Life-long athletic background leads to orthopedic medical career
Cort Lawton, MD
Cort Lawton, MD, always knew his career would involve sports in some way, shape, or form.
“Sports consumed my life in my early years. I guess you could say I was a sports fanatic,” he shared.
Growing up he participated in wrestling and boxing, two sports where injuries are common. It comes to no surprise that he sustained numerous orthopedic injuries during his athletic career.
“Having overcome many sports-related injuries over the years, I knew at a young age I wanted to incorporate those experiences into my career,” Dr. Lawton continued. “I wanted to work with athletes, help them overcome injuries, and ensure they get back to what they love doing.”
After graduating from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences: Chicago Medical School, he completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Northwestern University Fienberg School of Medicine. There he gained experience working as a sports medicine physician in the Chicago area, assisting with coverage for the Chicago Blackhawks, NBA Combine, NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball March Madness Tournament, NCAA Division I wrestling tournaments, and Chicago public high school and youth football games.
“Being an athlete myself, I loved these experiences. However, my passion for treating patients with common sports injuries extends to the weekend warriors, and the general population looking to maintain their active lifestyle.”
Dr. Lawton’s practice at OrthoIllinois focuses on youth and adult injuries to the hip, knee, and shoulder, with a special interest in arthroscopic procedures to the hip. He also is experienced with complex knee cartilage and ligament reconstruction.
He was excited to join the OrthoIllinois team and having been born and raised in Northern Illinois, he had a strong desire to build his practice close to friends and family.
“It was a perfect fit. I was close to home, surrounded by friends and family, and joining an organization with an excellent reputation and partners who are the best in the country in their respective fields.”
Dr. Lawton’s practice, at the Algonquin Clinic, is keeping him very busy.
“It’s a wonderful community and it has been my pleasure providing sports medicine coverage to this population.”
Building on his experiences during his residency, Dr. Lawton is a member of the Chicago Blackhawks Medical Network. He provides regular coverage for the Rockford IceHogs AHL team.
As his patient base continues to grow, Dr. Lawton is excited to be at the forefront of the industry. Sports medicine is continuously evolving, with newer procedures and techniques far superseding what was capable 10-15 years ago.
Since joining the OrthoIllinois team, he has tackled many complex knee reconstructions with great success, retuning patients back to an elite level of function. Complex knee reconstructions have become a new evolving interest of his.
“Whether my patient is a pro athlete or a weekend warrior, I am passionate about fixing their injuries and helping them continue to pursue their passions in life,” said Dr. Lawton.
