Orthopedic Services

Walk-In Orthopedic Clinic Now Open 

Monday – Friday | 8 AM –  12 PM

We’re thrilled to unveil a new Walk-In Orthopedic Clinic inside the Memorial Healthcare Center for Orthopedics! Designed for those unexpected moments when injuries strike, we’ve crafted a seamless experience for quick, expert care without the wait. Providers at the Walk-In Clinic are Tarah Rakoski, PA-C and Michael Smith, PA-C.

• Same-day service for new injuries (less than one-month-old) for sports-related injuries, effusions (swollen joints), simple fractures, and muscle, tendon, ligament, or joint strains.
• Skip the ED unless you have a dislocation, open fracture, or infection.
• No appointment needed unless your insurance company requires a referral. Not sure if you need a referral? Ask our front desk, and we can assist you!
• Ensure a hassle-free visit by obtaining insurance clearance before arriving by contacting the phone number on the back of your insurance card.
• Any insurance co-pay will be due at the time of service.
• For chronic injuries (lasting more than one month) or cases requiring a referral, please contact our office at (989) 541-BONE (2663) to schedule an appointment tailored to your needs.

What Is Orthopedics?

Orthopedics is the branch of medicine that treats the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Orthopedic surgeons treat musculoskeletal injuries that can cause chronic pain and inhibit range of motion.

The orthopedic services at Memorial Healthcare are supported by the latest technology in diagnostic imaging, including both MRI and CT scans. Both traditional and minimally invasive surgical treatments are available. The advanced credentials of the orthopedics team allow them to perform some of the most sophisticated medical procedures in their field. Patients can also receive treatment for the following spine, back, and neck conditions:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Fractures
• Herniated disc
• Radiculopathy
• Low back pain
• Myelopathy
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Spinal cord injury
• Spondylolysis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal stenosis
• Tumors

Memorial Healthcare takes advantage of the latest surgical techniques to help patients enjoy a shorter and easier recovery period. Surgical treatment options include:

• MAKO robotic hip and knee joint replacement (partial and total)
• MAKO direct anterior approach (minimally invasive) total hip reconstruction
• Arthroscopy for shoulders and knees
• Reverse and total shoulder reconstruction
• Orthopedic trauma
• Bone, joint, and ligament repair
• Hand, foot, wrist, and ankle services and surgery
• Reconstructive ACL repair
• Sacroiliac fusion
• Sports injuries

The orthopedics team also offers nonsurgical treatment options for managing athletic injuries and repetitive stress injuries.

Your Orthopedics Team

With extensive knowledge and expertise, the orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, and physician assistants at Memorial Healthcare bring a level of service rivaling providers in major urban centers. Patients may be seen by one of the following providers:

• Ogochukwu Azuh, MD: Dr. Azuh is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. A graduate of Wayne State University, Dr. Azuh completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.
• Gary Branch, DO: Dr. Branch is board-certified in both physical medicine and rehabilitation, as well as electrodiagnostic medicine. He completed medical school and residency at Michigan State University. Dr. Branch runs one of just seven electrodiagnostic labs in MI that is accredited by American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.
• Rory Cocks, DPM: Dr. Cocks is board eligible in podiatric medicine and surgery. A graduate of Kent State University, Dr. Cocks completed his residency at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, MI, and also completed microsurgery course work at the Mayo Clinic.
• Ashraf Elbanna, MD: Dr. Elbanna chairs the surgery department at Memorial Healthcare. He attended medical school at Wayne State University and completed a fellowship in sports medicine at Cleveland Clinic after finishing his residency in Detroit. Dr. Elbanna has worked with national sports teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians.
• Ramy Kurdi, DO: Dr. Kurdi received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania, and completed his residency through Michigan State University at McLaren-Oakland Hospital in Pontiac. He is a proud active member of the NFL Players Association Mackey-White Health and Safety Committee.
• Michael Schmidt, DO, FAAOS, FAOAO: Dr. Schmidt attended College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in California and completed his residency at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital. He is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
• Brett Walker, DO: Dr. Walker attended medical school at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, MI, and obtained his Fellowship in Spine Surgery from the University of Washington.
• Derrick Jauss, PA-C: Derrick is one of the accredited physician assistants at Memorial Healthcare Center for Orthopedics. He holds a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Central Michigan University.
• Tarah Rakoski, PA-C: Tarah is one of the accredited physician assistants at Memorial Healthcare Center for Orthopedics. She holds a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Central Michigan University.
• Michael Smith, PA-C: Michael is an accredited physician assistant at Memorial Healthcare Center for Orthopedics. He graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy.

The providers at Memorial Healthcare Center for Orthopedics accept many different insurance plans to serve as many community members as possible.

Patient Resources

Memorial Healthcare offers a library of online videos and articles to help patients get to know their providers and learn more about the field of orthopedics. Resources include:

 Videos

• Meet Ashraf Elbanna, MD, Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Surgeon
• Hear Dr. Elbanna discuss hip surgery available at Memorial Healthcare
• Meet Ramy Kurdi, DO, Orthopedic Surgeon
• Dr. Ramy Kurdi Explains Memorial Healthcare’s Personal Care Experience
• An Overview of Joint Replacement Surgery with Dr. Ramy Kurdi and Dr. Ashraf Elbanna
• Hear Dr. Kurdi Explain MAKO Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery
• Dr. Kurdi talks about knee and hip replacement surgery
• Dr. Kurdi talks about bone and joint health on ABC12 Wellness Wednesday
• Meet Ogo Azuh, MD, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Meet Gary Branch, DO, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Meet Rory Cocks, DPM, Podiatry
• Meet Brett Walker, DO, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Articles

• Key Nutrients and Your Health: Bone and Spine Health

Podcasts

• Sports Medicine with Dr. Elbanna
• Sports Injury Clinic with Dr. Elbanna
• General Orthopedics and Joint Replacement with Dr. Ramy Kurdi
• Spine Surgery with Dr. Brett Walker
• Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Orthopedic Care with Dr. Ramy Kurdi

Choose Memorial Healthcare For Expert Orthopedic Care

With nonsurgical therapies as well as the latest surgical technology, the orthopedics team at Memorial Healthcare can help patients get back to doing the things they love. Patients throughout Greater Shiawassee County and the surrounding Mid-Michigan area can access orthopedic services at two convenient locations:

• Memorial Healthcare Center for Orthopedics (NOW Building, located on the hospital’s main campus)
• Memorial Healthcare Center for Orthopedics: St. Johns (Sturgis Street)
• Memorial Healthcare Center for Orthopedics: St. Johns (Waterford Parkway)

What Does an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Do?

Orthopedic spine surgeons are physicians dedicated to diagnosing and treating spinal disorders, healing spinal injuries, and preserving pain-free function through conservative treatment and surgical interventions. While orthopedic physicians focus on the musculoskeletal system as a whole, orthopedic spine specialists and surgeons treat a variety of conditions, such as scoliosis, degenerative disc disorders, sciatica, and traumatic injuries like whiplash.

What Is Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry or rehabilitation medicine, also focuses on the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons, as well as the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Physiatrists seek to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities that affect these parts of the body. Unlike other medical specialties that focus on a specific cure, physical medicine and rehabilitation aim to maximize a patient’s independence so they can carry out all the activities of daily living.

Physiatrists excel at designing treatment plans that are comprehensive and patient-centered. They treat patients of all ages, from infants to octogenarians.

What is Podiatry?

When treating patients, this system is also known as the lower extremity. Podiatric physicians are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the lower extremity based on their education, training, and expertise.

A DPM is a specialist in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lower extremity disorders, diseases, and injuries. A podiatric physician works independently, utilizes x-rays and laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, prescribes medications, orders physical therapy, sets fractures, and performs surgery. As part of a healthcare team, the DPM works closely with other health professionals to treat and control disease.