OsteoarthritisofHand near Statesboro, GA

Biography: Brent A. Ponce, MD, graduated summa cum laude with an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Cincinnati, and graduated medical school from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, TN. He completed his surgical internship from Wright State at Wright Patterson AFB. His orthopaedic surgery residency, as well as a shoulder fellowship was completed at Harvard Medical School. He then served in the military as a flight surgeon before becoming an orthopaedic surgeon, where he was stationed at the Air Force Academy. He served as the team physician for the mens basketball program and was deployed overseas for a tour in Kirkuk, Iraq. Dr. Ponce is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Shoulder and Elbow Society, and Interurban Orthopaedic Society. He is the Chair of Research at the Hughston Foundation and the Chair and Founder of the Collaborative of Orthopaedic Educational Research Group (COERG). Academically, Dr. Ponce has published in over 100 peer-reviewed scientific journals and authored chapters for medical textbooks. He also serves on the editorial boards of several well-known medical journals as referee. Further, Dr. Ponce presents his research at international and national meetings, and has won awards for his investigative studies, publications, and presentations at state, regional, and international levels. During his career, he has held academic appointments at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to include Vice Chairman of Clinical Affairs and Professor for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as well as Director of the Orthopaedic Research Fellowship and Director of Orthopaedic Specialties Institute Skills Lab. Dr. Ponce will continue his research through the Hughston Foundation. He also plans to mentor sports medicine fellows and surgical residents through Hughstons fellowship and residency programs. Dr. Ponce is also the Chairman of Research at the Hughston Foundation, and is leading the Hughston Orthopaedic Research Fellowship for Medical Students. Dr. Ponce specializes in shoulder, knee, sports medicine, total joint replacement, and general orthopaedics. He is especially interested in biomechanics, ligamentous injuries, and the development of surgical instruments, techniques, and implant designs for the shoulder and knee.

Biography: Being a doctor is a privilege. I feel a responsibility both to my patients and to the field of medicine as a whole. It's an honor to collaborate with other providers so our patients benefit not just from our knowledge and training, but from that of other providers in the field. \n I have presented research at the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society national meeting, and look for other ways to stay active in the healthcare community. I believe this benefits my patients by assuring I am knowledgeable about the very latest treatment methods. I am thrilled to be a part of enhancing the quality of life for patients throughout the Lowcountry. \n While I practice general orthopedics, I am fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery. Other interests including trauma, sports injuries, forefoot reconstruction, ankle arthroscopy and total ankle replacement. I enjoy understanding each patient's unique condition, and helping each decide what treatment will best achieve their goals.

Biography: Dr. Niemeier is an orthopedic spine surgeon who provides consultation and treatment for patients with all spinal disorders. Dr. Niemeier earned a bachelor's degree at Clemson University before attending medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center where he was selected as the Kurt Niemann Most Outstanding Resident. Following residency training, he went on to complete specialized fellowship training in Spine Surgery at the Stanford University Hospital in Palo Alto, California. He has published over a dozen peer reviewed journal articles on a wide spectrum of orthopedic topics, is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), North American Spine Society (NASS) and AO Spine, and continues to have an active role in clinical research. In addition to the latest techniques in spinal reconstruction, Dr. Niemeier is trained in minimally invasive surgery and motion-preserving techniques.

Biography: Dr. Nicholas M. Capito, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon specialist in Georgia. He graduated from Medical College of Georgia in 2010.

Biography: Dr. Russell Sliker, MD is a Family Practitioner who practices in Pooler, GA. He is 63 years old. Dr. Russell Sliker, MD is affiliated with Memorial Health University Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Kristina Johnson is a board certified family medicine specialist offering preventative care services and annual wellness screenings for both children and adults in Savannah, GA. She completed her residency with Memorial Health University Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Samuel McElroy is an internal medicine specialist dedicated to providing supportive care in Savannah, GA. He works alongside a robust group of medical professionals to help patients manage chronic conditions, provide annual wellness checks and sports physicals, and treatment for minor injuries.

Care Philosophy: At Optim Orthopedics, we know you're not yourself when even just one part of you is hurt. Because in orthopedics, everything is connected: bones, joints, ligaments, and cartilage. We're connected too. Our doctors cover every bone in the body and we work together as a team for our patients. We call our approach - Combined Strength, and we use it to get you back to you.

Care Philosophy: At Optim Orthopedics, we know you're not yourself when even just one part of you is hurt. Because in orthopedics, everything is connected: bones, joints, ligaments, and cartilage. We're connected too. Our doctors cover every bone in the body and we work together as a team for our patients. We call our approach - Combined Strength, and we use it to get you back to you.

Biography: Dr. Firas Bannout, MD is an Internist who practices in Hinesville, GA. He is 51 years old. Dr. Firas Bannout, MD is affiliated with Memorial Health University Medical Center.