History

It begins with orthopaedic surgeon Thomas O. Miller, MD, who envisioned a medical practice devoted solely to bone, joint, and muscle injuries. His vision came to life in 1969 when he opened a solo practice at 630 First Street in Wausau named Miller Bone & Joint, S.C. (Service Corporation). One year later, Richard L. Buechel, MD, became the second orthopaedic surgeon to join the practice.

The clinic reached a major milestone in August 1971 when the Articles of Incorporation were amended to rename the practice Bone & Joint Clinic, S.C.

Following this milestone, two more orthopaedic surgeons joined the growing practice—Donald H. Kranendonk, MD, in 1972 and Alexander S. Foltz, MD, in 1976.

Doctors Miller, Buechel, Kranendonk, and Foltz became Bone & Joint's charter group of orthopaedic surgeons. They set a standard for exceptional care—from admissions through treatment and recovery—that is continued today.

A successful—and still growing—specialty practice prompted a 1979 relocation to the office suites at Wausau Hospital (now Aspirus Hospital).

Bone & Joint expanded its service area when, in 1981, it purchased a building from Dr. Braun on East Second Street in Merrill, Wisconsin.

In 1987 Richard Foltz, MD, orthopaedic surgeon (brother of Dr. A. Foltz) relocated from a Rhinelander orthopaedic group to become a Bone & Joint provider. The same year Dr. R. Foltz joined Bone & Joint in Wausau, he began offering orthopaedic services one day a week at the hospital in Medford, Wisconsin, further expanding Bone & Joint's service area.

The visionary physicians of Bone & Joint's charter group would be greatly pleased to see how steadfastly the current professionals at Bone & Joint have continued the group's original philosophy of care, including E. Lawrence Markey, MD who retired in 2010. They'd also be proud of the talent and experience these physicians bring to Bone & Joint.

1991 William E. Wessels, MD, orthopaedic surgeon joined the Bone & Joint group.

1995 James R. Messerly, DO, primary orthopaedic care and sports medicine specialist. Dr. Messerly was the first non-surgical physician to join the group.

As a result of its expansion into sports medicine, William J. Jarvis, MD, orthopaedic surgeon with a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopy joined the practice in 1998.

Daniel D. Priebe, DO, orthopaedic surgeon left a successful private practice in Princeton, IL, to join Bone & Joint in 2000.

Lester A. Owens, DO, physical medicine and rehabilitation with a specialty in pain management joined the practice in 2002, introducing Bone & Joint to a new service line—pain management.

In 2004 Pamela E. Glennon, MD, orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist and upper extremity care.

In 2006 Thomas G. Staysniak, DPM, surgical podiatrist, came on staff to serve the foot and ankle sub-specialty.

In 2007 Benjamin J. Hackett, MD, orthopaedic spine surgeon came on staff after completing a fellowship in orthopaedic spine surgery at the Twin Cities Spine Center.

Paul T. Strobel, DPM, surgical podiatrist joined the practice in 2008.

Scott D. Stuempfig, MD, joined the practice in 2009. Dr. Stuempfig specializes in pain medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal pain disorders. He also offers EMG/NCV studies and interventional pain procedures.

JOINED IN 2010:
Kulpreet K. Sahota, MD, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
Douglas J. Keele, DO, Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine.
Eric J. Thiel, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine.

In 2002 a new clinic was built in Medford to serve the needs of the community. This clinic is currently staffed full time by three orthopaedic surgeons.

In December 2004 land was purchased in Rib Mountain with visions for the development of a highly specialized musculoskeletal center.

In 2006 a new clinic was constructed in Merrill on Eagle Drive. This clinic is currently staffed by two full-time surgeons, a pain management physician, and a podiatrist.

On September 20, 2007, an official groundbreaking ceremony was held at 5200 Hummingbird Road in the Town of Rib Mountain for the construction of a 43,000 square ft. musculoskeletal center and ambulatory surgery center, which is now fully constructed and occupied.

In September of 2009, an official groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Medford Bone & Joint for expansion of the facility. The new addition provides a 20% increase in square footage. The total square footage of the facility is approximately 7,000 total square feet.