An interview with Wally Krengel, MD

Dr. Krengel is a Seattle native who went to College and Medical School at Stanford University. He returned to Seattle and completed a General Surgery Internship, Orthopedic Residency, and Spine Surgery Fellowship at the University of Washington. He joined a private group practice in 1991, focusing on Spine Surgery in Adults and Children. Since 1996 he practiced mainly at Overlake Hospital with Proliance Surgeons, and has extensive experience in the surgical and non-surgical management of Spinal Disorders in Children and Adults. He joined the University of Washington Faculty full time in February of 2008, as Associate Professor in Orthopedics, and Director of Spine Services at Children’s Hospital to further pursue his academic, teaching and research interests.

What do you most enjoy about your work?
Seeing the dramatic improvement in my patients’ pain, function, quality of life, or appearance following successful surgery. I also cherish the relationshipand trust I develop with patients and their families.

What is your treatment philosophy?
I really want my patients and their families to understand their medical problems, and the risks and options associated with them. That understanding should lead to a smoother course of treatment, and improved outcomes.

What are your interests outside of medicine?
Mainly outdoor activities: fly-fishing, hiking, cross-country and downhill skiing, and unfortunately golf.

What is the focus of your teaching efforts?
Developing caring, ethical orthopedic surgeons who communicate compassionately with their patients. Avoidance of complications.

What do your most recent research efforts focus on?
Spinal Deformity and spondylolisthesis treatment options and outcomes.

What is the focus of your clinical efforts?
Treatment of pain, deformity and neurologic dysfunction caused by spinal column disorders.
Principal Clinical Interests (common diagnoses treated, common surgeries done) :   
Adults – Degenerative Scoliosis, Spine Fractures, Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Cervical and Lumbar Disc Herniation, Spinal Column tumors
Children – Scoliosis, Congenital and Neuromuscular Spinal Deformity, Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis

Recent publications:
Multicenter IDE Study on the Clinical Effectiveness of Titanium Surgical Mesh for one ad Two-level Spinal Fusion: 2 year follow-up.  (To be presented at Eurospine Conference, May 27, 2008, Geneva)

Dr. Krengel Contact Information:
    Children’s Hospital Orthopedic Clinic: 206-987-2109
    Children’s Hospital Office: 206-987-3756
    University of Washington Clinic: 206-598-4288

Last Updated: 4/7/2009