The orthopedic surgery position at WellStar Spalding Hospital offers a unique opportunity to take over a well-established practice with a focus on sports medicine and total joint procedures, while maintaining a broad general orthopedics caseload. This role is ideal for a surgeon who is comfortable with a wide range of orthopedic procedures and enjoys the variety of a general practice. The incoming surgeon will be stepping into the shoes of Dr. Tommy Hopkins, a respected practitioner who has built a strong patient base over his 20+ year career in Griffin, Georgia.
The clinical work is centered at WellStar Spalding Hospital, a 160-bed facility that serves as a Level IV Trauma Center and is recognized as a Joint Commission-designated Primary Stroke Center. The hospital features a dedicated 31-bed orthopedic unit, highlighting the importance of orthopedic services within the facility. This unit is supported by a well-developed program that includes preoperative classes, efficient postoperative care, and prompt physical therapy interventions, with patients typically seen by PT within two hours of surgery.
The practice operates on a standard 4.5-day work week, which is consistent across the WellStar system. A typical week includes two days in the clinic, two days in the operating room, and a half-day for administrative tasks such as completing charts and attending meetings. This schedule offers flexibility, allowing the surgeon to adjust start times between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM to accommodate patient needs and personal preferences. The operating room schedule is accommodating, with ample block time available and a responsive scheduling system.
Call responsibilities are shared and limited to 7 days per month, as per WellStar bylaws. Importantly, there is no trauma designation, which significantly reduces the burden of emergency calls. Most call duties can be managed via phone triage, with in-person hospital visits required only a few times per month. The surgeon has the option to take additional call shifts for extra compensation if desired. This balanced call schedule allows for a manageable work-life integration.
Clinically, the position offers a broad scope of practice. While there's a focus on sports medicine and total joint procedures, the incoming surgeon will have the opportunity to shape the practice according to their interests and expertise. The existing patient base provides a steady stream of cases, and there are established referral patterns from local primary care physicians. This ensures a diverse and consistent caseload from the outset.
Support within the practice is robust. The incoming surgeon will work alongside an experienced Physician Assistant who has been with the practice for many years. There are plans to recruit a new PA once the new surgeon is in place, ensuring continued strong clinical support. The clinical team also includes Medical Assistants, front office staff, and either an LPN or RN to assist with prescriptions and surgery scheduling. As the practice grows, there are plans to assign a dedicated scheduler.
The hospital environment is collaborative, with monthly orthopedic surgery committee meetings providing a forum for case discussions and departmental planning. There's also strong administrative support, which allows the surgeon to focus primarily on patient care. While currently set up as a solo practice, there are plans to add another orthopedic surgeon once the new physician is settled, providing opportunities for collaboration and shared learning in the future.
From a procedural standpoint, the surgeon will have access to modern equipment and facilities within WellStar Spalding Hospital. While there isn't an outpatient surgery center, the hospital's OR is well-equipped to handle a full range of orthopedic procedures. The absence of a trauma requirement means that the surgeon can focus on elective and scheduled procedures, allowing for better work-life balance and more predictable schedules.
This position offers the unique opportunity to be the primary orthopedic surgeon in a growing community. With minimal local competition and a large potential patient base, there's significant room for practice growth and development. The incoming surgeon will have the chance to establish themselves as a key healthcare provider in the Griffin area, building on the strong foundation left by Dr. Hopkins while also bringing their own expertise and vision to shape the future of orthopedic care in the community.