Orthopedic Center of Florida adds Dr. Madhish Patel

Orthopedic Center of Florida has hired board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Madhish Patel in Fort Myers after Gardner Orthopedics closed following its acquisition by Lee Health. The move keeps Patel with many of his existing patients while expanding OCF’s orthopedic care across southwest Florida.

Why it matters: - Dr. Madhish Patel’s move gives longtime Gardner Orthopedics patients a path to continue care without starting over. - The addition expands Orthopedic Center of Florida’s orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, sports medicine and fracture care offerings in southwest Florida. - OCF is also adding a surgeon with experience in technology-assisted joint replacement and orthopedic education.

What happened: - Orthopedic Center of Florida added Dr. Madhish Patel, DO, to its team of orthopedic surgeons in Fort Myers. - Patel joined OCF after Gardner Orthopedics closed in August 2026 following its acquisition by Lee Health. - Patel said he wanted continuity for existing patients and new access for patients across southwest Florida.

The details: - Patel’s practice includes joint replacement, sports medicine and fracture care. - His clinical focus includes hip and knee replacement, arthroscopic procedures, sports injuries and fracture treatment. - Patel specializes in joint preservation and replacement, complex primary and revision joint replacement, arthroscopy, sports medicine and fracture care. - He also focuses on complex primary and revision shoulder, hip and knee replacement. - Patel performs robotic and technology-assisted joint replacement. - He manages periprosthetic fractures and prosthetic joint infections. - His care approach includes physical therapy and rehabilitation, not just surgery. - Patel earned his medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. - He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the Michigan State University Statewide Campus System in Grand Blanc, Michigan, and served as chief resident. - During residency, he received pediatric orthopedic training at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, affiliated with Louisiana State University. - He completed fellowship training in Adult Reconstruction and Hip Arthroscopy in Las Vegas, Nevada. - Patel has learned from orthopedic leaders known for implant design, robotic-assisted surgery, computer navigation and virtual reality applications. - He has presented at national and state orthopedic meetings. - In Southwest Florida, Patel is working with the Institute for Mobility and Longevity and the MORE Foundation. - That effort includes continuing medical education programs, journal clubs and outcomes-based research initiatives. - The collaboration also includes building an Adult Reconstruction Fellowship. - OCF has locations in Fort Myers-Creekside, Fort Myers-Riverwalk, Naples and the Estero Medical Center. - OCF offers physical therapy, sports medicine, nutritional counseling, pain management and preventive wellness programs. - More information is available at OCF’s website.

Between the lines: - Patel’s arrival helps OCF absorb some of the patient disruption created by Gardner Orthopedics’ closure. - The emphasis on robotics, navigation and virtual reality points to a broader shift toward technology-driven orthopedic care. - The education and fellowship work suggests OCF is positioning itself as both a care provider and a training hub.

What’s next: - Patel will continue treating existing patients while taking on new patients at OCF. - OCF and Patel plan to expand orthopedic education and research efforts in the region. - The Adult Reconstruction Fellowship is being developed to train future orthopedic surgeons.

The bottom line: - OCF is using Patel’s arrival to preserve continuity of care for former Gardner Orthopedics patients and strengthen its orthopedic footprint in southwest Florida.