Kris J. Alden, MD

About

Dr. Kris Alden knew from the first day on his orthopaedics rotation in medical school that he wanted to pursue the speciality. Despite thinking primarily about cardiology, his first day of orthopaedics changed his mind. ”I truly enjoyed seeing patients become more functional and active and that particular aspect of orthopaedic surgery drew me to the field,” he said. “I saw a range of people, from athletes and weekend warriors who wanted to return to their chosen sport, to older people who sought ought a more active lifestyle.” As a former collegiate swimmer, Dr. Alden was always around athletes and knew of the injuries which can sideline them. “Life is about mobility and remaining active, so the more I can encourage and help people retain that, gives me great satisfaction and enjoyment.”

An orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of hip, knee and shoulder arthritis and related disorders, Dr. Alden has performed thousands of hip and knee replacements since finishing his fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in 2008. He recently relocated to Florida to be closer to his aging parents who have lived here for most of his adult life. “I am committed to providing patients with the latest, most advanced and innovative surgery and non-surgical treatment of hip, knee and shoulder disorders,” he said.

Closely involved in the development of innovative techniques for hip and knee replacement and revision reconstruction surgeries, Dr. Alden has devoted his career to improving the quality of life for patients in need of both non-surgical as well as those requiring joint replacement and revision arthroplasty procedures.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from the University of Chicago as well as a Master’s of Science in Biology from Southern Illinois University. He went on to complete a dual degree program in which he was awarded his MD and PhD concurrently from the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Department of Physiology & Biophysics. His PhD dissertation focused on calcium channel regulation and was awarded the Outstanding Thesis award in the Graduate College for his novel and groundbreaking research. In addition, he was awarded the Kate and Michael Barany Award for outstanding research and scholarship during his medical school graduation.

He applied that same dedication to research to outstanding patient care while training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD where he trained in all aspects of orthopaedic surgery from world renowned surgeons. Following his residency training, he completed a lower extremity joint reconstruction fellowship at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) where he learned novel and innovative solutions to a range of complex disorders affecting the hip and knee joints.

Dr. Alden has worked diligently over the past 14 years to ensure appropriate and outstanding care as the director of Quality Assurance and the surgical operations committee. “I truly enjoy helping a patient regain and maintain an active healthy lifestyle,” he said. “I have had so many patients become more active, pain free, and live an overall better quality of life through hip, knee and shoulder replacement surgeries. I love helping people reclaim lost function, enhance their ability to walk, move, run, bike, as well as enjoy a range of activities and live with less pain.”

When developing an individualized treatment plan, Dr. Alden approaches medication management knowing that certain pharmaceutical prescriptions can play a role in the treatment of hip, knee and shoulder arthritis. “Medications, physical therapy, injections and activity modifications are always the first line treatment for hip, knee and shoulder issues before considering any surgical intervention,” he said. “When the easy, safe, simple and non operative treatment modalities fail to offer significant symptomatic pain relief, then surgical treatment options could be considered.”

Dr. Alden’s philosophy on patient-centered care involves listening intently and treating every patient as he would want his family member to be treated. “I work in a collaborative manner so that every patient feels that our treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs,” he said.

Away from the office, Dr. Alden enjoys being outside participating in a range of Florida activities including golf, running, biking and fishing. He loves spending time with his wife and children and relaxing by the beach or the pool.

Visit Dr. Alden’s personal website here.