Dr. Nimesh Patel is a Harvard-trained surgeon and board-certified orthopedic specialist, with a focus on orthopedic trauma, total joint replacement, and hip preservation. After graduating from Emory University, he earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed his orthopedic training at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. During his training, Dr. Patel pursued an additional year of specialized training in musculoskeletal trauma, completing a fellowship with the Partners Orthopaedic Trauma Service at Harvard Medical School. His expertise includes pelvic and acetabular fractures, malunions, non-unions, intra-articular fractures, hip preservation, and hip and knee replacements.
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Dr. Patel believes in a personalized approach to orthopedics, recognizing that each patient has unique goals. He takes the time to listen to his patients, understand their aspirations, and tailor treatment plans accordingly—whether that involves surgery or non-surgical options.
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From a young age, Dr. Patel was drawn to science and knew he wanted to help people in a tangible way. His passion for surgery grew during his medical school rotations, where he enjoyed the hands-on nature of surgery and the immediate impact it had on patients’ lives. His interest in orthopedic surgery was solidified during his residency in New Orleans, where he gained experience in orthopedic trauma and became proficient in hip and knee replacements. Dr. Patel finds orthopedic trauma surgery particularly rewarding, likening each injury to a puzzle that needs solving to restore a patient's normal, pre-injury lifestyle.
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As an orthopedic trauma surgeon, Dr. Patel is skilled in treating all areas of the body, with a specialization in pelvic reconstructive surgery and the repair of complex fractures, including those involving previous hip or knee replacements. In Colorado, he frequently treats injuries resulting from the state's active lifestyle, including skiing, rock climbing, and biking accidents. He regularly handles sports-related traumatic injuries, high-energy trauma, and multi-system trauma from falls, motorcycle, and car accidents.
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In addition to his trauma work, Dr. Patel is a specialist in joint replacement, performing both primary hip and knee replacements and complex revision surgeries. He takes great satisfaction in helping patients with worsening arthritis regain their mobility and return to activities they haven’t enjoyed in years.
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Dr. Patel is married with four young boys. He grew up playing soccer and tennis and continues to play soccer every Sunday. He embraces the Colorado lifestyle, enjoying hiking 14ers, skiing with his family, and spending quality time with his loved ones. In his free time, he enjoys reading and indulging his passion for cooking, from grilling to making pizza and sushi.
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Dr. Patel sees patients at Panorama’s offices in Golden and Westminster.
Dr. Nimesh Patel
Dr. Ronald Hugate
Dr. Ronald Hugate
Dr. Ronald Hugate, M.D., FAAOS, is a renowned orthopedic surgeon and considered leader in the field of orthopedic oncology, hip preservation, complex joint reconstruction, and limb salvage. He is considered an innovator, treating a wide range of complex orthopedic cases, including cancer, prosthetics, and rare conditions that most others cannot.
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Education and Training
Dr. Hugate graduated Magna Cum Laude from Virginia Tech University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1994. He then completed medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School. In 1998, he began his surgical internship at Penn State University, where he also completed his orthopedic surgery residency. In 2003, Dr. Hugate completed the Ivin’s Research Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic and then an orthopedic oncology fellowship there as well. For his dedication, the Mayo Clinic awarded him the title “Instructor of Orthopedics” in 2005.
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Professional Achievements and Research
Dr. Hugate is committed to advancing orthopedic care. As an adjunct associate professor of mechanical and materials engineering at the University of Denver and clinical faculty at the Rocky Vista University School of Medicine, he inspires and trains future engineers and physicians. Through collaborations with educational institutions, he actively researches improving osseous and other bio-integrated implants, the medical and surgical treatment of bone cancers, and joint reconstructions.
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Publications and Media Features
Dr. Hugate has authored and co-authored several scientific articles and a patient guide to joint replacement called “The Handbook of Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery: Through the Eyes of the Patient, Surgeon, and Medical Team!”. His work has been featured on numerous television and radio programs, including local news stations, public radio, The Today Show, and even Animal Planet.
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Service and Military Experience
In addition to his commitment to excellence in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Hugate is dedicated to service. He has participated in multiple medical mission trips to aid underserved populations, such as in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. Dr. Hugate has proudly served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army reserves, deploying four times, including to combat hospitals in Afghanistan and Iraq. For his efforts, he has twice been awarded the Army Commendation Medal.
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Personal Life
Dr. Hugate lives with his family in the Denver Metro Area. He hails from Virginia where he was born and raised in Williamsburg with his two brothers. He enjoys spending his free time with his children. Other hobbies include traveling, wood-working, high-performance cars, and car restoration.
Dr. Michael Ellman
Dr. Mike Ellman is an integral part of the Denver sports medicine team at Panorama Orthopedic and Spine Center. He is a fellowship trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee injuries.
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Dr. Ellman brings with him unique experience in treating athletes of all ages. He has a special interest in hip arthroscopy and the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and hip labral tears. Young and middle-aged athletes are at higher risk for developing pain associated with FAI and labral tears. Many of these injuries previously went undiagnosed, but thanks to new techniques used by a select group of surgeons, physicians are now able to successfully treat this injury.
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Dr. Ellman completed his orthopaedic residency training at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. As a resident, he published over 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, and was awarded the American Academy of Orthopaedics Baxter Healthcare Scholarship for his research in hip arthroscopy. Dr. Ellman also participated in sports team coverage for professional, college, and local sports teams. Following residency, Dr. Ellman completed a one-year fellowship in sports medicine and hip arthroscopy at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. During this time, he trained under world-renowned surgeons and traveled to Chile and Austria as the team physician for the United States Alpine and Boardercross teams. He currently serves as a consultant team physician for the United States Olympic Ski and Snowboard teams.
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Outside of work, Dr. Ellman enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, cheering on the Michigan Wolverines, and participating in a variety of outdoor activities and sports, including hiking, biking, basketball, and skiing.
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Memberships: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery (AAOS) and American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
Philosophy
What We Believe In
Our Philosophy
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At Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center, our philosophy is built on a foundation of patient-centered care, specialization, and a commitment to excellence. With a team of highly skilled surgeons, including Dr. Nimesh Patel, we believe that exceptional orthopedic care starts with understanding each patient’s unique needs and goals.
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Personalized Care
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We recognize that no two patients are the same, and we tailor our approach to meet individual healthcare needs. Dr. Patel and our team take the time to listen and develop customized treatment plans that prioritize what’s most important to each person. Whether it’s hip preservation, orthopedic trauma, or joint replacement, our focus is on helping patients achieve the best outcomes, enabling them to return to the activities they love.
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Specialization and Expertise
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At Panorama, we believe that specialization leads to superior care. Each of our surgeons, including Dr. Patel, has undergone advanced fellowship training in their specific area of orthopedics. This deep focus allows us to provide highly specialized care that results in better outcomes, shorter recovery times, and a more personalized patient experience.
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Commitment to Excellence
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We are dedicated to continuous improvement and staying at the forefront of medical advancements. Dr. Patel and our entire team are engaged in ongoing research and utilize the latest technologies and techniques to ensure that our patients receive the highest standard of care. Our commitment to excellence drives every aspect of our practice, from initial consultations to post-surgical recovery.
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Patient-Centered Approach
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Central to our philosophy is a dedication to making healthcare truly patient-focused. We strive to create a supportive, compassionate environment where your concerns are heard, and your health is our top priority. Dr. Patel and the Panorama team are here to guide you through every step of your orthopedic journey, ensuring that you feel confident and cared for throughout your treatment and recovery.
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At Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center, our philosophy is simple: to provide the best care possible, we must focus on what truly matters—our patients. We’re dedicated to helping you feel better, so you can do more of what you love.