Meet Dr. Lex S. Allen
Dr. Allen grew up in the small towns and mountains of Southern Utah. He was very excited to have the opportunity to return to Southern Utah once his medical training journey was complete. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Utah University and then was excited to attend the University of Utah for completion of medical school. Orthopedic residency training took him and his family to University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He and his Wife could not pass up the opportunity to travel with their young family to Brisbane, Australia for a fellowship in Hand and Shoulder surgery.
Many great memories were made during their travels for medical training, but they were excited to ultimately return to Cedar City, Utah and help provide orthopedic care to the communities of Southern Utah. Dr. Allen was honored to be recognized in 2024 for being in the top 5% in the nation for patient experience and satisfaction.
Dr. Allen feels fortunate to have helped provide orthopedic care in his current practice for over 10 years. Along with his partner Dr. Robert Nakken they provide cutting-edge and comprehensive orthopedic care for their patients. It has been exciting for him to join Dr. Nakken as the team physicians for Southern Utah University. Dr. Allen specializes in hand, wrist, shoulder, sports injuries and fracture care. Contact him to see if he can help with your orthopedic needs.
Meet Dr. Robert E. Nakken
Dr. Robert Nakken grew up in Cedar City, Utah where he played college basketball for Southern Utah University. After graduating from SUU in Biology and Chemistry, he attended St. Louis University School of Medicine, followed by residency in orthopedic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Dr. Nakken’s life seemed to come full circle when he returned to Cedar City to practice orthopedic surgery. He has been the Southern Utah University team physician for twenty-five years. Since returning to Cedar City, Dr. Nakken has been a leader in orthopedic surgery.
He pioneered shoulder arthroscopy, being the first surgeon to learn and perform shoulder rotator cuff repair through a scope throughout all of Southern Utah. He has advanced hip and knee surgery procedures at Cedar City Hospital. For example, he mentored a surgical team to learn anterior hip replacement which has improved recovery compared to older procedures. Dr. Nakken is involved in helping the Intermountain Healthcare system to make surgery safer by diminishing the risk of surgical infections. He is the co-author of guidelines for preventing infection during surgery for the entire IHC hospital system.
With Dr. Nakken’s extensive experience and record of excellence in sports medicine, the treatment of fractures, injuries of the knee and shoulder, as well as joint replacement of the hip, knee, and shoulder, he looks forward to caring for you and your family.
He and his wife, Sydney, have five children. He enjoys family activities, sporting events, and spending time in the mountains. Dr. Nakken feels fortunate to share a practice with Dr. Lex Allen; together they can meet all of your orthopedic needs. Call for an appointment today.
Dillon T. Jolley, PA-C
Dillon T. Jolley, PA-C, is an experienced orthopedic physician assistant proudly serving the Cedar City and southern Utah community. With affiliations at Intermountain Cedar City Hospital and Intermountain Garfield Memorial Hospital, Dillon focuses on diagnosing and treating a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including knee injuries, rotator cuff tears, and arthritis. His approach to care emphasizes patient education, ensuring that individuals understand their treatment plans and feel empowered to achieve better mobility and quality of life.
A Cedar City native and Cedar High School graduate, Dillon pursued higher education in Exercise Science at both Southern Utah University and Utah Valley University. He earned his Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro University Nevada. Dillon’s professional journey began as a medical assistant at Utah Valley Pediatrics, where he cultivated his passion for patient care.
Dedicated to the community he calls home, Dillon combines his clinical expertise with a deep commitment to helping others thrive. Outside the clinic, Dillon enjoys spending time with his family, staying active outdoors, and embracing the natural beauty of southern Utah.
James (Jimmy) Hjorth, PA-C
James Hjorth, PA-C, brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and personal experience to his role as a physician assistant specializing in Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. James developed his passion for orthopedics after experiencing multiple sports injuries in high school, giving him a firsthand understanding of the challenges and triumphs of recovery.
James earned his bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training and began his career providing medical coverage for youth sports, triathlons, marathons, and summer camps.
This hands-on experience inspired him to pursue further education, leading him to a career as a Physician Assistant in Orthopedics. Now, James finds fulfillment in helping patients regain their functionality and quality of life, offering compassionate and effective care for a wide range of injuries and conditions.
A Springville, Utah, native, James is an avid athlete who has completed several half marathons, triathlons, and a full marathon. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him outdoors with his family, hiking, camping, biking, and skiing. James is also an enthusiastic supporter of his children’s activities, from cheering on his daughter in gymnastics to watching his sons excel in baseball and soccer.
