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
Secretary
Grace Leon
(312) 432-2351
Grace Leon joined Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in 2016. Her responsibilities include answering calls, registering patients, scheduling appointments, coordinating with insurance carriers, and assisting with surgical scheduling and billing.
With over 20 years of administrative experience and a warm, personable approach, Grace excels in meeting the needs of a busy and diverse patient population. This strong combination ensures that every patient receives exceptional service and care.
When she’s not in the office, Grace enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Vanessa Marquez
Program Director Administrative
Vanessa Marquez
(312) 432-2351
Rush Shoulder and Elbow Fellowsh
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush
Vanessa Marquez serves as a Clinical Assistant and the Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship Coordinator within Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, working in direct support of Gregory P. Nicholson, MD for over 14 years. In this dual role, she contributes to both clinical operations and the academic mission of the Shoulder and Elbow service.
In her clinical capacity, Ms. Marquez is responsible for patient intake, coordination of clinical workflows, and support during patient evaluations and procedures. She is recognized for her strong organizational skills, professionalism, and commitment to delivering a patient-centered experience. Her attention to detail and ability to anticipate clinical needs significantly enhances the efficiency and quality of care delivered in a high-volume orthopedic practice.
As Fellowship program administrative Ms. Marquez oversees all administrative and operational components of the Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship program. Her responsibilities include onboarding domestic and international fellows, developing and maintaining rotation schedules, coordinating clinical rotations, organizing academic conferences, managing program correspondence, and ensuring compliance requirements. She serves as a primary liaison between faculty, fellows, clinical staff, and administrative leadership, contributing to the cohesion, professionalism, and academic excellence of the program.
Ms. Marquez brings extensive experience in clinical administration, a strong commitment to graduate medical education, and a demonstrated dedication to supporting the professional development of trainees. Her integral role strengthens both the educational environment and the overall functioning of the clinical service.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ms. Marquez remains engaged in the community and values time spent with her family.
Juliana Lopez,CMA
Certified Medical Assistant
Juliana Lopez,CMA
Juliana Lopez joined Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in October 2018 and brings with her a wealth of experience as a certified Medical Assistant. With more than 15 years of combined clinical and administrative expertise, she has developed a strong foundation in patient care, practice operations, and multidisciplinary teamwork.
In November 2024, Juliana joined Dr. Nicholson’s team, where she works closely alongside him in clinic to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for every patient. Her responsibilities include preparing and assisting during patient visits, managing clinical workflows, and serving as a key point of communication between patients, providers, and the surgical team.
Juliana also plays an essential role in coordinating surgical scheduling, working diligently to organize pre-operative requirements, communicate with insurance companies, arrange necessary clearances, and guide patients through the surgical process with clarity and compassion.
Known for her reliability, attention to detail, and calming presence, Juliana is committed to providing exceptional service and maintaining the highest standards of patient care. She is valued by both her colleagues and patients for her professionalism, empathy, and dedication.
Outside of work, Juliana enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and continuing to grow within her profession.
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.