Speciality: Sports Medicine
SPORTS MEDICINE
FELLOWSHIP TRAINED OPTIM ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS
Our team of orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine have the extensive expertise and experience that make Optim the orthopedic practice of choice in the region. All of our sports medicine physicians are board certified and fellowship trained in the treatment and prevention of sports and exercise related injuries in patients of all ages, from children and teens to adults. These doctors have a unique skill set and specialize in treating the knee, hip, shoulder and elbow. In addition to treating active adults and recreational athletes, our sports medicine doctors are on the sidelines providing medical care for high school and college sports teams throughout our region.
DON AARON, MD: Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Our team of orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine have the extensive expertise and experience that make Optim the orthopedic practice of choice in the region.
All of our sports medicine physicians are board certified and fellowship trained in the treatment and prevention of sports and exercise related injuries in patients of all ages, from children and teens to adults. These doctors have a unique skill set and specialize in treating the knee, hip, shoulder and elbow. In addition to treating active adults and recreational athletes, our sports medicine doctors are on the sidelines providing medical care for high school and college sports teams throughout our region. Sports medicine injuries and conditions include: meniscus tears; cubital tunnel syndrome, elbow bursitis, tennis or golfers’ elbow; rotator cuff injuries; shoulder dislocation; hamstring strain; patellar tendinitis; shin splints; and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. From non-operative treatments to state-of-the-art surgical procedures, Optim orthopedic sports medicine doctors provide the most comprehensive multidisciplinary care imaginable. Make an appointment with one of our sports medicine doctors today and get you back to you.
SERVICES SCALED TO YOUR NEEDS
SPEEDIER RECOVERIES
ATHLETES TRAINING ATHLETES
Our multidisciplinary teams offer a variety of non-invasive therapies as well as state-of-the-art surgical treatments for acute and chronic sports injuries.
Our efficient, coordinated approach means that we can expedite referrals and test results, offer same-day appointments and help facilitate your rapid recovery.
As athletes ourselves, we can better identify and guide your unique path back to your favorite activities whether you are an elite or recreational competitor.
OPTIM ORTHOPEDICS SPORTS MEDICINE
Our People Make The Difference
Behind every treatment or procedure is a specially trained, highly experienced professional who’s dedicated to giving you the best care possible so that you can get back to life—quickly, safely, and confidently. They’re experts at what they do, and we’re proud to have them as part of our team.
Don Aaron, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School Mercer University School of Medicine (Macon, GA)
Residency
Campbell Clinic (Memphis, TN)
Fellowship
American Sports Medicine Institute with
Dr. James Andrews (Birmingham, AL)
Thomas Alexander, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP, SHOULDER AND ELBOW)
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Residency
University of Tennessee: The Campbell Clinic (Memphis, TN)
Fellowship
Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas Fellowship in Shoulder Reconstruction and Sports Medicine
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School Medical College of Georgia (Augusta, GA)
Delan Gaines, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School Medical College of Georgia (Augusta, GA)
Residency
University Of Tennessee Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
Fellowship
Steadman Hawkins Clinic Of The Carolinas
(Spartanburg, SC)
David Palmer, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
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Residency
University of Missouri at Kansas City (Kansas City, MO)
Children’s Mercy (Kansas City, MO)
Fellowship
Medical College of Virginia (Richmond, VA)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
Justin Lancaster, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE / NON-SURGICAL
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Residency
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (Albany, GA)
Fellowship
American Sports Medicine Institute with Andrews Sports Medicine (Birmingham, AL)
Medical School Mercer University School of Medicine (Macon, GA)
David Sedory, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
Residency
Brooke Army Medical Center (San Antonio, TX)
Internship
Brooke Army Medical Center (San Antonio, TX)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Society Memberships Orthopaedic Trauma Association
Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons
Fellow of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Medical School Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
(Cleveland, OH)
Amir Shahien, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
Residency
Boston University School of Medicine/ Boston Medical Center (Boston, MA)
Fellowship
American Sports Medicine Institute - Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center (Birmingham, AL)
Medical School Louisiana State University School of Medicine (New Orleans, LA)
Board Eligible: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Society Memberships Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)

American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) 

Wesley Stroud Jr, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
Residency
Orthopedic Surgery at UAB Hospital (Birmingham, Alabama)
Fellowship
Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center (Birmingham, Alabama)
Board Eligible: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Society Memberships Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)

American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) 

Medical School Mercer University (Svannah, Georgia)
George Sutherland Jr, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
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Residency
Louisiana State University (Shreveport, LA)
Fellowship
Sports Medicine Fellowship at the Hughston Foundation (Columbus, GA)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School Eastern Virginia Medical School (Norfolk, VA)
Chad Zehms, MD
SPORTS MEDICINE (KNEE, HIP AND SHOULDER)
Residency
Naval Medical Center (Portsmouth, VA)
Fellowship
Steadman Philippon Sports Medicine Clinic (Vail, CO)
Board Certification American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Professional Affiliations Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Medical School Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI)
Surgical Care + Primary Care Sports Medicine
Our highly experienced orthopedic surgeons use advanced equipment and technology to perform the least invasive surgery possible for chronic orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. Our specialized treatments are informed by the latest research and designed to deliver the most effective patient outcomes. They include a number of specialized services including trimming damaged cartilage and joint replacement.
Arthoplasty
This is the surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint, including the hip, knee, elbow, shoulder, wrist and ankle. Our orthopedic surgeons are highly trained at treating joint conditions using the latest techniques and procedures. We offer many types of arthroplasty services, including minimally invasive total and partial joint replacement, complex total joint replacement and joint resurfacing.
Cartilage Restoration
Sports injuries and overuse can damage cartilage in your joints or cause it to wear away. Without cartilage, the protective tissue that covers the tips of your bones, you can experience pain and reduced mobility. We offer advanced, minimally invasive surgical procedures that can help restore cartilage and allow you to avoid a joint replacement.
Primary Care Sports Medicine
Our primary care sports medicine providers specialize in conservative treatments focused on sports injuries and illnesses. From asthma to ankle pain, we address any condition that may prevent full enjoyment of physical activities and living a healthy lifestyle. In addition to addressing your sports medicine needs, our primary care physicians can also provide all aspects of your healthcare, ranging from preventive health visits to treatment of acute illnesses.
Arthoscopy
Athletes can experience damage to their joints due to arthritis, misalignment, overuse or acute injury. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows our surgeons to looks inside the knee and guide small instruments to remove or repair damaged tissue, improving joint mobility. It uses a small camera and other surgical tools that are inserted into the joint through several tiny incisions under local anesthetic. Most patients can return home the same day and return to regular activities within a few days or weeks.
Fracture or Dislocation Repair
Sports injuries can result in bone fractures and dislocations, which often occur at the same time. Our orthopedic surgeons use advanced techniques to effectively reposition and stabilize broken bones and repair torn ligaments, so that you can return to an active lifestyle as soon as possible.
Osteotomy
This sophisticated surgical technique allows our sports medicine specialists to correct bones that are misaligned due to arthritis, overuse or injury. Osteotomy can help younger athletes avoid a joint replacement while regaining mobility and returning to an active lifestyle.
DON AARON, MD - Sports Medicine
THOMAS ALEXANDER, MD - Sports Medicine
DELAN GAINES, MD - Sports Medicine
AMIR SHAHIEN, MD - Sports Medicine
DAVID PALMER, MD - Sports Medicine
WESLEY STROUD, MD - Sports Medicine
JUSTIN LANCASTER, MD - Non-Operative
DAVID SEDORY, MD - Sports Medicine
GEORGE SUTHERLAND, MD - Sports Medicine
JAMES WILSON, MD - Sports Medicine
CHAD ZHEMS - Sports Medicine
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