Our Mission
Transforming lives through exceptional orthopedic care.
Our Vision
We are building a vibrant, connected team, leveraging a data-driven, service-oriented culture of growth to create an extraordinary patient experience that inspires individuals to LIVE STRONGER.
Values You Can Trust
At Orthopedic Institute, we work to live out our values every day in the care we give each patient. Our team embodies our values and shapes our values, and we are proud of the excellent culture of patient care we provide through these Core Values: Excellence, Teamwork, Compassion, and Innovation.
Orthopedic Institute: Transforming Lives Through Exceptional Care
Founded in 1972, Orthopedic Institute (OI) is a leading independent physician group specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine in the Midwest. In February 2025, OI relocated its main clinic to a state-of-the-art facility in Tea, SD, offering enhanced care in a modern, convenient setting. The practice includes 21 physicians and over 225 employees, serving patients across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Dedicated to the private practice model, OI delivers efficient, compassionate, and high-quality care. Nationally recognized for exceptional orthopedic services, OI is the trusted sports medicine provider for professional, collegiate, and high school teams.
Our Values
Our reputation as the one patients and referring providers trust for musculoskeletal care is built on our core values:
- Excellence
- Teamwork
- Compassion
- Innovation
- Wellness
While no one chooses joint pain or injury, we believe you and your referring provider should have the freedom to choose the best care possible.
Our History: Teaming Up
For over 50 years, Orthopedic Institute has proudly served the region, building partnerships founded on shared values and a unified vision. On January 1, 2019, Orthopedic Institute and CORE Orthopedics and Sports Medicine formalized a partnership to enhance our position as an independent practice. This partnership strengthened our focus on exceptional orthopedic care and expanded access to more individuals throughout the region.
Past Partnerships
Orthopedic Institute has a rich history of collaboration and growth:
- 1999: Orthopedic Institute was formed through the merger of Midwest Orthopedic Center and Orthopedic Sports Medicine practice, creating the region’s largest orthopedic group and premier destination for sports medicine and orthopedic care.
- 1973: Orthopedic Associates was established and later became CORE Orthopedics in 2001.
- 1978: Midwest Orthopedic Center began as the Van Demark Clinic.
- 1980: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine practice was founded.
Surgeons from these practices have been providing exceptional orthopedic services since the 1970s, building a legacy of excellence in patient care.
Years of History
Orthopedic Institute has proudly served the region for over 50 years, building a legacy of care through partnerships founded on shared values and vision.
New Main Clinic & Administrative Offices
Orthopedic Institute officially moved into our brand-new, state-of-the-art orthopedic clinic in Tea, South Dakota on February 10th, 2025. We are proud to serve you in a facility designed to provide exceptional care and elevate patient experience.
Our 80,000-square-foot facility was created with you in mind. The new clinic allows us to:
- Offer more services under one roof, making it easier and more convenient for you to receive the care you need.
- Expand clinical space to accommodate the growing needs of our patients.
- Continue our mission of providing cutting-edge orthopedic care with a focus on convenience, accessibility, and excellence.
Key Details:
- Location: South of 85th Street and west of Interstate 29
- Groundbreaking: September 2023
- Grand Opening: February 2025
The One to Trust Award
The One to Trust Award is Orthopedic Institute’s most prestigious honor, presented annually to an individual who exemplifies the very best of who we are and what we strive to achieve.
Selection Process
Candidates are nominated and selected by our physicians and leadership team, with final approval by the board. The recipient is someone who consistently lives out our core values, demonstrating excellence in their work every day.
Award Criteria
This award recognizes a person who:
- Embodies compassion in their care for both staff and patients.
- Continuously innovates and introduces new strategies to help Orthopedic Institute grow.
- Brings exceptional dedication to their role, striving to move the practice forward.