We are very excited to have Natacha Yonezuka Gullo joining our Reflex provider group. She is a
highly-skilled physician assistant (PA) who comes to us with over 20 years of experience
specializing in orthopedic medicine. Natacha has worked in sports medicine and orthopedic
practices around the country and has been involved with professional teams, providing care for
several hockey, basketball, and soccer athletes.
“I started doing my research outside of my orthopedic practice to find non-surgical options for Knee OA not only to help my patients who wanted other options besides a total joint replacement but also for my failing knee…In my research, I found Reflex and was not only impressed with their non-surgical options but became very excited to begin helping OA patients with cutting-edge, science-based, and successful non-surgical treatments.”
As a former competitive gymnast herself, Natacha understands from personal experience the
demand people put on their knees when striving to excel in their sport. She struggles with knee
issues herself, and you will probably see her wearing a knee brace around the office when
treating patients.
“When I was training a lot as an Olympic level gymnast…I got injured often and spent much time in orthopedic clinics and found that I loved learning about injuries and how to fix them. Later on in life when I entered the orthopedic field I could easily relate and empathize with my patients because I was an orthopedic patient so many times myself.”
When Natacha is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son traveling
around the northwest biking, kayaking, snowboarding, and wine tasting.
Credentials/Specialty Training
- Specialized Training in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
- Specialized Training in Interventional Orthopedics
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
- Physician Assistant License from the Oregon State Medical Board
- Specialized Training in Viscosupplementation (Knee Injection Therapy)
- Certified Fluoroscopist
- Specialized Training in Knee Pain and Knee Injuries
Professional Background
- Brooke Benz MD Bone and Joint Clinic Beaverton, OR (2003-2015)
- Orthopedics of Steamboat Springs, CO (2003-2011)
- Orthopedic and Fracture Clinic Seattle, WA (2001)
- Orthopedic Specialists Denver, CO (1995-2000)
- Medical Team Physician Assistant
- Colorado Avalance, 1995-2000
- Denver Nuggets, 1995-2000
- Colorado Foxes, 1995-1997
- Jesuit High School Football Team, 2003-2015
- Preceptor for allied health students at Pacific University, 2010-2011
- Preceptor for physician assistant students from 1996-1999 at:
- George Washington University
- University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
- Western Michigan University
Research Experience:
- Review of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repairs, Benz Bone & Joint Clinic, 2004-2009
- Multi-center study on ACL Reconstructions, Denver Orthopedic Specialists, 1998-2000
- Thesis on Allografts in ACL Reconstructions, Yale University School of medicine, 1995
Education:
- Yale University School of Medicine: New Haven, CT Physician Associate Program
- University of Illinois: Champaign, IL Bachelor of Science with Honors in Business Administration
Publications and Awards:
- Achilles Tendon Injury in a Professional Basketball Player by, Traina S, Yonezuka N, Zinis Y.
- Orthopedics 22:6, 625-626 June 1999
- High Honors- clinical phase, Yale University School of Medicine, 1995
- High Honors- didactic phase, Yale University School of Medicine, 1994
- George Huff Award for Outstanding Scholastic and Athletic Achievement, 1986
- Full gymnastics athletic scholarship, U. of Illinois, 1983- 1987
- Varsity gymnastics team captain, U. of Illinois, 1985-1986
- Varsity gymnastics letter winner, U. of Illinois, 1983-1986
- Olympic gymnast (alternate), French team, 1980