- ArthritisOur general orthopaedic practice offers comprehensive care for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Approximately 1.71 billion people across the world live with these conditions, including low sprained joints, back pain, neck pain, fragility-related fractures, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Pediatric CareKelsey received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Biological Sciences from The University of Georgia in 2016. She then attended Augusta University, formerly the Medical College of Georgia, where she earned a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree. During her clinical rotations, Kelsey gained a wide range of experience in several areas including breast and reconstructive surgery, addiction medicine, pediatrics, adult medicine, and burn and trauma surgery. Kelsey’s professional experience includes working as a medical scribe and medical assistant.
- Primary CarePlease Note: Patients are responsible for all authorizations/referrals needed to seek treatment in this office to include office visits and therapy. To verify whether your insurance requires a referral, you may contact your primary care physician or your insurance company directly. Your referral needs to be in place at the time of your scheduled appointment. If you are unable to obtain a referral in a timely manner, your appointment may be rescheduled.
- Family PracticeJohn is a senior athletic trainer for Chatham Orthopaedic Associates. His degrees and certifications are from Rowan University in New Jersey. After working with several parochial and public schools in the northeast, John moved to Savannah in 2007 and began to work for the MHUMC Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine department. Spencer Wheeler, MD, has been his medical director for over 17 years. John also has worked with Dr. Marvin Sineath, MD, at MHUMC as an adjunct faculty member for the MHUP Family Medicine residents’ Sports Medicine fellowship. John currently assists with the Injury Clinic at COA, while also working closely with the clinical orthopaedic and rehabilitation staff to help ensure a safe return to play for student-athletes. John is a sports medicine consultant with the Paralympic Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team and is also currently managing the COA Sports Medicine contract at Bethesda Academy.
- Emergency CareAlso, should your children break a bone, sprain a joint, or experience an orthopaedic injury outside of normal office hours, we offer urgent care services for your convenience in our ExpressOrtho After Hours Orthopaedic Urgent Care Clinic.
- Internal MedicineAfter receiving her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northern Kentucky University, Malissa earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South University in Savannah, GA. It was at South University where she gained hands-on experience in internal medicine, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and several other areas. Malissa also gained experience by working as a student athletic trainer while at NKU and with several YMCA programs across the state of Ohio as an exercise therapist for R.E.P.S. Before joining the PA team at Chatham Orthopaedics in 2009, she worked as a physician assistant/assistant clinic director at Ideal Image.
- GastroenterologyKenneth is a Savannah native who graduated from Georgia Southern University. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South University, followed by a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska. Kenneth’s professional experience spans the fields of cardiology, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology, with the majority of his professional career having been dedicated to orthopaedics. Since starting at Chatham Orthopaedic Associates over ten years ago, Kenneth has served as a preceptor to numerous physician assistant students during their orthopaedic surgery clinical rotation.
- NeurologyAfter receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Science from Smith College in Massachusetts, Kate came to Savannah to work as an assistant competition manager for the sport of sailing for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. She received a Bachelor of Science of Physician Assistant Studies from South University in Savannah, and then a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska. Kate’s experience in the medical field began in 1992, at Memorial Medical Center as a nurse assistant in neurology/neurosurgery, then as a physician assistant at Neurological Institute of Savannah, followed by a graduate studies coordinator of the Physician Assistant Program at South University before becoming a certified physician assistant at Chatham Orthopaedics in 2004.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Behavioral HealthMcKinley is a Texas native who graduated from Baylor University and worked for seven years in pharmaceutical sales prior to returning to school for a degree in medicine. Knowing she wanted to work as an orthopaedic PA, McKinley worked in several roles at an orthopaedic practice while she completed her prerequisite coursework. She received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South University where she gleaned valuable clinical experience in general and orthopedic surgery, family and internal medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, and behavioral health.
- Ultrasound
- MRIObtain relevant lab reports, x-rays, MRI, CT or other diagnostic reports if your physician has not sent to our office
- X-Rays
- Computed TomographyWe also offer state-of-the-art standing CT imaging. Step into standing CT and get the most accurate diagnosis of your injury. Three-dimensional imaging helps ensure the right diagnosis the first time. Your doctor may determine your X-Ray does not provide enough information about your injury and may order a standing CT scan. CT scans provide a complete 3D picture of your bone alignment and joint spaces.
- Iontophoresis
- General SurgeryKaren joins the Chatham Orthopaedics team with over 15 years of experience as a physician assistant. She graduated summa cum laude from Duquesne University with a bachelor’s degree in health science in 2002, and a master’s degree in physician assistant studies in 2003. As the spouse of a Coast Guard officer, Karen has moved up and down the East Coast throughout her career. She has gained a broad range of experience in multiple surgical specialties including adult and congenital cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, general surgery, and plastic surgery.
- OrthopedicsChatham Orthopaedic Associates is pleased to announce our new partnership with Hilton Head Orthopedics in Bluffton! Several of our orthopaedic physicians will now be seeing patients at Hilton Head Orthopedics in Bluffton, South Carolina! To schedule an appointment, please call (843) 682-7480.
- ArthroscopyThe Chatham Orthopaedics offices of Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, and Rincon offer comprehensive treatment solutions for hip injuries, bone and joint disorders, hip fractures, osteoarthritis of the hip, arthritis of the hip, and more. Through both surgical and non-surgical treatment options, we offer total hip replacement (including minimally invasive hip replacement), posterior and anterior hip replacement, hip arthroscopy, hip scopes, joint injections, and physical therapy treatment plans. Our advanced team of surgeons and physical therapists is ready to provide the attention and expertise you need to make a full recovery. Call or contact Chatham Orthopaedics today to schedule an appointment.
- Bunion Surgery
- Joint ReplacementElizabeth Herwig received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana in 2010. She spent 5 years as a surgical nurse in the hospital setting. She obtained her Masters Degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana in 2015. She went on to practice with Orthopedic Surgery in Lafayette, Indiana in which she became skilled in first assisting total joint replacement surgeries in the operating room as well as orthopedic spine surgeries. She obtained her Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Certification in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elizabeth felt called to serve patients in the Emergency Department as a nurse practitioner before relocating to the Savannah area in 2022. She then spent almost 2 years in the Urgent Care setting in the Savannah area before joining Chatham Orthopedics in 2024. She is thrilled to be able to return to Orthopedics and work alongside Dr. Ochsner and Dr. Prather, supporting their patients and care teams as much as possible.
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Bunions
- NeurosurgeryAfter graduating from The University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Sarah received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South University, where she was recognized with an Academic Achievement Award and served for three years as a Student Ambassador. Sarah’s professional experience includes serving as a medical assistant and pediatric neurosurgery physician assistant before coming on board at Chatham Orthopaedic Associates.
- Arthroscopy
- Hip ReplacementSevere hip damage and hip pain has the ability to impede your ability to walk, run, cycle, swim, or play sports. Chatham Orthopaedic Associates serves Savannah-area patients who need hip care and hip replacement surgery with patient-focused care and attention. Keeping you pain-free so you can enjoy your life is a major focus of our orthopaedic practice in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, and Claxton. Our hip replacement surgeons will keep you informed and educated about your specific hip condition, and demonstrate how various treatment plans can improve your specific condition. After meeting with one of our surgeons, you will be able to make an informed decision on possible hip replacement surgery or other non-surgical, physical therapy solutions. Chatham Orthopaedics places a high focus on patient care, ensuring you can achieve a pain-free lifestyle with physicians and staff that care for your well-being throughout the entire recovery process.
- Knee ReplacementChatham Orthopaedics’ team of expert physicians and surgeons focus on patient satisfaction and specialize in knee surgery, including minimally invasive treatment options. Knee replacement surgery has evolved over the years with new materials and techniques, and today knee replacement surgery is one of the most commonly successful surgeries performed.
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Cyst
- Sports MedicineThe Chatham Orthopaedics office in Pooler makes it easy to visit Chatham Orthopaedics. We provide the same great care that we have been known for since the 1950s. Our highly trained orthopaedic doctors and staff are experts in orthopaedic surgery, pain management, sports medicine, and more. Call or contact us to make an appointment at our Pooler, GA location for the first step in a pain free lifestyle.
- Physical TherapyWhether you suffered an injury on the job or have been dealing with chronic pain, our highly-trained orthopaedic surgeons and physicians offer the highest level of orthopaedic care, including evaluations, diagnoses, and treatments. While some conditions require surgery, others can be effectively treated with non-surgical options, such as immobilization, injections, or physical therapy.
- Occupational TherapyThe main goal for physical and occupational therapy is to improve your ability to function throughout day-to-day life. To achieve this, we perform therapy exercises that focus on weakness, limited motion, pain or swelling. Another important goal of therapy is to educate patients on ways to improve their health and continue to exercise after therapy is completed. You will have the chance to continue these exercises and workouts on your own at home. Your therapist may also give you extra exercises to do at home while still attending therapy sessions.
- Frozen Shoulder
- Tennis Elbow
- Shoulder Pain
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Manual TherapyAndrew is a native of Savannah, where he graduated from Benedictine Military School in 2003. He later graduated from South University in 2008, with his physical therapist assistant degree. Since his degree, he has completed several hours of continuing education with an emphasis in manual therapy to address joint abnormalities, muscle tension issues and pain during movement. He also enjoys working with athletes from surrounding areas and is able to relate with a number of patients due to his own past sports injuries.
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Ankle Instability
- Ankle SprainDerek graduated in 1998, from the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana, with his master’s degree in physical therapy. Derek received a Master in Business Administration with an emphasis in healthcare administration from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, in 2002. Derek has many years of clinical experience, with emphasis in sports medicine rehabilitation of shoulder, knee, foot and ankle injuries. Derek has a strong interest in athletics and enjoys combining this passion with his clinical expertise to help individuals care for and prevent injuries resulting from every day to high-performance activities.
- Bunions ProblemsWe offer comprehensive treatment plans for a variety of foot conditions, including bunions, hammertoe, general heel and foot pain, bone spurs, foot sprains and fractures, and arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the foot. We also treat a variety of sports injuries, and offer full-service physical therapy services. We are committed to offering our patients high quality care, with both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
- Hammertoes
- Heel Pain
- Foot Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis