David Maligro to Retire

David Maligro, PA-C

After nearly 20 years with Longview Orthopedic Associates, PA-C David Maligro will retire in October.

Maligro served in the U.S. Air Force before working as a physician’s assistant in Hawaii. He then attended the Medex Northwest Physician Assistant Program at the University of Washington, where he earned his certification.

He was working as an orthopedic PA-C for Kaiser in Portland in 1997 when he received a call from LOA founder Bruce Blackstone. "Dr. Blackstone had met my former boss, who was the head of the orthopedics department for Kaiser when I worked in Honolulu. That surgeon gave Dr. Blackstone and Dr. (Bill) Turner my name and contact information. They made me a good offer and I came to work for LOA."

At that time, Longview Orthopedic Associates was located in the Fir Street complex. Surgeons on staff included Blackstone, Turner, David Black, and Jon Kretzler.

LOA moved to offices at St. John Medical Center, with Dr. Eric Hansen joining the staff. The clinic eventually relocated to its current home at Pacific Surgical Institute on 9th Avenue and added doctors Peter Kung, Anthony Lauder, and Jake McLeod. Blackstone and Black have retired.

"I consider it a privilege to have been associated with these excellent surgeons, from whom I’ve gained an immense orthopedic education," Maligro said. "They have wholeheartedly and consistently supported my efforts at LOA."

He also expressed his thanks to members of the LOA staff for their efforts and camaraderie through the years. "Special kudosgo to Clinic Manager Kathleen Lappe and Clinic Operations Manager ShawnnaRiedweg for their leadership," he said.

Maligro said the changes that have taken place in the field during his career have been dramatic. "Electronic medical records, digital x-rays, the availability of MRI technology, the Pacific Surgical Institute concept, the success of Pacific Surgical Center – all these things have enhanced the quality, efficiency, and delivery of orthopedic care to the community."

Bill Turner, MD, of LOA, praised Maligro for the excellent care he provided. "His capable efforts have contributed greatly to our success," Turner said. "We’ll miss hearing about his athletic exploits and also miss his ukulele music at Christmas time."

David and his wife, Myrna, will split time between the Pacific Northwest and Surprise, Arizona. David plans to play tennis, slow-pitch softball, golf, and pickle-ball. "I’ll also work on some art, take care of honey-do’s for Myrna, and just have fun."

Best wishes to you, Dave, and thanks for everything you’ve done.