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Financial Assistance Piedmont Physicians Athens Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
1305 Jennings Mill Road, Suite 300, Watkinsville, GA 30677
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday Closed
Phone Number 706-613-5880
Fax Number 706-613-5889
- New Patient Visits
- Online Booking
Advanced Orthopedic Care for Bone and Joint Injuries
Piedmont Physicians Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Athens specializes in sports medicine, athletic training and orthopedic services and surgery.
We provide orthopedic trauma coverage for Piedmont Athens Regional, a Level II Trauma Center accredited by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Our team consists of 3 fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons and 3 Physician Associates (PA_C).
Sports-related injuries
Fractures and dislocations, sprains, strains and torn ligaments; work-related injuries; arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, overuse injuries; stress fracture, concussions and return to play protocol; nerve compression syndrome, tennis elbow, ACL or meniscus tear, Complex ligamentous injury of the knee, Shoulder impingement/rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, Elbow, Knee, Shoulder, Foot and Ankle, Throwers shoulder and elbow
On-site Imaging and Diagnostics
Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, X-ray
Sports Medicine Outpatient Rehab Services
Manual Therapy for Functional Alignment, Alter-G, The Antigravity Treadmill, Blood flow restriction therapy, dry needling; sports metrics, ACL, prevention and performance training; therapeutic exercise for sport-specific return to play, pelvic health for the athlete, vestibular ocular, sports concussion care, therapeutic massage
Sports Medicine Specialties
Progressive non-surgical treatment options, expert orthopedic surgery, injury prevention, return to activity planning, performance guidance, athletic training, fractures (adults and children), acetabulum, lower extremity, upper extremity; fracture nonunion, malunion and traumatic deformity
More about Piedmont Rehabilitation Services
Athletic Training Services
Athletic Trainers are health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education and training and the state's statutes, rules, and regulations. As a part of the health care team, services provided by athletic trainers include primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
Piedmont Athens Regional Sports Medicine employs Athletic Trainers in 7 Northeast Georgia Schools, and supports Sports Medicine services in several others. For more information about community outreach through Sports Medicine, contact Katie Terrell (Katie.Terrell@piedmont.org) with Piedmont Athens Regional Outpatient Rehab.
- Athens Academy
- Athens Christian School
- Bethlehem Christian Academy
- Cedar Shoals High School
- Clarke Central High School
- East Jackson High School
- Madison County High School
- Oconee County High School
- North Oconee High School
Some insurance plans require a referral in order to see a specialist. If your insurance requires a referral, call the office. We will be happy to assist you. Please allow 48-72 hours to process referrals to specialists.
Piedmont Healthcare is a regional leader in the delivery and advancement of Orthopedic Services and offers a variety of diagnostic and surgical services.
Please visit our Ortho Trauma location in Watkinsville.
Services Offered
- Orthopedic Surgical ProceduresFracture treatment (all except spine)
- Arthritis surgery (joint replacement)
- Knee surgery
- Tendinitis relief procedures
- Tendon repairs
- Arthroscopy (shoulder, knee, elbow)
- Tennis elbow treatments – surgical and nonsurgical
- Non-surgical ProceduresNon-operative management of osteoarthritis
- Hyaluronic acid injections (Synvisc, Durolane, etc.)
Meet our Staff
Elliot Nacke, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Elliot Nacke, MD is board certified in Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery. Dr. Nacke treats conditions including compressive neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. He also treats tendinopathies including trigger finger, de Quervain's tenosynovitis and tennis elbow; fractures of the hand, wrist and elbow; wrist and hand arthritis; and nerve injuries.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Stephen White, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Dr. Stephen White is a native Georgian, born and raised in Bronwood, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia, where he lettered in football and was a member of the 2005 SEC Championship team. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. He completed his medical education at the Medical College of Georgia, graduating in 2012. He then trained as a resident in orthopedic surgery at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL.
He went on to do further training with a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at the prestigious OrthoCarolina Foot and Ankle Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina. In his fellowship, Dr. White had training and mentorship under multiple world-renowned surgeons, and he was involved in the care of professional athletes. He has trained in a variety of orthopedic foot and ankle procedures, including primary and revision ankle replacements, all forms of foot and ankle trauma, and complex foot and ankle reconstructions.
Dr. White provides care for general orthopedic problems such as fracture care and treatment of arthritis. This care includes both surgical as well as non-operative treatment. He has a particular interest in lower extremity trauma and foot & ankle surgery.
Dr. White has been published in peer-reviewed orthopedic journals, co-authored several book chapters, and is a member of both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
Dr. White is happily married with 5 children, 4 boys and a girl. He is actively involved in his church. He enjoys time with his family, sports, hunting, fishing, and traveling.
He went on to do further training with a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at the prestigious OrthoCarolina Foot and Ankle Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina. In his fellowship, Dr. White had training and mentorship under multiple world-renowned surgeons, and he was involved in the care of professional athletes. He has trained in a variety of orthopedic foot and ankle procedures, including primary and revision ankle replacements, all forms of foot and ankle trauma, and complex foot and ankle reconstructions.
Dr. White provides care for general orthopedic problems such as fracture care and treatment of arthritis. This care includes both surgical as well as non-operative treatment. He has a particular interest in lower extremity trauma and foot & ankle surgery.
Dr. White has been published in peer-reviewed orthopedic journals, co-authored several book chapters, and is a member of both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
Dr. White is happily married with 5 children, 4 boys and a girl. He is actively involved in his church. He enjoys time with his family, sports, hunting, fishing, and traveling.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Christopher LePage Gaunder, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Christopher Gaunder, MD, specializes in a multitude of orthopedic injuries to include hip and knee replacement and reconstruction by employing the most current nonoperative and operative techniques to treat arthritic and complex problems of the hip and knee. This includes interests in anterior approach hip replacement, total and partial knee replacement, robotic assisted joint replacements and revision surgery for failed joint replacements.
Dr. Gaunder is a native Georgian and Air Force veteran. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia, where he majored in Biology, lettered in football and was a member of the 2005 SEC Championship team. He graduated Cum Laude in 2007. He attended medical school at Mercer University in Savannah, Georgia where he was awarded the McAfee Endowed Vision and Leadership Scholarship. He then completed his residency training in Orthopaedic Surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. As a Major in the United States Air Force, Dr. Gaunder served for ten years both in San Antonio, Texas and Dayton, Ohio.
Dr. Gaunder has numerous peer reviewed publications as well as academic presentations. He has authored book chapters and has represented the Academy of Orthopedic surgeons in appointed committee positions throughout his career.
Dr. Gaunder is happily married with three children. While not serving his patients, he enjoys spending time with family, cooking, hosting church related activities and rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs!
Dr. Gaunder is a native Georgian and Air Force veteran. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia, where he majored in Biology, lettered in football and was a member of the 2005 SEC Championship team. He graduated Cum Laude in 2007. He attended medical school at Mercer University in Savannah, Georgia where he was awarded the McAfee Endowed Vision and Leadership Scholarship. He then completed his residency training in Orthopaedic Surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. As a Major in the United States Air Force, Dr. Gaunder served for ten years both in San Antonio, Texas and Dayton, Ohio.
Dr. Gaunder has numerous peer reviewed publications as well as academic presentations. He has authored book chapters and has represented the Academy of Orthopedic surgeons in appointed committee positions throughout his career.
Dr. Gaunder is happily married with three children. While not serving his patients, he enjoys spending time with family, cooking, hosting church related activities and rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs!
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Robert George Willson, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Rob Willson, MD, MPH is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery. He completed his Sports Medicine Fellowship at The University of Connecticut in 2017. Prior to joining Piedmont, Dr. Willson was an Associate Professor of Orthopedics at the Medical College of Georgia.
Dr. Willson’s areas of interest include treating sports injuries and instability of the shoulder, hip and knee joints, as well as care of overhead athletes. Dr. Willson also has experience in cartilage restoration and joint preservation.
Dr. Willson’s areas of interest include treating sports injuries and instability of the shoulder, hip and knee joints, as well as care of overhead athletes. Dr. Willson also has experience in cartilage restoration and joint preservation.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Alexander Reed Graf, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Alexander Graf, MD, earned his medical degree and completed his residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He then completed a fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity surgery at Emory University. Dr. Graf is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery.
Dr. Graf specializes in Hand and Upper Extremity surgery. His special interests include common and complex conditions involving the shoulder to fingertip. He offers treatment for shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tears, as well as fractures, dislocations, compressive neuropathy, tendinopathy and other conditions.
Dr. Graf specializes in Hand and Upper Extremity surgery. His special interests include common and complex conditions involving the shoulder to fingertip. He offers treatment for shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tears, as well as fractures, dislocations, compressive neuropathy, tendinopathy and other conditions.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Robert Evan Hancock, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Dr. Hancock is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery with added certification in Sports Medicine. He specializes in sports injuries concentrating on injuries to the shoulder, elbow and knee including arthroscopy and shoulder replacement. He has been a consultant for the UGA Athletics Department since coming to Athens in 1995.
Dr. Hancock was born and raised in Georgia, growing up in Atlanta (Lakeside High School) and attending the University of Georgia. He enjoys all sports and outdoor activities including golf, hiking, running, and farming.
Dr. Hancock was born and raised in Georgia, growing up in Atlanta (Lakeside High School) and attending the University of Georgia. He enjoys all sports and outdoor activities including golf, hiking, running, and farming.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Eric Russell Gordon, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Eric Gordon, M.D. graduated from UGA and received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the Medical University of South Carolina and was selected to complete an ACGME accredited fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at Emory University. Dr. Gordon has served as a team orthopedic surgeon for several professional and collegiate teams including the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Hawks. He is a current official team orthopedic surgeon for the University of Georgia athletics.
Dr. Gordon specializes in advanced arthroscopic treatment of complex sports injuries and disorders of the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle. He has a particular interest in arthroscopic cartilage restoration, joint preservation, meniscus repair, complex knee ligament reconstruction, rotator cuff repair and shoulder instability reconstruction.
Dr. Gordon is published in multiple peer-reviewed orthopedic journals and textbooks and has spoken nationally and internationally on advanced orthopedic cartilage techniques.
In his spare time, Dr. Gordon enjoys surfing, kitesurfing, racquetball, soccer, fishing, golf, skiing and rooting for the Dawgs.
Eric Gordon, M.D. welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans.
Dr. Gordon specializes in advanced arthroscopic treatment of complex sports injuries and disorders of the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle. He has a particular interest in arthroscopic cartilage restoration, joint preservation, meniscus repair, complex knee ligament reconstruction, rotator cuff repair and shoulder instability reconstruction.
Dr. Gordon is published in multiple peer-reviewed orthopedic journals and textbooks and has spoken nationally and internationally on advanced orthopedic cartilage techniques.
In his spare time, Dr. Gordon enjoys surfing, kitesurfing, racquetball, soccer, fishing, golf, skiing and rooting for the Dawgs.
Eric Gordon, M.D. welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Jonathan Howard Payne, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Dr. Jonathan Payne grew up in nearby Loganville, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia and received a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology in 2008. Prior to beginning medical school, he volunteered to join the United States Army and was commissioned as an officer. He went on to complete medical training at The Medical College of Georgia in 2013. Following graduation, Dr. Payne completed five years of orthopedic surgery training at the San Antonio Military Medical Center, the only level 1 trauma center in the entire military.
After completing residency in 2018, Dr. Payne served four years as a military orthopedic surgeon and performed hundreds of surgeries during this time. He played a key role in bringing robotic surgery capabilities to Fort Hood, Texas and has several years’ experience with this technology.
He is a combat veteran and deployed to a remote location in the Middle East with the elite Green Beret soldiers of the 5th Special Forces Group. During this time, he performed multiple surgeries on casualties near the front lines of a war zone and provided humanitarian medical aid to the local population. Dr. Payne has research articles published in peer-reviewed orthopedic journals and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Dr. Payne is board certified and specializes in major joint surgery of the shoulder, hip, and knee. He cares for problems related to tendon and ligament injuries, broken bones, arthritis and a wide range of injuries from sports and daily activities.
He is happily married with two children, and has two miniature wiener dogs named Beau and Georgia. He enjoys spending time with family and is active in his church. The Georgia Bulldogs are near and dear to his heart as well as his mama’s home cooking.
After completing residency in 2018, Dr. Payne served four years as a military orthopedic surgeon and performed hundreds of surgeries during this time. He played a key role in bringing robotic surgery capabilities to Fort Hood, Texas and has several years’ experience with this technology.
He is a combat veteran and deployed to a remote location in the Middle East with the elite Green Beret soldiers of the 5th Special Forces Group. During this time, he performed multiple surgeries on casualties near the front lines of a war zone and provided humanitarian medical aid to the local population. Dr. Payne has research articles published in peer-reviewed orthopedic journals and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Dr. Payne is board certified and specializes in major joint surgery of the shoulder, hip, and knee. He cares for problems related to tendon and ligament injuries, broken bones, arthritis and a wide range of injuries from sports and daily activities.
He is happily married with two children, and has two miniature wiener dogs named Beau and Georgia. He enjoys spending time with family and is active in his church. The Georgia Bulldogs are near and dear to his heart as well as his mama’s home cooking.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Carl Heinz Konieczka, NP
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Carl Konieczka, NP-C, earned his Master's degree in Nursing from Emory University He received his undergraduate degree in Nursing from Kennesaw State University. Carl Konieczka has been practicing medicine for 12 years. Prior to joining Piedmont, Carl has been working in the emergency department and is in the Georgia Air National Guard.
In his spare time, Carl enjoys spending time with family, traveling and golf. Carl Konieczka is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans.
In his spare time, Carl enjoys spending time with family, traveling and golf. Carl Konieczka is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Jonathan Eric Hill, PA
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Jonathan Hill, PA-C, earned his Physician Assistant degree from Emory University. He received his undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from Valdosta State University. He graduated in 2021 and prior to becoming a Physician Assistant worked for several years as an Athletic Trainer with the University of Georgia Athletic Department.
He specializes in orthopedics, specifically hand and wrist injuries. He offers treatment for compressive neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. He also treats tendinopathies including trigger finger, de Quervain's tenosynovitis and tennis elbow; fractures of the hand, wrist and elbow; wrist and hand arthritis; and nerve injuries.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family along with hiking and spending time outside with his loveable lab, Finn.
He specializes in orthopedics, specifically hand and wrist injuries. He offers treatment for compressive neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. He also treats tendinopathies including trigger finger, de Quervain's tenosynovitis and tennis elbow; fractures of the hand, wrist and elbow; wrist and hand arthritis; and nerve injuries.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family along with hiking and spending time outside with his loveable lab, Finn.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Joseph Kilzi, PA
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Joe Kilzi received his Physician Assistant degree from South University in Savannah, Georgia. He completed his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington where he played collegiate soccer. He has worked in the Athens area for 15 years.
Joe treats all sports related orthopedic conditions. He has a special interest in overhead athlete injuries and prevention in addition to anterior cruciate ligament injuries, which he has had personally.
In his spare time, Joe enjoys spending time with his family and sports.
Joe welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans.
Joe treats all sports related orthopedic conditions. He has a special interest in overhead athlete injuries and prevention in addition to anterior cruciate ligament injuries, which he has had personally.
In his spare time, Joe enjoys spending time with his family and sports.
Joe welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Kelly Pruett Ward, PA
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Kelly Ward received his Physician Assistant degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He has worked in the Athens area for over 20 years. Prior to attending Physician Assistant school, Kelly worked as an athletic trainer with the University of Georgia. He currently serves as a Team Clinician with the University of Georgia and assists Dr. Robert Hancock in all aspects of orthopedic sports medicine care.
Kelly treats all sports related orthopedic conditions. He has a special interest in non-operative treatment and prevention of athletic injuries. He is proficient in the utilization of musculoskeletal ultrasound as a means of both diagnostic and treatment of athletic injuries.
In his spare time, Kelly enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is a sports enthusiast and enjoys the outdoors.
Kelly welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans.
Kelly treats all sports related orthopedic conditions. He has a special interest in non-operative treatment and prevention of athletic injuries. He is proficient in the utilization of musculoskeletal ultrasound as a means of both diagnostic and treatment of athletic injuries.
In his spare time, Kelly enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is a sports enthusiast and enjoys the outdoors.
Kelly welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Taylor Warfel, PA
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Taylor Warfel received her Physician Assistant degree from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Kennesaw State University.
Taylor is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Taylor is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Georgia Academy of Physician Assistants. As a former gymnast, Taylor has a special interest in sports medicine and prevention of athletic injuries.
In her spare time, Taylor enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her husband and two dogs, and watching Georgia sports. Taylor grew up in Watkinsville and is excited to return home to serve her community. Taylor is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans.
Taylor is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Taylor is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Georgia Academy of Physician Assistants. As a former gymnast, Taylor has a special interest in sports medicine and prevention of athletic injuries.
In her spare time, Taylor enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her husband and two dogs, and watching Georgia sports. Taylor grew up in Watkinsville and is excited to return home to serve her community. Taylor is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
Erin Marie Reiter, PA
Orthopedic Surgery
Office Number
706-613-5880About
Erin Reiter, PA-C is a nationally certified physician assistant specializing in orthopedic trauma surgery. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She then earned her Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from The University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio.
Erin has been practicing as a PA for 10 years. Prior to joining Piedmont Orthopedics, Erin was living in Ohio with her family, working in orthopedic spine surgery. While in Ohio, she partnered with the Physician Assistant Program at The University of Dayton as a preceptor and guest speaker. She is a member of the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
In her spare time, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 kids. Since moving to Georgia, they have been getting acclimated to Georgia weather and southern food. Erin enjoys traveling, CrossFit and Ohio State Football.
Erin is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans.
Erin has been practicing as a PA for 10 years. Prior to joining Piedmont Orthopedics, Erin was living in Ohio with her family, working in orthopedic spine surgery. While in Ohio, she partnered with the Physician Assistant Program at The University of Dayton as a preceptor and guest speaker. She is a member of the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
In her spare time, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 kids. Since moving to Georgia, they have been getting acclimated to Georgia weather and southern food. Erin enjoys traveling, CrossFit and Ohio State Football.
Erin is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans.
- New Patient Visits
- New Patient Visits
John Gabriel Walker, PA
Orthopedic Surgery
Paul D Schofield, PA
Orthopedic Surgery
Map & Directions
Piedmont Physicians Athens Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
1305 Jennings Mill Road, Suite 300, Watkinsville, GA 30677
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday Closed
Office Number 706-613-5880
Fax Number 706-613-5889