Centura Orthopedics/William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center
—SPONSORSHIP—
4925 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80907
719-776-4878
centura.org
Dr. John Pak is a fellowship-trained expert in sports medicine and arthroscopy. Certified in both orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, he is an innovator and a teacher in surgical methods. As a doctor for the U.S. Ski Team, and collegiate athletics, and the Colorado springs Switchbacks soccer team, he has spent years traveling for the Olympics, World Cup events, championships, and collegiate competitions.
Dr. Pak specializes in shoulder and knee repair and reconstruction techniques that improve patient outcomes and quality of life. More than a decade ago, Dr. Pak was among Colorado’s first orthopedic surgeons to offer reverse shoulder replacement, a technique that flips the body’s original ball-and-socket joint positioning. For many patients with severe arthritis and rotator cuff injuries, the result is better function and faster recovery with reduced pain.
“I always try to be the best at what I do,” he says. Often, that means embracing new techniques. Over the course of his career, options for patients with shoulder pain have expanded, and procedures have improved tremendously. “In the last 10 years, there has been a lot of progress. We’ve moved beyond generic joint replacement and repair to include customized implants and biologic implants to enhance healing."
Dr. Pak’s ambition for innovation is most is apparent by his involvement with the William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center. Involved since its inception six years ago, he believes that this collaborative project between UCCS and Centura Health has brought Colorado Springs to the international level in the fields of sports medicine, rehabilitation, education, and sports performance.
As a medical student at the University of Chicago, the Pritzker School of Medicine, Dr. Pak was drawn to orthopedic surgery because the field offered opportunities to do what he’s best at: problem-solving. More than 25 years into his career, finding new and better ways to ease patients’ pain and improve their function continues to be the most gratifying aspect of his work. “It’s very rewarding, making it possible for patients to get back to the active lifestyle they deserve,” Dr. Pak says.
Dr. Pak feels privileged to be working with the many talented physicians and health care workers in Colorado Springs, together keeping our community moving.