Duke orthopaedic surgeon Dean Taylor, MD, delivers world-class care to athletes -- and those who might dream of becoming one.

Who are your patients?

I treat everyone from the college basketball player with a knee injury to the weekend warrior with a shoulder injury. Our Duke athletes are a demanding population, and we give them world-class, comprehensive care.

We translate that approach to every patient we treat. In fact, patients come from all over the world because they know that at Duke they will receive the thorough evaluation and care they expect.

What is your role with Duke basketball?

My relationship with Duke basketball goes back to the 1980s when I was an orthopaedic surgery resident and traveled with the men’s team under the guidance of Dr. Frank Bassett. I was significantly influenced by the program and by Coach K, specifically.

After my retirement as an Army colonel in 2005, I had the opportunity to come back to Duke as team physician. In fact, I started with the freshman class that went on to win a national championship. It’s been an amazing experience.

What does Duke Orthopaedics offer that others don’t?

Duke Orthopedics offers many options to patients.

When you come to Duke you may see a general orthopaedic surgeon, you may see a physician assistant, but behind them is a whole team of sub-specialists. So if you have a specific problem with your knee, your shoulder, your ankle, your spine, or any musculoskeletal condition, we have a sub-specialist who can give you the best treatment for that specific problem.

As a Duke surgeon, I get to collaborate with the best physicians in the world for any problem an athlete has. And of course, that same expertise is available to all Duke patients, not just national champions.

Dr. Taylor and his colleagues at Duke Orthopaedics provide top-ranked care for musculoskeletal problems. Duke is ranked #6 in the country for orthopaedics by U.S.News & World Report. Duke Sports Medicine is one of only two FIFA Centres of Excellence in the U.S.