Dr. John Cory is an Orthopedic Surgeon and owner of Arizona Institute of Motion. Dr. Cory knew as a child he wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon and combining medicine and sports was a natural fit for him as he was an athlete through college. Read more about Dr. Cory….
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
First job: Worked for soccer coach, Tom Fitzgerald, who won a national championship divisions one/two and was an MLS coach. It was my job to sell clothes and shoes for this small soccer store in Tampa which fueled my passion for sports and soccer.
Favorite AZ restaurant: Different Pointe of View because they have a combination of really good food (the lobster bisque and creme brulee are the best) and an incredible view. You can basically see all of Phoenix from the outdoor bar, it’s a true gem.
The person who has impacted your life the most: Mom- she was a scientist but she challenged me in thinking and exploring/gaining knowledge. She encouraged going out asking questions and continuing to be curious which is a trait that I brought into the medical field of always exploring different options and methods throughout my career.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: Prior to the age of 50 I was invited and actively practiced as the foot and ankle doctor for the Arizona Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Coyotes and Arizona soccer team. I had dreamed of working in medicine since I was 15 years old and if you would have told me when I was younger that being the orthopedic doctor for these teams would be a possibility I would have been thrilled beyond my wildest dreams.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: Learning about the business of medicine has been an obstacle because it is not taught in medical school. It’s a different mindset to be business oriented as opposed to focusing solely on helping people in every degree. The practice of medicine will always come before the business for me.
Someone who inspires you: Chris Arians (spouse of Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians) she is a lawyer and child advocacy judge, a friend of the casa program, and she has been a friend and inspiration/permission in helping kids as they age out of the casa system
Favorite quote: “Excellence is a habit not an act”
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: I would give someone the same advice my father gave me and that is to become the kind of doctor that you would send your mom or sister to. That was good advice and I really took that advice to heart when I went on to pursue medical school and my residency at Wake Forest University and then a fellowship in foot and ankle at the American Sports Medicine Institute.
What you think makes someone fabulous: Self confidence and the ability and desire to create their own pathway. Attempting to excel and move outside of comfort zones.
Learn more about Dr. John Cory and his business Arizona Institute of Motion at fastsportsaz.com.
