Ralph L. Cox, MD

I am a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician and focus on maintaining or improving quality of life and daily functioning through inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient treatments such as injections, medications, bracing, physical therapy, and nerve testing (also called EMGs). I chose to become a doctor to create an impact on my local community. My grandmother was a nurse, and I always respected the medical community as a child and young adult. As a Navy Corpsman, I was able to see firsthand how compassionate care can improve quality of life and I was inspired to make medicine my life’s work.

I grew up in coastal South Carolina where I played baseball from an early age until my senior year of college. I have been involved in sports most of my life and have had a multitude of injuries, through that I learned that my passion was helping athletes and others alike with orthopedic pain, return to sport or a better quality of life. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife outdoors, playing golf and traveling to see family, friends, and baseball games. I am excited to join UNC Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Lenoir.