Meet Dr. Saper
Michael G. Saper, DO, FAOAO, FAAOS, ATC, CSCS is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in arthroscopic surgery and the treatment of sports-related injuries. He did additional fellowship training in pediatric orthopedic surgery. He is an Associate Professor in the University of Washington School of Medicine's Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.
Dr. Saper earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at University of California, Berkeley. While there, he served as an intern in Athletic Training with extensive experience working with collegiate football, gymnastics, and baseball teams. He then served as Head Certified Athletic Trainer for a local high school in Phoenix, AZ where he realized his passion for pediatric and adolescent sports medicine. He received his medical degree at A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. As a medical student, he also obtained his certification as a strength and conditioning specialist.
He performed his orthopedic surgery residency at Michigan State University in Lansing, MI. He then completed a Sports Medicine fellowship at the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, FL. As a fellow, Dr. Saper worked side-by-side with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. The fellowship provided Dr. Saper with intensive exposure to non-operative and operative musculoskeletal care of professional, collegiate, and adolescent athletes. His team physician experience included coverage of Auburn University, Tuskegee University, and University of West Florida football and athletics, Tampa Bay Rays spring training, and local high schools.
Following his sports medicine training, Dr. Saper completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at Nemours Children’s Specialty Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. As a fellow, he received sub-specialty training in pediatric and adolescent sports medicine and trauma.
Dr. Saper has published over 60 articles/abstracts in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his research at numerous national and regional meetings. He has received a number of awards related to his research and academic pursuits.
When surgery is necessary, Dr. Saper often utilizes cutting-edge, minimally invasive, arthroscopic techniques. This approach reduces post-operative recovery time and allows an early return to sport and play. Dr. Saper’s surgical interests include arthroscopic and open treatment of knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries. In addition, he has particular interests in ACL injuries, shoulder instability, patellofemoral dysfunction, and injuries of the young thrower's and gymnast's elbow.
Dr. Saper is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Osteopathic Association of Orthopedics, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society.
A native of Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Saper resides in Seattle, WA. In his spare time, he enjoys live sporting events, traveling, reading, camping, and spending time with family and friends.