Peachtree Orthopedics Foundation

A DUAL MISSION: HOPE + HEALING

The Peachtree Orthopedics Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization founded in 2006. It is dedicated to a dual mission of providing free orthopedic services to the impoverished nation of Haiti and improving general orthopedic care through research and innovation.

Hope Through Research

We will improve orthopedic care by researching current techniques and exploring new ideas and innovative technologies by:

Harnessing the data from our large-volume practice
Working to develop treatment protocols and algorithms
Improving upon the orthopedic surgical technologies in use today
Hiring research assistants and nurturing their careers as future doctors
Conducting research studies, publishing papers and sharing our knowledge with others

Healing for Haiti

We will continue our nearly 70-year relationship providing orthopedic services to the impoverished nation of Haiti by:

Performing free surgeries in collaboration with the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti
Donating critical medical supplies
Sending medical teams comprised of medical professionals from PO and others throughout the greater Atlanta community biannually
Exposing and educating American medical students to the plight of the Haitians

HEALING FOR HAITI

A Legacy of International Aid and Assistance

For nearly 70 years, the physicians of Peachtree Orthopedics have volunteered their surgical services to patients at the independently run Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS). With a continually increasing demand for orthopedic procedures, particularly trauma surgery, our surgical team makes annual mission trips, working tirelessly to ensure that patients in need of surgery receive these life-saving services.

Over the past six decades, Haiti has weathered public health crises, epidemics, natural disasters and political instability-setbacks that have repeatedly challenged the hospital’s staff, resources and infrastructure. HAS would not be able to serve the patients who fight through innumerable challenges without the volunteers and support from generous donors.

HOPE THROUGH RESEARCH

Peachtree Orthopedics physicians have been on the leading edge of orthopedics for nearly seventy years and continue to serve in leadership roles in top orthopedic societies across the U.S. and the world.

The three founding partners had a philosophy of visionary care, exemplified by Dr. Skoot Dimon who in 1967 performed the first total hip replacement in the state of Georgia. This was followed by many innovative developments that continue to this day.

Our goal is to improve orthopedic care by researching current techniques and exploring new ideas and innovative technologies by:

Harnessing data from our large-volume practice (34 physicians)
Working to develop treatment protocols and algorithms
Improving upon the orthopedic surgical technologies in use today
Hiring research assistants and nurturing their careers as future doctors
Conducting research studies, publishing papers and sharing our knowledge with others

RESEARCH STUDIES

Conducting research studies, publishing papers and sharing our knowledge with others is integral to our mission. Listed below are research studies that may be of interest.

Dr. Dominic CARREIRA | Published Articles

Dominic S. Carreira, MD, et al. The Reliability of Commonly Used Radiographic Parameters in the Evaluation of the Pre-Arthritic Hip. Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, Volume 7, Issue 2, February 2019

Dominic S. Carreira, MD, et al. Operative Approaches to Ankle and Hindfoot Arthroscopy. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. Vol. 5(1) I-II, 2020

Emmons BR, Carreira DS. Outcomes Following Interposition Arthroplasty of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint for the Treatment of Hallux Rigidus: A Systematic Review. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. Vol. 4(2) I-II

Kivlan BR, Martin RRL, Christoforetti JJ, Wolff AB, Nho SJ, Salvo JP, Ellis TJ, Van Thiel G, et al. The Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State of the 12-Item International Hip Outcome Tool at 1-Year Follow-Up of Hip-Preservation Surgery. The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol. 35, No. 5,

Martin RRL, Kivlan BR, Christoforetti JJ, Wolff AB, Nho SJ, Salvo JP, Ellis TJ, Van Thiel G, et al. Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Substantial Clinical Benefit Values for the 12-Item International Hip. The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol.35, No. 2, February 2019

Click here for more research by Dr. Carreira.

Dr. Xavier DURALDE | Published Articles

Xavier A. Duralde, MD, James S. Kercher, MD, et al. Posterior Labral Repairs of the Shoulder Among Baseball Players. American Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 47, No. 7, 2019

Xavier A. Duralde, MD, Timothy Griffith, MD, et al. Successful Performance After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: An Analysis of 88 Drafted Professional Baseball Pitcher with a Matched Comparison Cohort. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine,

Xavier A. Duralde, MD, et al. CORR Insights: Biocomposite Suture Anchors Remain Visible Two Years after Rotator Cuff Repair. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Vol. 477, No. 6, June 2019

Xavier A. Duralde, MD, Timothy Griffith, MD, James S. Kercher, MD, et al. Elbow Injuries in the Adolescent Thrower. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. February 2018

Xavier A. Duralde MD, Timothy Griffith, MD, Troy Jones, PT. Challenges of Medical Care Delivery in Professional Sports: Lessons from Professional Baseball. Journal of AAOS, Vol. 26, No. 24, December 2018

Click here for more research by Dr. Duralde.

Dr. Fred FINNEY, JR., M.D. | Published Articles

Finney FT, Irwin TA. Recognition of failure modes of lateral ankle ligament reconstruction. Foot and Ankle Clinics. 2021;26(1):137-153.

Gossett TD, Finney FT, Hu HM, et al. Factors associated with new persistent opioid use after ankle sprain: A cross-sectional analysis. Current Orthopaedic Practice. 2021;32(5):432-440.

Singer NV, Saunders NE, Holmes JR, Finney FT, et al. Presence of neovascularization in torn plantar plates of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints. Foot & Ankle International. 2021;42(7):944-951.

Dr. Letha GRIFFIN | Editor

Letha Y. Griffin, MD. Section Editor, The Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care Book, 6th Edition.

Dr. Tim GRIFFITH | Published Articles

Timothy Griffith, MD, et al. Comparison of Outcomes Based on Graft Type and Tunnel Configuration for Primary Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Baseball Pitchers. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol

Griffith T, Duralde XA, MD, et al. Successful Performance After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: An Analysis of 88 Drafted Professional Baseball Pitcher with a Matched Comparison Cohort. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine,

Timothy Griffith, MD, et al. Revision Ulner Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Baseball: Current Trends, Surgical Techniques, and Outcomes. The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, August 2019

Griffith TB, Kercher J, Willimon CS, Perkins C, Duralde XA. Elbow Injuries in the Adolescent Thrower. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. February 2018

Duralde XA, Jones T, Griffith T Challenges of Medical Care Delivery in Professional Sports: Lessons from Professional Baseball. Journal of AAOS, Vol. 26, No. 24, December 2018

Schafer KA, Tucker S, Griffith T, et al. Distribution of Force in the Medial Collateral Ligament Complex During Simulated Clinical Test of Knee Stability. American Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 44, No. 5

Dr. Jim KERCHER | Published Articles

Kercher JS, Runner RP, McCarthy TP, Duralde XA Posterior Labral Repairs of the Shoulder Among Baseball Players. American Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 47, No. 7, 2019

Alexee M, Kercher JS Treatment of full thickness osteochondral defects: Osteochondral autograft or allograft? JAAOS Now. October 2019

James S. Kercher, MD, Xavier A. Duralde, MD, Timothy Griffith, MD, et al. Elbow Injuries in the Adolescent Thrower. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. February 2018

Alexeev M, Kercher JS, Levina Y, Duralde XA Variability of glenoid labral tear patterns: a study of 280 sequential surgical cases

Dr. Scott KIMMERLY | Published Articles, Abstract

Rogozinski Z, Alexeev M, Kimmerly W, Murray H. Management of Periarticular Injuries in Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Patients, GA Orthopaedic Society, 2020

Mehl A, Kimmerly WS. Sports Medicine General Principles. AAOS Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care. 6th Edition. Jones and Bartlett Learning. August 2021. ISBN: 9781284223347

Dr. Walter MCCLELLAND | Published Articles, Book Chapter, Lectures

Walter B. McClelland, Jr, MD, Stephen M. McCollam, MD. Impact of the Current United States Health Care Environment on Practice: A Private Practice Viewpoint. Hand Clinics Journal, Vol. 36, Issue 2, May 2020

Walter B. McClelland, Jr, MD, et al. Misdiagnosis and Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Considering the Distal Biceps Tendon. Southern Orthopaedic Association, Vol. 28, No. 1, Spring 2019

Walter B. McClelland, Jr, MD, et al. Isolated loss of active external rotation: a distinct entity and results of L’Episcopo tendon transfer. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Vol. 27, No. 3, March 2018

Book Chapters: Walter B. McClelland, Jr, MD. (2019). Scapular Fractures. In: Weiss APC (ed). The American Society for Surgery of the Hand Textbook of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, 2nd Ed. Chicago, IL, American Society for Surgery of the Hand

Lectures: Choosing a Career in Private Practice” Faculty, Residents & Fellows Conference, American Society for Surgery of the Hand Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX, September 2020

Click here for more research by Dr. McClelland.

Dr. Steve MCCOLLAM | Published Article

Stephen M. McCollam, MD, Walter B. McClelland, Jr, MD. Impact of the Current United States Health Care Environment on Practice: A Private Practice Viewpoint. Hand Clinics Journal, Vol. 36, Issue 2, May 2020

Dr. Herndon MURRAY | Abstract

Herndon Murray, MD, William Kimmerly, MD, et al. Management of Periarticular Injuries in Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Patients, GA Orthopaedic Society, 2020

HISTORY

In 1953, Dr. James Funk, the founder of Peachtree Orthopedics, made his first trip to Haiti to visit and assist Sister Joan Margaret – a nun who ran St. Vincent’s School for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince. During his visit, Dr. Funk was struck not only by the beauty of the country, but also by Haiti’s widespread poverty, harsh living conditions and desperate need for medical supplies and treatment.

Following his first trip, Dr. Funk returned to Haiti time and time again to provide medical treatment and perform surgery. He was soon joined in these medical missions by his two partners – Dr. Robert E. Wells and Dr. Joseph H. Dimon III. As Peachtree Orthopedics grew, the tradition continued, and many PO physicians, including Drs. Mike Bernot, Xavier Duralde, Carl Fackler, Anuj Gupta, Lee Kelley, Steve McCollam, Allen McDonald Jr., Allen McDonald III, Doug Murray, Herndon Murray, Scott Pennington, Ashok Reddy, Steve Smith and Obi Ugwonali have volunteered their time and medical skills to provide orthopedic care and treatment to impoverished Haitians and to patients at the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti.

In 1983, Peachtree Orthopedics’ long-standing commitment to Haiti was recognized when the National Order of Honor and Merit – Haiti’s highest honor for civilian service and contributions – was awarded to Dr. Funk.

Today, humanitarian and medical needs in Haiti remain great. Peachtree Orthopedics’ involvement and assistance is as critical as it was over 65 years ago when Dr. Funk made his first trip. Haiti’s infant mortality rate is the highest in the world. Over half the country’s population suffers from malnutrition, and the average life expectancy is just 53 years.

The Peachtree Orthopedics Foundation, a non-profit organization, continues to help address these critical humanitarian needs by providing funds, supplies, medical care and training in Haiti.