is a gift to see what a difference orthopedic and spine care can do for a patient.
He has published research articles on orthopedic extremity trauma and reconstruction, experimental neurosurgery, and spine trauma reconstruction. He is one of only two original members of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Washington State, and offers minimally invasive spine surgery to his patients. As associate director of the Spine SCOAP (Surgical Care Outcome Assessment Program) Registry, he is working together with other interested doctors to assess and improve spine care for all the residents of Washington State.
Dr. Shonnard and his wife have raised a family of three children. He feels blessed to live in the Northwest with an active life, full of family and friends.