It hasn’t taken the community long to discover Rainier Orthopedic Institute’s new Bonney Lake location since opening three months ago.

The office is a satellite of its main clinic on Puyallup’s South Hill and is a division of Proliance Surgeons, Inc., P.S.

“We’ve received a ton of thank you cards,” said Teri Miller, who serves as manager of the clinic that specializes in orthopedic, spine and sports medicine.

Branching out to the south-Plateau area was a perfect idea whose time had come.

“This area is really growing,” she said. “We noticed so many patients coming from here, so we thought we’d be part of this community.”

The clinic’s staff of eight orthopedic physicians and three physicians’ assistants divide their time between the two locations, which offer X-rays at its Bonney Lake office and outpatient surgery in Puyallup. Of the many patients served, a large portion of care revolves around sports injuries and children’s fractures, Miller said. Other care includes treatment for occupational injuries and seniors’ orthopedic needs as well.

“A good portion of our practice includes the elderly,” she said. “They want to be active. They come in for arthritic care such as total joint replacement, like shoulders, hips and knees.”

Each member of the staff strives to go the extra mile, as evidenced in the clinics’ yearly appreciation luncheon.

“We have a ‘Total Joint Luncheon’ each year,” she said. “It amounts to 200 people coming every summer. They send in pictures of what they can do now (post-treatment).”

During the event, the guests of honor are invited to share their journey to health and success with the others. “We give them the mic,” she said.

That same compassion is shared in the office.

“Our doctors take pride in keeping up with all the latest medical advances and technology available,” Miller said. “You want to find a group of doctors who care about their patients. That’s the reason I stick with them.”

Dr. Neal Shonnard has been a board-certified surgeon for 23 years and said the best part of his job is “getting to help people take care of problems that interrupt their ability to pursue their passions,” he said. “It’s a joy when you can give that back to someone.”

Rainier Orthopedic Institute is located across from Fred Meyer at 20920 state Route 410 in Bonney Lake. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Its Web site is www.rainierortho.com and can be reached at 253-845-9585.