Dear Patients, friends, and colleagues:
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Joel Gonzales in October 2024. Dr. Gonzales was a cherished partner of Orthopedic Associates/OCC for 23 years, during which he helped thousands of individuals return to the active, fulfilling lives they love.
He was more than an exceptional physician — he was a trusted teammate, a supportive confidant, and a dear friend to so many within our practice. His warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication filled our halls every day, and his presence brought comfort not only to those he cared for, but also to all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him. The Orthopedic Associates team feels his absence deeply, and we miss him more than words can express.
Above all, Dr. Gonzales was a devoted family man whose love and kindness touched everyone around him.
He will be sincerely and forever missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor at: https://givebutter.com/Joel_Gonzales
To ensure seamless and continued care for all of Dr. Gonzales’s patients, his Sports Medicine partners, Dr. Parker and Dr. Wydra, are available to see you. For chronic joint concerns or total joint replacement needs, Dr. Larkin and Dr. Caufield are here to help. Please contact us at 303-321-6600 for assistance.
Joel Gonzales, M.D., was a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon who joined Orthopedic Associates in 2001. His special interests included the treatment of sports-related injuries of the shoulder and knee. Dr. Gonzales received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia and attended medical school at George Washington University.
He completed his internship and residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a fellowship in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy at Orthopedic Research of Virginia. Dr. Gonzales was an active member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and he was a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He also served as the head team physician for the Colorado Crush and as a consulting physician for the Denver Nuggets. Dr. Gonzales held a certification of added qualification in sports medicine.
Outside of his career, Dr. Gonzales enjoyed spending time with his four children, skiing, and fishing.
Special Interests, Licensure, & Certification:
Education, Internship, & Residency:
Fellowships, Consulting Team Physician:
Professional Medical Affiliations, Team Physician:
Team Orthopedic Surgeon, Head Team Physician:
