About SSMI
Every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and included in the decisions that shape their health. That belief is the foundation of South Sound Musculoskeletal Institute.
Our Mission
SSMI was built to put the relationship between patient and physician back at the center of musculoskeletal care. New patients meet with a doctor who takes the time to listen, examine, explain, and build a plan through shared decision-making.
It is personal by design, and supported by a closely connected team.
Our Story
South Sound Musculoskeletal Institute is a new, independent practice created by physicians who believe musculoskeletal care should feel more personal, direct, and connected.
Together, our physicians bring decades of experience caring for people throughout the Puget Sound, including more than 40 years in neurosurgery from Dr. Richard Wohns. That experience now comes together at SSMI in a physician-led setting where the doctor who evaluates your condition remains directly involved in your treatment.
It is a new model with a clear purpose: fewer handoffs, closer collaboration, and care shaped around the person in front of us.
Dr. Richard Wohns begins practicing neurosurgery in the Puget Sound, building a reputation for taking the time to explain what is happening and why.
As outpatient spine surgery emerges, Dr. Wohns questions why a procedure should require a multiday hospital stay, and starts designing an alternative.
The vision becomes an affiliated outpatient surgery center, with the surgical, anesthesia, and nursing teams coordinated around recovery at home.
An independent, physician-led practice where spine, pain, and outpatient surgical expertise work together across the South Sound.
The Difference
Big enough to solve complex problems. Personal enough to know who can help.
Your story is heard by a physician early in your care, with time to ask questions and understand what comes next.
Our specialists can discuss complex cases directly, compare perspectives, and coordinate changes in the plan without sending you through a maze of disconnected departments.
Care may include observation, physical therapy, medication, targeted injections, regenerative medicine, minimally invasive procedures, motion-preserving surgery, or other surgical care. Recommendations begin with what is right for you.
Endoscopic techniques, disc replacement, robotic assistance, patient-specific planning, regional anesthesia, and other advances matter when they improve precision, preserve tissue or motion, support comfort, or make recovery easier.
Meet the Team
Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Dr. Nwosu is an orthopedic spine surgeon who treats conditions of the neck and lower back, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques. He earned his medical degree at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and a spine surgery fellowship through the Harvard Combined Spine Fellowship Program, and is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
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Neurosurgery
Dr. Wohns brings more than 40 years of experience in neurosurgery. He earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard College and his medical degree at the Yale School of Medicine, completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of Washington, and is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. He also holds a law degree and an MBA, and volunteers with the Nepal Spine Foundation, teaching spine surgery in Nepal.
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Anesthesiology & Pain Management
Dr. Veal is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management. After medical school at Creighton University, he completed his anesthesiology residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center, where he was selected as Chief Resident, followed by a pain management fellowship there. His focus includes X-ray and ultrasound-guided procedures, peripheral nerve blocks, complex regional pain syndrome, and neuromodulation.
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Pain Medicine & Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Wang is board certified in anesthesiology with a subspecialty in pain medicine. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, served as Chief Resident in anesthesia at Saint Louis University Hospital, and completed a pain management fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Her work includes regenerative medicine such as platelet-rich plasma, X-ray guided epidural steroid injections, and spinal cord stimulation.
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Podiatric Medicine
Dr. Allen studied at Brigham Young University and the California College of Podiatric Medicine, and completed residencies at VA Puget Sound Health Care and Madigan Army Medical Center.
Meet the people who will take the time to understand where you are and where you want to go.