Samuel S. Koo,
MD, MPH
Dr. Samuel Koo, MD, MPH is a board-certified physician and surgeon specializing in minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery, complex open shoulder surgery, trauma and fracture care. Dr. Koo is an authority on treating shoulder problems to help patients resume an active lifestyle as quickly as possible.
- 375+Shoulder surgeries
performed each year - Fellowship-trained
- Top Doc, Seattle Met 2014–2021
- Overlake Medical Center & Clinics
Training & Education
He trained with Dr. Stephen Burkhart, the world’s foremost expert in minimally invasive shoulder surgery. Dr. Koo is licensed to practice medicine and surgery in the state of Washington and sees patients from Kirkland, Seattle, Redmond, Bellevue, and the surrounding areas.
- Medical SchoolNorthwestern University, Chicago, IL
- Master of Public HealthNorthwestern University, Chicago, IL
- ResidencyOrthopedic Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
- FellowshipArthroscopic Shoulder Fellowship with Dr. Stephen Burkhart, San Antonio, TX
- TodayBoard certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Integrity & empathy
“I believe all surgeons must have two essential qualities: integrity and empathy. To me, integrity means treating each patient as if I were caring for my wife or children. Family is important to me.
Integrity means offering the highest quality of care available. I am an expert in arthroscopic (minimally invasive) shoulder surgery, but I will not recommend surgery unless all non-operative solutions have been explored and exhausted. The shoulder is an extremely fascinating joint with lots of moving parts. As such, injuries are common and often complex. Over the last few years, there have been dramatic improvements in the way we treat shoulder pathology. We are now able to perform most shoulder surgeries using arthroscopic techniques (small incisions) that are at least as good, if not better than, the open (larger incisions) procedures of the past.
Having trained with the world’s expert in minimally invasive shoulder surgery, the care and technical expertise you will receive is cutting-edge and based on the best available research for various shoulder ailments (rotator cuff tears, labral tears and instability, etc.). I am always actively looking for new ways to improve my surgical/nonsurgical treatment methods to help my patients regain their active lifestyle.
Lastly, surgeons are often not associated with empathy. This is unfortunate, because we are in the ideal position to support patients as they recover from difficult procedures.
In my practice, your questions will be heard and answered promptly.
By working together we can optimize the patient experience and maximize your health and well-being.”
Samuel KooSamuel S. Koo, MD, MPH
Awards & Recognition
- Top Doc — Seattle Met2014–2021
- Top Doc — Seattle Magazine2014–2018
- Castle Connolly Top Doctors2015–2023
- America’s Most Honored Doctors2021
- Patients’ Choice Award2014 & 2015
- Compassionate Doctor Recognition2014 & 2015
- On-Time Doctor Award2014 & 2015
- Healthgrades Honor Roll
Board Certification
Memberships
Hospital Affiliations
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Koo.
You don’t have to live with shoulder pain. Dr. Koo sees patients from Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Bothell, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.