ATHENS — Athens Orthopedic Clinic and Athens Bone and Joint are pleased to announce they are merging effective July 1. Beginning July 2, Athens Bone and Joint will begin seeing patients on the AOC campus at 1765 Old W. Broad St. in Athens. The satellite offices of Athens Bone and Joint in Commerce, Elberton and Royston will remain in the same locations operating under the AOC name.

“The merger of Athens Bone and Joint with Athens Orthopedic Clinic is another step in making AOC the most comprehensive orthopedic clinic in Northeast Georgia,” said Kayo Elliott, CEO of AOC. “The addition of their skilled practitioners to our subspecialized practice will only enhance the abilities of our organization to provide top notch care and to serve the community ensuring all their orthopedic needs can be met under one roof.”

AOC has been the leader in orthopedic care since 1966 when Dr. William B. Mulherin set up residence in Athens serving as the orthopedic consultant for the University of Georgia athletic program. Over the past 52 years, Athens Orthopedic Clinic has grown from a one physician practice to a multi sub-specialized leader in orthopedic care in the region and the addition of Athens Bone and Joint will only add to the quality of service provided to the residents of Northeast Georgia.

“We are excited about the merger and will continue to provide exceptional care in a state of the art orthopedic facility,” said Dr. John Dorris, founder of Athens Bone and Joint. “Along with Drs. Ryan and Fields, we will remain committed to treating our patients like family in an environment which promotes quality, personalized, hands-on medical care.”

When the transition occurs on July 1, Dr. David Bacastow of Athens Bone and Joint will retire from orthopedic practice. Bacastow will be wrapping up care with his patients June 30 and the merged practices will maintain all medical records. Dr. Bacastow has touched many lives across the community over the years and will be dearly missed.