SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – As one of the newest orthopaedic surgeons at Regional West Physicians Clinic-Orthopaedics, Eric Gardner, MD, is inspirational when he talks about establishing his practice in western Nebraska.

“I enjoy my ability to physically improve the lives of my patients whether with conservative or surgical means. Helping change one’s quality of life is big time job satisfaction,” he said.

While he specializes in arthroscopy and sports medicine, Dr. Gardner said he also enjoys treating patients with everything from broken bones, to arthritic joints, and especially enjoys interaction with patients in the clinic.

Dr. Gardner is one of five new physicians at Regional West Physicians Clinic-Orthopaedics. He was recruited to the panhandle during his fellowship training at Cincinnati Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center. There, Dr. Gardner learned many specialized procedures, including cartilage restoration, from his mentor, internationally-renowned knee surgeon and orthopaedic sports medicine specialist, Frank Noyes, MD.

Dr. Gardner and his wife, Natalie, who is a licensed esthetician, have four children – Avery, age 7; Thomas, 6; Brynnley, 3; and Matthew, 8 months.

“The Gardners are a wonderful addition to the community,” says long-time orthopaedic surgeon Timothy Friedlein, MD. “Eric is down to earth and is a perfect fit with western Nebraska. Patients really like him.”

Dr. Friedlein should know. He has provided orthopaedic care at Regional West for 18 years and has been recognized for five-star rated care for overall orthopaedic care by Healthgrades™. During that time he has been involved in the community through Boy Scouts, his church, and served as a team physician for local sports teams.

Now, in addition to Drs. Friedlein and Gardner, Regional West will offer orthopaedic care from four additional physicians, including two whose names and reputations are regionally established.

Orthopaedic surgeons Andreas Sauerbrey, MD, and Greg Sarin, DO, are new to Regional West Medical Center, while Bryan Scheer, MD, and Anthony Sanchez, II, MD, have returned to the medical staff. All four physicians are Healthgrades™ recognized doctors.

Andreas Sauerbrey, MD, has practiced at Steamboat Springs, Colo. since 2001. He is fellowship-trained in shoulder, elbow, and hand surgery, and is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. His specialty training in conditions that affect the upper extremities provide an extra level of expertise in those areas, but he is well-trained to manage all aspects of orthopaedic care including joint replacement, sports and trauma. In addition, he has extensive experience and interest in PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy.

Dr. Sauerbrey was the U.S. Olympic Freestyle Ski Team physician from 2007 until 2011. Originally from Bend, Ore., he likes small town living and says he really enjoys seeing patients in Scottsbluff. He will see patients twice monthly at Regional West.

Dr. Greg Sarin also practices at Steamboat Springs, Colo., and will now offer care at Regional West every other Friday. Dr. Sarin is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in all aspects of knee injuries as well as trauma, sports medicine, and total joint replacement.

Dr. Sarin is a doctor for the U.S. Ski Team and serves as a member of the Routt County Search and Rescue in Colorado. While completing his sports medicine fellowship at Kentucky Sports Medicine in Lexington, Ky., he served as a team physician for Division I NCAA football and basketball teams. He is passionate about rescuing unwanted and abused dogs and is an advocate for helping patients through pet therapy.

Dr. Scheer is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine, and has a special interest in advanced shoulder reconstruction, joint replacement, and sports medicine/arthroscopy. He served as a volunteer clinical instructor at the University of Colorado, Department of Orthopedics, at Denver Health Medical Center.

Dr. Sanchez is board-certified in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery. He completed a fellowship in orthopaedic sports medicine, was the chief resident of sports medicine at Denver Health Medical Center, and served as an assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He has provided sports medicine services to the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves, and the Twins; the professional rodeo circuit; the U.S. Soccer Team; and World Cup Hockey.

Patient care at Regional West Physicians Clinic-Orthopaedics, is also provided by board-certified physician assistants Abbie Cross, PA-C, and Trisha Lacey, MPAS, PA-C.

“We have an exceptional team of orthopaedic surgeons and physician assistants to manage all aspects of orthopaedic care,” said Todd Sorensen, MD, MS, president and CEO of Regional West Health Services. “That means our orthopaedic patients can get the care they need, close to home, from expert providers.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.