About Dr. James Ulibarri
Spine Center of the Bighorns is the premier spine and orthopedic practice of the Northern Rockies. Dr. Ulibarri leads a team of board-certified physicians and physician assistants in delivering top-rated surgical care and solutions.
Dr. Ulibarri is one of the region’s most experienced spine and orthopedic surgeons, specializing in surgery of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, including degenerative disease, trauma and tumors. He is northern Wyoming’s leading orthopedic spine physician, recognized for his affable bedside manner and focus on non- and minimally invasive solutions, surgical intervention and direct, tailored patient care.
With more than 20 years handling complex orthopedic cases in top practices across the United States, Ulibarri has successfully treated some of the most challenging and common patient conditions. His approach to clinical care, pain management and athletic improvement is designed to produce the highest quality patient outcomes for the long term.
Ulibarri earned his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin, where he was invited to complete his orthopedic surgery residency. From there, he was recruited into a highly competitive fellowship in spine surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. Here, he focused on surgical treatment of degenerative spinal conditions, spinal trauma, infections and scoliosis as well as sports injuries. Ulibarri has completed more than 500 continuing education hours, much of it focused on microsurgical skills and less invasive approaches. Most recently, he has dedicated himself to furthering his expertise in spinal deformities and rare orthopedic procedures via European clinical symposiums.
Ulibarri was raised on a family ranch outside of Douglas. He earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology at University of Wyoming where he played rugby and met his future wife. He’s an avid gravel bike rider, co-ed hockey player, polo enthusiast and curious world traveler. Additionally, Ulibarri serves as the safety chairman for the United States Polo Association.
Ulibarri returned to his home state of Wyoming in 2009 and lives in Sheridan with his family and two rescue Chihuahuas.
Medical School
MD – University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI.
Residency/Fellowships
University of Pittsburgh – Orthopedic Spine Surgery Fellowship
University of Wisconsin Orthopedic Department – Orthopedic Surgery Residency
Board Certification/Affiliations
American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Doctor of Chiropractic
Plamer College of Chiropractic