Reflex is thrilled to announce the addition of Natacha Yonezuka Gullo, a highly skilled Physician Assistant, to our provider team. Natacha brings over two decades of experience in orthopedic medicine, including a significant period at Brooke Benz Md Bone and Joint Clinic in Beaverton, OR, from 2003 to 2015. Her extensive background encompasses sports medicine and orthopedic practices across the nation, where she has provided care for athletes in hockey, basketball, and soccer at the professional level.
Natacha’s approach to patient care is deeply influenced by her own experiences. As a former competitive gymnast, she intimately understands the physical demands and potential knee issues athletes face. In fact, her personal journey with knee problems led her to explore non-surgical solutions for Osteoarthritis (OA). This personal quest resonated with her professional goals: “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.” This proactive approach and dedication to finding innovative solutions make her a valuable asset to Reflex.
Her empathy for patients stems from her own history as an orthopedic patient. “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.” This unique perspective enhances her ability to connect with and effectively treat her patients.
Natacha’s impressive credentials and specialized training include:
- 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
Prior to joining Reflex, Natacha’s professional journey included significant roles at:
- 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)
Her experience also extends to serving as a Medical Team Physician Assistant for:
- Colorado Avalanche (1995-2000)
- Denver Nuggets (1995-2000)
- Colorado Foxes (1995-1997)
- Jesuit High School Football Team (2003-2015)
Furthermore, Natacha has contributed to medical education as a Preceptor for allied health students at Pacific University (2010-2011) and for physician assistant students from various universities between 1996 and 1999. Her research experience includes a review of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repairs at Benz Bone & Joint Clinic and contributions to multi-center studies on ACL Reconstructions.
Natacha holds a Physician Associate Program degree from Yale University School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Business Administration from the University of Illinois. Her publications and awards include recognition for her clinical and academic excellence, as well as athletic achievements, including being an Olympic gymnast alternate for the French team in 1980.
Outside of her professional life, Natacha enjoys an active lifestyle in the Northwest with her family, indulging in biking, kayaking, snowboarding, and wine tasting. Reflex is excited to welcome Natacha and her wealth of experience to our team, confident that her dedication and expertise will greatly benefit our patients seeking cutting-edge orthopedic care.