Advanced Orthopedic Institute (AOI)

AOI is led by Dr. Alfred Cook, whose specialty lies in advanced shoulder procedures—particularly reverse total shoulder replacements. Unlike a traditional shoulder structure (ball-and-socket), the reverse technique repositions the socket onto the ball, allowing for restored function and improved mobility in patients with severe arthritis or rotator cuff damage.

The AOI team prides itself on collaboration, hands-on care, and continuous learning. Their operating room team, including Nurse Practitioner Kim Hatcher, works closely with Dr. Cook during surgeries and in post-operative care. Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, injury severity, and recovery goals.

Kim emphasizes that no two cases are the same: differences in body structure, tear extent, and arthritis level make every surgery unique. The practice’s focus on innovation, education, and teamwork creates an environment where both staff and patients benefit from leading-edge orthopedic care.

Advanced Orthopedic Institute (AOI)

AOI is led by Dr. Alfred Cook, whose specialty lies in advanced shoulder procedures—particularly reverse total shoulder replacements. Unlike a traditional shoulder structure (ball-and-socket), the reverse technique repositions the socket onto the ball, allowing for restored function and improved mobility in patients with severe arthritis or rotator cuff damage.

The AOI team prides itself on collaboration, hands-on care, and continuous learning. Their operating room team, including Nurse Practitioner Kim Hatcher, works closely with Dr. Cook during surgeries and in post-operative care. Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, injury severity, and recovery goals.

Kim emphasizes that no two cases are the same: differences in body structure, tear extent, and arthritis level make every surgery unique. The practice’s focus on innovation, education, and teamwork creates an environment where both staff and patients benefit from leading-edge orthopedic care.

MEET OUR TEAM

Dr. Alfred Cook, Jr., MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Cook Jr. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and the founder of the Advanced Orthopedics Institute in The Villages, Florida. He earned his medical degree from Northwestern University and completed an advanced fellowship in sports medicine and shoulder surgery at Duke University.

Dr. Cook specializes in shoulder reconstruction, cartilage regeneration and total joint replacement, and he brings more than two decades of experience helping athletes and active older adults return to the activities they love. He serves as chief of orthopedic surgery at UF Health The Villages Hospital and as medical director of the TLC Surgical Center.

He is the foremost expert in the reverse total shoulder procedure.
Outside of his surgical practice, Dr. Cook enjoys tennis, weight training and precision marksmanship.

Dr. Alfred Cook, Jr., MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Cook Jr. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and the founder of the Advanced Orthopedics Institute in The Villages, Florida. He earned his medical degree from Northwestern University and completed an advanced fellowship in sports medicine and shoulder surgery at Duke University.

Dr. Cook specializes in shoulder reconstruction, cartilage regeneration and total joint replacement, and he brings more than two decades of experience helping athletes and active older adults return to the activities they love. He serves as chief of orthopedic surgery at UF Health The Villages Hospital and as medical director of the TLC Surgical Center.

He is the foremost expert in the reverse total shoulder procedure.
Outside of his surgical practice, Dr. Cook enjoys tennis, weight training and precision marksmanship.

Kim Hatcher, APRN

Nurse Practitioner

Originally from Homestead in South Florida, Kim Hatcher has called Central Florida home since 1992. After losing her home in Hurricane Andrew and moving north to rebuild, she found her calling in nursing and decided to raise her family here.

Kim began her medical career as an LPN before bridging to RN, gaining extensive experience in med-surgery, orthopedics and critical care. She later earned her nurse practitioner degree from AdventHealth University and joined Dr. Cook’s orthopedic team in early 2023.

Her role includes assisting in surgeries, providing post-operative care and educating patients throughout recovery. Known for her compassion and steady presence in the operating room, Kim continues to expand her skills in advanced orthopedic techniques such as reverse total shoulder replacements.
Outside of work, Kim’s life centers around family. A proud grandmother of eight, she spends most weekends at baseball games, family gatherings or caring for her grandbabies. She lives in Summerfield and enjoys watching her grandchildren grow.

Kim Hatcher, APRN

Nurse Practitioner

Originally from Homestead in South Florida, Kim Hatcher has called Central Florida home since 1992. After losing her home in Hurricane Andrew and moving north to rebuild, she found her calling in nursing and decided to raise her family here.

Kim began her medical career as an LPN before bridging to RN, gaining extensive experience in med-surgery, orthopedics and critical care. She later earned her nurse practitioner degree from AdventHealth University and joined Dr. Cook’s orthopedic team in early 2023.

Her role includes assisting in surgeries, providing post-operative care and educating patients throughout recovery. Known for her compassion and steady presence in the operating room, Kim continues to expand her skills in advanced orthopedic techniques such as reverse total shoulder replacements.
Outside of work, Kim’s life centers around family. A proud grandmother of eight, she spends most weekends at baseball games, family gatherings or caring for her grandbabies. She lives in Summerfield and enjoys watching her grandchildren grow.

Sofia Suarez, PT
Physical Therapist

Sofia Suarez began her physical therapy career forty-one years ago in Colombia, where she was born. After moving to the U.S., she continued her education across multiple specialties in physical therapy, gaining extensive training that guides her work today.

She brings energy and focus to every session and works closely with patients to help them regain strength and mobility through thoughtful, customized treatment.

Sofia has been part of Dr. Cook’s team at Advanced Orthopedics Institute for two years and has become known for her positivity and steady support as patients move through the often challenging journey from surgery to recovery.