North Shore Health, Orthopedic Associates partner to bring orthopedic care to Cook County
Starting next month, North Shore Health will begin offering orthopedic services in Cook County through a new partnership with Orthopedic Associates of Duluth.
The new partnership will bring orthopedic surgeons to Cook County once a month to provide a range of services, including initial consultations, post-procedure follow-up care, treatment for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and other minor procedures that do not require anesthesia.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to get up there and start working with patients,” said Dr. Phillip Thomas, an orthopedic surgeon with Orthopedic Associates of Duluth.
For many Cook County residents, routine orthopedic appointments can require a two-hour drive to Duluth for an initial consultation, a brief procedure, or follow-up care. By bringing those services closer to home, North Shore Health hopes to reduce travel time and improve access to specialized care.
“The drive from Grand Marais to Duluth is not an insignificant drive by any means,” said Dr. Thomas.
With orthopedic specialists scheduled to visit North Shore Health on the first Wednesday of each month, Dr. Thomas said the expanded access to care will be a significant benefit for Cook County-based patients.
As the year continues, Dr. Thomas said they will assess demand and possibly offer appointments more than once a month.
“If things were busy enough, or the demand was high enough, we could expand on that,” Dr. Thomas said.
WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Dr. Philip Thomas, an orthopedic surgeon with Orthopedic Associates of Duluth, about the new partnership with North Shore Health. Audio of the interview is below.
Kalli Hawkins June 9, 2026
