About Us
Gregory P. Nicholson, MD
Dr. Nicholson is a leader in the field of specialized shoulder and elbow surgery, certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Nicholson utilizes state-of-the-art arthroscopic and open surgical techniques to treat sports-related, traumatic, arthritic, and occupational conditions of the shoulder and elbow.
Dr. Nicholson received his medical degree from the University of Indiana. He then completed an internship and orthopedic residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland. His fellowship rotation was specialized in Shoulder and Elbow surgery at the New York Orthopaedic Hospital at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Nicholson moved back to the Northern Indiana area before transitioning to the Chicagoland area where he has practiced at Midwest Orthopedic at Rush since 2004.
Dr. Nicholson is an active member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons. He is the principal investigator and consultant for funded studies on Rotator Cuff Repair Augmentation and Shoulder Arthroplasty. He is involved in the design of advanced shoulder replacement systems and is a consultant to different orthopedic companies designing instruments and implants for shoulder and elbow surgery.
Dr. Nicholson has published multiple research papers, book chapters, technique papers and videos on conditions and treatment for problems in the shoulder and elbow. In conjunction with continued research projects, he is the director for the Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship Program at Rush. Dr. Nicholson is a leader in the profession and often speaks at conferences and conventions. He teaches fellow physicians, physical therapists and physician assistants surgical techniques and research developments for best practices in shoulder and elbow treatment.
As a physician for professional athletes since 1993, Dr. Nicholson has been a team physician of professional athletes such as the MLB Indianapolis Indians, MLB Chicago White Sox and NBA Chicago Bulls. While Dr. Nicholson is actively involved in treating athletes, he is experienced with injuries of all ages and athletic abilities. Dr. Nicholson is a top physician in the State of Illinois for Shoulder Arthroplasty surgery, operating about 200+ cases in a calendar year. While Dr. Nicholson is a well known surgeon, he is an experienced sports medicine physician treating occupational, traumatic, degenerative, arthritic, neurologic, and fracture conditions of the shoulder and elbow. Whether conservative or operative treatment, Dr. Nicholson is a well renowned physician for shoulder and elbow injuries. Schedule an appointment with us to assess what the best path forward may be for your case.
You can find Dr. Nicholson’s CV Information here.
Education
1982
Indiana University
(Bloomington, Indiana)
BA, Biology
Cum Laude
1986
Indiana University School of Medicine
(Indianapolis, Indiana)
Doctor of Medicine
1986-1987
Internship,
University Hospitals of Cleveland
(Cleveland, OH)
1987-1991
University Hospitals of Cleveland Case Western Reserve University
(Cleveland, OH)
Residency, Orthopedic Surgery
1991-1992
New York Orthopedic Hospital, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center
(New York, New York)
Fellowship, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center
Meet Our Team
Grace Leon
Administrative Assistant
Grace Leon
(312) 432-2351
Grace Leon joined Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush as a front desk receptionist in March 2016 and later joined Dr. Nicholson’s team in June of the same year. Her responsibilities include registering patients, insurance verification, and assisting surgical scheduling and billing.
Her 16+ years of experience in the administrative field and great personality results in the ability to deal successfully with the demands of a busy and diverse patient base. This winning combination ensures that you will receive exceptional service and care. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, and living each moment in a positive way.
Vanessa Marquez, CMA
Shoulder & Elbow Fellowship Coordinator
Vanessa Marquez, CMA
(312) 432-2351
Vanessa is a Certified Medical Assistant with a degree from College of Dupage. She has worked at Midwest Orthopaedics and Rush since 2009. She assists Dr. Nicholson on all administrative and clinical duties. She is bilingual and is fluent in Spanish and English.
In addition to MA duties, she is the sole coordinator for the Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship Program. She is responsible for overseeing and implementing the fellowship program with Dr Nicholson, the Director of the program.
Carolina Merchen, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Carolina Merchen, ATC
(312) 432-2351
Carolina Merchen graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology. She has worked as an Athletic Trainer for over 5+ years at the high school and college level.
She joined Dr. Nicholson’s team at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in August 2018 and specializes in athletic injuries and rehabilitation. She works closely in clinic with Dr. Nicholson and is responsible for oversight of surgery scheduling. She currently lives in Oak Park and enjoys traveling and practicing yoga.
Lindsay Rudhman, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Lindsay Rudhman, PA-C
(312) 432-2351
Lindsay Rudhman joined Dr. Nicholson’s team in 2011 and works as a Certified Physician’s Assistant. She is an integral part of the team and works closely with patients in clinic and in the OR. Lindsay graduated from the University of Illinois with Bachelors of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She continued her education and obtained a Masters Degree in Clinical Medical Science and Physician Assistant Certification from Barry University in Miami Shores Florida. She has worked in Orthopedics for over 10+ years.
She is an Elmhurst native and enjoys living in Chicago.