Patient Testimonials

I “happened” to become a patient of Dr. Edward W. Szalapski at the end of 2023 into 2024, and I am very pleased.

In 2023, a friend had an emergency accident damaging her left shoulder. Dr. Szalapski was assigned as her doctor. I reviewed his background and saw that he did reverse total shoulder replacement! I met with him, and he reviewed the X-rays that the previous doctor had taken. He saw my shoulder needed surgery.

Dr. Szalapski and his team are quick, to the point, thorough, and always ask if I have any questions or concerns. My surgery and recovery have gone well. I recommend and thank Dr. Szalapski.

I had ankle replacement surgery with Dr. William Engasser back in February, and I couldn’t be happier! I broke my ankle 20+ years ago and over time, my joint had deteriorated to total bone-on-bone. I had severe pain anytime I stood, much less walked. That pain is now gone, and I am slowly getting back to the many activities I was forced to give up. Most importantly, I was able to dance at my son’s wedding two weeks ago! Dr. Engasser always took the time to answer my questions and address my fears. I never felt rushed during appointments. His enthusiasm gave me the confidence to go through with this procedure, and he never made a promise that he didn’t keep. I highly recommend Dr. Engasser and his team.

Dr. Murar did an amazing job on my knee and I feel like he gave me my life back. I have no more pain and I am able to do all the activities again. Dr Murar is the best and my surgery was a great experience.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Paul Crowe and his care team, as well as the EXCEL Surgery & Recovery Program through TCO. I dealt with crippling back pain for so many years and had to undergo an L5-S1 spinal fusion at 32 years old. All aspects of the EXCEL program are top-notch, and you can tell there was so much thought put into patient care and comfort. Dr. Crowe visited me several times after my procedure. He was great to chat with, answered all my questions, and gave me some encouragement for healing. I am now nearly three years out from my procedure, and I feel better than I ever have. I have my life back and can do activities I couldn’t before. I owe everything to Dr. Crowe, his team, and TCO.

What a great experience. I checked in, was immediately taken to the exam room, and prescreened by the nurse. She left, and Dr. Eric Miller walked in within a minute. I can’t recall another appointment where all the staff were so prompt. Dr. Miller was empathetic, attentive, and seemed genuinely interested. I’m hoping I don’t have to return, but if do, I’m confident I’ll be in good hands.

What a wonderful experience – from the first conversation with Dr. Samuel Carlson, through the Orthopedic Institute surgery & recovery to the follow up appointment I have been thrilled with the plan and as result my rapid recovery to mobility and minimal discomfort. The facility was top notch along with the staff, accommodation and teriffic food. Dr Carlson is thorough, direct and wonderfully easy to talk with – no bs! I can highly recommend this surgeon as well as the Orthopedic Institute for knee joint replacement.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude and thanks to TCO’s Dr. Meisterling and his entire team. My life has turned around in such an amazingly positive direction thanks to two total knee replacements. Dr. Meisterling’s surgeries have allowed my wife and I to complete a recent hiking trip through Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone National Parks. We’re so appreciative of the “new lease on life” that the TCO team has given to me. My wife and I look forward to hiking many more national parks in the months and years to come.

I chose Dr. O’Neil because a friend who had him for a hip replacement said it was a “piece-of-cake”. My surgery was early in the morning. I slept most of the day and the next morning I was awake and feeling good. They gave me breakfast and a lunch to take along I was discharged to go home to northern Minnesota. The next day I started walking our driveway, which is quite long, with a walker. The next week I switched to a cane more for security than needed. My recovery was faster and pain was less with the anterior hip surgery. This was so much easier than my previous surgery with a different orthopedic physician, and the scar is fading fast.

I went to see Dr. Mark Fischer because I was having extreme pain in my right shoulder. He was thorough and professional in diagnosing where my pain was coming from. I can hardly believe I am pain-free after suffering for so many months. Do not hesitate to see Dr. Fischer with your orthopedic concerns. He is the best!

Ten weeks ago I had hip replacement surgery with Dr. Owen O’Neill. I highly recommend him and his talented team.

Dr. O’Neill listened and answered all my questions before and after surgery. The EXCEL Surgery and Recovery program makes the entire process (scheduling, insurance, check-in, overnight stay, prescription meds, follow-up appointments, etc.) seamless. Every person I encountered was friendly, reassuring, and competent. The recommendations for at-home recovery were easy to follow. I found the post-surgery walking program motivating and helpful.

I now walk faster and without a limp. I am more flexible and move without stiffness and pain. I am getting much more out of my workout classes with my new hip! I am grateful for Dr. O’Neill and his entire team.