Brian J Cole, MD

I’m sure you’ve already seen his accreditations elsewhere if you’re looking for a ortho surgeon. Dr. Cole is an absolute rock star. I had ACL (patella) replacement two weeks ago. I walked out without crutches and never used them. Three other people on my team have undergone similar operations this year without such successful results. Very happy I did my research for my doc. Only gripe I have is that Midwest Ortho is a monstrous machine. There is some lag time between appts and takes some time to get to the right people but it runs as smoothly as something so large can.

I was late. From the time I parked at the Rush Univ. Harrison St. office, checked in, got an x-​ray, saw Dr. Cole, checked out and returned to my car, 60 minutes passed. Again, I was late — I expected a wait to be seen — I was seen immediately… by everyone involved in my visit. He was in the exam room within 60 seconds of my placement there. He asked how I injured my shoulder and he’s one of the few people on earth who didn’t laugh when I told him «playing foosball» (he smiled, but didn’t laugh — yes, it matters!). He said I’m the first foosball injury case he’s ever had… coming from the guy who’s the team doctor for the Bulls and who is obviously in very high demand, I’m pretty jazzed that I got to throw him a bit of a curve ball. Very personable man, incredibly efficient office, friendly, albeit very busy staff and overall highly impressed with both Dr. Cole and all who contributed toward making my visit quick and pleasant. Now scheduled for an MRI… he requested I make the appointment for the MRI and a follow up visit with him on the same day so that I wouldn’t be wasting my time making two trips. How awesome is that? if I need surgery to repair my rotator cuff, I can honestly say that after today, I can’t think of a doctor I would rather have overseeing my care than Dr. Cole. I have very little use for most doctors; I’ve kissed a lot of frogs, so to speak — Dr. Cole is one who turned out to be a prince. Bravo; great practice run by a group of specialists who «get it» as it relates to respecting their patients’ time. Would recommend Dr. Cole and MOR without hesitation!

I found Dr Cole on Unilocal.I needed help for my right knee and saw him yesterday 8÷9÷12 and was very pleased. He did not try to push surgery or knee replacement, but said that all I needed was physical therapy. If you want an honest professional opinion, Dr Cole is your man. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Cole (his Rush Hospital location) after a friend who studied under him recommended his work.
My condition is a bump on the front of my knee, below the kneecap, that has gotten worse with recent triathlon training.
I tried to be prepared for the appointment by getting my notes organized, and was very pleased to find his office and staff just as well-​prepared. From check-​in to x-​ray to height/​weight/​blood pressure, they worked like a well-​oiled machine!
Dr. Cole’s review of my x-​rays and explanation of my knee issue were crisp and understandable. He related to my situation (that I didn’t want to have to quit training) and respected my preference for non-​surgical options (physical therapy, prescription).
His assistants, Jessica and Natalie, answered all my questions and made the experience very comfortable.
I was truly impressed with my appointment and highly recommend him to other amateur athletes… you’ll be in good hands with Dr Cole.
Check him out at

I hope you never need an orthopedic surgeon but if you do-​Dr. Cole is really a specialist where specialists count.
His specializes in shoulders, knees and elbows and has several special procedures that he does most of which are arthroscopic. He did his residency at Cornell and is one of the leading orthopedics in Chicago. He actually practices out of Rush but rather than start a new review I thought I would add on to this one as there are several offices where you can visit him. The main office number is 312−243−4244.
I have a knee situation. I injured it over 20 years ago and then re injured it about a month ago. The first doc I went to out my way (translate that to the «burbs»)suggested surgery right away. Not one to make hasty decisions, I spent the afternoon in the city today getting a second opinion and I am glad that I did.
Midwest Orthopedics, of which Dr. Cole is a part of, has an office in River City (Wells and 8^th St). It is a little unusual as it sits in the basement of the condos– but there is plenty of parking and easy access.
When you call for your appointment– they suggest that you go to their website (
) and fill out all the necessary paperwork before coming in. So glad that I did that– the knee form alone is at least 7 pages long!
Once you get to the office– it is efficiently run and they move the people through quickly. The doctor was running behind today and I was early so I did have to wait a little bit, but there was such a cast of characters in the waiting room to watch, that the time flew by.
I love organization and this place runs like the military. You go to one person who handles all the scheduling, one who is in charge of physical therapy and one who is in charge of the money. Everything is well explained and care is given to both young and old who need a little extra help.
Unfortunately for me, this second opinion concurred with the first so I am scheduled for surgery but there is good news. Dr Cole is all about «treating the patient and not the MRI» so he did come up with an alternative plan to see if that works before going the surgical route. I am so willing to try anything else!
My final observation? Dr. Cole is just an all around nice guy. He explains things and wants you to feel good about his diagnosis. We actually discovered through the course of conversation that we have mutual acquaintances (hmm…maybe I’ll call them up and see what they say about the talented Dr. Cole)
Hopefully you’ll never need Dr. Cole– but it’s nice to know he’s there if you ever do.

Dr. Cole is the BEST orthopedic dr. He has a practice at Rush, as well as at River City: Midwest orthopedics at Rush.
I came in with a separated shoulder for a second opinion. The first dr I saw in the suburbs was a hillbilly, and he didnt want to fix it. Not only was Dr. Coles’ staff and office perfectly professional, Dr. Cole put me back together perfect. I am so happy. The staff was always available for questions before and after surgery. Surgery was done at Rush on an outpatient basis and so easy. The rest of the drs at the practice I hear are the best there is around in Chicago.
Good luck and call Dr. Cole if you need your shoulder, elbow or knee looked at. Kyle is his assistant and really really good.