Dear New Patient,

Welcome to Northwestern Center for Orthopedics!

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you more about myself and my experience in healthcare. I am originally from Wisconsin and I earned my medical degree at the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison. Following graduation, I continued advanced residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine here in Chicago. While in my fifth year of residency, I was appointed Chief Resident in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital by our chairman. In addition, I pursued subspecialty training following residency, also known as a fellowship, in spinal surgery at the Kenton D. Leatherman Spine Surgery Fellowship at the Spine Institute of Special Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine. My fellowship training was a combination of both neurosurgical and orthopaedic surgical techniques in spine surgery.

My practice is focused on all aspects of spine care and surgery such as reconstruction of degenerative (arthritic) conditions of the lumbar, cervical, and thoracic spine; cervical (neck) disc herniations with resultant arm symptoms and pain; lumbar (low back) disc herniations with sciatica (leg pain); degenerative disc disease; and cervical, thoracic, and lumbar stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal and resultant neck, arm, back and leg pain). My area of expertise also includes correction of spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis, as well as treatment of spinal cord trauma and spine fractures.

If aggressive non-operative treatment for back and neck disorders fails, I attempt to use the least invasive and most effective surgical technique to shorten recover and expedite return to an active, comfortable lifestyle. I strive to provide to you as much information as possible to ensure that you make an informed decision regarding your care and treatment options. I joined Northwestern Center for Orthopedics in 2002 after fellowship training, and since then it has been my mission to provide you the same excellent service and care that I would offer to any member of my family.

I enjoy teaching as a clinical instructor of spine surgery in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University Medical School. In addition to my extensive medical commitments, I enjoy a variety of activities, including golf, tennis, football, skiing, running, reading and playing the piano.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to further improve your experience here at NCO. I always strive to provide you the best and most up-to-date medical care available.

I am looking forward to meeting with you.

Sincerely,

Mark, T. Nolden, M.D.

Education, Training & Research
	Undergraduate education, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, graduate magnum cum laude in 1992.		Spine Surgery Fellowship at the Kenton D. Leatherman Spine Fellowship, Spine Institute for Special Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, graduation 2002
	Medical school, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin, graduation 1996.		Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2005
	Appointed to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society for high academic achievement in a North American medical school, a nationwide organization.		Member, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
	Orthopedic Surgery Residency, Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, graduation 2001.		Member, American Spinal Injury Association.
	Chief Resident, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, appointment by chairman in 2001.		Member, Illinois Orthopedic Society.
	Clinical Instructor on the Spine Surgical Service in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.		Associate Member, North American Spine Society.

From Dr. Nolden

I do realize that the extra time we require before your office visit might be a little inconvenient; however, it ensures that we have your correct information to help us better manage your care.

Additionally, I apologize in advance in case you have an inconvenient wait to see me. In some cases, patients require special and extensive attention. I also may have calls to the hospital to manage surgical patients' care. In addition, spine patients can be complex with many radiologic (image) studies that need to be thoroughly reviewed to formulate the best approach to each patient's care. This takes time. Under such circumstances, the staff of Northwestern Center for Orthopedics and I will do our best to see you as soon as possible. I will make sure you receive the individualized attention you require and expedite the return to your busy schedule.