Dr. Mahalek is a home town product - born and raised in Kearney, NE. He attended Kearney public schools, graduating from Kearney High in 1991. Following high school, he studied molecular biology and chemistry at the University of Nebraska Kearney, where he earned his bachelor of science degree summa cum laude. Following college, Dr. Mahalek attended medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, graduating with highest distinction. He then completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he was elected administrative chief resident. After successfully passing the written examination of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Mahalek spent an additional year in fellowship at the South Texas Spinal Clinic, which provided him with specialty training in treating spinal disorders. Dr. Mahalek is married (Bridget) and has two children, Ryan and Alexa. Dr. Mahalek has interests in his family, exercise, computers, sports, and, of course, the Cornhuskers, Lopers, and Bearcats!