Conway Regional believes in blending access and excellence, familiarity, and fierce commitment. It’s about creating patient experiences that are highly intentional and refreshingly personal. That’s exactly what Austin Cole, MD, brings to his hometown as an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Conway Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center.

For Dr. Cole, returning home is both personal and part of a family legacy in medicine. Growing up in this close-knit community, he was drawn to sports and a commitment to serving others, understanding the vital role athletics play and the importance of accessible, high-quality care for athletes at every level. Now, he provides not just treatment but a comprehensive approach to care, curated for each individual athlete, from prevention to recovery and beyond.

Dr. Cole focuses on prevention, education, and a team-centered approach that keeps the entire community engaged in the well-being of its athletes. He works closely with athletic trainers and physical therapists during local games to ensure that players receive the highest quality of care before, during, and after an injury. His philosophy extends beyond individual recovery, emphasizing injury prevention and long-term health—empowering athletes to make informed choices about their care and their future.

His specialized training in orthopedic residency, followed by a fellowship in sports medicine and foot and ankle surgery, fueled his drive for bold innovation in treating athletes. During his training, he worked with elite athletes, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and Clemson Tigers. 

“Sports bring people together,” Dr. Cole says. “In a town like Conway, athletics are more than just competition. They are part of the community’s identity. My goal is to provide care that keeps our athletes strong, safe, and performing at their best, whether in high school, college, or active later in life.” 

Dr. Cole specializes in a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including hip arthroscopy, muscle tears, sports hernias, bone fractures, knee and shoulder replacements, and rotator cuff injuries. He is highly experienced in treating athletes with ACL injuries and tears, providing comprehensive continuity of care from the initial injury through surgery, rehabilitation, and full recovery. 

By collaborating with coaches, athletic trainers, and physical therapists, Dr. Cole helps create seamless recovery plans that enable patients to return to their sports or activities as safely and quickly as possible. Conway is a place built on connections, where neighbors support one another, and athletes of all ages benefit from a network of providers who prioritize health and well-being.

Now at Conway Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center, Dr. Cole provides intentional, highly personal care that is deeply rooted in community values. Whether he is treating an injured high school athlete, helping a weekend warrior get back on the bike, or working with an active adult to regain mobility, his goal remains to ensure that every patient receives the best individualized care right here at home — it’s not mass-produced healthcare, it’s curated care.