The Orthopedic Centers of Colorado (OCC) has been recognized as the number one physician practice in Colorado for having the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors in orthopedic care, with 38 physicians receiving this peer-nominated honor. The practice has also been designated as a Castle Connolly Center of Excellence for 2026. These distinctions underscore the organization's established commitment to clinical leadership and high-quality patient outcomes across the state.
Mike Bergerson, CEO of OCC, stated that being recognized by Castle Connolly as a Center of Excellence and being named number one in Colorado for the most Top Doctors in orthopedic care is an honor accepted with pride and gratitude. He emphasized that Castle Connolly's physician-led selection process reflects peer recognition and clinical excellence, making the distinction particularly meaningful. Dr. Brian Larkin, OCC Board President, added that this recognition affirms the team's daily drive: a relentless commitment to clinical excellence and to helping the people of Colorado move confidently and live without limits.
OCC is a comprehensive musculoskeletal practice providing specialized, integrated orthopedic services ranging from sports medicine to complex reconstructive surgery. The physicians evaluate and treat a wide spectrum of conditions including acute sports injuries, degenerative joint diseases, spinal disorders, traumatic fractures, chronic conditions affecting the hands, feet, ankles, and shoulders, as well as providing specialized pediatric orthopedic care and pain management services. Key procedures performed include total joint replacement and revision surgery, minimally invasive and complex spine surgery, advanced sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, hand, wrist and elbow surgery, foot and ankle reconstruction, trauma and complex fracture care, cartilage restoration and joint preservation, orthobiologics and regenerative treatments, pain and non-surgical orthopedic care, and pediatric and adolescent sports orthopedics.
The practice streamlines the patient experience by offering coordinated care from diagnosis through rehabilitation within a single location, featuring on-site physical therapy, advanced imaging services, and specialized durable medical equipment fitting. Beyond clinical care, OCC physicians contribute to the advancement of orthopedic medicine through research, scholarship, and teaching, holding influential roles at regional medical institutions. Their expertise extends into the community, with many serving as team physicians for professional, collegiate, and high school athletic programs across Colorado.
The Castle Connolly Top Doctors list is a significant industry benchmark. Castle Connolly publishes its Top Doctors list at https://castleconnolly.com and in various print and online partner publications. Nominations are open to all board-certified MDs, DOs, and DPMs, and the Castle Connolly research team selects honorees based on criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Doctors cannot pay to be selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, ensuring the list's integrity is based on peer and professional assessment.
This recognition matters because it provides Colorado residents and healthcare providers with a verified, peer-endorsed indicator of where to find concentrated expertise in orthopedic care. For patients dealing with musculoskeletal issues—from weekend warriors with sports injuries to seniors requiring joint replacement or individuals managing chronic pain—the designation signals a practice where a large number of physicians have been vetted and recognized by their peers for excellence. In an industry where choosing a specialist can be daunting, such external validation from a respected source like Castle Connolly helps guide informed healthcare decisions. For the medical community, OCC's top ranking and Center of Excellence status reinforce its role as a clinical leader and a hub for advanced orthopedic treatment and innovation within the region, potentially influencing care standards and patient referral patterns statewide.
