Partnership Offers Expert Orthopedic, Sports Medicine Services To Student Athletes
ATHENS, Ga. – July 8, 2026
Athens Orthopedic Clinic (AOC), Northeast Georgia’s leading orthopedic and sports medicine provider, announced that it will serve as the official team physician for Morgan County Schools through a new partnership with the school district. The agreement leverages AOC’s 60 year legacy of excellence in Orthopedic care.
Under the partnership, AOC will provide comprehensive sports medicine services under the direction of Shane Smith, MD, with the AOC Sports Medicine Team. This purpose-driven approach recognizes that specialization matters when it comes to ensuring that student athletes receive the very best medical care. The AOC clinical network provides students with direct access to the full range of experts, which includes Sports Medicine, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Hand and Wrist, Shoulder, Foot and Ankle, Spine and Pain Management, Joint Replacement and the region’s only Orthopedic Ambulatory Surgery Centers that concentrate on the treatment of bone and joint conditions.
“This partnership further reflects our commitment to care for our neighbors at every stage of their lives, and we are looking forward to expanding access to expert care across Morgan County Schools,” said Mike Boblitz, CEO of Athens Orthopedic Clinic. “Our Ortho Urgent Care and MRI services are available seven days a week as we understand the importance of prompt access to care so student athletes can get back to practice as quickly as possible.”
The sports medicine team works with student-athletes across Morgan County Schools year-round, from injury prevention through evaluation of acute conditions and safe return-to-play decisions. That same specialty focus extends to patients of all ages, helping them avoid unnecessary hospital visits and get the right care faster.
“AOC’s specialty expertise and commitment to preventive care aligns perfectly with our mission to support student athlete health and performance,” said Greg Thompson, Morgan County Schools Athletic Director. “We value our coaches, trainers and families so I can’t think of a better way to support them than by offering direct access to the best orthopedic physicians in our region.”
To learn more, visit www.athensorthopedicclinic.com
About Athens Orthopedic Clinic
Founded in 1966, Athens Orthopedic Clinic is Northeast Georgia’s largest provider of orthopedics and sports medicine, serving more than 230,000 patients annually. With a team of 79 physicians, advanced practice providers, and outpatient therapists, AOC offers comprehensive orthopedic services including joint and spine care, ambulatory surgery, imaging, physical therapy, urgent care, and occupational medicine. Learn more at www.athensorthopedicclinic.com.
Media Contacts:
Kayla Phillips
Account Lead, Public Relations
See.Spark.Go
kayla.phillips@seesparkgo.com | 678-879-2486
Amy Wages
Director of Marketing, Training and Development
Athens Orthopedic Clinic
awages@athensorthopedicclinic.com | 706-433-3126