Physician Spotlight on Dr. Teron Nezwek

How did you get interested in orthopedic sports medicine?

I played ice hockey through college at Duke and had my share of injuries along the way. Going through that process as an athlete gave me an appreciation for the impact orthopedic care can have on someone’s life. I wanted a career that combined problem-solving, working with my hands, and building long-term relationships with patients. Sports medicine was a natural fit because it allows me to help people get back to the activities that matter most to them—whether that’s competing at a high level or simply staying active with family and friends.

What is your practice philosophy?

Every patient is different, so I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to understand what a patient wants to get back to and build a treatment plan around those goals. Some people want to return to competitive athletics, while others just want to stay active without pain. I make sure patients understand all of their options and the tradeoffs involved so we can make decisions together. That’s especially important in joint preservation, where the focus is often on protecting the long-term health of a joint, not just treating today’s symptoms.

What does a typical appointment with you look like?

The first step is understanding the patient’s story. Before looking at an MRI or X-ray, I want to know what’s bothering them and how it’s affecting their daily life. From there, I’ll perform an exam, review any imaging, and explain what’s going on in clear terms. We then discuss all available treatment options, starting with non-surgical approaches when appropriate. If surgery is needed, I take time to make sure patients understand the procedure, recovery process, and what to expect afterward.

What types of conditions do you treat?

What types of conditions do you treat?

My focus is minimally invasive treatment of the knee, shoulder, and hip — ACL and knee ligament injuries, meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears, biceps pain, shoulder instability, hip impingement, hip labral tear, fractures, and overuse injuries. I also treat degenerative and end-stage conditions, including knee and shoulder replacement. I have a particular interest in joint preservation, including cartilage restoration, corrective limb re-alignment procedures, hip arthroscopy, and MACI and osteochondral allograft procedures in the knee.

What do you enjoy most about your work and outside of it?

I love being part of the team as a physician. Nothing beats hearing about or seeing your patient back on the field, job, or to normal life without pain — that’s the whole reason I do this! Outside the office, you can usually find me playing pickup hockey, on the golf course, or training for my next marathon. Most of my time, though, is spent with my wife and daughter. We live on the Connecticut coast, and when I’m not chasing them around, I’m usually catching up on the latest sci-fi or fantasy movie.