Meet the Team Behind Advanced Orthopedics Institute — Care That Feels Personal
When you walk through the doors of Advanced Orthopedics Institute in The Villages, you’re not just entering a medical office — you’re entering a practice built around a simple belief: that every patient deserves to be heard, understood, and treated as an individual.
That culture starts with Dr. Alfred J. Cook Jr. and extends through every member of the AOI team.
Dr. Alfred J. Cook Jr. — Founder & Lead Surgeon
Dr. Cook is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has spent more than two decades specializing in shoulder reconstruction, cartilage regeneration, and advanced joint replacement. As the founder of AOI, he built the practice around a patient-first philosophy that goes beyond clinical expertise.
His approach is calm and collaborative. He listens carefully to what patients want to get back to — whether that’s improving a golf swing, tending a garden, or lifting a grandchild — and uses those real-life goals to guide treatment decisions. Patients consistently say they feel understood before a plan is even made.
Dr. Cook is particularly well known for complex shoulder cases, including reverse total shoulder arthroplasty — a procedure that has restored function for many older adults who had been told surgery wasn’t an option.
Kim Hatcher, NP — Nurse Practitioner
Kim Hatcher brings a rich clinical background to the AOI team. She began her career as a licensed practical nurse, advanced to registered nurse, and later earned her graduate training as a nurse practitioner. Her experience in both orthopedics and critical care gives her a strong foundation for assisting in surgeries and guiding patients through recovery.
Kim’s steady presence and clear communication help patients feel supported at every stage of treatment — from that first appointment through post-operative care.
Kim Hatcher, NP — Nurse Practitioner
Kim Hatcher brings a rich clinical background to the AOI team. She began her career as a licensed practical nurse, advanced to registered nurse, and later earned her graduate training as a nurse practitioner. Her experience in both orthopedics and critical care gives her a strong foundation for assisting in surgeries and guiding patients through recovery.
Kim’s steady presence and clear communication help patients feel supported at every stage of treatment — from that first appointment through post-operative care.
Sofia Suarez, PT — Physical Therapist
Physical therapist Sofia Suarez plays a vital role in helping AOI patients not just recover, but truly regain confidence in how they move. She works one-on-one with patients to develop targeted exercise programs and customized rehabilitation plans that complement Dr. Cook’s surgical work.
Sofia’s goal isn’t simply healing — it’s helping each patient return to the moments that matter most to them.
A Culture Built on Respect and Excellence
What sets AOI apart isn’t any single staff member — it’s the culture Dr. Cook has shaped over time. The environment is calm, efficient, and grounded in compassion. Every question is answered with clarity. Every patient is treated with dignity.
Many of AOI’s patients are older adults who are determined to stay active. The team understands that, and approaches every interaction — whether it’s answering a late afternoon question or celebrating a milestone in recovery — with patience and genuine care.
Experience the AOI difference for yourself. Call 352.751.2862 to schedule your visit at the Sharon L. Morse Medical Center, 1400 U.S. 441 N., Unit 552, The Villages.
