Bio

I have always had an interest in active people and sports and fitness activities. The most powerful thing that most of us could do to enhance our health and to live longer is to get regular physical exercise — it really is the best medicine!

I provide both surgical and non-surgical care for all types of sports- and fitness-related injuries. My goal is to help people get back to participating not only in their daily living activities, but also in their athletic and fitness activities. Most of the people I see don’t need surgery; my most common treatment is to change a patient’s exercise program to address muscles that are too tight or too weak to support their activity. Of the surgeries that I do perform, about 90% are related to the knee, the most commonly injured joint in sports. I specialize in knee ligament and meniscus problems, especially anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

I attended the University of New Mexico for medical school, followed by five years of residency training in orthopedic surgery at the University of Vermont and one year of specialized training in sports medicine at the University of Utah. In addition to my work with The Portland Clinic, I serve as the team doctor for a local high school and a local college.

I grew up in a small town in New Mexico and later moved around the country before ending up in Portland, where you can find any outdoor activity within a few hours’ drive. I enjoy fly fishing and other activities that get me outside, as well as wood and metal working. In general, I live a very busy life with three active children. The key to thriving, for me, is taking an interest in the world around me and always learning something new.

Dr. Sandmeier has been named a Top Doctor by Portland Monthly magazine multiple times.