Garry M. Banks, MD

12/04/2025

Justin Jefferson inspires highlight reels and hearts around the world.

Through our Ready. Set. Send. campaign, we surprised Justin with handwritten letters from fans, including one all the way from Austria.

From young athletes chasing dreams to families cheering from afar, every note reminded us of JJ’s impact both on and off the field. Where will you be cheering him on this Sunday? Tell us in the comments.

12/02/2025

Four active boys. Dozens of injuries. One trusted expert.

For Kristie and the Block family, Dr. Andrew Ockuly has been there through every fall, fracture, and comeback.

“When you have a house full of rodeo riders, wrestlers, and football players, injuries are going to happen. At one point, we had seven broken bones in 14 months. That’s when we stopped going to the ER and started going straight to TCO Urgent Care in Vadnais Heights.

What makes Dr. Ockuly stand out is how approachable he is. He doesn’t just treat our boys, he gets to know them. He makes the experience feel personal and never rushed. They feel like they’re visiting a friend, not just a doctor. He even checks in after surgery or a big injury.

When my son Marshall broke his foot riding saddle bronc in North Dakota, he drove all the way home so he could go to TCO. That same weekend, we happened to see Dr. Ockuly at the state rodeo finals, and he took the time to check Marshall’s foot under a tent between events. That’s the kind of care you don’t forget.

Dr. Ockuly truly understands how important it is for kids to get back to doing what they love. Every conversation is clear, supportive, and focused on getting us back on track. As a mom, that kind of trust means everything. I know that no matter what, we’re in good hands.”

12/01/2025

When you care for communities, they care for you.

We're proud to stand behind the athletes, families, organizations, and partners who choose TCO for care that puts patients first.

Your trust means everything, and it inspires us every day.

11/27/2025

Wishing you a safe and happy Thanksgiving from our TCO family to yours! We’re grateful for our amazing patients and team.

In observance of the holiday, all TCO locations are closed today. We look forward to serving you again on Friday when our urgent care clinics resume their normal 8 AM – 8 PM hours.

11/25/2025

When a patient needed more than routine care, Kristine Zwieg stepped in and turned a scary situation into a story of compassion and action.

After a patient fell at TCO Eagan - Viking Lakes, they were quickly brought to our on-site urgent care, where Kristine was working. After reviewing X-rays, Kristine suspected something more and ordered a CT scan. Instead of leaving it there, she logged in later to personally check the results.

She discovered the patient had a surgical fracture, immediately called the trauma physician, and then reached out to the patient. When the patient returned with family and questions, Kristine stopped what she was doing to walk them through their options. Thanks to her diligence and compassion, the patient was able to undergo surgery the very next day.

Kristine, thank you for showing what it means to Be The Difference for our patients!

Twin Cities Orthopedics provides comprehensive orthopedic specialty care at over 40 convenient clinics in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin.

11/24/2025

You always have a choice in your care.

During this season of gratitude and reflection, we want to thank every patient who turned to us this year. Because of you, TCO is the region's most trusted orthopedic provider.

From all of us, read our heartfelt letter of appreciation: TCOmn.com/ThankYou2025

11/19/2025

John wasn’t sure his knee could handle walking Spain’s Camino de Santiago. With Physical Therapist Julia Black’s help, he made his dream come true.

"My wife and I completed our 75-mile hike from Sarria to Santiago in five days. Despite unusually hot weather, with temperatures in the mid-90s for the first two days, we finished in good shape. I was lucky enough to have no foot blisters, and I’m happy to report that my left knee gave me no trouble at all. Absolutely no swelling or stiffness, even after a couple of 17-mile days!

It’s amazing to think how far I have come since last year. I am sincerely grateful for everything Julia did for me.”

Twin Cities Orthopedics provides comprehensive orthopedic specialty care at over 40 convenient clinics in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin.

11/17/2025

Hockey hits different on campus.

Experience the energy inside the brand-new Lee & Penny Anderson Arena and cheer on our partner University of St. Thomas Hockey.

Enter to win 4 tickets to an upcoming men’s or women’s hockey game by shooting a 🏒 in the comments. Must follow us to qualify. Contest ends 11/20.

As the Official Sports Medicine Provider of St. Thomas, we’re proud to support athletes on and off the ice.

11/13/2025

He leads with heart and hustle. He reads with gratitude and pride.

We surprised Minnesota Vikings captain Josh Metellus with a few handwritten letters collected from fans through our Ready. Set. Send. campaign.

Each message was filled with encouragement and appreciation, celebrating everything from his leadership to his dance moves. Wishing Josh and the team good luck Sunday against the Bears!

11/12/2025

We were honored to host members of the Minnesota Business Partnership and several state legislators for a tour of our Eagan – Viking Lakes campus.

The visit highlighted our integrated care model—combining clinic, therapy, surgery, sports performance, and research under one roof—to deliver better outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance the patient experience.

We also engaged in meaningful discussions on key healthcare priorities impacting access and affordability, underscoring the critical role of collaboration between providers and policymakers.

11/11/2025

For Vivian, running a half-marathon with her daughter made every step of recovery worth it.

“I’m a single, empty-nester mom, work in real estate, and stay active. I run, lift weights, golf, and keep up with my daughter’s college hockey schedule. I don’t have time to slow down.

I joined a weekend kickball tournament for something fun and social. While chasing a ball, I fell and separated my shoulder. I tried to let it heal on its own, and Dr. David Hartigan actually supported that decision. He told me that if he were in my shoes, he would wait and see. That meant a lot because it showed he cared about what was best for me, not just rushing into surgery. When it became clear that surgery was the right option, he walked me through the entire plan.

Dr. Hartigan explained what the procedure would involve and answered every question I had. I never felt rushed. He always made me feel like my concerns mattered. After the initial surgery, I had a freak accident and broke my clavicle again. It was a frustrating setback, and I needed another procedure.

Even through that second surgery, I never felt alone. Dr. Hartigan and the entire TCO team continued to be supportive and positive, which made a big difference during a tough time. Five weeks before my half-marathon, I got the green light to start running again. The next day, I ran 10 miles. That race became a symbol of everything I had overcome. Crossing the finish line with my daughter by my side was emotional and empowering. It felt like I was finally leaving the pain and recovery behind me.

Today, I’m back in the gym and lifting weights. I feel strong and like myself again. Dr. Hartigan is more than a talented surgeon. He’s an incredible human being. I would recommend him to anyone.”

11/10/2025

25,000 reasons to be proud.

From joint replacements to spine procedures, our EXCEL Surgery and Recovery Program has officially helped 25,000 patients heal through coordinated, concierge-style care that puts patients first and costs less than a hospital stay.

Since 2012, EXCEL has challenged the status quo and transformed orthopedic care through a value-based approach that prioritizes outcomes, experience, and affordability. This milestone isn’t just a number. It’s a testament to the dedication of our entire team and the trust of every patient we’ve served.

Learn more about EXCEL: TCOEXCEL.com