Cooper L Terry, MD

Meet The Doctor

What can a patient expect when they have you as a doctor?

At Oxford Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we're committed to improving lives with state-of-the-art, top-notch orthopedic care in a friendly, professional environment. It's important to us that you not only understand the nature of your issue, but also take an active part in its treatment and resolution.

We take a conservative approach to care. One of the most important decisions a surgeon can make is whether surgery is even necessary. In fact, less than 15% of our patients require surgery. Medications, therapy, injections and bracing will resolve most orthopedic problems. When surgery is necessary, you can trust that our skilled, experienced surgeons are subspecialty trained to treat a range of musculoskeletal disorders, diseases and injuries.

What is the most important factor in a doctor patient relationship and why?

Empathy, strong communication and shared decision-making are essential. The golden rule applies to building a positive relationship: Treat others how you want to be treated. When clinicians have empathy, they can connect with their patients on an important level that makes the patient feel understood and cared for. Providers who clearly communicate medical instructions, patient education and other important clinical information will tend to have better relationships. Shared decision-making incorporates the patient's voice into health care decisions. Patients who help select their treatment are far more likely to have positive experiences with treatment and positive relationships with their providers.