Our Staff

 

Ron Kopitzke, PT, DPT

After working in Placerville for 8 years, in 1996 Ron opened Sierra Orthopaedic and Athletic Rehabilitation (SOAR). His objective was providing individualized quality care performed by a physical therapist.

 

Ron graduated from Loma Linda University in 1981 with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy. Soon after graduating he pursued his interest in sports and orthopedic rehabilitation. He has worked as an athletic trainer at the high school level as well as in the 1984 Olympics. In 1988 Ron and his wife moved to Northern California so she could obtain her graduate degree. Ron moved to Placerville to continue his passion of orthopedic rehabilitation. In 1996 Ron started SOAR with the objective of providing individualized quality care. He is one of 4000 orthopedic specialists in the U.S. In 2004 Ron went back to school to study evidenced-based medicine. He graduated from Rocky Mountain University with a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy.

 

He is continuing to pursue his interest in athletic and orthopedic injuries, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and biomechanics of the foot and ankle with orthosis fabrication.

 

Ron practices what he teaches, including windsurfing, mountain biking, skiing, and snow boarding in his off-hours activities. Ron and his family have lived in the Placerville area since 1988.

 

Joshua Slater, PT, DPT

Josh was raised in Southern California. Having been born in Canada with a passion for the outdoors, he chose University of Nevada for his undergraduate work. While completing his undergraduate degree he attended and graduated from a physical therapy assistant program in 2000. He quickly got a job specializing in Orthopedics. Josh worked for 3 years as an assistant until going back to graduate school. He graduated from Loma Linda University in 2005 with a Masters of Physical Therapy. In 2006 he received his Doctorate degree emphasizing Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

 

After finishing his graduate work, Josh worked extensively with orthopedic patients at a private practice in Southern CA. Along with his vast experience in the Orthopedic field, Josh has also mentored and instructed numerous physical therapy Doctoral students. Currently Josh has relocated to El Dorado County to further pursue his passion for the outdoors and to instill that passion onto his children.