After decades of caring for patients, Dr. David Verhaag recently found himself on the other side of the exam table—this time as a patient. In August 2024, the retired physician underwent his third joint replacement surgery at the Sutter Sierra Surgery Center in Roseville. The procedure, a right hip replacement performed by Dr. Paul Sasaura, capped off a long orthopedic journey that has deepened his appreciation for high-quality, compassionate care.
“This experience was absolutely outstanding,” said Dr. Verhaag. “From the anesthesiologist and nurses to the surgical team—everyone at Sutter Sierra was efficient, professional, and genuinely kind. It was a five-star experience for something nobody ever really wants to go through.”
Dr. Verhaag’s joint replacement history spans nearly two decades. His first procedure, a left hip replacement in 2008, followed years of severe pain that limited daily activities. In 2012, after recognizing early warning signs, he sought timely treatment for his right knee. “By the time I needed the most recent hip surgery, I knew better than to wait. I wasn’t going to let the pain interfere with my life again,” he said.
Referred to Dr. Paul by another orthopedist, Dr. Verhaag quickly realized they shared more than just a profession—they were alumni of the same medical school and residency program, separated by 20 years. That connection only bolstered his confidence in the care team at Sutter Sierra.
Dr. Verhaag’s latest procedure was performed at the state-of-the-art outpatient facility known as Building 8 at Sutter Roseville Medical Center. The center, which first received certification in Advanced Orthopedics (Total Joint Replacement) in 2019, was recently recertified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)—a prestigious distinction held by only three ambulatory surgery centers in California.
“The recertification is a tremendous achievement for Sutter Sierra Surgery Center and a ‘win’ for patients who need total joint replacement,” said Keegan Kirby, R.N., vice president of Sutter’s orthopedics & sports medicine service line. “It highlights our commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care, delivered close to home.”
As someone who once guided patients through similar decisions, Dr. Verhaag admits that being a patient himself offered a humbling perspective. “I’ve always tried to treat patients with empathy, but going through this has deepened that understanding in ways I didn’t expect,” he said.
Happily retired and now pain-free, Dr. Verhaag is active at the local gym and exercises multiple times a week.
His wife of 61 years, Bonnie, and their children Mark and Melissa (Missy), along with their three grandchildren, were by his side through recovery. The family’s support, combined with Sutter Sierra’s streamlined approach and same-day discharge model, allowed Dr. Verhaag to return home quickly and begin rehabilitation without delay.
Looking back, Dr. Verhaag credits a childhood physician, Dr. Westerbeck, for inspiring his career. “He delivered me in 1944 and even attended my medical school graduation. He showed me what true patient care looks like.”
Today, after three successful surgeries and a lifetime of caregiving, Dr. Verhaag is walking his own path to recovery—with gratitude, perspective, and a deeper appreciation for the system he once served.
