At Aiken Physicians Alliance, orthopedic excellence meets compassionate care through the dedication of three highly-skilled surgeons, Dr. Jesus Castillo, Dr. Gregory Kalv and Dr. Richard Marks. Together they are redefining what it means to receive world-class orthopedic treatment right here in Aiken. Their mission, simple yet profound, is to provide advanced, patient-centered care that keeps Aiken residents healthy, active and close to home.
Dr. Jesus Castillo was specifically recruited to Aiken to build out the orthopedic division of Aiken Physicians Alliance, a challenge he embraced wholeheartedly. When the opportunity arose to lead and grow a specialized orthopedic practice in Aiken, Castillo and his wife, Natalie, were thrilled to return to South Carolina. For Castillo, the decision was as much about family and community as it was about medicine.
An athletic trainer in college, Castillo has always been passionate about sports and the human body’s resilience. “I always want my patients to feel comfortable, understand their options and be part of the decision process.” His approach is hands-on, unhurried and rooted in the belief that patients deserve both time and understanding. He focuses on education and collaboration, ensuring every individual feels confident about their care plan.
As the practice grew, Castillo sought colleagues who shared his values. He hand-selected Dr. Gregory Kalv and Dr. Richard Marks, both of whom embody the same patient-first philosophy. “We wanted a team that treats every patient like family,” Castillo says.
Castillo specializes in sports medicine and is the first surgeon in the area to perform the BEAR implant, an innovative ACL repair procedure that preserves the patient’s natural ligament. He’s also an advocate for cutting-edge treatments like Iovera, which freezes targeted nerves to block pain signals. His commitment to staying at the forefront of orthopedic medicine keeps Aiken Physicians Alliance on the leading edge of care.
Dr. Gregory Kalv joined the practice after completing a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics. With a background in engineering and more than a decade of experience in orthopedics, Kalv brings a unique precision and analytical perspective to his work. “I’ve always loved understanding how things work and putting things back together,” he explains with a smile. At Aiken Physicians Alliance, he treats a variety of cases including hand, foot and ankle, upper extremity and fracture care.
Like his colleagues, Kalv is deeply dedicated to patient education and communication. He takes time to ensure each person understands their diagnosis and feels confident in their treatment choices. He’s particularly excited about the future of robotics and surgical navigation, technologies that are enhancing precision and recovery outcomes in orthopedic surgery. Outside of medicine, Kalv and his wife enjoy exploring Aiken and attending concerts. He recalls one of his most touching patient moments was when a woman knitted him an angel after her successful surgery as a reminder of the impact of compassionate care.
Dr. Richard Marks, who has been with Aiken Physicians Alliance for two years, is the only board-certified, subspecialty-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon in the region. He moved to Aiken four years ago and quickly fell in love with the town and with the woman who would become his wife. With 25 years of experience, Marks is passionate about helping patients recover from injuries and return to the activities they love. He believes the most important aspect of care is listening. “Every patient has a story,” he says. “If you take the time to listen, you’ll find the best path forward together.”
Marks credits the practice’s success to the strong collaboration between the physicians. “We work as a cohesive unit,” he says. “That teamwork translates directly into better outcomes for our patients.” He’s proud of their relationship with Aiken Regional Medical Center which allows residents to receive top-level care without leaving town.
For Drs. Castillo, Kalv and Marks, Aiken isn’t just where they work, it’s where they live and invest their hearts. From pioneering new surgical techniques to volunteering their time for local athletes, these physicians embody the best of both skill and spirit. They represent the kind of medical care every community hopes for–advanced, compassionate and right at home.
Aiken Physicians Alliance Orthopedic Surgery is located at 191 Centre South Boulevard in Aiken, South Carolina.
“I always want my patients to feel comfortable, understand their options and be a part of the decision process.”
“We wanted a team that treated everyone like family.”