COVER STORY –
Two of Fort Bend’s prominent surgeons join the area’s leading orthopedics and sports medicine practice.
When long-time Fort Bend orthopedic surgeon Michael Kent, M.D., informed patients that he and colleague Thomas Rivers, M.D., were joining the staff at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
“The reaction I got from patients was fantastic,” Kent recalled. “Everyone was excited and pleased, many telling me, ‘All of my other doctors are at Houston Methodist, so I’m glad you will be, too!”
Kent and Rivers are two of the area’s prominent orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists. Both say their decision to join Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine was a long time coming, driven by their interests in providing more convenient, comprehensive services to patients and a desire to work at the area’s leading orthopedics practice.
“Everything I’ve heard and everything I’ve seen about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been extremely positive,” said Rivers. “The values that are embedded in the organization, the skill sets and experience of our new colleagues, the outstanding operating rooms and nursing staff – all add up to a better experience for me as a physician and for my patients.”
Kent agreed. “Houston Methodist Sugar Land is so well-known and well-respected, and there’s a reason for that,” he said. “From its size and the level of comprehensive services it offers to the quality of care that is delivered, it’s a fantastic organization, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Joining a great team
Kent and Rivers are joining an all-star roster of physicians that includes 13 orthopedic/sports medicine experts, the largest group of its kind in the Fort Bend area. Together, the team provides the full range of specialized orthopedic care, including:
These specialists are supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging technology and associated staff; specially trained nursing and operating room staff; and the area’s leading rehabilitation facility, with board-certified therapists. The facility offers physical, occupational and aquatic therapy in the hospital’s 75,000-square-foot building, which also includes sport-specific elements, such as an indoor batting cage and golf net, as well as an outdoor, state-of-the-art turf training field for athletes recovering from injury.
“Rehabilitation is a critical element in both sports medicine and general orthopedics,” said Rivers. “Having skilled staff and an outstanding facility right downstairs is a tremendous benefit. We can easily check on our patients, or if there is an issue or question, they can come right up and see us, allowing us to communicate more effectively with the therapy team. It’s an advantage that very few hospitals have.”
In fact, all of Houston Methodist Orthopedic & Sports Medicine’s comprehensive offerings are combined in one easy-to-access location in the heart of Sugar Land.
“We can now provide the full continuum of care – from initial patient visit through imaging, surgery and therapy – all in one location,” said Kent. “It’s a significant convenience for our patients, and it enables us to provide better overall care, too.”
Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine currently serves as the official health care provider of the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, RodeoHouston®, Rice University and the Houston Ballet.
In addition, Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine doctors serve as team physicians for all 11 Fort Bend ISD high schools, as well as several other schools in the region. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s unique partnership with Fort Bend ISD places skilled athletic trainers at each district high school with direct connections to these highly-skilled sports medicine specialists.
The practice also offers a unique walk-in injury clinic — with extended hours — where anyone with an orthopedic injury can be seen quickly without an appointment. The Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic at Sugar Land is staffed by board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic and sports medicine specialists who treat the following issues:
The clinic is located at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine’s Sugar Land office, with clinic hours from 8 am to 7:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 8 am to 4 pm. on Friday. No appointment is necessary, office-visit pricing is offered and most insurance plans are accepted.
To schedule an appointment with either Kent or Rivers or for more information on the Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic, visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl or call 281.201.0409.
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Michael Kent, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery
Joint Replacement
Michael Kent, M.D., received his medical degree and completed his residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Kent is board certified and treats both children and adults, including athletes and active older individuals. He focuses on a wide range of problems, ranging from acute sports injuries to chronic degenerative conditions.
Kent has served on the Justin Sports Medicine Team for RodeoHouston and served as the team physician for Houston Baptist University, Seven Lakes High School and Needville High School. He has been on the medical team for the Sugar Land Skeeters and treats runners and endurance athletes at Texas Running Company in Sugar Land. He previously served as club physician for Eclipse Soccer Club (now Rise Soccer Club).
Thomas Rivers, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery
Knee & Shoulder Surgery
Thomas Rivers, M.D., is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in general orthopedics with an emphasis on treating sports-related injuries. After earning his undergraduate and medical degrees from Texas A&M University, Rivers completed a diagnostic radiology residency at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple as well as an orthopedic residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Over the past 15 years, Rivers has served as the team physician for several local high schools including, Foster High School, Fort Bend Christian High School, Brazos High School and Sealy High School. He has also worked with the Sugar Land Skeeters and RodeoHouston.
To schedule an appointment, call 281.201.0409 or visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl.