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Our DoctorsDr. Blaty

DOUG BLATY, DO

Dr. Doug Blaty is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive techniques. His approach to spine care is based on the philosophy that every patient has a unique problem, and treatment should be focused on each individual’s specific complaints and symptoms. While the treatment for many patients may be non-operative, if surgery is chosen, Dr. Blaty always seeks to provide patients with the most effective and innovative options. His goal with any patient undergoing surgery forms the basis for his minimally-invasive approach: to cause as little tissue disruption as possible, while still accomplishing the goal of surgery.

Dr. Blaty developed a special interest in anatomy and the spine at a young age through involvement in athletics and his own injuries. Since graduating from Lake City High School in 2001 as a Valedictorian, Dr. Blaty went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. He graduated as a PAC-10 All-Academic athlete in track and field, and was also a University of Washington Top-10 record holder in the decathlon and indoor heptathlon.

Receiving a Master of Science in biomedical sciences from Barry University, Dr. Blaty further built his knowledge in anatomy through hands-on cadaver work. He later attended medical school at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was a 2-time recipient of the Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarship. Awarded a research fellowship during medical school, Dr. Blaty continued his pursuit of musculoskeletal knowledge, focusing on orthopedic-based basic science research.

Dr. Blaty completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, OR where he continued to maintain his primary focus on the spine, not only in his clinical training, but through multiple clinical research projects and presentations ranging from osteoporosis to degenerative spine conditions. He then completed his spine surgery fellowship at Twin Cities Spine Center, training with world renowned spine surgeons, while also leading a research project focused on lateral-access lumbar spine fusions.

Dr. Blaty loves to spend time with his family, and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and snowboarding. His wife, Dr. Tanya Blaty, is an Endocrinologist focusing on osteoporosis and bone health. The two have developed a passion for bone optimization, with the goal of educating and treating patients of the Inland Northwest in order to help them maintain an active lifestyle, as long as possible.

Dr. Blaty is honored to return to his home, and join the practice of Inland Northwest Spine and Neurosurgery which Dr. Bret Dirks started nearly 30 years prior. Now retired, Dr. Dirks set a long tradition of high quality and consistent spine care in North Idaho. Dr. Blaty’s goal is to maintain this tradition, while always striving to advance spine care and patient outcomes.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Specialty: Spine Surgery
Undergrad: University of Washington (BA)
Masters: Barry University (MS)
Medical School: Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery – Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center
Fellowship: Spine Surgery – Twin Cities Spine Center

RESEARCH

PUBLICATIONS

  • Blaty D, Swanberg B, Richter S, Pinto M, Tam H, Lonstein J, Mueller B. Lateral lumbar interbody fusion: long-term surgical outcomes and complication rates. 2020 (submission in process)
  • Malone JB, Bevan PJ, Lewis T, Nelson AD, Blaty DE. Incidence of spinal epidural lipomatosis in patients with spinal stenosis. J Orthop. 2017;15(1):36-39. (10.1016/j.jor.2017.11.001)
  • Blaty D, Malos M, McGirr S. Sporadic intradural extramedullary hemangioblastoma of the cauda equina: case report and literature review. World Neurosurg. 2018;109:436-41. (10.1016/j.wneu.2017.10.104)

ABSTRACT/PODIUM PRESENTATIONS

  • Lateral lumbar interbody fusion: long-term surgical outcomes and complication rates. Research Symposium led by visiting professor Dr Neel Anand, MD. Twin Cities Spine Center, Minneapolis, MN. 2019.
  • Plochocki JH, Blaty D, Ho R. The effects of a serotonin 5-HT2b receptor agonist on bone, cartilage, and cardiac growth in heterozygous OI mice. The FASEB Journal. 2011;25(1): 492.3
  • Blaty D, Arias H, Rosenberg A, Targowska-Duda K, Feuerbach D, Jozwiak K, Moaddel R, Wainer I. Interaction of tricyclic antidepressants with the human (h)α4β2 nicotinic receptor. The FASEB Journal. 2010;24(1): 579.3

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

  • Lateral lumbar interbody fusion: long-term surgical outcomes and complication rates. Research Symposium led by visiting professor Dr Neel Anand, MD. Twin Cities Spine Center, Minneapolis, MN. 2019.
  • Plochocki JH, Blaty D, Ho R. The effects of a serotonin 5-HT2b receptor agonist on bone, cartilage, and cardiac growth in heterozygous OI mice. The FASEB Journal. 2011;25(1): 492.3
  • Blaty D, Arias H, Rosenberg A, Targowska-Duda K, Feuerbach D, Jozwiak K, Moaddel R, Wainer I. Interaction of tricyclic antidepressants with the human (h)α4β2 nicotinic receptor. The FASEB Journal. 2010;24(1): 579.3

RESEARCH AWARDS

  • Scientific Paper Award Winner – AOAO – 2nd Place in Spine Category
    Blaty D, Blaty T, Lewis T, Pipitone O, Binkley N, Kaiser P, Ranzoni S, Swarts S, Nelson A, Noonan C. Prevalence of osteoporosis and related risk factors in the spine population: implications for patients with spine disease and significance for the spine surgeon. American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics. 2018.
  • 1st Place Poster Winner – Annual Resident Research Day – Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center
    Blaty D, Blaty T, Lewis T, Pipitone O, Binkley N, Kaiser P, Ranzoni S, Swarts S, Nelson A, Noonan C. Prevalence of osteoporosis and related risk factors in the spine population: implications for patients with spine disease and significance for the spine surgeon. Corvallis, OR. 2018.
  • Scientific Paper Award Winner – AOAO – 2nd Place in Spine Category
    Malone JB, Bevan PJ, Lewis T, Nelson AD, Blaty DE. Incidence of spinal epidural lipomatosis in patients with spinal stenosis. J Orthop. 2017;15(1):36-39. American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics. 2016.