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From the Football Field to the Surgical Suite: Dr. Cox’s Expert Care and Community Commitment 

Stephen Cox, MD, a distinguished member of FLEX Institute since August 2005, has established himself as a leading expert in total ankle replacement and fusion in the region.

From a young age, Dr. Cox aspired to be either a Dallas Cowboy or a physician, and his journey through collegiate football at Washington and Lee University led him to pursue a career in medicine. After earning his medical degree and completing an orthopedic residency at LSU Health-Shreveport, he further honed his skills through a specialized fellowship in lower extremity and foot & ankle trauma at the Florida Orthopedic Institute.

Dr. Cox prioritizes open communication with his patients, ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of their treatment options. He also emphasizes a collaborative approach: “Patients are the captains of their own ships, and I serve as their navigator, guiding them toward the best outcomes,” he explained.

A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Cox remains an active presence on the sidelines of Captain Shreve High School and Loyola College Prep, supporting his sons, Carter and Trevor, in both sports and community activities. His wife, Neal, is a dedicated fitness instructor, who complements his life both professionally and personally. The Cox family is deeply engaged with their community through organizations like Young Life and Volunteers of America, adapting their involvement to where their assistance is most impactful. In his leisure time, Dr. Cox enjoys deer hunting and fishing, balancing his professional dedication with personal passions.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Cox of FLEX Institute specializes foot and ankle surgery.

Expertise You Can Trust

Specialty Areas

  • Lower Extremities
    — Foot
    — Ankle
  • General Orthopedics

Education & Training

  • Fellowship- Lower Extremity/Foot Ankle Trauma, Florida Orthopedic Institute, Tampa, Florida
  • Residency, Orthopedic Surgery, LSU Health and Sciences Center – Shreveport, LA
  • Internship, General Surgery, LSU Health and Sciences Center – Shreveport, LA
  • Medical School, LSU Health and Sciences Center – Shreveport, LA
  • Undergraduate Studies, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA

Affiliations

The patient is the captain. I’m the navigator.

Stephen Cox, MD

It’s important that the patient and I can get on the same page with things…do we have personalities that can mesh and work together and that we can agree on what the best course of treatment is.

Stephen Cox, MD

I really try to listen to my patients and make sure I have a clear understanding of what their goal are and what their current lifestyle allows for so that we can achieve the best outcome.

Stephen Cox, MD

Three Things to Know About Dr. Cox

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Cox of FLEX Institute specializes foot and ankle surgery.

1. One of the first in Louisiana to perform total ankle replacements.

Dr. Cox was one of the first and is still one of a handful of foot and ankle surgeons to perform total ankle replacements in the Ark-La-Tex. He is very excited about the massive innovations that are developing with ankle replacement and is active in helping to improve this technology to allow for greater availability and greater recovery times for his patients.

A young football player in a green "Gators" jersey with number 51 poses on one knee holding a football, with his yellow helmet on the grass.

2. Once a Gator, always a Gator.

Dr. Cox proudly attended Captain Shreve High School and graduated in 1991. Cox followed in his big brother Trey’s footsteps and was a Shreve Middle Linebacker. He was proud to watch his son finish a very successful football season and academic career at Captain Shreve in the Spring of 2022.

Three people pose together indoors; an adult in red, a young boy in a striped shirt and jacket, and a teenager in a green hoodie, all smiling or looking content.

3. Fitness + Family + Community = The Cox Crew

The Cox Crew believes in fitness, fun, and giving back. Dr. Cox’s wife, Neal, is a fitness instructor, and he credits her with keeping him in shape. You can often find Dr. Cox on the Loyola Flyer sidelines cheering on his younger son and acting as an unofficial team doctor. The Cox family is hugely supportive of the Shreveport-Bossier Community and active in Young Life and Volunteers of America.

A group of healthcare professionals place their hands together in a stack, symbolizing teamwork and collaboration.

Meet the Cox Team:
Unwavering Excellence Powered by Expertise

Dr. Cox’s medical team at FLEX exemplifies dedication and expertise in orthopedic care. Shannon Hamm, a seasoned Medical Assistant, has been a vital part of the Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana family since 2005 and brings years of invaluable experience. Joining the team in 2024, Suzan Johnson, NP-C, plays an essential role as a Nurse Practitioner, providing seamless support to Dr. Cox in the operating room and clinic. Together, Shannon and Suzan form a cohesive unit committed to delivering exceptional patient care with compassion and professionalism.

Dr. Cox’s Team

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Medical Assistant

Shannon Hamm, MA

Shannon has been part of the Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana family since 2005. Until his retirement, Shannon worked alongside Jim Lillich, MD – Dr. Cox’s partner and mentor.

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Nurse Practitioner

Suzan Johnson, NP-C