Memorial Regional Health is excited to announce new spine surgeon, Dr. J. Alex Sielatycki. He joins the team through MRH’s partnership with Steamboat Orthopaedic and Spine Institute (SOSI) to provide his services in Craig. While his sweet spots for his specialty are in spinal motion and preservation in the neck and lower back, Sielatycki will offer comprehensive spine services. Those include lumbar and cervical spine care, cervical disk replacements, disk herniation and pinched nerve repair and cervical and lumbar stenosis procedures.

Q: What inspired your career in orthopedic medicine?

Dr. J. Alex Sielatycki: My path into orthopedic surgery began with a basketball-related ankle injury as a junior in high school. I had to see an orthopedic surgeon, and in the process of looking at my X-rays and talking to him, my interest was sparked. Even though I didn’t need surgery, I visited with an orthopedic surgeon, and at that time I started to think of my ultimate career path. It felt like a natural fit for me to look into medicine, specifically orthopedic surgery. I enjoyed biology and physics in school, and orthopedic surgery was a great combination of the two.

Q: What is your main goal in how you approach patient care?

Dr. Sielatycki: My goal is to tailor my care to each specific person and what they expect out of their operation. That is the biggest role I believe I can play — helping them through their decisions.

Q: How do you plan to help community members in Craig?

Dr. Sielatycki: I’m very excited to serve patients in Craig at MRH and I look forward to taking care of folks in the community. Dr. Clint Devin did a lot of great work for the people of Craig. It’s a privilege to provide that care and step into that role.

Q: What is your life like outside of work?

Dr. Sielatycki: My wife Karen and I have been married for 12 years now. We have three children — Elizabeth, Anna and Caleb. When we do get a chance to get out, one of our favorite activities is going skiing. It was not the reason we moved here but having access to incredible skiing was undoubtedly a big bonus! We enjoy camping, hiking, fishing and getting outside. I also really enjoy and appreciate my family time — having young kids is the joy of my life, and I try to spend as much time with them and my wife as I can.

Q: What is the most exciting part about living in Northwest Colorado?

Dr. Sielatycki: I grew up out west in Utah; moving to Northwest Colorado felt like coming back home to the mountains. I grew up skiing, hiking, and mountain biking — I have always loved outdoor and mountain sports. My wife also loves to be outside and we’re excited to bring our children into that environment and raise them in a place that is very close-knit and geared towards an active lifestyle.