School Board Sports Medicine Decision

As the orthopaedic providers in the region, the doctors and staff at Orthopaedic Associates have proudly provided orthopaedic care for our athletic community and their fans since 1988. As members of this community, where we live and raise our own families, we have dedicated our time, resources, and expertise to support all athletes in this region.

So it was with disappointment we received the announcement of the School Board to partner with an orthopaedic practice that is as far as 50 miles away from our athletes and our community. First and foremost, we do not feel that this decision was made in the best interest of our athletes. We know that when an athlete is injured, seeking immediate care quickly, and close to home, often makes the biggest difference in recovery time, getting that athlete back to competition faster—that is ultimately what it is all about; what it should always be about.

As members of this great community, it is a privilege to live and work here, and we intimately know that it is important to support all our local businesses, as they serve and support all of us in the area—it's what makes our community so incredible. It is also the reason the announcement of the School Board was so disappointing. The decision was made to purposely take support away from this community—away from the people who live and work here—and to do it in a manner that was not in the best interest of anyone but those deciding.

We know our community deserves better than this. Together, we care about the people here, and we fully support those who make us stronger by working to provide us products and services locally, as their livelihoods depend on our support.

With this in mind, we are writing to you to ask for your continued support to keep our athlete's orthopaedic care close to home. We know that time and access is imperative when it comes to an injury, and we have and will continue to open our doors to help all who need orthopaedic care, especially our local injured athletes. We at Orthopaedic Associates are our athletes’ biggest fans, and we are great supporters of all the local businesses that rely on the support of our region. We hope you will join us in continuing to support our local community. 

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support in this matter. If you are disappointed in this decision, please contact School Superintendent Mary Beth Jackson.

The Doctors and Staff at Orthopaedic Associates