The Medical Opinion Marketplace

Heather Crook, MPT, PT, is an orthopedic physical therapist practicing in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She provides individualized, evidence-informed care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on restoring mobility, strength, and functional movement to support daily activities, work demands, and recreational goals. Her orthopedic background supports comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning for common concerns such as pain, movement limitations, and recovery following injury. In addition to orthopedic rehabilitation, Ms. Crook has experience with hippotherapy (equine-assisted therapy) through her involvement with the Colorado Springs Therapeutic Center. This approach integrates the movement of the horse as part of a skilled therapy plan to help address functional challenges in posture, balance, coordination, and mobility for appropriate patients. Ms. Crook is also engaged in community leadership, serving in an officer role as President for Hillsprings Learning Center, Inc., reflecting a broader commitment to supporting health, learning, and wellbeing in the community. She provides care in English and is known for a patient-centered approach focused on education, collaborative goal setting, and practical strategies that promote long-term recovery and injury prevention.

Cody Joseph Estler, MD, is a pain medicine physician with anesthesiology training who focuses on interventional, minimally invasive approaches to evaluating and treating acute and chronic pain. He earned his medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine after completing undergraduate studies in biochemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Estler completed a general surgery internship at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, followed by residency training in anesthesiology at SUNY Upstate Medical University, where he also completed fellowship training in interventional pain management. In practice, Dr. Estler emphasizes evidence-based care and a multidisciplinary treatment philosophy tailored to each patient’s goals and function. He commonly evaluates and treats neck and back pain, joint pain, neuropathies, and complex pain conditions including abdominal and pelvic pain. His care plans may incorporate interventional techniques alongside rehabilitative strategies and other conservative therapies to support durable improvement in quality of life. Dr. Estler is affiliated with Balcones Pain Consultants and is licensed to practice in Colorado and Texas.

Travis Dekker, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in orthopaedic sports medicine. He cares for patients with sports-related and activity-related musculoskeletal injuries, using both non-operative treatments and surgical options when indicated. Dr. Dekker earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at Duke University, and pursued advanced fellowship training in orthopaedic sports medicine at The Steadman Clinic. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. Dr. Dekker’s clinical approach emphasizes accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and helping patients return safely to work, athletics, and daily activities. In addition to his clinical work, he has contributed to peer-reviewed orthopaedic literature and has participated in professional education through national meeting faculty activity. He is licensed to practice in Colorado and Florida.

Thomas W. Higginbotham, DO, is a physician specializing in Preventive Medicine with an emphasis in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He is credentialed to practice medicine at one or more UCHealth facilities as part of UCHealth Hospital Medical Staff – Southern Colorado, and is not employed by UCHealth. Dr. Higginbotham earned his medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed internship training with Memorial Healthcare System. His postgraduate training includes residency education at University of Cincinnati Hospital and the University of California. He also completed fellowship training with the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians. Dr. Higginbotham’s practice is focused on helping patients and organizations address health concerns related to the workplace and environment. His background supports evaluation of work-related injuries and illnesses, assessment of functional capacity, and guidance on return-to-work and fitness-for-duty considerations. He brings a preventive, evidence-based approach aimed at promoting safety, reducing risk, and supporting long-term health and productivity. Dr. Higginbotham sees patients in English.

Carlos A. Rueda, MD, FACS, is a board-certified vascular surgeon with expertise in both vascular and endovascular surgery. He provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of arterial and venous conditions, emphasizing patient-centered, evidence-based care. Born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Juarez, Mexico, Dr. Rueda brings a broad perspective to caring for diverse patient populations. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed a general surgery residency at the University of Colorado, including dedicated vascular surgery research, and pursued advanced fellowship training in vascular and endovascular surgery at Scott & White Medical Center. Dr. Rueda has practiced in both private practice and hospital-based settings, including roles in Colorado and New Mexico. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society for Vascular Surgery. His commitment to advancing the field is reflected in authorship on peer-reviewed publications in vascular surgery.

Yogesh Shrestha, MD, is a pulmonary disease physician specializing in pulmonary and critical care medicine. He provides comprehensive evaluation and management of lung and respiratory conditions, with clinical expertise that spans both outpatient pulmonary care and inpatient critical care services. Dr. Shrestha completed internship and residency training in internal medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri. He is listed as board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. In Colorado Springs, he practices with Colorado Springs Pulmonary Consultants, PC, and is affiliated with Penrose Hospital. Dr. Shrestha is committed to patient-centered care, emphasizing clear communication, thoughtful diagnostic evaluation, and individualized treatment plans. He works collaboratively with patients, families, and referring clinicians to support long-term respiratory health and to guide complex care needs when critical illness affects the lungs. He is listed as speaking English, and directories also report additional languages including Arabic, Bengali, French, Hindi, and Spanish.

Michael Terveen, DDS, is a general practice dentist who provides comprehensive dental care with a focus on patient comfort, long-term oral health, and evidence-based treatment planning. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI), reflecting advanced training and ongoing commitment to clinical excellence. Dr. Terveen earned bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemistry from the University of Sioux Falls and completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, where he received the Pre-doctoral Achievement Award from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. After dental school, he gained broad clinical experience in a high-volume practice setting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Terveen has been active in organized dentistry through service as a delegate and board involvement with local dental societies. He maintains professional memberships in the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Colorado Dental Association, and the Colorado Springs Dental Society. He has also been recognized by peers with multiple Colorado Springs Top Dentist honors.

Thomas Dowd, M.D., is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with specialized expertise in foot and ankle conditions. He is fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery through the Harvard/Brigham and Women’s Foot and Ankle program in Boston and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at Brooke Army Medical Center through the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Consortium. Dr. Dowd earned his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda. Prior to entering civilian practice, Dr. Dowd served for 20 years on active duty in the U.S. Army, including four deployments. His military career included clinical service in Landstuhl and nearly 15 years at Brooke Army Medical Center, where he also directed the Orthopedic Residency Program, reflecting a strong commitment to surgical education and leadership. Dr. Dowd has authored peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, and the Society of Military Orthopedic Surgeons. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a former Division I swimmer, he brings a performance-minded perspective to helping patients return to activity. He practices with Rothman Orthopaedics as an independent clinician listed with Main Line Health.

Gary Forrest, MD, is a Colorado-licensed psychologist and the founder and executive director of Psychotherapy Associates, P.C., based in Colorado Springs. He provides comprehensive psychological services with clinical interests that include addiction-focused care, psychological testing, and counseling for adults, couples, and families. His work is informed by extensive training in counseling and psychology, as well as specialized preparation in addictions treatment. Dr. Forrest earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Westminster College. He completed graduate education in the field of education, including a master’s degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a doctorate in education with a focus on counseling and psychology from the University of North Dakota. During military service, he also completed an extended addictions training program at the University of Oklahoma. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Forrest has contributed to professional education in behavioral health by launching the Psychotherapy Associates Annual Winter Symposium. He accepts Medicaid, as listed in insurance information for his practice.

John Bissell, M.D., is a Pain Medicine physician in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with additional public listings in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R/physiatry). His clinical focus centers on evaluating and treating pain and functional limitations with an emphasis on restoring mobility, improving daily performance, and supporting long-term recovery. Dr. Bissell’s work integrates a rehabilitation-oriented perspective with pain management principles, helping patients navigate complex musculoskeletal and spine-related conditions while prioritizing individualized, practical care plans. Dr. Bissell is publicly associated with Apex Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, where he has been listed as an owner-physician and authorized official for the affiliated professional organization. He is also described in public directory information as board certified. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Bissell has participated in independent medical evaluation work within Colorado’s workers’ compensation system, including performing a Division Independent Medical Examination (DIME). He also accepts Medicare assignment, according to Medicare-oriented directory information. Across these roles, Dr. Bissell is recognized for providing thorough assessments and medically grounded recommendations aimed at improving function and quality of life.