John Howlett, M.D. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with a special interest in fracture care. Dr. Howlett has completed additional fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery, including trauma, reconstruction, pediatric as well as microvascular surgery.
One of the experiences that shaped Dr. Howlett's career trajectory was his work as a counselor at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, founded by Paul Newman for children with cancer and other blood-related disorders. Witnessing the courage and energy of these children convinced him that healing involves more than medication and surgery. This experience led him to pursue his medical degree, where he saw an opportunity to combine his interest in caring for people with his passion for teaching.
Dr. Howlett likes to remind himself that the origin of the Latin word "doctor" is "teacher," and he considers it an important part of his role as a doctor to educate his patients about the conditions that are affecting them. He believes an informed and knowledgeable patient can participate more effectively in his or her own healing. As a former teacher who holds a Master's degree in Education, Dr. Howlett deeply enjoys this aspect of working with patients.
Having grown up in Washington enjoying hiking, backpacking, sailing and canoeing, Dr. Howlett was eager to return to the Northwest for his residency and fellowship training. He now shares these same passions with his family. He and his wife both played soccer in college and can be found cheering on their two daughters at soccer games on the weekends.
Dr. Howlett holds clinic hours Monday through Wednesday and Friday at Proliance Orthopedics in Renton, Washington.
