NOC - Key Persons
Dr. Aaron Bott was born and raised in Lincoln, NE. Dr. Bott completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Texas-Houston, Department of Orthopaedics in Houston, Texas. This was followed by a Fellowship in Sports Medicine which included surgical training in advanced knee and shoulder arthroscopy, as well as cartilage preservation procedures, partial knee replacements, and hip arthroscopy.
Dr. Bott has been involved in the care of athletes since his undergraduate training at UNL where he served as a student athletic trainer for the Huskers. During his fellowship training, Dr. Bott assisted in the care of the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Dynamo, Houston Ballet, Rice University and high school athletics. As such, he has provided hands-on sideline, clinical, training room and surgical care of athletes from a wide spectrum of sports at every level, gaining extensive experience in the most current management of athletic injuries. He is the team physician for Lincoln High School.
Dr. Bott is married and has five children.
Dr. Benjamin Woodhead grew up in North Platte, Nebraska, and graduated summa cum laude from Chadron State College. While at Chadron, he played wide receiver for the football team and was awarded the Don Beebe most inspirational player, the Chadron State Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was a CoSIDA Academic All-American his senior year. He then graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a master's in physician assistant studies and worked as a Physician Assistant prior to medical school. He attended medical school at A.T. Still University and was awarded the Harbarger Award for graduating in the top 5% of his medical school class.
Dr. Woodhead completed his orthopaedic residency through Des Peres Hospital and St. Louis University in 2018 where he served as the chief administrative resident. Following residency, He was accepted into one of the most prestigious and competitive shoulder and elbow fellowships at the University of Washington, under the mentorship of the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Fredrick Matsen III. During his time in Seattle, he also had the unique opportunity to work with team physicians for the University of Washington Huskies and was involved in the care of Husky athletics.
Dr. Woodhead strongly believes in shared patient decision making. His main desire is that patients feel engaged and comfortable while making informed decisions. He takes a very personalized approach and feels it is imperative to treat the individual patient, and not just an X-ray. His philosophy is that the patient's interest is of the utmost importance.
As a Nebraska native, Dr. Woodhead and his wife have five children. Faith is the most important aspect of his life and is an integral part of his daily practice. In his free time, Dr. Woodhead enjoys spending time with his family, working out, golfing, and watching sports.
Dr. Brad Webb was born in Beatrice, Nebraska, and spent most of his childhood back at his family's farm in Western Nebraska. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and was accepted to the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. He then graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a master's in physician assistant studies where he was awarded a Regents Scholarship. He worked as a Physician Assistant prior to medical school and helped to develop the first Tele-Medicine Clinic within the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the VA. He then received his medical degree with honors from A.T. Still University.
Dr. Webb completed his orthopedic residency through Kettering Health Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio where he served as one of the Orthopaedic Chief Administrative Residents. Following residency, he was accepted into a highly recognized spine fellowship at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan where he focused on spine trauma, spinal deformity, pediatric spine conditions, tumors of the spine, and degenerative spinal conditions.
Dr. Webb also completed further fellowship training in Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction with internationally recognized surgeons at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia where he focused on same-day total joint replacements, robotic and navigated total hips and knees, direct anterior total hips, as well as complex and revision total joints.
Dr. Webb strongly believes in providing compassionate patient-centered care, helping coordinate non-operative and operative treatment plans utilizing state-of-the-art, outcome-driven techniques. His goal is to continue providing innovative and compassionate care by minimizing the suffering and discomfort associated with treatable conditions of the spine.
In his free time, Dr. Webb enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. As a Nebraskan native, he enjoys being outside hiking and hunting with his family as well as downhill skiing, golfing, and enjoying time out at the lake.
Dr. Brandon Seifert interest in orthopaedic sports medicine started with his injuries as a collegiate runner. During that time, he earned numerous conference championships, All-American awards, and eventually a National Championship in the indoor mile. These experiences resulted in injuries which led him to team physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. These medical providers had a profound impact on his desire to choose a career in sports medicine.
Dr. Seifert earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine (UNMC) and subsequently completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. During his residency, he worked with the sports medicine staff for the San Antonio Spurs, Missions Baseball, and Rampage Hockey.
Upon completion of his residency, he was accepted into the world-renowned sports medicine program at the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) in Birmingham, Alabama. This most sought out sports medicine practice is directed by Dr. James Andrews. Through his experience at ASMI, he received training in advanced arthroscopic surgery on the elbow, hip, knee, and shoulder. He assisted with the care of The Washington Redskins, University of Alabama, Auburn University, Birmingham Barons, and University of West Alabama athletes, as well as numerous NFL, MLB, and WWE athletes. Dr. Seifert also had extensive experience in working with endurance athletes through his interactions with the running and triathlon communities.
Dr. Seifert's goal is to provide you and your families with outstanding service and compassionate care - the same he would desire for his own family.
Beyond his extensive medical commitments, he enjoys spending time with wife and family. He also enjoys running, cycling, and volunteering with his church and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Dr. Dane Todd was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln where he played fullback for the Huskers as a decorated college athlete. During his football career, Dr. Todd was a Three-Time First Team Academic All-Big XII recipient (2004, 2005, 2006), a Four-Time Brook Berringer Citizenship team recipient, 2005 ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA First-Team Academic All-American CoSIDA Academic All-District VII recipient (2004, 2005), Nebraska Male Athlete of the Year (2007), and Walter Byers scholarship winner (2007) which is awarded to the nation's top student athlete.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, where he also went on to complete his Orthopaedic Surgery Internship and Residency. Following residency, Dr. Todd completed a Fellowship at the University of Utah in knee, hip, and shoulder arthroscopy as well as shoulder replacement. During fellowship, he also worked with the University of Utah athletic teams and the Utah Jazz NBA development team.
As one of the team physicians for the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and the team physician for Lincoln Southeast High School, Dr. Todd specializes in the treatment of sports injuries of the knee, hip, and shoulder, as well as shoulder replacements and general fracture care. He has also served as a hip arthroscopy specialist for the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
Dr. Todd enjoys fishing, duck and goose hunting, playing ice hockey and watching college football. He is married and has three children.
Dr. Daniel Ripa was born and raised in Wilber, Nebraska. He completed his undergraduate and medical training at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He completed his residency at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas, followed by a Fellowship in Spine Surgery in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Acute Spinal Injury Surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Ripa has also received specialized training in Artificial Joint Replacement of the Knee & Hip, as well as in The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System. Dr. Ripa's practice encompasses Spine Care, general orthopaedics, and knee and hip replacement surgery.
Dr. Ripa is married and has two daughters. During the summer months, chances are you will find him on his John Deere tractor or Gator. You may also see him playing his trumpet at Wilber Czech Days which takes place each August in Wilber, Nebraska.
Dr. David Clare was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he was a member of the Cornhusker football team. He also attended and played football at Nebraska Wesleyan. He received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His residency was done at the University of Texas Health Science Center followed by a Fellowship in Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstruction.
Dr. Clare's experience as a collegiate athlete complements his sports medicine fellowship training and his fellowship in adult reconstruction and total joint replacements, enabling him to care for a large spectrum of patients. He is one of the team physicians for the University of Nebraska as well as a team physician for Peru State College, Lincoln Southwest, and Lincoln East High Schools.
Dr. Clare is married and has two sons. When time allows, he enjoys spending time with his family, shooting, hunting, golf, and exercising.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- Administration
Dr. Douglas Koch is originally from DeWitt, Nebraska. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Koch currently serves on the hospital staff of Bryan Health, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln Surgical Hospital, and Beatrice Community Hospital. He is also on staff at NOC Surgery Center. Dr. Koch is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Dr. Koch is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Institute for Bone and Joint Disorders and SCG Orthopaedic Clinic. He now serves as Team Physician for the Wesleyan Prairie Wolves, Lincoln Saltdogs, and the Lincoln Stars.
Dr. Koch is married and has two sons. His hobbies include hunting, golfing, snow skiing, and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Team Physician and Medical Director for the Lincoln Saltdogs Baseball Team
Dr. Douglas Tewes is a native of Seward, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Kentucky. During this time he was awarded the American Orthopaedic Association National Travel Award Fellowship for his research on knee ligaments. Dr. Tewes also completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine at the Minneapolis Sports Medicine Center.
Dr. Tewes currently serves on the hospital staff of Bryan Health, Lincoln Surgical Hospital, and Seward Memorial Hospital. He is double board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. In addition, he is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, American Medical Association, Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Orthopaedic Society, and Lancaster County Medical Society. Dr. Tewes was nominated and selected by his peers for, "The Best Doctors in America" award in 2009-2021.
Dr. Tewes serves as Team Physician and Medical Director for the Lincoln Saltdogs baseball team and the Lincoln Stars hockey team. He is also the Team Physician for athletes at Concordia University, and a number of local area high schools.
Dr. Tewes' dedication and commitment to sports medicine began while at the University of Kentucky where he became actively involved with their basketball program. His career is further highlighted by his award-winning research and his work with the Minnesota Vikings, the Minnesota Timber Wolves, and the University of Minnesota football team.
Dr. Tewes' decision to practice medicine comes from his devoted Christian belief to utilize his talents in the service of others. He strongly believes healing is more than physical and integrates his faith in his interaction with patients and their families.
Dr. Tewes is married and has five sons and a daughter. During his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, aviation, and time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Team Physician for the Lincoln Stars Hockey Team
Dr. Keith W. Lawson received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Texas A&M University. He is a 1992 graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a Master of Science in Cell Biology and Anatomy. Dr. Lawson obtained his Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1996. Following medical school, Dr. Lawson completed an Orthopaedic Surgery residency at the University of Texas Health Center in San Antonio.
He is on staff at BryanHealth, Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn, Nebraska, NOC Surgery Center, and Lincoln Surgical Hospital.
Dr. Lawson is a Team Physician for the Lincoln Stars hockey team and the Lincoln Saltdogs baseball team. He is board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, Nebraska Medical Association, and Lancaster County Medical Society. He also holds membership in the Texas A&M University Former Students Association, UNMC Alumni Association, and Alamo Orthopaedic Society.
Dr. Lawson enjoys travel, golf, hunting, and many sports including volleyball and snow skiing. He lives in Lincoln with his wife and two daughters.
Dr. James Gallentine was born and raised in Broken Bow, Nebraska, and received his undergraduate degree from Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. He continued his schooling in Nebraska, receiving his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This was followed by an internship and residency at the Medical College of Georgia Hospital & Clinics in Augusta, Georgia. He went on to complete a Fellowship Training for Surgery of the Foot and Ankle at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. In June 2010, Dr. Gallentine completed a Fellowship Training in Total Joint Replacement focusing on hip and knee replacement, primary and revisions at Wellington Hospital in Wellington, New Zealand.
Of special note, Dr. Gallentine served in the U.S. Military from July 1999 through August 2003 where he was a staff orthopaedic surgeon at Naval Hospital Charleston in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Dr. Gallentine is married and has a son and a daughter. In his free time he enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Fellow at the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center
Dr. Jason Weber grew up on a farm near Dorchester, Nebraska. He graduated with honors and high distinction from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological science. He received his medical degree with honors and highest distinction from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at Georgetown University Hospital, where he served as the academic chief in his final year. Dr. Weber has done research on surgical suture techniques for ankle instability. He has also written papers on proximal forearm fractures and thumb carpometacarpal arthritis.
As a fellow at the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Weber focused on foot and ankle care in the clinical, surgical, and academic setting in addition to general orthopaedics and fracture care.
During his free time, Dr. Weber enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, playing sports, watching sports, grilling, and smoking meat on the Big Green Egg.
Dr. Joseph Mulka was born and raised in Michigan. He completed his undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan. He also completed his Masters and Doctorate in biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan. He earned his medical degree from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. This was followed by a transitional year internship at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI where he served as the chief transitional year resident.
He completed his physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. This included extensive training in ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal injections, electromyography, and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS).
Dr. Mulka is married and has eight children.
Dr. Justin Harris was born and raised in Alliance, Nebraska. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska and earned his medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
Dr. Harris completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania. Following residency, he completed a Fellowship in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy at the University of Wisconsin. While there he learned the most current techniques to treat injured athletes and helped care for members of the University of Wisconsin athletic teams.
Dr. Harris specializes in the treatment of sports injuries in addition to shoulder, knee, hip, elbow, and ankle problems. His practice also encompasses the treatment of general orthopeadic conditions including fractures and arthritis. In 2009, Dr. Harris began serving as one of the team physicians for the University of Nebraska. In addition, he is highly involved in the care of high school athletes in Lincoln and southeast Nebraska.
Dr. Harris is married and has three children.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- Administration
Dr. Nicholas Gove is originally from the Kansas City area. He attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City's six-year BA/MD program for his undergraduate and medical education. He completed a residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Toledo. He then completed a fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at the Indiana Hand Center in Indianapolis.
Dr. Gove specializes in the hand, wrist, and elbow, it is his mission to provide the highest possible level of care to this area. He enjoys caring for common disorders of the upper extremity such as fractures, tendon injuries, and carpal tunnel. He has an interest in complex hand, wrist, and elbow trauma and other arthritis-related disorders of the upper extremity.
Dr. Gove's elective practice involves the hand, wrist, and elbow. He cares for common disorders such as carpal tunnel, trigger digits, and arthritis in the hand, wrist, and elbow. He enjoys complex trauma including fractures and tendon injuries of the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. Dr. Gove has a large Dupuytren's disease practice and offers both injections and surgery when indicated. In addition to his subspecialty, he participates in General Orthopaedic call and repairs lower extremity fractures, such as hip and ankle.
In addition to Dr. Gove's extensive medical commitments, he enjoys playing the guitar and drums, martial arts, and spending with his wife and children.
Nichole was born in Illinois, spent her youth in Minnesota, moved to Nebraska while in high school, and finished high school in Lincoln. She attended Union College in Lincoln, NE for her undergrad and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked as a nurse for 19 years before she graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing.
Her mission is to show up every day and give her best to her patients. To provide excellent patient centered care that meets their needs and be a provider that patients would recommend to their friends and family.
She is married and has three children who keep her very busy with various activities. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking, boating, gardening, summer nights in the country, anything that involves spending time in nature, and traveling.
Dr. Robert Vande Guchte is a graduate of the University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine. He completed his Orthopaedic residency at the University of Alberta and a fellowship in Sports Medicine at the University of Calgary Sports Medicine Center. He has also completed a second fellowship in Spine Surgery at the University of British Columbia Spine Trauma and Disease Center.
Dr. Robert Dugas was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Dugas completed his undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University and earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine-New Orleans. He completed his Orthopaedic surgery residency at Charity Hospital of New Orleans, followed by a Fellowship in Sports Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr. Robert Dugas has been active in the practice of Orthopaedic surgery since 1989. In 2006, he returned to Louisiana after spending 16 years in Lincoln.
Following eight years of practice in Louisiana, where he was the founder of The Baton Rouge Sports Medicine Clinic, an Instructor and an Assistant Professor for the LSU Department of Orthopaedics' Resident Education Program, and The Lafayette General/University Medical Center's Director of Orthopaedic Resident Education. Dr. Dugas serves as the Director of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine for the University of Nebraska Athletic Department.
While at LSU, he was a three-year football letterman. He is a member of the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame. During his football career, he was an Academic All-American, a Football News All-American Offensive Tackle, a two-time All Southeastern Conference Offensive Tackle, and in 1978, he received the Jacob's Trophy Award, where he was honored as the SEC's Top Offensive Lineman. In 2016, Dr. Dugas received recognition from The Southeastern Conference as an SEC Legend.
Dr. Dugas is married and has four children, two sons and two daughters. He enjoys outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and golf.
Dr. Scott Swanson born and raised in Alliance, Nebraska. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Creighton University. He graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Medicine. Dr. Swanson completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Creighton/Nebraska combined orthopaedic program. He completed one year of Fellowship Training in Foot and Ankle Surgery, Trauma, and Lower Extremity Reconstruction at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Swanson was awarded a prestigious traveling fellowship by the AO Foundation, the leading international organization for orthopaedic surgeon education. He studied in Switzerland where he learned novel surgical approaches to complex foot and ankle problems.
Dr. Swanson specializes in treating all conditions of the foot and ankle. He has particular expertise in treating foot and ankle arthritis. Dr. Swanson has co-authored the largest clinical series of ankle fusions in the orthopaedic literature.
Dr. Swanson is married and has three children. He is an avid runner, having completed a marathon in all 50 states, including the 2002 Boston Marathon.
Dr. Steven Volin was born and raised in Wahoo, Nebraska. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska where he was a member of the Cornhusker football team as well as a 2nd team Academic All-American. He earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and also completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at UNMC. He completed a Fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, before returning to his home state of Nebraska.
Dr. Volin is married, and he has two children. When time allows, he enjoys golfing, water skiing, and relaxing with his family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- Administration