Dr. Cook in fair condition

By Rhonda Simmons

Published: September 3, 2008

For nearly three decades, Dr. J. Bryon Cook, 58, has helped heal his patients at his Culpeper practice, Commonwealth Medical.

Now he’s on the other end of the treatment.

The internal medicine practitioner was listed in fair condition Wednesday in the intensive care unit at the University of Virginia Health System, according to hospital spokeswoman Megan Rowe.

The head-on collision that seriously wounded Cook and killed 17-year-old Kelsey Orndorff occurred Friday around 5:50 p.m. on Route 3 near Route 739 (Clay Hill Road) between York and Carrico Mills roads in Stevensburg.

Orndorff’s eastbound 2004 Dodge Intrepid ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected and came back across the double line, striking Cook’s westbound 2002 Acura MDX sport utility vehicle, according to Virginia State Police Mike Woodard.

“He was critically injured,” said office manager Sandra Deavers, who works at Commonwealth Medical and Madison Primary Care. “We can’t even begin to think about when he’s going to return. It’s going to be a long time.”

Word spread quickly of the crash, as patients inundated his office on Oaklawn Drive with a “ton of calls” inquiring about the longtime physician’s condition.

Deavers plans to position a dry erase board in the clinic’s lobby to give patients daily updates.

Meanwhile, Cook’s patients are being rescheduled for later dates, worked in with his partner Dr. Charles F. Suter or canceled until further notice.

Deavers said Suter extended his hours to accommodate Cook’s patients.

Nurse practitioners Terri Artale and Angela Copp are also pitching in and seeing some of his patients.

“We’re trying to be as flexible as we can with his patients,” Deavers said. “He’s such a great doctor and many of his patients only want to see him.”

Cook had to undergo another surgery Tuesday evening.

“He’s doing great considering,” Deavers said. “The family and staff really appreciate the thoughts and prayers from the community.”

Cook opened Commonwealth Medical about 25 years ago, according to Deavers.

In 1997, a number of established groups of primary care doctors and certified nurse practitioners merged their practices to form Culpeper Medical Associates to serve the Piedmont area.

Cook earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville in 1972 and his doctorate from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond in 1976.

Deavers said the family has requested that no flowers or food be sent at this time.

However, if you want to send cards forward them to Commonwealth Medical, 1043 Oaklawn Drive, Culpeper, 22701.

“We will get them to his family,” Deavers said.

His wife, Barbara, and other family members are at Cook’s side while he recovers at U.Va.

“She’s holding up well,” Deavers said.

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or .