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.
In 2025, Dr. Hammond became the first Center of Excellence provider for the Intracept® Procedure in Wyoming.
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.
In 2025, Dr. Grua became the second Center of Excellence provider for the Intracept® Procedure in Wyoming.
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.
Dr. Jack Wagoner, MD
Dr. Jack Wagoner is double board-certified in Interventional Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and fellowship-trained in Endoscopic Spine Surgery. He practices at Summit Orthopedic & Spine Institute in Casper, Wyoming, where he provides advanced, minimally invasive treatments to help patients manage pain and return to the activities they love.
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.
Kody Wheeler, DNP, MSN, APRN-CNP, FNP-C
Kody completed his Associate of Science Degree in Nursing at Casper College. He later obtained a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. Kody went on to earn his Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Medicine from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
Kody has experience working in an assisted living facility as well as a neurosurgical/neurologic nurse, emergency room nurse, psychiatric nurse and currently in pain management. He has been working with our pain management team since 2025. Kody works closely with our physicians in developing the proper individualized treatment plan for patients while ensuring competent, compassionate care.
Orthopedic Care
Matthew Mitchell, MD
Dr. Matthew Mitchell is a board-certified, and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with almost 30 years of experience. He graduated Cum Laude from Harvard Medical School and completed his internship and residency at Ohio State University in Orthopedic Surgery. He completed his foot and ankle surgery fellowship at North Shore Private Hospital in Australia. Dr. Mitchell has an extensive military background, starting by receiving his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Dr. Mitchell sees a wide range of patients for trauma and orthopedic care. He is experienced with hand surgery, ligament reconstruction, knee replacement, cartilage transplantation, bone lengthening, and ultrasound-guided injections.
In his spare time, Dr. Mitchell is very active in the community. He currently serves as President of Wyoming for Heroes, a charity started to support veterans and first responders in Wyoming. Dr. Mitchell also serves as President of the Natrona County Medical Society. He is an active member of the Wyoming High School Activities Sports Medicine Committee and Lander Pipe Band.
Dr. Mitchell is accepting new patients at Summit Orthopedic and Spine Institute in Casper.
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.
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.
He will be practicing at the Cheyenne SOSI office – 4017 Rawlins Street.
Brent Jennewine, MD
Dr. Brent Jennewine is an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery. Originally from Ohio, he earned his medical degree at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, completed orthopedic surgery residency at Campbell Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, and obtained additional fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery at Texas Orthopedic Hospital with the Fondren Orthopedic Group in Houston, Texas.
With his specialized training, Dr. Jennewine manages a wide range of shoulder and elbow conditions – including primary and revision shoulder and elbow replacements, instability, arthroscopic procedures, and general shoulder and elbow conditions. He also has significant experience in managing orthopedic trauma and fractures, hand and wrist conditions, and sports injuries. He now practices at the Summit Orthopedic & Spine Institute, Summit Medical Center, and Memorial Hospital of Converse County.
In his free time, Dr. Jennewine likes to go fly fishing, skiing, golfing, and spending time with his wife and two huskies.
Travis Kieckbusch, MD
Dr. Travis Kieckbusch is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with more than 25 years’ experience. He recently relocated to the Casper area from Reno, Nevada to enjoy the more rural lifestyle in this area. He grew up in northern Nevada and enjoys the western lifestyle and outdoor activities that the Wyoming area offers.
Dr Kieckbusch sees a wide range of patients for orthopedic care including injuries of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. He is experienced in sports related care as well as treatment of trauma and fractures.
He received a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Nevada Reno, earned his Medical Doctorate at the University Nevada Reno School of Medicine, and did his residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Orthopedic Surgery.
Dr. Kieckbusch grew up around rodeo. He, along with his wife and kids, have all participated in the sport. He has been fortunate to watch his children from junior rodeo all the way to the professional level. His love of rodeo carried into his professional career where Dr. Kieckbusch focuses much of his practice on sports-related injuries. He has been a Team Physician for the Justin Sportsmedicine team for the last 18 years, providing medical care for professional rodeo athletes. This continues with the American Sports Medicine team where he provides Team Physician coverage for the American Rodeos. He also was an Orthopedic Team Physician for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack Division I athletes from 2009-2026.
Patients sit squarely at the center of Dr. Kieckbusch’s practice. He works hard to maintain his schedule so that patients rarely have to wait for scheduled appointments and to ensure each one has the time they need with their doctor. He also goes out of his way to make himself accessible to patients outside of appointments, personally taking their phone calls whenever possible. Dr. Kieckbusch believes in taking the time to find each patient’s appropriate care path and considers himself conservative when it comes to surgery, opting to try alternative treatments first. However, when surgery is indicated he utilizes cutting edge techniques for the best outcomes.
He has considerable experience in medical staff governance, including being the Chief of staff for a large medical system for 6 years. He also participated in previous county and state medical societies and was the president of the Washoe County Medical Association in 2010.
He shares his knowledge of orthopaedic and sports injury with many levels of medical providers including physicians, APP’s, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. He is part of the committee that puts on the national Care of the Rodeo Athlete Conference during the National Finals Rodeo. Dr. Kieckbusch also makes time to help educate the doctors of tomorrow as an associate professor with the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
Dr. Kieckbusch, along with his wife, plan to take advantage of all that Wyoming has to offer. In addition to enjoying rodeo activities, you will find him hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors.
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.New Paragraph
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.
Daniel Possley, D.O., M.S.
Dr. Daniel Possley is a Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon in practice at Cornerstone Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Metro Denver. He pursued a career in spine surgery after his brother had a serious neck injury that nearly left him paralized. His brother is now a thriving electrician, and Dr. Possley knows the value of good surgical care. However, he also appreciates the value of conservative care — and he strives to get you back to your life with non-operative treatments first. His goal is to help you return to doing the things you love so that you can live the life you deserve.
Dr. Possley felt called to serve after the events of 9-11, and joined the United States Army as an orthopedic surgeon. He completed his orthopedic surgical internship at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He continued his residency training in orthopedics and rehabilitation at the San Antonio Military Medical Consortium; the only US Department of Defense level one trauma center. Dr. Possley was deployed to Bastion Hospital at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his combat experience, he continued his work as an active duty orthopedic surgeon at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Fort Hood, Texas.
His wartime experience pushed him to continue his training, and he completed a spine surgery fellowship at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan; a world-renowned spine fellowship. This is literally the busiest spine fellowship in the world, and Dr. Possley was mentored by some of the most well respected leaders in the field.New Paragraph
Amy (Hitshew) Maxson, 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.
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.
Marc practices out of the Cheyenne SOSI Office - 4017 Rawlins St.
