Orthopedic care expands in Lake County

Access to advanced orthopedic care is growing in Lake County with the addition of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dukens LaBaze (pictured left) and sports medicine physician Dr. Ahrash Khajaei (pictured right).

The physicians have joined AdventHealth Medical Group to expand orthopedic and sports medicine services at AdventHealth Waterman and are now seeing patients in the newly opened second floor of the AdventHealth Medical Plaza in Mount Dora.

AdventHealth Medical Group is a network of nearly 450 physicians and advanced practice providers in Flagler, Lake, Sumter and Volusia counties representing 30 specialties. Together, they cared for more than one million patient visits in 2024. Also, last year, AdventHealth recruited nearly 120 physicians and advanced practitioners across the division, including nearly 20 in Lake County to support AdventHealth Waterman.

“Lake County patients shouldn’t have to travel for world-class care for bones, joints and sports injuries,” said Brandon Nudd, AdventHealth Waterman president and CEO. “Dr. LaBaze and Dr. Khajaei bring advanced skill and heart. Their arrival strengthens our orthopedic, sports medicine, and rehabilitation team so neighbors can access specialized care right here at AdventHealth Waterman.”

LaBaze is focused on adult joint reconstruction, especially hip and knee replacement, both partial and total. He offers anterior replacements, complex revision surgeries for failed implants, and minimally invasive, robotic-assisted techniques — now enhanced with smart implant technology — to relieve pain and restore mobility with greater precision and personalized care.

A graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, he completed an orthopedic surgery residency and served as a clinical instructor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, followed by an adult reconstruction fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.

Throughout his medical practice, LaBaze has provided patient care in a Level 1 trauma setting, in pediatric orthopedics as a junior faculty at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and on the sidelines as a team physician for high school football. He is also fluent in Haitian Creole.

“I’m honored to join AdventHealth and care for our Lake County neighbors,” added LaBaze. “My goal is to help people move without pain starting with the least invasive options and, when needed, offering advanced hip and knee replacement close to home so patients can get back to the life they love.”

Khajaei received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his family medicine residency at AdventHealth East Orlando, where he also served as chief resident in his final year. He then completed a primary care sports medicine fellowship at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute.

Khajaei specializes in advanced, non-surgical orthopedic care, employing techniques such as ultrasound-guided injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and minimally invasive procedures to target damaged tendon tissue, alleviate chronic pain, and promote long-term recovery. He has also served as a team physician for collegiate and professional organizations, including the Orlando City and Orlando Pride soccer teams, the Orlando Ballet, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and the University of Central Florida.

“I focus on delivering personalized, patient-focused care that honors the unique needs of each person,” said Khajaei. “My goal is to restore function, reduce pain, and help patients stay active. I work closely with each patient, so they feel informed, supported, and empowered to make confident decisions about their health and well-being.”

LaBaze and Khajaei care for patients at AdventHealth Medical Group Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Mount Dora, 19735 US Hwy 441, Suite 201. To contact their office, call Call352-351-7224.