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Best Sports Medicine Doctors in Columbus

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated November 23, 2024

Introduction to Sports Medicine in Columbus

Definition and scope of Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine is a specialized field of healthcare that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries related to sports and physical activity. In Columbus, Georgia, this medical specialty plays a significant role in maintaining the health and performance of athletes and active individuals alike.

Sports Medicine physicians in Columbus are equipped to handle a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to sprains, strains, fractures, concussions, and overuse injuries. They also provide guidance on injury prevention, performance enhancement, and safe return-to-play protocols.

Importance of choosing the right Sports Medicine doctor

Selecting the appropriate Sports Medicine specialist in Columbus is a key decision that can significantly influence an individual's recovery process and overall athletic performance. The right physician will not only accurately diagnose and treat immediate injuries but also develop comprehensive rehabilitation plans tailored to the patient's specific needs and goals.

Moreover, establishing a relationship with a skilled Sports Medicine doctor can have lasting benefits for long-term health. These professionals can provide valuable insights into injury prevention strategies, proper training techniques, and lifestyle modifications that can help maintain optimal physical condition well beyond an athlete's competitive years.


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List of Sports Medicine Doctors in Columbus

GS

Dr. George Stephenson

5.0

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 321-8444

English

Chiropractic

Pain Medicine

Headache Management

Interventional Pain Medicine

Sports Medicine

Chiropractic Sports Medicine

Emergency Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Pain Management

Sports Preventive Medicine

Sports Psychiatry & Neurology

Sports Rehabilitation Medicine

Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine

Muscle Disorders

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy

Spinal Sensory Disorders

Sports Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine

Sports Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Pediatric Sports Medicine

Acute Pain Medicine

Men's Sports Medicine

Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

Neurology

Chiropractic Rehabilitation

Orthopedic Chiropractic

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Interventional Spine Medicine

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Pain Medicine

Rehabilitation

Spine Physiatry

Sports Physical Therapy

Occupational Medicine

Chiropractic Occupational Medicine

Occupational & Environmental Medicine

Preventive Occupational & Environmental Medicine

Preventive Medicine

Pediatric Chiropractic

Dr. Benjamin Watson

Dr. Benjamin Watson

5.0

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 324-6661

American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia (Medical School, 2010)

English

Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital

Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside

Flowers Hospital

Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedics

Dr. Van Millin

Dr. Van Millin

5.0

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(334) 283-3111

American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2000)

University of Medicine And Dentistry of New Jersey / New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2000)

English

Spanish

Community Hospital

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Sports Medicine

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy

Family Medicine

IC

Dr. Ingrid Carter

5.0

Columbus, GA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(210) 757-7000

American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine

Western University of Health Sciences (Medical School, 2002)

English

Fairview Park Hospital

Methodist Hospital

CHRISTUS Southeast Texas-Saint Elizabeth

Sports Medicine

Emergency Medicine

Dr. Frank Taddeo

Dr. Frank Taddeo

5.0

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(859) 215-7402

American Board of Family Medicine

English

Saint Joseph Hospital

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

CS

Dr. Chelsea Stanford

5.0

Columbus, GA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 660-2932

American Board of Pediatrics

University of Texas Medical Branch (Medical School, 2015)

English

Sports Medicine

Pediatrics

Dr. Kurt Jacobson

Dr. Kurt Jacobson

4.9

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

American Board of Medical Specialties

The Hughston Clinic (Fellowship Hospital)

University of Michigan Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

Western Maryland College (Undergraduate School)

Tulane University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1978)

English

Spanish

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Dr. Garland Gudger

Dr. Garland Gudger

4.8

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

LAGRANGE COLLEGE (Undergraduate School)

Greenville Memorial Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1974)

Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Medical School, 1973)

English

Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside

Baptist Medical Center East

Upson Regional Medical Center

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Dr. Casey Leong

Dr. Casey Leong

4.8

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(912) 417-3050

English

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Pain Medicine

Sports Medicine

Pain Management

Pain Medicine Psychiatry

Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Garland Gudger Jr

Dr. Garland Gudger Jr

4.8

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Hughston Foundation Advanced Clinical Experience (Fellowship Hospital, 2017)

Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, S.C. (Residency Hospital, 2016)

Mercer University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2011)

University of Georgia (Undergraduate School, 2005)

English

Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital

Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside

Ascension Sacred Heart Bay

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Dr. Derek Woessner

Dr. Derek Woessner

4.8

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(334) 245-6605

American Board of Family Medicine

Lehigh Valley Health Network (Fellowship Hospital, 2017)

Martin Army Community Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2003)

Mercer University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2000)

Berry College (Undergraduate School, 1996)

English

Jackson Hospital and Clinic

Sports Medicine

Dr. Ryan Geringer

Dr. Ryan Geringer

4.6

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(706) 324-6661

American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2003)

English

Spanish

Flowers Hospital

Hospital Authority of Miller County

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Dr. Michael Tucker

Dr. Michael Tucker

4.6

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Alabama Sports Medicine Institute (Medical School)

Campbell Clinic (Medical School)

Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Medical School, 2001)

English

Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery

Dr. John Balbas

Dr. John Balbas

4.5

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(918) 392-1400

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Hughston Clinic (Fellowship Hospital, 2008)

University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Residency Hospital, 2007)

University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (Medical School, 2002)

UNIVERSITY OF TULSA (Undergraduate School, 1997)

English

Spanish

Ascension St. John Broken Arrow

Ascension St. John Medical Center

Sedan City Hospital

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Dr. Robert Harris

Dr. Robert Harris

4.4

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Brooke Army Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

English

Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Critical Care Medicine

Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

Dr. Frederick Flandry

Dr. Frederick Flandry

4.2

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

American Board of Medical Specialties

Academic Faculty ()

Private Practice - Group/Partnership ()

The Hughston Clinic (Fellowship Hospital, 1987)

Tulane University of Louisiana (Residency Hospital, 1986)

Charity Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1982)

Tulane University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1981)

English

Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast

Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside

Orthopedic Surgery

Critical Care Medicine

Trauma Medicine

Sports Medicine

Trauma Surgery

Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

Orthopedics

Dr. Emory Alexander

Dr. Emory Alexander

4.2

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Spine Fellowship (Fellowship Hospital, 1995)

Hand Fellowship (Fellowship Hospital, 1994)

LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine (Residency Hospital, 1993)

Sports Med (Fellowship Hospital, 1993)

Louisiana St University (Internship Hospital, 1986)

Univesity Of Iowa (Medical School, 1985)

B.S. Anesthesia (Undergraduate School, 1981)

English

Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

DP

Dr. David Plotkin

3.4

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, French

Phone

(301) 570-7633

American Board of Internal Medicine

Hughston Sports Med Clin (Fellowship Hospital)

Ind University MC (Residency Hospital)

Indiana University Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1994)

Baltimore University (Medical School, 1993)

University of Maryland School of Medicine (Medical School, 1993)

English

French

Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center

Internal Medicine

Sports Medicine

JS

Dr. John Henderson Sr

2.9

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 323-5717

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 1980)

English

Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare

Sports Medicine

CN

Dr. Chad Norton

N/A

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(254) 288-8280

American Board of Family Medicine

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

JK

Dr. Jordan Knoefler

N/A

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(229) 312-5000

American Board of Family Medicine

Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Medical School)

English

Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

CM

Dr. Clint Moore

N/A

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(762) 408-2273

American Board of Family Medicine

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

SB

Dr. Samuel Bartlett

N/A

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(762) 408-0379

American Board of Family Medicine

English

O U Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

JM

Jordan Moses

N/A

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(812) 760-9985

English

Sports Medicine

DW

Dr. Dallin Walker

N/A

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(210) 949-2200

American Board of Family Medicine

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

PC

Dr. Patrick Carey

N/A

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(762) 408-1480

American Board of Family Medicine

English

Sports Medicine

SA

Dr. Siraj Abdullah

N/A

Columbus, GA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(706) 571-1120

American Board of Family Medicine

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia (Medical School, 2010)

English

Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

Overview of Sports Medicine in Columbus

Availability of Sports Medicine specialists

Number of doctors specializing in Sports Medicine

  • Based on the provided data, there are at least 26 doctors in Columbus who specialize in or practice Sports Medicine.

Variety of subspecialties within Sports Medicine

  • Orthopedic Surgery with Sports Medicine focus
  • Family Medicine with Sports Medicine specialty
  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation with Sports Medicine expertise
  • Emergency Medicine with Sports Medicine training
  • Pediatrics with Sports Medicine focus

Healthcare facilities offering Sports Medicine services

Hospitals and clinics with Sports Medicine departments

  • St. Francis-Emory Healthcare
  • Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside
  • Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown
  • Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital

Specialized Sports Medicine centers

  • While not explicitly mentioned, several doctors are affiliated with specialized clinics or practices focusing on Sports Medicine and related fields.

Top-Ranked Sports Medicine Doctors in Columbus

Dr. Benjamin Watson

Credentials and Specialties

  • DO, American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery certified
  • Specializes in Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery, Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery

Patient Satisfaction

  • 5.0-star rating based on 105 patient reviews
  • Highly regarded by patients for his expertise in Sports Medicine

Hospital Affiliations

  • Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital
  • Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside
  • Flowers Hospital

Dr. Derek Woessner

Credentials and Specialties

  • MD, American Board of Family Medicine certified
  • Focuses exclusively on Sports Medicine

Patient Satisfaction

  • 4.8-star rating based on 63 patient reviews
  • Well-respected in the field of Sports Medicine

Education and Experience

  • Fellowship at Lehigh Valley Health Network
  • Residency at Martin Army Community Hospital
  • Graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine

Dr. Ryan Geringer

Credentials and Specialties

  • DO, American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery certified
  • Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

Patient Satisfaction

  • 4.6-star rating based on 187 patient reviews
  • Highly rated for his expertise in Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery

Language Proficiency

  • Fluent in English and Spanish
  • Able to communicate effectively with a diverse patient base

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sports Medicine Doctor in Columbus

Credentials and Board Certifications

Importance of Board Certification in Sports Medicine

  • Verify certification by American Board of Family Medicine or American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
  • Look for additional certifications in related fields like Orthopedic Surgery or Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Additional Certifications and Specializations

  • Consider doctors with multiple specialties, such as Dr. Benjamin Watson (Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery, Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery)
  • Value of diverse expertise in treating sports-related injuries

Experience and Expertise

Years of Practice in Sports Medicine

  • Evaluate the doctor's experience, such as Dr. Kurt Jacobson's long-standing career
  • Consider fellowship training in Sports Medicine or related fields

Subspecialties and Areas of Focus

  • Identify doctors with expertise in specific sports or types of injuries
  • Example: Dr. Casey Leong's focus on Pain Management and Regenerative Medicine

Patient Reviews and Ratings

Importance of Considering Patient Feedback

  • Examine star ratings and number of reviews (e.g., Dr. Benjamin Watson's 5.0 stars from 105 reviews)
  • Read individual patient comments for specific insights

Interpreting Star Ratings and Review Counts

  • Consider both high ratings and significant number of reviews
  • Be cautious of doctors with very few reviews, regardless of rating

Hospital Affiliations

Quality of Associated Healthcare Facilities

  • Research hospitals like Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside or St. Francis-Emory Healthcare
  • Consider the reputation and resources of affiliated institutions

Access to Additional Resources and Specialists

  • Evaluate the broader network of care available through hospital affiliations
  • Consider the benefits of integrated care teams for complex sports injuries