He retired from the military with the rank of Colonel in1993. He then entered private practice in Aiken, S.C. In March 1999, he opened Southern Dermatology where he has an active practice including medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Cook is a member of the American College or Physicians, American Academy of Dermatology, Southern Medical Association, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the Augusta Dermatology Society.

Dr. Cook's community activities have included serving on the Church Council and as President of the congregation of Advent Lutheran Church, Augusta, Georgia. He was a member of the Steering Committee of Young Life of Augusta. He is presently a member of Lutheran Church by the Lake.

 Dr. Cook enjoys boating and fishing. He is a history buff and in his spare time enjoys researching Civil War history.

Dr. Cook and his wife Sally have two children. Robin, who is a missionary with her husband in Thailand, and Ben, who graduated from Clemson where he majored in Graphic Communication.