The hallmark of the Fracture Care Center is the comprehensive team approach and commitment to the highest quality orthopaedic care resulting in successful outcomes.

Our dedicated team, led by
Dr. J. Dean Cole, will see patients through each phase of pre- and post- surgery.

This outstanding team includes specialized orthopaedic trauma surgical teams, physician's assistants, ARNP, nurses, physical therapists and other support staff.

As a part of Florida Hospital, the Fracture Care Center has the resources to meet the needs of each patient and their families from surgery to rehabilitation.

Meet the Fracture Care Center Team

J. Dean Cole, MD, Medical Director

J. Dean Cole, MD, Medical Director of the Fracture Care Center, is nationally recognized as a leader in orthopaedic traumatology with more than 20 years of experience. His reputation is built on skill, dedication to excellence, commitment to quality patient care and contribution to medicine.

Dr. Cole is also well known for his approach to complex procedures such as deformity correction, bone infection, calcaneus fractures and nonunions/malunions. He has pioneered the minimally invasive approach to treating orthopaedic trauma as well as invented new types of implants and devices to aid in successful surgery outcomes. Highly regarded among his peers, he is considered an expert in the management and treatment of orthopaedic traumatology.

Brian Vickaryous, MD

Brian Vickaryous, MD is a highly skilled orthopaedic surgeon who is uniquely experienced in the care of orthopaedic trauma and sports medicine.

Prior to his work at the Fracture Care Center, Dr. Vickaryous was an officer in the U.S. Army where he served as an orthopaedic surgeon. His unique training and experiences with military personnel in Iraq and in the United States provide him with the skills to perform the latest techniques and care for his patients. While in the Army, Dr. Vickaryous provided orthopaedic continuum of care to include diagnosis, operative management and rehabilitation of war injuries, sports maladies and musculoskeletal conditions in order to preserve the strength of his patients.

Dr. Vickaryous earned his bachelors degree and doctor of medicine degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine in Florida. He completed his orthopaedic surgical residency at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Texas and his internship at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii.

Dr. Vickaryous’ accomplishments include numerous publications in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research ranging from topics including temporary femoral external fixators to reconstruction for knee sepsis. He has presented lectures to leading orthopaedic associations to include the development and teaching of an orthopaedic trauma course to deploying Combat Surgeons in Global War.

Michael A. Hawks, MD

Michael A. Hawks, MD, a Florida native, joined the Fracture Care Center in 2009. After graduating summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia, Dr. Hawks attended medical school at the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida. He then completed his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at the Creighton University/University of Nebraska Medical Center combined program. Dr. Hawks concluded his formal medical education by completing subspecialty training in Orthopaedic Traumatology at the world renowned Shock-Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Hawks is an active and well-respected member of several professional medical organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. He has delivered numerous presentations across the country on topics ranging from the management of open fractures to the optimal treatment of high-energy vertical femoral neck fractures in young adults. His special interests include the treatment of adult and pediatric acute trauma, bone infection, malunions/nonunions, and primary and revision hip and knee replacements.

First Response Orthopaedic Group

The First Response Orthopaedic Group consists of specialized nurse practitioners and physician assistants who are on-call 24 hours a day and seven days a week to assess patients and respond immediately to orthopaedic needs for the Florida Hospital system. The team assists our physicians with orthopaedic procedures and typically begins initial medical care to ensure patients receive timely and effective treatment. After evaluating an individual patient, the physician will determine the course of treatment for the patient specific injury. First Response Orthopaedic Group members have extensive orthopaedic training and are uniquely qualified to treat orthopaedic traumas and injuries.

Click here for the First Response Orthopaedic Group's individual bios.

Specialized Surgery Team

Dr. Cole and his associate is assisted by our specialized surgical team, which operates seven days per week in state-of-the-art surgical suites designed for orthopaedic traumatology. Trained by Dr. Cole, this team combined exceeds more than 20 years experience in orthopaedic traumatology. This hand-selected group was chosen for their skill and commitment to excellence in orthopaedics. The expert surgical team has mastered a streamlined approach to care to ensure the most optimum environment for excellent patient outcomes. The team works with physical therapists to coordinate a tailored rehabilitation program for each patient to ensure their orthopaedic needs are met.

Fracture Care Center Unit

A dedicated Fracture Care Center Unit provides patients with orthopaedic care pre- and post-surgery. Our caring team of nurses and therapists works together to promote a patient's successful recovery.

Physical and occupational therapy is provided seven days per week based on a treatment plan of care prescribed by Dr. Cole and his associates.

Case management works closely with patients, their families and the Fracture Care Center team to develop an appropriate discharge plan with supportive services.

Website design & internet marketing by Sales & Marketing Technologies.

"...Fourteen weeks after surgery...was his first time wearing ballet shoes in two and a half years! Not only is Jason able to achieve his personal goals, but he is without chronic back pain for the first time in years."

-- Brenda, Limb Lengthening