OsteoarthritisofHand near Waycross, GA

Care Philosophy: Our mission is to help patients achieve their personal wellness goals by providing comprehensive musculoskeletal care that is unsurpassed in quality, accessibility and compassion. We are dedicated to Improving Lives - Everyday. The Orthopaedic Institute is a private practice group of specialty physicians providing the complete spectrum of musculoskeletal care. The Orthopaedic Institute has served North Florida for more than 30 years and has five locations in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Alachua and Lady Lake.

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: Dr. Roel Laygo provides primary care services in Savannah, GA. He is an internal medicine specialist and helps his patients manage chronic conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. He also provides annual wellness checkups and physicals.

Biography: Dr. Nicole Cohen is an internal medicine specialist supporting patients in Savannah, GA. She provides primary care services to patients ages 18 years and older, including immunizations, annual checkups, and support for the management of chronic conditions, like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

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.