PRESS RELEASE
MEEKER | Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Spine (CAO) continues to expand its distinguished team of fellowship-trained specialists with the addition of Dr. Joshua Mares, MD, a Colorado native and specialist in adult hip and knee reconstruction.
Dr. Mares joins CAO following the completion of a fellowship in adult reconstruction at Ortho San Antonio, where he received advanced training in complex hip and knee replacement surgeries. His expertise builds upon a strong foundation established during a five-year orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Colorado, where he served as chief resident. He earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Colorado College.
Raised in communities across the state, including Denver, Aurora, Littleton, Sedalia, Fort Morgan, and Castle Rock, Dr. Mares credits his upbringing and family experiences for shaping his career path and values.
“My grandmother played a significant role in my life, and her passing from lung cancer when I was 10 deeply inspired my pursuit of a career in medicine,” said Dr. Mares. “Although no one else in my family worked in healthcare, my summers spent working construction alongside my stepfather taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and craftsmanship—skills that I rely on daily as an orthopedic surgeon.”
Dr. Mares brings to CAO a deep appreciation for patient-centered care and collaborative practice environments.
“What drew me to join Colorado Advanced Orthopedics was the exceptional practice developed by Dr. Borchard,” he said. “His dedication to providing compassionate and individualized patient care resonated deeply with me.”
In addition to his surgical expertise, Dr. Mares is passionate about optimizing the entire continuum of care for his patients.
“My approach to patient care centers on building meaningful and lasting relationships. I see myself not only as a surgeon but also as a coach, providing my patients with all the resources and guidance necessary for a successful surgery and recovery,” he said. “I have a deep passion for optimizing every aspect of perioperative care—factors like nutrition, physical therapy, pain management, and overall wellness—that significantly influence surgical outcomes.”
Practicing in northwest Colorado also holds personal significance for Dr. Mares.
“Practicing in this region is particularly rewarding because of the hardworking, genuine people who make up the community,” he said. “I deeply value their resilience and dedication, and it motivates me every day to provide exceptional care tailored to their active lifestyles.”
Dr. Mares will provide care as part of CAO’s nationally recognized team, which includes Dr. Kevin Borchard, Dr. Gregg Martyak, Dr. Mark Purnell, Dr. J. Alex Sielatycki, Dr. Alejandro Miranda, Dr. Dan Ward, Dr. Justin Grant, and Dr. Karen Frye.
“We’re proud to welcome Dr. Mares to the CAO team. His exceptional training, deep Colorado roots, and genuine commitment to personalized care make him an ideal addition to our practice,” said Dr. Kevin Borchard, Chief Surgical Officer at CAO. “Dr. Mares brings not only advanced surgical expertise but also a passion for treating the whole patient. That philosophy is at the heart of everything we do here.”
As CAO continues to invest in top-tier surgical talent, leadership at Pioneers Medical Center echoes the importance of this expansion.
“At Pioneers Medical Center, we continuously strive to elevate care for our rural Colorado communities. Dr. Mares’s arrival strengthens our commitment to providing advanced orthopedic services right here at home. His expertise and dedication align perfectly with our mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality care,” said Liz Sellers, Chief Executive Officer of Pioneers Medical Center.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Mares enjoys fly fishing, hunting, fitness, and spending time with his wife, Penelope.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mares, visit www.coloradoadvancedorthopedics.com or call 970-878-9752.