pic
Feel free to contact us by chat or message on our website. We will respond to you during business hours Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dr. Roderick Capelo

Dr. Roderick Capelo

Originally from Harlingen, Texas, Dr. Roderick Capelo received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology at The University of Texas at Austin, then attended medical school at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He completed his Orthopedic Surgery internship and residency at John Peter Smith/Fort Worth Affiliated Hospitals in 2004. During his first 2 years of residency, he was unsure what aspect of orthopedic surgery was right for him. His first rotation outside of John Peter Smith Hospital was in Pediatric Orthopedics at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, and he immediately found his calling. Within his first week on that rotation, Dr. Capelo knew that caring for children was his passion. Upon dedicating himself to treating children, he underwent specialized training in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery. He completed his fellowship training in Pediatric Orthopedics at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.

Dr. Capelo co-founded Pediatric Sports and Spine Associates in 2006. He has lived in the DFW Metroplex for over 20 years. He and his wife, Renee, have 2 daughters and a son. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading and listening to books on personal development, traveling, cooking, jogging, and working out. He and his family have lived in Colleyville since 2013.

Dr. Capelo is Board Certified in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery and is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

MD vs. PA

What is the difference between an MD and a PA?
A physician assistant is a medical professional who operates under a doctor’s supervision. Both the doctor as well as the PA, share patient care responsibility. The scope of a PA’s duties includes examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, taking the patient’s history, developing and carrying out treatment plans, counseling patients on healthcare plans and performing certain medical procedures, such a re-aligning fractures. The main duties of a PA are very similar to that of a doctor across several aspects; except for a few major procedures, such as surgery. Physician assistants may assist doctors in surgical procedures but they themselves are not licensed to perform surgery. Other than that, the major difference in job functions between a doctor and a physician assistant is that a doctor works autonomously whereas a PA always works under the supervision of the doctor. Physician Assistants in Texas are authorized to write prescriptions. At Pediatric Sports and Spine Associates, our Physician Assistants have been trained directly by Dr. Capelo, and have extensive experience in treating pediatric fractures, sports and overuse injuries, scoliosis and other conditions of the spine, and many other pediatric orthopedic conditions.


What It Takes To Become A Doctor? A medical doctor invests many years into the education and training which is required to become proficient in diagnosing various conditions, determining the appropriate treatment options, and prescribing the best treatment. After obtaining an undergraduate degree, it takes four years to obtain a degree a medical degree(MD), and then 3 to 7 additional years of residency training before receiving a license to practice medicine or surgery. Doctors are board-certified on the national level and must obtain a state license where they practice.


What It Takes To Become A Physician Assistant? Physician Assistant qualifications vary slightly from one state to another, but obtaining a license to practice usually requires a 4-year undergraduate degree and completion of an accredited Physician Assistant Master’s program. Most programs are approximately 26 months (three academic years) and require the same prerequisite courses as medical schools. Most programs also require students to have about three years of healthcare training and experience. To obtain a PA license, PAs must successfully complete a one-year clinical rotation where they gain hands-on medical experience. Physician assistants are certified on the by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and a PA must obtain a state license where they practice. Physician Assistants are also required to complete ongoing continuing education classes and regular re-testing of medical expertise.