Colton Austin Faza, MD, MPH

How long have you worked in your field?
I have worked in Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care for seven years and have worked in Sports Medicine for three years.
Describe your clinical specialties.
I specialize in non-operative Sports Medicine with expertise in treating a variety of acute and chronic sports-related and musculoskeletal problems, from arthritis to broken bones, concussions, strained tendons, and sprained ligaments. I use a range of types of imaging, such as x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI to diagnose problems and treat issues with many solutions like medications, physical therapy, and injections. Additionally, I specialize in Emergency Medicine with expertise in recognizing and efficiently treating life-threatening conditions as they develop. I apply this expertise in both clinic and community settings, such as sports events, to help keep people safe and intervene if serious problems happen.

What is your patient care philosophy?
I approach care with a patient-centered, …team-oriented philosophy that focuses on the needs and comfort of patients. When discussing information about diagnoses and options with patients, I apply shared decision-making, a process where I have a thorough conversation with a patient about their symptoms, exam, imaging, diagnosis, treatment options, provide my recommendations, and decide the best path forward together. This important process allows patients to have the knowledge they need to make decisions about their health and treatment options that best fit their preferences and lives.

What would you like people to know about you as a physician?
I endeavor to practice medicine with the utmost compassion, professionalism, and respect for my patients and their decisions. I will never push patients into specific decisions regarding their health, instead focusing on providing a thorough discussion, taking the time to answer all questions, and provide guidance. Additionally, I am committed to working within a highly trained, interdisciplinary team including orthopedic surgeons, primary care physicians, advanced practice providers, and many other staff members and specialists to provide the best care and service possible to my patients and to the community.

What do you enjoy most about working with patients?
I enjoy forging collaborative relationships with patients and, as a team, working to determine the best path forward to relieve their pain, return patients to enjoying their activities, and improving their quality of life.

How does your work improve lives?
With my specialization in Sports Medicine, I work to improve the function of injured areas, alleviate pain, and return patients to enjoying their daily activities. I emphasize a thorough discussion on diagnosis and treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits of various options, to collaborate with patients on the decision-making process so that we may arrive at the best decision together. I use my expertise in Emergency Medicine to recognize and treat serious conditions that require immediate intervention, should the need arise.


What are some interesting facts about you?
I was born at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, grew up in the central Florida area, and have a personal connection to the community. I am a big fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team and enjoy attending First Fridays in Lakeland as well as jogging through Bonnet Springs Park.

With which community and volunteer organizations are you involved?
I am involved with the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, an organization of Sports Medicine experts and providers who provide care, training, and service to communities across the United States. I am also involved with the International Association for Regenerative Therapy, which is an organization of medical experts and personnel who provide teaching and service to communities within the United States and internationally.

Would you like to share about your family?
My parents and brother live in the Tampa area. My father is a veterinarian and my mother is an adult educator. My brother is an Emergency Medicine physician.

What childhood memory do you have about visiting the doctor?
My favorite doctor’s visits growing up were with my pediatrician. She was always very calm and gentle, even when it was time for vaccine shots. She would explain everything to my parents and answer all their questions. She was one of the people who inspired me to enter the field of medicine because she was thorough, kind, compassionate, and always made me feel safe during visits with her.

What else would you like to share with our readers?
I am passionate about helping athletes and people of all ages stay active and healthy. I look forward to serving our patients as well as the Lakeland community and the surrounding communities.