Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - February 2026

COVER FEATURE A s a physician with Advanced Relief Institute, Dr. Cole has built his approach to leadership around compassion, example, and a deeply personal understanding of pain. “I think leadership is the ability to inspire others and guide them toward a common goal,” Dr Cole explained. “But it’s not just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about how you do it.” That philosophy is evident in every aspect of his work, from patient care to team dynamics. At Advanced Relief Institute’s West Palm Beach office, Dr. Cole serves as the sole physician on-site, supported by a nurse practitioner and staff who share his commitment to comprehensive, patient- centered care. “Our goal is to treat chronic pain from head to toe,” Cole said. “We use a comprehensive approach—multimodal medication management, minimally invasive interventions, and procedures designed to restore function and improve quality of life.” Dr. Cole’s path to medicine was anything but linear. A former Division I football player at Virginia Tech, he was a starting safety during the 2012 season and earned academic honors along the way. A severe neck injury abruptly ended his football career, forcing him to confront an unexpected turning point. “That injury derailed my football career,” he explained. “But always had aspirations of becoming a doctor. I was a biology major, and it gave me the opportunity to really focus my efforts on medicine.” The experience also gave him something far more enduring: empathy. Having now lived with chronic pain himself as a result of his football career, Dr. Cole developed a natural connection with patients navigating similar challenges. “I deal with chronic pain myself to this day,” Cole said. “I believe this helps me empathize with my patients on a daily basis, I can truly connect with them.” That connection has become central to his work. Dr. Cole finds particular fulfillment in treating active individuals— athletes, golfers, and everyday people. “These are people with a genuine desire to remain active and functional. My goal is to get them doing the things they love again and improve their quality of life.” Founded in 2019 by current CEO Dr. Neel Amin, Advanced Relief Institute has expanded Dr. Michael Cole PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST - ADVANCED RELIEF INSTITUTE – By Dan Hauser | Photo by Neil Cohen Photography – PROFILES OF LEADERSHIP 8 A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 6