Dr. Cook is among the nation’s leaders in shoulder surgery to restore rotator cuff function, performing more in a year than many orthopedic surgeons do in a lifetime. The majority of his shoulder replacements are now being done as outpatients.

These types of revolutionary procedures not only allow patients to recover in their own home, but are also helping patients who are “pseudo paralyzed” from their conditions return to the sports and activities they most enjoy.

“We see a high level of satisfaction among those who undergo outpatient shoulder replacement surgery. They are happy their pain has been eliminated, and they’re excited when they have normal function again,” says Dr. Cook.

Dr. Cook is undoubtedly a pioneer in shoulder replacement surgery. He has worked with companies to help formulate superior implant designs that replicate normal anatomy.

Additionally, he has served as a surgical navigator using imaging systems to deliver precise representation of a patient’s anatomy during surgery, which allows for optimization of implant placement.

Imagine all that with no need for a hospital stay, which is now possible since Dr. Cook began performing outpatient shoulder surgeries prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

Previously, patients spent two or three nights in the hospital following shoulder surgery.

“There are obvious advantages to outpatient surgery,” Dr. Cook says.

“When you’re not in the hospital, there’s a lower risk of infection after surgery.

Also, having the ability to recover at home instead of the hospital gives patients peace of mind and makes recovery time easier.”

Dr. Cook makes sure patients receive adequate after-care through regional anesthetics, pain medications, and physical therapy.

“The home creates an environment of success for patients,” Dr. Cook says.

Dr. Cook completed medical school at Northwestern University McGaw School of Medicine and a sports medicine and shoulder fellowship at Duke University.

Today, Dr. Cook serves as the chief of orthopedic surgery at UF Health The Villages Hospital and as medical director for TLC Surgical Center. 

In his free time, he enjoys weight training, marksmanship, and tennis.