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Best Sports Medicine Doctors in Athens

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated November 23, 2024

Introduction to Sports Medicine in Athens

Definition and scope of Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. In Athens, this medical specialty plays a significant role in maintaining the health and performance of athletes and active individuals.

Sports Medicine physicians in Athens treat a wide range of conditions, including sprains, strains, fractures, and overuse injuries. They also provide guidance on injury prevention, performance enhancement, and safe return to play after an injury.

Importance of Sports Medicine in an active community like Athens

Athens, home to the University of Georgia and its robust athletic programs, benefits greatly from the presence of skilled Sports Medicine practitioners. These specialists cater not only to collegiate athletes but also to the city's active population, including recreational sports enthusiasts and fitness-minded individuals.

Sports Medicine doctors in Athens play a key role in helping patients maintain an active lifestyle by providing expert care for sports-related injuries and offering strategies to prevent future injuries. Their expertise contributes to the overall health and well-being of the community, allowing residents to stay active and pursue their athletic goals safely.


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List of Sports Medicine Doctors in Athens

BJ

Dr. Bret Joiner

5.0

Athens, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 425-8888

University of Georgia (Undergraduate School)

Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Medical School, 2008)

English

Physical Therapy

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

CP

Dr. Chadwick Palmer

5.0

Athens, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 542-8636

American Board of Family Medicine

Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Medical School, 2005)

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

NR

Dr. Natalie Russo

5.0

Athens, GA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 542-8621

Wake Forest University (Medical School, 1984)

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

Dr. Devon Carr

Dr. Devon Carr

4.9

Athens, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 621-7575

American Board of Internal Medicine

American Board of Pediatrics

Emory University (Fellowship Hospital)

University of Cincinnati Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (Medical School)

University of Pennsylvania (Undergraduate School)

University Of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pa (Undergraduate School)

English

Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

Sports Medicine

Pediatrics

Dr. Logan Fields

Dr. Logan Fields

4.9

Athens, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Research Of Virginia (Fellowship Hospital)

Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Medical School, 2008)

West Virginia University Orthopaedic Surgery (Residency Hospital, 2008)

University of Georgia (Undergraduate School, 2004)

English

Spanish

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Dr. Christopher Gaunder

Dr. Christopher Gaunder

4.9

Athens, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Mercer University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2012)

English

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Bradley Register

Dr. Bradley Register

4.9

Athens, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 549-1663

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Emory University School of Medicine (Residency Hospital)

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School)

University of Georgia (Undergraduate School)

Steadman Hawkins Clinic (Fellowship Hospital, 2010)

Orthopedic Surgery Resident (Residency Hospital, 2009)

Doctor of Medicine (Medical School, 2004)

Bachelor of Science Microbiology (Undergraduate School, 2000)

English

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery

Hip & Knee Orthopedics

Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgery

Dr. David Ryan

Dr. David Ryan

4.8

Athens, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery Richmond, Va (Fellowship Hospital, 2012)

University of Florida (Residency Hospital, 2011)

University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia (Medical School, 2006)

Wake Forest University (Undergraduate School, 2002)

English

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

VM

Dr. Vasu Murthy

4.7

Athens, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 548-5833

American Board of Family Medicine

Forest Park Community Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2001)

Primary Care Sports Med (Fellowship Hospital, 2001)

Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Medical School, 1998)

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

Dr. John Dorris

Dr. John Dorris

4.6

Athens, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Vail Valley Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 1998)

Emory University Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1993)

Tulane University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1992)

University of Tennessee (Undergraduate School, 1987)

English

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Dr. Bogdan Jaliu

Dr. Bogdan Jaliu

3.7

Athens, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Romanian

Phone

(706) 548-6881

John Peter Smith Hospital (Fellowship Hospital)

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital)

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

Bassett Healthcare-Columbia P&S (Internship Hospital)

Flinders University / Flinders School of Medicine (Medical School)

California State University, Los Angeles (Undergraduate School)

Los Angeles College of Chiropractic ()

English

Romanian

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Pain Medicine

Sports Medicine

FI

Dr. Fred Reifsteck III

N/A

Athens, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 542-8621

American Board of Family Medicine

University of Illinois College of Medicine (Medical School, 1987)

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

SS

Dr. Scarlett Schneider

N/A

Athens, GA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 389-3875

American Board of Internal Medicine

American Board of Emergency Medicine

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (Medical School, 2006)

English

Sports Medicine

Internal Medicine

Choosing a Sports Medicine Doctor in Athens

Factors to consider when selecting a physician

Qualifications and certifications

  • Board certifications (e.g., American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Family Medicine)
  • Educational background and training

Experience and specializations

  • Years of practice in Sports Medicine
  • Sub-specialties within Sports Medicine (e.g., Orthopedic Surgery, Physical Therapy)

Patient ratings and reviews

  • Star ratings from verified patients
  • Number of reviews available
  • Specific feedback on doctor's expertise and bedside manner

Overview of the doctor selection process

Researching available options

  • Utilizing online platforms like Healthgrades
  • Reviewing doctor profiles and specialties

Scheduling consultations

  • Importance of meeting potential doctors
  • Preparing questions for the consultation

Evaluating personal fit

  • Assessing communication style
  • Considering location and accessibility
  • Evaluating the doctor's approach to treatment

Top-Ranked Sports Medicine Doctors in Athens

Dr. Bradley Register

Qualifications and Expertise

  • Board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery
  • Specializes in Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery
  • Fellowship at Steadman Hawkins Clinic

Patient Satisfaction

  • Highest patient rating of 4.9 stars out of 5
  • 73 patient reviews
  • Contact: (706) 549-1663

Dr. Logan Fields

Professional Background

  • Board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery
  • Fellowship in Sports Medicine
  • Bilingual: English and Spanish

Patient Feedback

  • 4.9-star rating
  • 46 patient reviews

Dr. Christopher Gaunder

Areas of Expertise

  • Board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery
  • Specializes in Sports Medicine
  • Focus on Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

Patient Satisfaction

  • 4.9-star rating
  • 34 patient reviews

Additional Notable Physicians

Dr. David Ryan

  • 4.8-star rating with 60 reviews
  • Board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery
  • Fellowship in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery

Dr. Devon Carr

  • 4.9-star rating with 9 reviews
  • Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
  • Specializes in Sports Medicine

Additional Resources for Finding the Right Sports Medicine Doctor in Athens

Online Platforms and Resources

Healthgrades

  • Comprehensive doctor profiles
  • Patient ratings and reviews
  • Educational background and certifications

Other Medical Review Websites

  • Compare multiple sources
  • Look for consistent ratings across platforms
  • Consider written reviews for detailed experiences

Local Medical Community

Athens Medical Association

  • Directory of local specialists
  • Information on community health initiatives
  • Potential networking events with healthcare professionals

University of Georgia Sports Medicine Connections

  • Research potential affiliations with UGA athletics
  • Explore doctors with experience treating college athletes
  • Consider proximity to university sports facilities

Insurance Considerations

In-Network Providers

  • Contact insurance company for a list of covered doctors
  • Verify coverage details for sports medicine services
  • Understand potential out-of-pocket costs

Coverage for Sports Medicine Services

  • Inquire about coverage for specific treatments
  • Understand referral requirements
  • Explore options for physical therapy and rehabilitation