About us

Meet our Surgeons

Tracye J. Lawyer, M.D.

PhD, FAAOS, ABOS

Kaitlin C. Neary, M.D.

FAAOS, ABOS

Why Catalyst?

The word “Catalyst” is applicable across a spectrum of contexts, from chemical reactions to social movements, or in this case, medicine - all serving as a symbol for something (or someone) that sparks or accelerates significant change. In the context of a patient with an orthopedic problem, the term "catalyst" can be applied to a transformative treatment or intervention that leads to positive change in the patient's health and well-being. This catalyst could include a breakthrough surgical technique, cutting-edge orthopaedic implant, or even successful nonsurgical treatment that results in improved mobility, reduced pain, or enhanced quality of life. This reflects the pivotal role that providers or interventions can serve when initiating positive transformations for patients facing orthopedic challenges, catalyzing a path towards better health and restored function.

cat·a·lyst/ˈkadləst/

Noun: A person or stimulus precipitating an event, hastening a result, or bringing about change.

Driving
innovation
and positive change.

Dr. Lawyer and Dr. Neary aim to embody the essence of catalysts within the realm of Orthopaedic Surgery. Both surgeons are leaders in their field, driving innovation and positive change. Together, these surgeons exemplify the power of female leadership in catalyzing progress within orthopedic surgery, challenging norms and inspiring a new generation of medical professionals. Their dynamic contributions serve as a catalyst for elevating the standards of care and fostering a culture of excellence within the orthopedic community, and providing the highest quality of care for their patients.

Kaitlin C. Neary, M.D.

FAAOS, ABOS

Dr. Kaitlin Neary is a board certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in disorders of the foot and ankle. She is a native of Tacoma, Washington where she was raised to fully appreciate the active lifestyle provided by the Pacific Northwest. She excelled as a student-athlete at the University of Minnesota where she played Division 1 soccer, was recognized as an Academic All-American, and played professionally for the Minnesota Lightning. Dr. Neary then fulfilled a lifelong dream, graduating medical school from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

She completed her Orthopaedic Surgery residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, followed by a prestigious Foot and Ankle fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. Eric Giza at U.C. Davis, and Idaho native Dr. Gregory Lundeen at the Reno Orthopaedic Clinic.

As a lifelong athlete and a current competitive cyclist, who raced in road, mountain, and cyclocross disciplines, Dr. Neary understands the debilitating nature of orthopaedic problems and enjoys working with patients to help regain mobility and return to a desired level of activity.

Dr. Neary is trained to diagnose and treat all simple and complex foot and ankle pathology, and specializes in lower extremity reconstructive surgery. While she enjoys all aspects of foot and ankle surgery, her areas of expertise include sports-related foot and ankle injuries, cartilage restoration and joint preservation, minimally invasive and arthroscopic treatment of various foot and ankle conditions, ankle replacement surgery, primary and revision forefoot surgery, and innovative techniques to allow accelerated rehabilitation.

Dr. Neary has authored numerous papers and textbook chapters on disorders of the foot and ankle, and lectures both locally and nationally to Orthopaedic Surgeons and other foot and ankle healthcare professionals.

Tracye J. Lawyer, M.D.

PhD, FAAOS, ABOS

Dr. Tracye Lawyer is board certified and fellowship trained in orthopedic sports medicine. She specializes in arthroscopic and open surgery of the shoulder, elbow, and knee. In addition to her medical degree, she also earned a PhD focusing on cartilage regeneration. Her special interests include pediatric and adult cartilage repair and restoration of the knee, shoulder and elbow, ACL reconstruction, meniscus repairs, meniscal allograft transplantation, multi-ligament knee reconstruction, patellar instability, total and reverse shoulder arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, biceps tendon repairs, shoulder instability surgery and ligament reconstruction of the elbow.

Dr. Lawyer received her medical degree from The Ohio State University and her orthopedic residency training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She completed a sports medicine fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh where she worked with leaders and innovators in sports medicine, Dr. Freddie Fu and Dr. James Bradley. During her fellowship, she worked with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins. She has authored multiple peer reviewed research articles and has presented her work at national meetings. Dr. Lawyer is the team physician for the Rocky Mountain High School Grizzlies and Boise Hawks.

Dr. Lawyer earned her bachelor’s degree at Stanford University, where she was a two-sport athlete. She earned PAC-10 Player of the Year in soccer and was an NCAA track champion in the heptathlon. After college, she competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials in track and field, gaining valuable experience among the best athletes in the world. She later received the honor of induction into the Stanford Hall of Fame.