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Meet TheSpecialists

Meet The Specialists

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Rex Cooley, Jr., D.O.

Rex Cooley, Jr., D.O.*

    1871 W. Orange Grove Rd. #135
    Tucson, AZ 85704

    After suffering knee injuries resulting in surgery during high school, I became a physical therapist before I decided to go to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon. With this background, I understand both the rehab and the surgical aspects of orthopedic injuries and I work hard to get my patients back to their normal activities. I always try to help my patients make educated decisions by taking the time to answer questions about their diagnosis and treatment options.

    I am a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee, shoulder and hip replacement procedures, sports medicine, arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery and fracture care. I care for patients of all ages.

    In my free time, I enjoy scuba diving, golf and soccer.

    Mark Kowalski, M.D.

    Mark Kowalski, M.D.*

      16260 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd. #220
      Sahuarita, AZ 85629

      I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a physician. My father and a family friend were doctors and they influenced me to want to truly help people. After suffering injuries from running track at a young age, I became further interested in sports medicine.

      With more than 30 years of experience, I understand both the rehab and surgical aspects of orthopedic injuries as I work to get my patients back to their normal activities. I practice general orthopedic surgery with an emphasis on arthroscopic surgeries, total joint replacements and sports medicine. I am also trained in robotic-assisted joint replacements.

      My patients would say that I am a good listener, patient and thorough in my treatments. I try to fully explain all treatment options to my patients to help them figure out what works best for their lifestyle. I believe in doing whatever it takes to make my patients better, whether operatively or non-operatively.

      I believe education is important, and I stay up to date through my countless memberships. After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, I attended the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine where I completed a residency in family medicine before completing further training in general surgery and orthopedic surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. Following my residency in orthopedic surgery, I was awarded a fellowship to study sports medicine specializing in arthroscopic surgery at the University of Oklahoma.

      In my spare time, I enjoy fly fishing, hunting and hiking.

      Christopher Luther, D.O.

      Christopher Luther, D.O.*

        1871 W. Orange Grove Rd, Suite #135
        Tucson, AZ 85704

        1521 E. Tangerine Rd, Suite #337
        Oro Valley, AZ 85755

        I am a sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee, hip, and shoulder arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement, sports related injuries, and fracture care.

        In my practice, I see a broad range of patients, performing procedures like rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic and open shoulder stabilization, ACL reconstruction and cartilage repair, hip arthroscopy, and knee, hip, and shoulder replacement.

        Patients tell me they enjoy my calm and collected demeanor and my ability to listen to their complaints and develop a plan of care tailored to their needs. I love working with patients to return them to a healthy lifestyle and meaningful activity, whether that is simply getting around without pain or getting them back to their favorite sports.

        My passion for orthopedics and keeping patients and athletes active and healthy is rooted in my time spent playing collegiate basketball. Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf and basketball and maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Sports have always played an important role in my life. During my fellowship training I was honored to serve as a team physician for the Cincinnati Reds, Wittenberg University and several high schools.

        Ryan Nixon, M.D.

        Ryan Nixon, M.D.*

          2300 S. Houghton Road, Suite #140
          Tucson, AZ 85748

          My interest in orthopedics began in middle school when my basketball coach, an orthopedist, showed me the value in using surgery as a way to improve the lives of others. Orthopedics and sports medicine were a natural fit for me given my interests in technical activities, athletics and interacting with and improving the lives of others.

          I understand both the rehab and surgical aspects of orthopedic injuries, and it is extremely rewarding for me to help my patients. Orthopedics can truly change a patient's life, whether it be a simple procedure or a complex operation that ensures a patient can return to doing what they love, or simply walk pain-free again. In addition to managing all general orthopedic issues, I take a special interest in sports medicine injuries, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and complex reconstruction of both the shoulder and the knee. I have experience getting athletes back to play from the recreational to the elite professional level.

          My patients would say that I am easy to talk to, knowledgeable and never let them leave my office confused. I make sure all of my patients fully understand their treatment options, and I always allow them to ask as many questions as they may have. I personally counsel each patient, find the best treatments for each individual and treat all of my patients the way I would treat my own family.

          During my free time, I enjoy watching Hoosier athletics and traveling internationally with my wife and two sons. I am an avid sports fan and even served on the medical staff for New England's professional soccer team and the New England Patriots football team.

          Andrew Smith, D.O.

          Andrew Smith, D.O.*

            1521 E. Tangerine Rd. #337
            Oro Valley, AZ 85755

            As an orthopedic surgeon, I view my role as a partner in helping patients live their best lives. I enjoy connecting with patients and tailoring care plans to meet the unique needs of each individual. The decision to seek care is not always easy. As a team, our goal is to create a positive patient experience characterized by accessibility, great communication and optimal outcomes. My ultimate objective as a surgeon is for patients to live pain-free lives, filled with activities they enjoy.

            Whether our plan involves non-operative care or surgical approaches, I am equipped with the knowledge and skills to address both general and complex orthopedic needs. In addition to common orthopedic procedures such as joint replacement and fracture care, I am fellowship-trained in sports medicine. Total and reverse shoulder replacement, ACL reconstruction and cartilage restoration are a few examples of sports-related procedures we use to treat complex shoulder and knee pathology.

            Throughout training I served as the team physician for two high school athletic programs, providing on-site care for student-athletes across several sports. I also trained with the team physicians for professional sports teams including the Cincinnati Bengals and the FC Cincinnati soccer club. Additionally, I participated in international medical mission trips to Guatemala and Uganda.

            As Midwest transplants, my growing family and I are exploring everything the Southwest has to offer. Spending time outdoors, trying new restaurants and listening to live music are just a few activities I enjoy outside the office.

            Gregory Walker, M.D.

            Gregory Walker, M.D.*

              6130 N. La Cholla Blvd., Suite #135A
              Tucson, AZ 85741

              2300 S.Houghton Road, Suite #140
              Tucson, AZ 85748

              I was privileged to receive an early perspective on practicing medicine at a young age, because my father was a physician. Observing him made a deep impression on me regarding what I wanted to do with my life: I wanted to help people get back to their highest level of functioning, rather than simply mask their symptoms. At my core, I'm a fixer.

              I chose my specialty because I love the teamwork aspect of surgery, and I'm able to treat a large range of issues and conditions. I'm experienced in trauma surgery, ankle replacement and toe fusion, reconstructive surgery, pain management, cartilage injuries and even bunions! As a former competitive athlete, I have a special passion for sports medicine.

              In my practice, I get to know people. I strive to share a little bit about myself, as well, so that we can build a relationship based on trust. I believe a good doctor is someone who treats the patient as if that patient were their own loved one - and who does the right thing even if it may not be quick, easy, or fun.

              When I'm not working with patients, I love spending time with my wife and children. We love movies, games and working out together!

              Steven Ward, D.O.

              Steven Ward, D.O.*

                1871 W. Orange Grove Rd. #135
                Tucson, AZ 85704

                1521 E. Tangerine Rd. #337
                Oro Valley, AZ 85755

                As a general orthopedic surgeon, the most rewarding part of my job is helping patients transition from being in pain or injured to a state of improved health and less pain through operative and non-operative treatment.

                My treatment philosophy is to not treat the X-ray or MRI but rather to use them as tools to treat the whole person. Each patient is unique and I feel that it is important to evaluate and listen to them carefully to understand their symptoms and needs, which helps me tailor their treatment specifically to them.

                My surgical areas of focus include sports medicine (shoulder, knee and ankle arthroscopy), total joint arthroplasty (shoulder, anterior hip, knee and revision surgery), minor hand and trauma surgery.

                I've had the pleasure of taking care of Air Force and Army active duty soldiers, retirees and veterans while I served in the Army at Ft. Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska.

                Prior to becoming an orthopedic surgeon, I started my career as an orderly and then progressed on to becoming a scrub tech and then eventually a registered nurse. Working in various jobs in the medical field has helped me gain an appreciation of the critical work the support staff do every day and also helps me work with them more efficiently.

                In my free time I am an avid golfer and also enjoy hiking, biking and traveling with my wife and two daughters.

                Joseph Baker, DPM

                Joseph Baker, DPM*

                  1871 W. Orange Grove Rd. #135
                  Tucson, AZ 85704

                  1521 E. Tangerine Rd. #337
                  Oro Valley, AZ 85755

                  I have always enjoyed science and I knew I wanted a career that would allow me to help people, so choosing to become a doctor was a natural decision. I found podiatry to be an interesting field - there is much complexity involved in caring for the lower extremity.

                  In my practice, I see a wide range of patients with general foot and ankle issues, but I specialize in ankle procedures, including complex ankle and foot reconstruction, ankle replacement surgery and arthroscopic surgery. I also work closely with patients who have arthritis of the ankle, ankle instability, acute or chronic trauma and sports injuries. I have extensive training in both surgical and nonsurgical approaches to treating conditions of the foot, ankle and leg.

                  I am open and honest with my patients about their diagnosis, treatment options and long-term expectations, and I find that they appreciate my transparency. I enjoy working with patients to develop a treatment plan that will work for them and to keep them active, whether that is a surgical or on surgical approach. Communication is an essential part of the healthcare process, and I try to keep an open line of communication between myself, the patient, and other doctors and healthcare providers involved in this process.

                  Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, biking, playing guitar, being outdoors and cheering on sports teams from my hometown of Detroit.

                  *Members of Northwest Allied Physicians, LLC, dba Northwest Allied Bone & Joint

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