About Us Since opening our doors in 1950, the caregivers at St. Francis have been committed each day to providing the highest quality care in west Georgia and east Alabama. With 376 beds on two campuses, more than 2,500 associates, and 300 physicians, we offer a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room services, including the only open-heart surgery program in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley. And to ensure that we always offer our patients unsurpassed care, we continue to grow and expand. Our affiliation with Emory Clinic's Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery in 2016 helped take our cardiac service to the next level bringing life-saving care to more people. The opening of our two newest towers in 2013 allowed us to locate cardiac services and cardiology practices under one roof, making care more convenient for patients. The opening of St. Francis Sue Marie Turner Women's Hospital that same year brought obstetrical services back to the hospital.

David P. Antekeier, MD, received his undergraduate degree in physiology from Eastern Michigan University, graduating magna cum laude, and his medical degree in Detroit from Wayne State University. He completed his general surgery internship and his orthopaedic residency at University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. Additionally, he advanced his training through a fellowship in pediatric orthopaedics at Cincinnati Children's Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH, which concentrated on spinal deformity and sports medicine. Dr. Antekeier is a veteran; in fact, it was his training and service at Fort Benning as a Ranger and Airborne Medic that brought him to the Columbus area early in his medical career. Dr. Antekeier has worked with both adult and pediatric trauma patients and with patients who have physical deformities. He provides nonsurgical and surgical management for spine, hip, spasticity, and foot pathology.

"My doctor Gudger Jr and his nurse have been awesome with my treatment and care." -J.L. Jake Gudger , MD, graduated from University of Georgia in Athens with a degree in biology and went on to earn his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Gudger completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Greenville Hospital System in Greenville, SC. where he served as Chief Orthopaedic Resident, was an AOA Resident Leadership Forum Recipient, and was awarded the Lilly M & GD Jackson Award for outstanding first year resident. Dr. Gudger's research has focused on evaluating the effectiveness, complications, and patient reported outcomes of different orthopaedic implants and procedures. Before joining the Hughston Clinic, Dr. Gudger completed a fellowship as the 2016-2017 Hughston ACE Fellow at the Hughston Foundation where he received specialty training in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine as well as hip and knee reconstruction.

"Dr. Rehak is very knowledgeable and professional." -T.L. David C Rehak earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and completed a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Dr. Rehak specializes in surgery of the hand, wrist, elbow and upper extremity, as well as orthopaedic surgery. He is board-certified and has a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand awarded by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the American Association of Hand Surgery. In addition, he has been a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons for 23 years. Dr. Rehak's CV Dr. Rehak's Specialties Include: Hand Elbow Upper Extrimity.

Originally from Columbus, GA, Matthew G. Stewart, MD, graduated magna cum laude from Auburn University with an undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences. He went on to earn his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic in Memphis where he served as Chief Orthopaedic Resident. Before becoming a member of our staff, Dr. Stewart completed a fellowship specializing in foot and ankle surgery at Duke University. Dr. Stewart is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Society (AAOS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). He has published several research studies in peer-reviewed orthopedic journals on pediatric fractures, total ankle replacements, and the effect of obesity on elective foot and ankle surgery. Dr.

At Hughston Clinic and the Hughston Foundation, we believe that to the exact degree possible, people shouldn't be in pain. They shouldn't have the free and easy movement of any parts of their body restricted. They shouldn't be denied participation in the activities they enjoy. We believe that despite the myriad traumas that may befall the musculoskeletal system-from sports or any other cause-people should be able to work, play, and live their lives with the highest degree of freedom and comfort modern science and medicine can provide. That's what Hughston Foundation is all about. Hughston Foundation seeks to continually push the boundaries of orthopaedic medicine finding new and better ways to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

"Fantastic surgeon and a tremendous asset to the Hughston Clinic" -L.F. Dr. MacDonald graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his orthopedic residency at Michigan State University, and completed a fellowship of the hand , upper extremity, and microsurgery in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. MacDonald is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in surgery of the hand and upper extremity. He spent two years stationed in Okinawa, Japan serving as the sole hand and upper extremity specialist in the Western Pacific. He was honored as a recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his service. He then moved his practice to Midland, Texas and while there, he served as team physician for the Midland Rockhounds; a minor league affiliate of the Oakland A's organization. Dr.

Dr. Gloystein is a member of several professional associations including Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS), North American Spine Society, Orthopedic Trauma Association, AO Spine North America and the Georgia Orthopedic Society. In 2019, he was awarded the Educator of the Year award for North America at the international Global Spine Congress meeting. He continues to be active in research, both as a researcher as well as a reviewer. His research has been featured in numerous spine and orthopedic journals. His recent passion is surgical safety and the avoidance of wrong-site surgery.

Dr. Floyd is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in orthopaedic traumatology and fracture care. He earned his medical degree at Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia. After participating in a general surgery internship at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga and general surgery residency at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon, he completed an orthopaedic residency at SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, New York, as well as a fellowship in orthopaedic traumatology at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Floyd is an orthopaedic traumatologist for the Hughston Clinic. Prior to coming to the Hughston Clinic, Dr. Floyd served as an orthopaedic traumatologist in Macon, Georgia. Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr.

"Dr. Pahl is the most knowledgeable and caring physician I've ever encountered." -K.Y. Douglas Pahl earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville and then, completed his internship and orthopaedic surgery residency at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia. After completion of his distinguished army career which included three Meritorious Service Medals, Dr. Pahl elected to complete a fellowship in orthopaedic spine surgery at the prestigious Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis. Dr. Pahl is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery and specializes in orthopaedic spinal surgery with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques. He has recently developed new spine surgery instruments to improve minimally invasive techniques. Additionally, he specializes in adult and pediatric spinal deformity, and cervical and lumbar degenerative disorders. Dr. Pahl's CV Dr. Pahl's Specialties Include: Orthopaedic Spine Surgery.

"Excellent bed side manners and he truly cares about his patients." -A.R. James McGrory attended medical school at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and completed his orthopaedic training at the Mayo Clinic. While there, he developed his expertise in total joint replacement of the hip and knee. He also completed a fellowship in spine surgery at the Texas Back Institute in 2011. Prior to joining Hughston Clinic, Dr. McGrory practiced medicine with the United States Navy in addition to two years of private practice in Fort Worth, Texas. Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, he is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the North American Spine Society, and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Dr. McGrory's CV Dr. McGrory's Specialties Include: Spine Surgery Hip and Knee Replacement.

"Dr. Jacobson was outstanding and a genuinely nice guy." -D.B. Kurt Jacobson earned his medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine and completed an orthopaedic residency at the University of Michigan Medical Center and a sports medicine fellowship at Hughston Foundation. Dr. Jacobson is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and holds memberships in numerous professional medical societies. In addition to general orthopaedics, Dr. Jacobson specializes in sports medicine and knee and ankle injuries. He serves as the head team physician for the Valdosta State University sports program and is involved in the athletic training and education program at Valdosta State University where he was recently inducted into the Valdosta State University Athletic Hall of Fame. He is also the head team physician for Andrew College. Dr. Jacobson's CV Dr. Jacobson's Specialties Include: Knee Sports Medicine General Orthopaedics.

"Dr. Dorchak is the BEST! He is professional, kind and absolutely is an excellent surgeon." -S.G. John Dorchak earned his medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, California, and the University of California-Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. He completed a fellowship in spine surgery with the Department of Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville. Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, his specialty is orthopaedic surgery with an emphasis in spine surgery. Dr. Dorchak has a patent on instrumentation methods for vertebral interbody fusion, and has designed cervical and lower lumbar fusion cages as well as the associated surgical techniques. He is also one of the lead surgeons in developing the innovative surgery of total disc replacement. Dr. Dorchak's Specialties Include: Orthopaedic Spine Surgery.

"His knowledge and surgery skills were excellent." -D.N. Dr. Ruark is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee reconstruction. He received his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, and he completed his pre-med coursework at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. Dr. Ruark earned his medical degree and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. He completed an adult hip and knee reconstruction mini-fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Ruark is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and other international and regional organizations. Dr. Ruark's research interests include periprosthetic infections, osteonecrosis of the hip, and osteoporosis. He plans to continue his research interests through the Hughston Foundation, Inc. Dr.

"Dr. Waldrop is the best orthopedic surgeon in the entire world!" -M.H. John Waldrop earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He did his residency at Greenville Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children where he trained in orthopaedics. Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Waldrop holds memberships in many professional societies. His specialties and research interests include total joint replacement, arthroscopy and knee, hip and shoulder problems. Dr. Waldrop's CV Dr. Waldrop's Specialties Include: Hip Knee Total Joint Replacement Arthroscopic Surgery.

"Just go to Dr. Benjamin Watson and get it done properly the first time." -Rosie Dr. Watson is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in disorders of the foot and ankle. Raised in Blakely, Georgia, he received his undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Georgia in 2006. Afterward he attended the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine on the campus of Virginia Tech, graduating in 2010. He next moved to Columbus, Ohio where he did his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Doctors Hospital/Ohio University COM and went on to complete a one-year orthopaedic foot and ankle fellowship at the Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Watson has expertise in both common and complex disorders of the foot and ankle. His primary clinical interest is in foot and ankle reconstruction, including total ankle replacement, deformity correction, trauma, and sports-related injuries/disorders. Dr.

"Dr. Flandry is the reason I walk." -J.G. Fred Flandry, MD earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery through Tulane University Affiliated Hospitals. In addition to a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery at Hughston Foundation, Dr. Flandry studied traumatology at major centers in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Academy of Pain Management, Dr. Flandry is associated with numerous medical organizations and holds memberships in 16 national and international specialty societies. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Flandry is deeply involved in research conducted through the Hughston Foundation. Dr. Flandry's Specialties Include: Trauma Total Joint Replacement Sports Medicine General Orthopaedics.

Robert M. Harris is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in orthopaedic trauma surgery and fracture care. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and earned his medical degree at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia. He completed an orthopaedic residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, as well as a fellowship in orthopaedic trauma at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Dr. Harris is the director of orthopaedic trauma for the Hughston Clinic at Midtown Medical Center and an orthopaedic surgeon at the Hughston Clinic. Prior to coming to the Hughston Clinic, Dr.

"Dr. Geringer is the best!" -K.G. Ryan Geringer received his medical education and training at the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and then moved on to complete his internship and residency in orthopaedic surgery through Michigan State University at Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center. Dr. Geringer also completed a fellowship in sports medicine at the Hughston Foundation in Columbus. He is now board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Arthroscopy Association of North America and candidate member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. Dr. Geringer's Specialties Include: Sports Medicine Shoulder Knee.

"Very knowledgeable, explains in detail. I had full trust in my surgery. Very professional." -S.H. Champ L. Baker, III MD, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta before going on to complete his internship and orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Prior to joining the Hughston Clinic, Dr. Baker completed a sports medicine fellowship at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and worked on the medical staff of the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, and Depaul University. Dr. Baker was granted the Certificate of added Qualification in Sports Medicine in 2012 by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is currently the team physician for the Central High School Red Devils in Phenix City, AL, and the head team physician for the Columbus State University Cougars in Columbus, GA. Dr.

At Hughston Clinic and the Hughston Foundation, we believe that to the exact degree possible, people shouldn't be in pain. They shouldn't have the free and easy movement of any parts of their body restricted. They shouldn't be denied participation in the activities they enjoy. We believe that despite the myriad traumas that may befall the musculoskeletal system-from sports or any other cause-people should be able to work, play, and live their lives with the highest degree of freedom and comfort modern science and medicine can provide. That's what Hughston Foundation is all about. Hughston Foundation seeks to continually push the boundaries of orthopaedic medicine finding new and better ways to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

About Gil Gomez Gil Gomez, DO, a former resident in the Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital Residency program is joining the Hughston Clinic team. Before coming to Hughston, Dr. Gomez received his Bachelor of Science degree from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA where he played football and baseball for the Holy Cross Crusaders. He also worked on his Master's in Science, Sports and Fitness from University of Central Florida in Orlando where he played for the UCF Knights Baseball Team. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Suwanee, GA. Most recently, Dr. Gomez completed a one-year AO Orthopaedic Spine Surgery fellowship at Augusta University Medical Center in Augusta, GA.

"From the first visit, he was honest and informative" -A.H. Michael M. Tucker earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his internship at Methodist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. He completed his training in orthopaedic surgery at the Campbell Clinic in Memphis. Prior to joining Hughston Clinic, Dr. Tucker completed a sports medicine fellowship through the Hughston Foundation and he recently completed a foot and ankle fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Tucker is a candidate member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. He practices general orthopaedics with an interest in sports medicine and continues academic research in sports medicine at the Hughston Foundation. Dr. Tucker's CV Dr. Tuckers Specialties Include: Knee Shoulder Foot Ankle Sports Medicine.