From Battlefield to Bedside: Dr. Cooper’s Expertise and Heartfelt Commitment to Shreveport
Meet Neal Cooper, MD, a proud Shreveport native and a leading expert in minimally invasive procedures for hand and wrist conditions.
After an illustrious career as an orthopedic hand surgeon in the United States Army, Dr. Cooper returned to join the Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana. His military service was marked by his dedication during some of the most challenging conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing care to wounded service members from the front lines to various evacuation points. He held leadership roles at major Army medical facilities, including Walter Reed and Brooke Army Medical Centers. He also served as the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery for the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq.
Dr. Cooper is board-certified in hand and orthopedic surgery and a fellow of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). He has a special interest in carpal tunnel syndrome and is renowned for performing more minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel releases than any other surgeon in the state.
Driven by the belief that his specialty can significantly enhance a patient’s quality of life quickly, Dr. Cooper is wholeheartedly committed to delivering compassionate and effective care to his patients.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Cooper cherishes his personal life with his wife, Nancy. Childhood sweethearts, they have been married for over 30 years and are the proud parents of three children—Suzanne, William, and Nathan. After living around the world, the Coopers decided there truly is no place like home, returning to Shreveport-Bossier City to be closer to family and lifelong friends. Dr. Cooper’s dedication to his community and his patients is reflected in every aspect of his practice, making him a beloved figure both professionally and personally.
Expertise You Can Trust
Specialty Areas
- Upper Extremities
— Hand
— Wrist
— Elbow
Education & Training
- Hand Surgery Fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington D.C., and The Curtis National Hand Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- Residency – Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
- Medical school – Tulane Medical School, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Undergraduate – United States Military Academy, West Point, New York
Affiliations
- Northwest Louisiana Medical Society
- Louisiana State Medical Society
- Louisiana Orthopedic Association
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand
- American Association for Hand Surgery
- Society of Military Orthopedic Surgeon
- Specialists Hospital Shreveport, Board of Managers, President
Three Things to Know About Dr. Cooper
1. He is a proud United States veteran.
Dr. Cooper is a distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and Tulane University Medical School. He completed his orthopedic residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and pursued an upper extremity/hand fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. His military service coincided with critical phases of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he provided crucial care for wounded service members across various evacuation points, including the front lines. Dr. Cooper held leadership roles at Army facilities such as Fort Polk, LA; Fort Bragg, NC; Walter Reed; Brooke Army Medical Center; and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Notably, he served as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery for the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad and was the Regimental Surgeon for the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Bosnia. At Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana and Specialists Hospital Shreveport, he has been a key advocate for TRICARE acceptance, ensuring accessible care for military families.
3. He is a life-long athlete.
Dr. Cooper grew up playing sports and played college football at The United States Academy at West Point. He is an avid tennis player and believes his desire to remain active gives him greater insight and empathy with patients who may be struggling to remain active due to overuse, wear and tear, and acute injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
3. He is fellowship-trained and board-certified.
Dr. Cooper is board-certified in hand and orthopedic surgery and is a fellow of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). He has a particular interest in carpal tunnel syndrome and has performed more minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel releases than any other surgeon in the state of Louisiana.
Meet the Cooper Team:
Uniting Expertise and Compassion for Outstanding Patient Care
Dr. Cooper and his exceptional medical team are renowned for their expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. Their collaborative spirit and collective experience create a dynamic environment where each team member plays a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes. The team’s dedication to continuous learning and innovation ensures that patients receive the highest quality medical attention. By fostering a supportive and compassionate atmosphere, Dr. Cooper and his team prioritize the well-being and comfort of every patient, making the healthcare experience at FLEX both exceptional and reassuring. Patients can trust they are in capable hands with a team that genuinely cares.
Dr. Cooper’s Team
