Pacific Rim is committed to provide our patients with the highest quality care using the best orthopaedic techniques and technologies in a comfortable, caring private practice setting focused on improving and restoring patients’ quality of life.
Pacific Rim Orthopaedic Surgeons are here to help patients through diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation to help them return to their active lives.
MD Orthopedic Surgeon
Gary Bergman graduated from the University of California San Diego and completed his residency at the University of Washington. He is fellowship trained in hand surgery, and enjoys all aspects of orthopedics. He began practicing in Whatcom County in 1992. He specializes in hand surgery, but enjoys providing care for all types of orthopedic injuries and conditions.
Board Certification: Since 1989
American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons
Medical Licensure: Since 1982
State of Washington
MD Orthopedic Surgeon
Michael Gannon graduated from the University of Washington and then served in the military. He served in Operation Desert Storm as a surgeon. He came to Whatcom County in 1993 and has been involved with athletic programs from local schools and boy scouts, as well as having a full-time Orthopedic practice. Dr. Gannon is married and has two sons.
Board Certification: Since 1989
American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons
Medical Licensure: Since 1983
State of Washington
MD Orthopedic Surgeon
1. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) since 1992.
2. Board Member of Washington State Orthopaedic Association (WSOA)
3. Washington State Medical Association (WSMA)
4. Whatcom County Medical Society (WCMS)
Dr. Michael Thorpe came to Whatcom County in 1988 from the University of Washington, taking over the practice of Dr. Milt Schayes, who first established this orthopedic surgery practice in 1968. Dr. Thorpe then recruited all of his partners, who together established Pacific Rim Orthopedic Surgeons in 2001.
Dr. Thorpe specializes in out-patient surgery and sports medicine, having been the Team Orthopedic Surgeon for Western Washington University since he arrived in 1988. Because he was a three-sport Division I college athlete, he understands the unique issues of the injured athlete. Knee, shoulder and hip problems dominate his practice, but he also performs routine foot and hand surgery, and emphasizes non-operative care of all problems, if applicable. He received the Patient's Choice Award in 2011 and Washington State's Best Doctors Award in 2010 and 2013.
MD Orthopedic Surgeon
Christopher Van Hofwegen joined our office in August of 2010. He graduated from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and continued his residency as a Hawkeye. He finished his sports medicine fellowship at the Hughston Clinic in Columbus, Georgia. Dr. Van Hofwegen moved to Whatcom County with his wife, who is originally from Nooksack, and is a practicing Family Physician. They are the parents of three children.
Team Physician Bellingham Bells 2011 (baseball)
Team Physician Bellingham Bulldogs 2011 (football)
Fellow Team Physician - Columbus Cottonmouths (Semi-Pro Hockey League)
Resident Team Physician for the University of Iowa Softball
American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine Candidate Member
Board:
American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons
Medical Licensure: Since 2010
State of Washington
PA-C, MPAS
Frazier is a graduate from the Idaho State University Physician Assistant Program. Frazier is from Walla Walla, Washington and attended Western Washington University (WWU) before continuing his education at Idaho State University. Bellingham called him back after graduate school and he joined Pacific Rim Orthopaedic Surgeons in 2011.
Orthopedic medicine is a dynamic and challenging area of medicine. Frazier enjoys the opportunities he’s been given to help patients of all ages. He is honored to be a PA and grateful that patients are willing to entrust their care to him.
Frazier met his wife while at WWU and they love living in the Pacific Northwest. They enjoy being outdoors, hiking, biking and traveling. Their most recent adventure is parenthood with their young daughter.
