Each year, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine asks physicians across Minnesota whom they would trust to care for themselves or a member of their family. The physicians who receive the most votes undergo an additional vetting process, and the best of the best made this year’s 2021 Top Doctors list.
Year after year, Summit Orthopedics’ physicians and surgeons are named to Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Top Doctors list. One reason for this is their outstanding communication skills. According to recent Press Ganey patient satisfaction survey results, the 11 Summit doctors who earned a spot on this year’s prestigious 2021 Top Doctors list received an average score of 95 percent in the category “shows respect for what you have to say.”
Congratulations to all of our wonderful 2021 Top Doctors. We’re proud to work alongside you every day.
Amy Beacom, M.D. – Top Doctor since 2008
Dr. Beacom is a sports medicine physician who joined Summit Orthopedics in 2005 as the practice’s first nonsurgical specialist. In addition to her work with Summit, she is a team physician for the Minnesota Twins.
A patient recently shared what sets Dr. Beacom apart:
“She is just excellent. She LISTENS. I mean, she really listens!!! And her communication skills are wonderful. I cannot put into words how much I appreciate Dr. Beacom and how fantastic I think she is.”
Kristoffer Breien, M.D. – Top Doctor since 2007
Dr. Breien is a hip and knee surgeon with particular expertise in total joint replacement. After training as an orthopedic surgeon, he completed an arthroplasty fellowship in hip and knee reconstruction.
Take a look at what one of Dr. Breien’s patients had to say about his care:
“I cannot express how wonderful I feel after having my surgery. I can walk again without any pain at all. My whole surgery experience was amazing, from the surgery to my aftercare. I think that Dr. Breien is a rock star for pretty much making my life so much better.”
Peter Daly, M.D. – Top Doctor since 1999
Dr. Daly is an orthopedic surgeon who focuses on knee, shoulder, hip, sports medicine/arthroscopic surgery, and joint preservation and restoration. Empathy is a cornerstone of his patient care.
One of Dr. Daly’s patients explains what makes him special:
“Dr. Daly has got to be the best orthopedic doctor in the state of Minnesota and beyond. He is kind, caring, more than expert in his field, and also a very good soul. I am very fortunate to have him as my doctor.”
Jack Drogt, M.D. – Top Doctor since 1992
Dr. Drogt is a hip and knee surgeon focusing on helping people with arthritis get back to their active lifestyles. His specialty is surgical reconstruction of the hip and knee.
A recent patient recommends Dr. Drogt:
“Dr. Drogt and his staff ALWAYS go above and beyond what they are called to do. We have the utmost respect for Dr. Drogt and are grateful for his good care.”
Erik Ekstrom, M.D. – Top Doctor since 2016
Dr. Ekstrom is a physiatrist, also known as a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. He specializes in back, neck, and spine care and is dedicated to helping his patients live healthy, pain-free lives.
One of Dr. Ekstrom’s patients shares the dramatic impact he has had:
“Dr. Ekstrom turned my life around when he was able to give me pain relief. I trust him with my life.”
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. Although he is a surgical specialist, he takes a conservative approach to hand and wrist arthritis pain, helping patients avoid surgery when possible.
A patient summarizes the experience of Dr. Forseth’s care in this way:
“I’m very impressed with Dr. Forseth’s knowledge, professionalism, courtesy, and compassion.”
James Gannon, M.D. – Top Doctor since 1996
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Dr. Gannon’s first Top Doctor honor. He is a fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder arthroscopy, sports medicine, joint preservation, and joint replacement.
A patient offered this glowing review:
“Dr. Gannon, from the first meeting to the last, was not only a wonderful doctor, but also a gentleman. He gets my vote of confidence. If I need my other shoulder fixed, he will be the surgeon.”
Peter Parten, M.D. – Top Doctor since 2008
Dr. Parten is a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon who specializes in shoulder arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery, as well as sports medicine. His goal is to partner with patients to minimize surgery’s disruption to their lives.
A recent patient shared what makes Dr. Parten stand out:
“Dr. Parten is an excellent doctor. He is very kind and considerate, he listens to you, and he makes sure you understand your conditions and their outcomes. I highly recommend him to all my friends.”
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 joined Summit after spending a decade at the University of Minnesota as an Associate Professor in Orthopedic Surgery.
A patient had this to say about Dr. Santos’ care:
“Dr. Edward Santos is an amazing doctor. He is very kind, understanding, and knowledgeable.”
David Strothman, M.D. – Top Doctor since 2020
Dr. Strothman was repeatedly named a Rising Star by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine before joining the Top Doctor list in 2020. He 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.
One of Dr. Strothman’s patients shared this perspective:
“Dr. Strothman is very thorough and a compassionate physician. I feel confident in his care.”
Andrew Thomas, M.D. – Top Doctor since 2018
Dr. Thomas is a fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon who focuses on diseases of the hand, wrist, and elbow; carpal tunnel syndrome; and hand and wrist arthritis. Additional clinical areas of interest include chronic pain, reconstructive surgery, and restoration of balance and function due to stroke or cerebral palsy.
Dr. Thomas’s compassionate expertise is appreciated by his patients:
“Dr. Thomas is professional, knowledgeable, and very respectful. I would never go to anyone but him again.”
Summit Orthopedics supports healthy communities
Community health flourishes when specialized orthopedic care is conveniently available close to home. Summit Orthopedics is proud of our fellowship-trained subspecialty teams offering the full spectrum of orthopedic expertise in bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, and joint conditions—in addition to our wellness, prevention, and rehabilitation services. We have the expertise to proactively improve fitness, evaluate discomfort, and deliver personalized treatment to quickly and safely return you to the lifestyle you love.
Start your journey to a healthier, more active self. Visit our Facebook page to learn about our wellness services and schedule a free wellness consultation online. Find your orthopedic expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as several additional community clinics.
More resources for you:
- Meet Summit’s 2021 Rising Star awardees.
- Take a look at Summit’s 2020 Top Doctor list of honorees.
- View the Summit physicians on the 2019 Top Doctors list.
- Six Summit Physicians Honored as 2022 Rising Stars
- 12 Summit Physicians Honored with 2022 Top Doctors Recognition