CERTIFICATIONS & EDUCATION

a person holding a stethoscope.

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.

Testimonials for John Howlett, M.D.

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I came to Proliance Orthopedic Associates when I was having a trigger finger problem.  Everyone here from the nurses to Dr. Howlett was so friendly and helpful. The surgery was quick and easy!  The nurses made me feel very comfortable...

I came to Proliance Orthopedic Associates when I was having a trigger finger problem.  Everyone here from the nurses to Dr. Howlett was so friendly and helpful. The surgery was quick and easy!  The nurses made me feel very comfortable and commented that they loved having me as a patient.  The recovery is going well.  I am thankful for the staff here and can’t think of anything bad to say. 

- Jean M.
All of the doctors here are wonderful! Dr. Howlett is very charming and soothing. When I came into the office I was worried about my wrist problem, but this excellent group of people make you feel comforted and well taken care of. I...

All of the doctors here are wonderful! Dr. Howlett is very charming and soothing. When I came into the office I was worried about my wrist problem, but this excellent group of people make you feel comforted and well taken care of. I would recommend Dr. Howlett to anyone I know, his approach and personality is quite lovely. He makes you feel at the top of his list and very important. I feel very comfortable at Proliance Orthopedic Associates, there is a great sense of “team” at this office.

- Suzanne B.
This is a long overdue “thank you” for my trigger finger release procedure almost a year ago. It was an amazing success, and I am able to play tennis and perform my court reporting duties pain-free! Hope you are doing well and...

This is a long overdue “thank you” for my trigger finger release procedure almost a year ago. It was an amazing success, and I am able to play tennis and perform my court reporting duties pain-free! Hope you are doing well and enjoying your summer.

– Jane

- Jane

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