Orthopedic World Loses Frank Cook, M.D.

Frank F. Cook, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon known for his sense of humor, left this world too soon. Dr. Cook, only 59 years of age, passed away on October 2, 2014, in Jupiter, Florida. For nearly 25 years, Dr. Cook was an orthopedic surgeon at Jupiter Medical Center (JMC). He is survived by his wife, Julie Shrewsbury; his son Skylar Cook; his mother, Dorothy Cook; two brothers, Eric Cook (Rebecca) and Andrew Cook; godchildren Michelle Williams, Mallory Rogers, Sydney Rogers, Tess Hanemann, Cole Hanemann, and Courteney Zboyen; and an extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Donald F. Cook, a brother, Stephen Cook; and his baby sister, Nancy Cook Brocke. A memorial service was held on October 9th in Jupiter.

Frank Cook completed his orthopedic surgery residency at University Hospital (Shands) in Jacksonville, Florida. In 1985, Frank and Julie moved to Los Angeles where he completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic. In 1986 Dr. Cook relocated to Jupiter, Florida, where he entered into private practice specializing in sports medicine. Four years later he co-founded Palm Beach Orthopedics Institute, serving as its president for 10 years. In 2009, Dr. Cook opened a private practice limited to sports injuries and arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle. During his career, he was orthopedic consultant to the Florida Marlins, Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals, and LA Dodgers professional baseball teams.

Richard K. Ryu M.D., a longtime friend of Dr. Cook, said, “For nearly 30 years, Frank Cook was an outstanding orthopedic contributor and intellect, sharing his surgical talents and insights with many of us who shared an interest in the throwing athlete. As co-fellows at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, I recall Dr. Cook as not only a gifted surgeon, but as one of the genuinely funniest and most irreverent people I have had the pleasure of knowing. His sartorial splendor, best described as ‘Miami Vice visits Los Angeles, ’ was a constant source of both wonder and amusement. Always armed with a kind word for those he worked with, and quick with a quip or smile, collaborating and training with Frank was nothing short of delightful. Orthopedic surgery has lost one of its brightest lights, and his family is in our thoughts and prayers.”

James E. Tibone, M.D. spoke warmly of his friend: “Frank was one of our best sports fellows and was very smart. He was a great surgeon and clinician with good hands. He was always loved by all the staff (especially the secretaries because of his Hollywood good looks). We at Kerlan-Jobe will all miss him.”

Dr. Cook’s obituary tells us, “Frank attended the University of Florida where he majored in Biochemistry and minored, with his best friend Ray Christian, in Rush Week Party Crashing, coursework he continued into medical school before receiving his M.D in 1980. His devotion to medicine was inspired by a singular incident at Blue Springs, Florida, when, as an undergraduate, he rescued and resuscitated a diver. Frank knew then that he would devote his life to helping others through medicine.”

“His passion for physical fitness training as well as multiple sports—running, biking, swimming, baseball—made Frank ideally suited for orthopedic medicine. An athlete himself, Frank understood his patients’ frustration with the recovery process and their impatience to return to the arena. Dressed in one of his trademark Hawaiian shirts for office visits, he was at one with the passion that drove his patients to push themselves. Everyone who knew him recognized that Frank’s first love was medicine, but it was closely followed by his love for the ocean, and primarily surfing. Always in search of the perfect wave and the perfect rum, he traveled to many exotic locales including Mexico, Barbados, Hawaii, Nicaragua, Indonesia, the Maldives, Tobago and Australia.”

“His love of the outrageous, especially in costume, was well known. At this year’s black-tie JMC gala, he surprised the elegantly clad guests, including his wife, when he chose for his ensemble an authentic French Legionnaire uniform complete with epaulets, medals and braids.”

John D. Couris, president and chief executive officer of Jupiter Medical Center, said, “Jupiter Medical Center has lost an incredible surgeon and wonderful friend in the passing of Frank Cook, M.D. For nearly 25 years, Dr. Cook was an integral part of the Medical Center and his death leaves a significant hole in our staff and in our community. He was an immensely talented surgeon who was deeply respected by his patients and his peers. His dedication and leadership helped transform Jupiter Medical Center into the world-class facility that it is today. He will be greatly missed. On behalf of the entire Jupiter Medical Center, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to all those who were the recipients of his expert care.”