Spine Care
Sara Thronburg, FNP-C - Nurse Practitioner
Sara Thronburg, FNP-C, is a skilled Nurse Practitioner specializing in Spine Care alongside Dr. Eric Shubert. With a compassionate and patient-focused approach, Sara provides comprehensive support for individuals dealing with spine-related conditions, utilizing advanced care techniques to help patients manage pain and improve mobility for a better quality of life.
Phillip R. Kravetz, M.D.
Dr. Phillip Kravetz is a Minimally Invasive Laser Spine Surgeon at Summit Orthopedics & Spine Institute in Casper, Wyoming, with nearly 20 years of experience. Board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery with a specialty in Spinal Surgery, he trained at the University of Michigan Medical School and completed fellowships at Harvard and Baylor University. Dr. Kravetz has taught minimally invasive spine surgery techniques to hundreds of surgeons worldwide.
Since 2001, Dr. Kravetz has been a pioneer in minimally invasive spine surgery, treating both simple and complex conditions, including cases like adult scoliosis and spinal fusions. He emphasizes patient education, helping them understand their spine issues and the surgical process, which improves recovery outcomes.
Cristian A. Balcescu, M.D.
Dr. Balcescu was born in Romania and emigrated to the USA in his early teens. He completed medical school and orthopedic training on the west coast, and his spine fellowship in the Midwest. Dr Balcescu’s practice focuses on spinal disorders such as: disc herniations, arthritic/degenerative processes, spinal stenosis, complex pediatric and adult kyphotic and scoliotic deformities, sports-related injuries, spondylolisthesis, myelopathy, infections, trauma, and revision surgeries.
Dr Balcescu’s practice focuses on spinal disorders such as: disc herniations, arthritic/degenerative processes, spinal stenosis, complex pediatric and adult kyphotic and scoliotic deformities, sports-related injuries, spondylolisthesis, myelopathy, infections, trauma, and revision surgeries. He is passionate about the concepts of patient centered care and evidence-based treatments to provide the best possible clinical solutions to his patients.
Pain Management
Todd Hammond, MD.
Dr. Todd Hammond, MD, is a dedicated Pain Management specialist focused on helping patients achieve relief from chronic and acute pain. He combines the latest techniques with personalized treatment plans to address each patient’s unique needs, providing compassionate care to enhance quality of life and aid in recovery.
Bengt J. Grua, M.D.
Dr. Bengt Grua is a pain management specialist at Summit Orthopedics & Spine Institute. He earned his medical degree from Florida Atlantic University and completed his residency in Anesthesiology at Dartmouth Health, where he served as chief resident. He also completed a Pain Medicine Fellowship at Dartmouth Health and is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honors society and the North American Neuromodulation Society.
Dr. Grua focuses on treating chronic pain, including peripheral nerve injury, post-joint replacement pain, and spinal cord stimulation. He uses non-invasive techniques, minimizing the need for long-term medications, with most procedures requiring little to no recovery time. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring Wyoming with his wife, two sons, and their golden retriever.
Jamie Kidder, AGNP-C
Jamie is a native of Wyoming, growing up in Greybull, Wyoming, and moving to Casper after high school. She completed her registered nurse Associate of science degree training here at Casper College in May of 2000, then later obtained a Bachelor of science in Nursing degree and finally a Master of science degree in Nursing from Walden University in 2018 and is accredited through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Jamie has worked within the Casper community for over 30 years with experience in hospital care, developmental disabilities nursing, and currently with pain management. She has been working with our pain management team since 2013, when she became employed as a registered nurse and moved into the current position of Adult and Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP-C) in 2018. Working in multiple capacities in the field of nursing has allowed her to develop a unique perspective on providing skilled and compassionate care to our patients. Specializing in pain management, offering initial and ongoing evaluation for a variety of conditions and medication management. She works closely with our physicians to develop the optimal treatment plan.
Amy Hitshew, PA-C
Amy Hitshew, PA-C, is a dedicated Physician Assistant specializing in Orthopedic and Spine Care at Summit Orthopedic & Spine Institute. Based in Wyoming, Amy is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, ensuring each individual feels heard and supported throughout their treatment journey.
She will be practicing out of the Lander SOSI office – 535 East Main Street, Suite A.
With a passion for bringing world-class orthopedic and spine care to her community, Amy combines her clinical expertise with a personalized approach to help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Marc Dicklin, PA-C, MS
Marc Dicklin, PA-C, MS, is a Certified Physician Assistant at Summit Orthopedic & Spine Institute with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic, urgent, and primary care. He is dedicated to helping patients recover, regain function, and live active lives.
Marc will be practicing at the Lander SOSI office – 535 East Main Street, Suite A.
With a strong background in orthopedics, spinal surgery, and procedural care, Marc has worked with the Colorado Springs Orthopedic Group and various urgent and primary care facilities across Iowa and Illinois, providing comprehensive, compassionate care to patients of all ages.
Dr. Jack Wagoner, MD
Dr. Jack Wagoner is a double board-certified physician in Interventional Pain Medicine and Endoscopic Spine Surgery at Summit Orthopedic & Spine Institute. He provides advanced, minimally invasive treatments to help patients manage pain and return to the activities they love.
He will be practicing at the Lander SOSI office – 535 East Main Street, Suite A.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. Wagoner trained at Stanford, the University of Arizona, Case Western, and the University of Florida, with additional international experience in South Korea and Germany. Specializing in neuromodulation and endoscopic spine surgery, he offers innovative, patient-centered care close to home.
Branden Lassen, PA-C
Branden Lassen, PA-C, is a Certified Orthopedic Physician Assistant at Summit Orthopedic & Spine Institute, specializing in Sports Medicine, Joint Replacement, and Orthopedic Trauma. He is dedicated to helping patients recover, regain mobility, and return to active living.
He will be practicing at the Lander SOSI office – 535 East Main Street, Suite A.
Originally from Texas, Branden earned his B.S. in Health Sciences from the University of North Carolina Asheville and his M.P.A.S. from South College in Knoxville, graduating Summa Cum Laude. His career includes work in Sports Medicine, Joint Replacement, and Orthopedic Trauma, with experience at Texas Health Dallas and alongside one of the nation’s top orthopedic surgeons.
