Practice Location:
James R. Urbanik MD,
Sports Sciences Institute
3475 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27707
Orthopaedic Surgeon | Sports Medicine | Hip Specialist
Biography
I am an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. I have chosen to dedicate my career to helping ​patients with nonarthritic hip injuries and conditions like impingement and tendon tears get back to the activities and sports they love.
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Hip pain can be disabling and greatly impact your ability to function at home, work, and play. While for some it is an acute injury that brings them to a hip specialist, it can also be months or even years of discomfort and pain that may have been misdiagnosed or inadequately treated.
During your appointment my job is to not only understand the source of your pain but also your goals and activities you want to get back to. Whether pro athlete or parent looking to chase after their toddler pain-free we can work together to create a treatment plan suited to your unique needs.
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My research interests include recovery after arthroscopic surgery and how a patient's outcome is influenced by psychological concerns like anxiety, depression, and fear of pain or discomfort. There are many things that affect how a patient does in their recovery, and the more of these factors we understand the better job we can do helping patients achieve the optimal result after surgery. By designing interventions to screen for and help patients with these problems we can improve not just their hip but their overall wellbeing. Other interests include developing treatment and prevention strategies for capsular adhesions and defects which can occur after hip surgery.
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My passion for the hip and sports medicine was inspired by my own experience as a hip preservation patient during young adulthood and spending years as a competitive dancer. I still love being active and outside the hospital enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog and horse.
Education & Training
2012-2016
MD, Duke University School of Medicine
2016-2021
Residency, Orthopedic Surgery
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
2021-2022
Fellowship, Sports Medicine
Boston Children's Hospital / Harvard University
2023
Traveling Fellowship
The Hip Preservation Society (ISHA)
Selected Research Publications
Journal of Arthroscopy
May 2022; Vol 38 Issue 5
Journal of Arthroscopy
February 2022; Vol 38 Issue 2
Professional Leadership
2021-2023 AANA Membership Committee
2021-2023 AANA International Committee
2020-2025 The Journal of Arthroscopy Editorial Board
2019-2022 AANA Social Media Board
2019-2020 Quality Leadership Academy, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
2014-2015 Duke Sports Medicine Feagin Leadership Scholar