Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates

You don’t have to live with an orthopedic injury or condition that hampers your quality of life. Get expert care and pain relief from Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates. Request an appointment through our online request an appointment form or call today at 509.586.2828. Meet the Dr.(s):

“As many of my patients know me from the ski hill or bike riding as know me from my office. We share a common love of outdoor pursuits. I have a very straightforward approach. I speak with my patients, in language they seem to understand. Quite simply, my job is to get them back to doing whatever it was that they were doing before they got hurt. I understand what it’s like to have to give up something you love doing and hope my patients won’t have to.” Board-Certified: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Fellow: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Bellevue Hospital/NYU Medical Center, New York, NY MD: New York University, New York, NY Adjunct Faculty: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences Member: American Medical Association, Washington State Orthopedic Association, Benton Franklin County Medical Society In his free time, Dr. “K” enjoys skiing, biking, hiking and hunting. He also sits on the Washington State Board of Orthopedics and is involved with the national academy. He has a particular interest in medical economics, the future of medicine and its impact on our country and its future.

“It’s gratifying to help restore the patient’s use of his or her hands to return to activities of daily living, including work. I like to think of my patients as part of my family, trying to keep their best interest foremost.” Board-Certified: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery) Fellow: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA MD: Loma Linda University Member: American Association of Hand Surgeons In his free time, Dr. Fischer enjoys riding bicycles and hobby farming. He farms juice grapes and hay and has about 50 acres.

“I like helping someone return to work or sports activities. I feel empathy toward the pain the patient is feeling. I think patients should be actively involved in choosing a preferred treatment option based on the pros and cons of all the available options. I hope to give my patients the choice for a better life.” Board-Certified: American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Stratford NJ DO: Ohio University, Athens, OH MBA: Washington State University Adjunct Faculty: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences Member: American Orthopedic Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, American Medical Association, Washington State Orthopedic Association, Washington Osteopathic Medical Association, Washington State Medical Association (past delegate), Benton Franklin County Medical Society (past president) In her free time, Dr. Phipps enjoys hiking, skiing, photography, reading and visiting national parks.

“I enjoy helping those with injury or arthritis restore their ability to function. I hope to give patients the means and encouragement to pursue their work and hobbies. This allows me to build a level of trust with my patients.” Board-Certified: American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship Training: Adult Reconstructive Surgery of the Hip and Knee, Texas Hip and Knee Center, Fort Worth, TX Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan State University/MSUCOM, Botsford Hospital, Farmington Hills, MI DO: Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona, CA Medical Director: Kennewick General Hospital Total Joint Program Adjunct Faculty: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences Member: American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, Washington State Orthopedic Association, Washington Osteopathic Medical Association, Washington State Medical Association, Benton Franklin County Medical Society In his free time, Dr. Sherfey enjoys outdoor sports, fishing, hunting and spending time with his wife and three sons.

“I have always loved the hands-on aspect of Orthopedics, the close interaction with patients as well as the practicality of being so focused on the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and the pragmatism of identifying a problem (diagnosis) and being able to fix it (treatment or surgery). I view myself as a partner together with the patient in the process of addressing the patient’s specific problems. I believe that it is my responsibility to educated and to guide them in the process of making informed sound choices and decisions regarding their specific treatment and recovery. I consider myself as an advocate for my patients; especially in regard to safety and access to quality care.”

Board-Certified: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Fellowship Training: Hand Surgery Fellowship, Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Residency: William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, Texas

MD: University of Colorado School of Medicine

Years of Practice: 30 years (Since first licensed after Medical Boards)

Member: Diplomat National Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, Fellow American Orthopedic Association, Washington State Orthopedic Association, Western Orthopedic Surgeons, International Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.

In his free time, Dr. Espinosa enjoys Alpine Skiing/Ski Patrolling, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and motorcycle riding. He has a love for teaching, and being involved in International Humanitarian activities. Over the years this passion has brought him to be involved in projects in Burma, Thailand, Haiti, Afghanistan and Iraq.

I was introduced to foot and ankle surgery when I began college, and I was immediately fascinated by the complexities of the foot and ankle. I frequently hear patients say, “I don’t notice my feet until they start bothering me.” Foot and ankle pain can be very debilitating and interfere with our activities. I enjoy helping people to literally get back on their feet and resume their normal lives.

While living in Chicago and Boston during my medical training, I still considered the Columbia Basin to be home. As a Kennewick native, it was important to me that I return to the Tri-Cities to begin my career and be able to give back to the community that has already given me so much.

Board-Certified: Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Residency: St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Brighton, Massachusetts DPM: Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Member: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, American Podiatric Medical Association In his free time, Dr. McKay enjoys reading, playing tennis, working on computers and spending time with his wife and two children.

Meet the Physician Assistants:

Andy is a Physician Assistant-Certified with experience in Family Practice, Emergency Room Medicine. He has an extensive background in Diagnostic Imaging and Orthopedics. Special interest in general Orthopedics, fracture care, sports medicine and arthritis. His career in medicine started in 1986 as a Certified Radiologic Technologist with certifications in general radiology, CT and MRI Imaging. Andy then attended the University of Washington (MEDEX) and received his certification as a Physician Assistant in 1997. This was followed by a position as a PA-C in Columbia County (Dayton, Washington) working in the Emergency Room and Family Practice. He has been part of our group since March of 2001. PA-C: University of Washington (MEDEX Northwest) BS: Clinical Health Services, University of Washington Member: Washington Academy of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Physician Assistants, Washington Society of Radiologic Technologists, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Inc.

In his free time, Andy enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He also enjoys his cabin in the mountains, and working in his small vineyard. Spending time with his parents, siblings, and playing with his Black Labrador Retriever and also top priorities for Andy.

Wes is a Physician Assistant-Certified with experience in Neurosurgery and all aspects of Orthopedic Surgery with special interests in spine, arthritis, fracture care, sports medicine and general orthopedics. His career in medicine started in 1994 as a Physical Therapy Assistant, certified Athletic Trainer and Certified strength and conditioning specialist. He attended Central Washington University gaining his degree in Physical Education: Exercise Science and Athletic Training, then completed his education as a Physical Therapist Assistant at Green River Community College. After working as a Physical Therapist Assistant and Athletic Trainer-Certified for seven years, he attended the University of Washington where he received his certification as a Physician Assistant. In 2001 Wes began working as a Physician Assistant-Certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery. PA-C: University of Washington (Medex Northwest) BS: Clinical Health Services, University of Washington; Physical Education (Exercise Science and Athletic Training), Central Washington University Member: American Academy of Physician Assistants, National Commission on Certification Physician Assistant, National Athletic Trainers Association, National Strength and Conditioning Association: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

In his free time, Wes enjoys playing tennis, pickleball, lifting weights and spending time with his wife and two children.

Physical & Occupational Therapists Physical Therapists:

Melanie received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Montana in 2003, after completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Melanie joined Benton Franklin Physical Therapy in 2006 and enjoys working with people with a variety of orthopedic conditions.

Rod graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. He then attended Creighton University and graduated in 1998 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Rod joined Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates in 2002. He enjoys all areas of orthopedic physical therapy with a special interest in sports medicine. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and belongs to Orthopedic and Sports sections.

Jay attended Eastern Washington University where he obtained both his undergraduate degree in sports medicine/athletic training and his master's degree in physical therapy. He has been with Benton Franklin Physical Therapy since January 2003 and has enjoyed working in orthopedics. He particularly enjoys working with knee and shoulder injuries and rehabilitating athletes but enjoys all aspects of orthopedic physical therapy. In 2009, Jay became certified as an Orthopedic Specialist in physical therapy.

Occupational Therapists:

Darwin received his Master of Occupational Therapist degree from Eastern Washington University in 2012, after completing his undergraduate degree at Washington State University. He is board certified with the National Board of Occupational Therapy and a certified wound specialist. He joined Benton Franklin Physical Therapy in 2018 and has expertise working with orthopedic surgical recovery, wound care, lymphedema, and various other general Occupational Therapy areas.

Physical Therapy Assistants:

Joss completed her Physical Therapist Assistant program at Clarkson College in Nebraska. She moved to Washington State and joined Benton Franklin Physical Therapy in 2018. She enjoys physical therapy because of the broad scope of practice that affords the opportunity to help restore patients through many techniques, returning more functional and pain free movement. Her biggest hope is to give her patients confidence, that they can return to their lives, better than ever, post-surgery or injury.