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Category Archives: Orthopedic Surgeons

Technology in MSK Care: Advancing Precision at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

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At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists (SOS), innovation meets patient-centered care. In March, we’re highlighting how technology is transforming musculoskeletal (MSK) care, from diagnosis to recovery, helping patients in northeast Florida achieve better outcomes faster.

How Technology Enhances Orthopedic Care

Modern tools are reshaping orthopedic care in ways that directly benefit patients.

Advanced imaging and digital assessment tools allow SOS physicians to pinpoint injuries more accurately, ensuring treatments are tailored to each patient.

Digital monitoring systems track recovery progress, enabling care plans to be adjusted in real time, which supports faster, safer recoveries.

Technology also streamlines workflows, reducing appointment times and making the care process more efficient.

Spotlight on Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement

A standout example at SOS is robotic-assisted joint replacement, performed by Dr. Michael Robinson, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacements. During this procedure, Dr. Robinson uses advanced imaging to create a detailed, 3D map of the patient’s joint before surgery. This preoperative plan is then paired with robotic technology in the operating room, allowing the surgeon to precisely guide instruments and place implants with sub-millimeter accuracy.

Robotic-assisted surgery offers several benefits for patients. Because the robotic system provides real-time feedback, it helps enhance implant positioning, which can improve joint function and longevity. The technology also allows for minimally invasive techniques, reducing tissue disruption, pain, and blood loss during surgery. As a result, patients often experience shorter hospital stays, faster rehabilitation, and quicker return to everyday activities.

By combining cutting-edge technology with Dr. Robinson’s expertise, SOS ensures that each joint replacement is customized to the patient’s anatomy and lifestyle, delivering care that is both precise and highly personalized. This approach exemplifies how innovative technology in MSK care can improve outcomes while maintaining the high standards of patient-centered treatment.

Why It Matters for Northeast Florida Patients

For patients in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and surrounding communities, technology brings shorter recovery times, personalized treatment plans, and access to advanced orthopedic care close to home.

By integrating robotics into joint replacement procedures, SOS demonstrates how technology enhances physician expertise rather than replacing it, delivering care that is both innovative and tailored to each patient.

Embracing these advancements in MSK care not only improves outcomes but also creates a more connected and efficient healthcare experience. Schedule an appointment with SOS today and discover how robotic-assisted surgery can help you get back to the activities you love.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Celebrates Opening of St. Augustine Ambulatory Surgery Center (STAASC)

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St. Augustine, Fla. (March 9, 2026) – Southeast Orthopedic Specialists (SOS), in partnership with Ascension St. Vincent’s, celebrated the opening of the new St. Augustine Ambulatory Surgery Center (STAASC) last week with community and provider events highlighting expanded access to advanced outpatient orthopedic care in St. Johns County. 

 

Located at 45 Groover Loop in St. Augustine, the new ambulatory surgery center is designed to provide high-quality orthopedic procedures in a specialized outpatient setting focused on efficiency, safety, and patient comfort. 

The celebration began Thursday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by healthcare leaders, community officials, and members of the St. Johns County business community. 

Morning remarks were delivered by Dr. Paul Roettges, orthopedic surgeon at SOS; Scott Kashman, president and CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside and interim market lead for Ascension St. Vincent’s; and Isabelle Renault, president and CEO of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. 

On Thursday evening, SOS hosted a second event for physicians, providers, and families who played a role in bringing the center to life. Remarks were delivered by Donnie Romine, CEO of SOS; Dr. Paul Roettges; and Mike Shaw, chief strategy officer for Ascension.

The evening gathering recognized the collaboration among physicians, healthcare partners, and operational teams that made the project possible. 

The celebrations continued into this weekend with a community open house on Saturday, where local residents were invited to tour the new facility, meet physicians and staff, and learn more about the services available at the ASC.

The new center expands SOS’s capacity to deliver expert orthopedic procedures in a state-of-the-art environment designed to improve the patient experience and reduce surgical wait times.

Our physicians and staff are available for interviews and tours at the center. Please direct media requests to annebeth.ahrenholz@hopco.com.

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About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists  

Established in 2001, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists (SOS) has grown into the leader in musculoskeletal care. SOS was founded on the principle of providing high-quality, comprehensive care in the northeast Florida region. The entire spectrum of musculoskeletal healthcare services is provided to patients including orthopedic surgery, spine care, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain management, chiropractic, and podiatry. Services including physical therapy, regenerative medicine, advanced imaging, durable medical equipment, and musculoskeletal urgent care are offered in multiple locations throughout the region. Physicians at SOS are leading experts in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research. Visit www.se-ortho.com to learn more.  

About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)  

Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) is the global leader in musculoskeletal (MSK) value-based care, outcomes management, and care transformation. HOPCo partners with physician practices, health systems, payors, and suppliers to implement clinically integrated models that improve quality, reduce variability, and lower the total cost of MSK care. 

Through HOPCo Digital, its advanced technology and AI platform, HOPCo is building the most comprehensive solution for practices, ambulatory surgery centers, payors, suppliers, and health systems enabling integrated, data-driven, and patient-centered care. HOPCo’s global footprint includes partnerships worldwide, with teams on the ground supporting successful implementations in both emerging and mature healthcare systems and markets. Visit www.hopco.com to learn more.  

About Ascension St. Vincent’s Ascension  

Ascension St. Vincent’s, based in Jacksonville, Florida, operates four hospitals and more than 90 other sites of care and employs more than 5,300 associates. In fiscal year 2024, Ascension St. Vincent’s provided more than $202.2 million in community benefit and other care for vulnerable persons. Ascension St. Vincent’s is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., Ascension St. Vincent’s is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Opens Cutting-Edge Ambulatory Surgery Center (STAASC) in St. Augustine

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New center anchors 37,000-square-foot one-stop orthopedic and spine facility  

St. Augustine, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2026) — After more than two years since breaking ground, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists (SOS), in partnership with Ascension St. Vincent’s, has officially opened a new ambulatory surgery center (STAASC) at 45 Groover Loop in St. Augustine, expanding access to advanced, patient-centered orthopedic care for the local community.  

The ASC marks the final phase of a 37,000-square-foot construction project that also includes an expanded clinic, which opened more than a year ago, and a digital imaging center. The 18,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art ASC features four operating rooms and 17 pre-operative and PACU beds.  

The ASC is staffed by board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons, supported by a team of advanced practice providers. Together, they deliver comprehensive orthopedic and spine services in one centralized location, providing patients with access to the latest advancements in musculoskeletal (MSK) care. SOS providers manage the full continuum of care from initial evaluation and non-surgical treatment to surgery and recovery.  

“We are honored to provide something to the residents in the local areas. It’s important for us to be able to deliver advanced orthopedic procedures in a setting designed entirely around the patient experience,” said Donnie Romine, CEO of SOS. “Through our partnership with Ascension St. Vincent’s, we’re able to combine clinical expertise with a shared commitment to safety, quality, and compassionate care for the St. Augustine community.”  

The ASC is equipped with the latest orthopedic surgical technology and supports minimally invasive procedures designed to promote faster recovery, improved mobility, and better overall patient outcomes.  

“This partnership with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists reflects our commitment to expanding access to high-quality care close to home,” said Scott Kashman, President & Chief Executive Officer, St. Vincent’s Riverside and Interim Market Lead, Ascension St. Vincent’s. “Together, we’re bringing advanced orthopedic services to St. Augustine in a way that puts patients first.”  

SOS and Ascension St. Vincent’s will host two ribbon-cutting events to celebrate the opening. A morning ribbon-cutting and media tour will take place from 9 to 11 a.m., offering photo and video opportunities, guided tours of the facility, and interviews with SOS leadership, orthopedic surgeons, and staff. An evening ribbon-cutting from 5 to 7 p.m. will feature additional speakers from Ascension St. Vincent’s and SOS, along with community and healthcare partners.  

Over the years, SOS has experienced significant growth across the Northeast Florida region. In 2019, SOS partnered with Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo), an Arizona-based organization with an extensive integrated care network. HOPCo’s proven services model and technology platform have supported sustainable collaborations with health systems, payors, and other musculoskeletal practices, enhancing patient care and reducing costs. The platform includes a clinical quality infrastructure, proprietary IT tools and analytics, digital patient engagement solutions, efficient facilities management programs, and established value-based care initiatives contributing to a more cohesive and effective healthcare delivery model. 

Through this partnership and in response to continued population growth in St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler counties, SOS remains committed to meeting the region’s increasing demand for premier orthopedic and spine services. The final completion of this construction project represents a significant step forward in fulfilling that commitment.  

About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists  

Established in 2001, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has grown into the leader in musculoskeletal care. SOS was founded on the principle of providing high-quality, comprehensive care in the Northeast Florida region. The entire spectrum of musculoskeletal healthcare services is provided to patients including orthopedic surgery, spine care, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain management, chiropractic, and podiatry. Services including physical therapy, regenerative medicine, advanced imaging, durable medical equipment, and musculoskeletal urgent care are offered in multiple locations throughout the region. Physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are leading experts in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research. Visit www.se-ortho.com to learn more.  

About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)  

Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) is the global leader in musculoskeletal (MSK) value-based care, outcomes management, and care transformation. HOPCo partners with physician practices, health systems, payors, and suppliers to implement clinically integrated models that improve quality, reduce variability, and lower the total cost of MSK care.  

Through HOPCo Digital, its advanced technology and AI platform, HOPCo is building the most comprehensive solution for practices, ambulatory surgery centers, payors, suppliers, and health systems enabling integrated, data-driven, and patient-centered care. HOPCo’s global footprint includes partnerships worldwide, with teams on the ground supporting successful implementations in both emerging and mature healthcare systems and markets. Visit www.hopco.com to learn more.  

About Ascension St. Vincent’s Ascension  

Ascension St. Vincent’s, based in Jacksonville, Florida, operates four hospitals and more than 90 other sites of care and employs more than 5,300 associates. In fiscal year 2024, Ascension St. Vincent’s provided more than $202.2 million in community benefit and other care for vulnerable persons. Ascension St. Vincent’s is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., Ascension St. Vincent’s is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. 

The Modern Orthopedic Patient Journey at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists: What to Expect from First Visit to Full Recovery

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Orthopedic care is evolving, and today’s patients expect more than just treatment for pain. They want clear communication, convenient access, and care that supports long-term mobility and quality of life. 

At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists (SOS), we take a patient-centered approach to orthopedic care, guiding individuals through every step of their journey, from their first appointment to full recovery and beyond. 

Step 1: Accessible Orthopedic Care at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists 

For many patients, the orthopedic journey begins with discomfort, limited mobility, or an injury that interrupts daily life. Whether caused by sports activity, work-related strain, or age-related wear and tear, early evaluation by an orthopedic specialist can make a meaningful difference. Modern orthopedic care prioritizes timely access to appointments, clear education about symptoms and conditions, and guidance on when to seek specialty care 

Serving communities across northern Florida, SOS is committed to making expert orthopedic care accessible and informative from the very first interaction. 

Step 2: Personalized Evaluation & Treatment Planning 

No two patients, or two injuries, are the same. That’s why modern orthopedic care focuses on personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s lifestyle, activity level, and health goals. 

During your evaluation, our orthopedic physicians take the time to: 

  • Identify the root cause of pain or dysfunction 
  • Review imaging and diagnostic results 
  • Discuss conservative and surgical treatment options 

For many patients, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, injections, or activity modification can be effective. When surgery is recommended, patients are actively involved in shared decision-making every step of the way. 

Step 3: Coordinated Orthopedic Treatment & Seamless Care 

High-quality orthopedic care depends on coordination. Today’s patient journey is supported by collaboration between orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, imaging teams, and care coordinators. This integrated approach helps reduce delays in care, improve communication between providers, and a safer, more efficient treatment plan. 

For patients, this coordination ensures a smoother experience and allows them to focus on healing, not logistics. 

Step 4: Recovery, Rehabilitation & Long-Term Mobility 

Recovery doesn’t stop after treatment or surgery. Rehabilitation and follow-up care are critical to restoring strength, flexibility, and confidence in movement. 

Modern orthopedic care emphasizes structured physical therapy programs, ongoing progress monitoring, and education to prevent future injury. 

At SOS, we support patients throughout recovery to help them return to work, sports, and everyday activities safely and sustainably. 

Step 5: Measuring Outcomes That Matter to Patients 

Value-based orthopedic care focuses on outcomes, not just procedures. This means tracking progress based on what matters most to patients, including: 

  • Pain relief 
  • Improved mobility 
  • Ability to return to normal activities 
  • Overall quality of life 

By continually evaluating outcomes, orthopedic practices can deliver care that is effective, efficient, and aligned with patient goals, especially important for growing communities throughout northern Florida. 

Patient-Centered Orthopedic at SOS  

The modern orthopedic patient journey is built on access, communication, coordination, and measurable outcomes. At SOS, our mission is to deliver high-quality orthopedic care to all patients.  

Whether you’re seeking answers for joint pain, recovering from an injury, or exploring treatment options, our team is here to support you through every stage of your orthopedic journey. To schedule an appointment, call 904.720.4361.

Jacksonville Orthopedic Surgeon Earns Award for Invention to Repair Achilles Tendon

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Jorge Acevedo Headshot

Dr. Jorge Acevedo wins prestigious Edison Award, recognized for innovative implant and technique

JACKSONVILLE, FL (June 19, 2024) – Not too many doctors can say they have invented something to help their patients. However, Dr. Jorge Acevedo, a nationally recognized Foot and Ankle surgery expert with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, cannot only say he helped invent an important advance in orthopedic care, but also won an award for it.

 

Recently, the Jacksonville orthopedic surgeon earned the prestigious Edison Award – often referred to as the “Oscars of Innovation.” Just like the Olympics, winners in various categories are given a gold, silver, or bronze award. Dr. Acevedo and New York-based Dr. James McWilliam won the gold award, recognized for developing the Arthrex MIS FiberTak Achilles SpeedBridge Repair Implant System. This innovative system is used to repair the Achilles tendon, the large tendon at the back of the heel.

 

“We are proud to support Dr. Acevedo and Dr. McWilliam in their quest to revolutionize Achilles tendon repair,” said a spokesperson for Arthrex, Inc. “Their innovative implant system exemplifies our commitment to empowering surgeons with cutting-edge technology that improves patient outcomes.”

 

The Achilles tendon is comprised of strong tissues that connect the calf muscle to the heel. In some instances, the tendon may get damaged through overuse, physical activity or repeated stress and may require surgery.

 

With traditional Achilles tendon surgery, surgeons may need to open the back of the heel to repair the tendon. There may be large incisions, potential damage to surrounding tissue, major scarring and recovery time could be extensive.

 

Dr. Acevedo’s invention involves a minimally invasive procedure and specialized technique that minimizes damage to surrounding tissue. A series of innovative instruments and implants are used. Small incisions are made in the back of the heel and strong sutures are placed to hold the tendon against the heel bone.

MIS Achilles Blue Wire Illustration

As the area heals, patients are left with minimal scarring and a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgery.

“We are honored to receive the Thomas Edison Gold Award for our work in advancing orthopedic care,” said Dr. Acevedo. “Our goal was to develop a solution that not only effectively addresses Achilles tendon pathology but also prioritizes patient comfort and recovery.”

 

For more information, please visit www.se-ortho.com. Click “here” to view an animation of the Arthrex system.

 

About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Established in 2001, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is a regional leader in musculoskeletal care. Southeast Orthopedic Specialists was founded on the principle of providing high-quality, comprehensive care in the Northeast Florida region. The entire spectrum of orthopedic care is provided to patients, including orthopedic surgery, spine care, physiatry, pain management, chiropractic, podiatry and physical therapy. Physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are leading experts in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research. Visit www.se-ortho.com to learn more.

 

About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)

Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) is the national leader of integrated musculoskeletal value-based health outcomes management, practice management and health system service line management. This includes comprehensive expertise across all MSK specialties, including orthopedics, spine, neurosurgery, hand, pain management, rehabilitation and neurology. HOPCo’s integrated care, analytics, and facilities development and management platforms have proven to increase the quality of patient care while reliably reducing the total cost of care across the care continuum for practices, health systems and payors alike. HOPCo’s affiliated payors, practices, and health systems successfully participate in highly efficient value-based contracting (bundled payments, chronic episodes of care initiatives, population health programs, and other advanced risk-based arrangements) utilizing HOPCo’s proprietary platforms, IT solutions, integrated analytics, and evidence-based comprehensive care pathways. Visit https://hopco.com to learn more.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

 

David Lozano
Senior Director of Communications
Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)
18444 N. 25th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85023
623.241.8779
David.lozano@hopco.com

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Expands with Additional Physician and Riverside Location

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michael-robinson-mdJacksonville, FL (September 22, 2020) – Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, the regional leader in musculoskeletal care, is pleased to welcome Dr. Michael Robinson to its highly-trained team of orthopedic and spine specialists. Dr. Robinson will be seeing patients in Southeast Orthopedic Specialists newest Riverside location beginning October 1. The new Riverside DePaul Clinic is located at 2 Shircliff Way, Ste. 605 in Jacksonville.

“Our goal has always been to recruit physicians with the highest level of training and clinical skills. Dr. Robinson is certainly no exception to that given his extensive military achievements,” said Donnie Romine, CEO of Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. “Dr. Robinson will help continue our mission of providing the highest level of care to patients throughout the Jacksonville area.”

Michael Robinson, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in joint replacement, including total knee replacement and total hip replacement. Dr. Robinson joins Southeast Orthopedic Specialists with extensive military service in the United States Navy.

After earning his Doctoral Degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Dr. Robinson completed a surgical internship with Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. He received flight surgeon training from the Naval Aviation Medical Institute in Florida. He served as a Naval Flight Surgeon before his orthopedic surgery training. He completed his orthopedic residency at Naval Medical Center-San Diego and fellowship training in adult reconstruction and joint replacement at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Before joining Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, Dr. Robinson cared for patients as an Orthopedic Surgeon locally and internationally while deployed in Afghanistan and stationed in Japan. Throughout Dr. Robinson’s distinguished career, he has served in leadership roles such as Chief Medical Officer and Chair of the Medical Executive Committee at the Naval Hospital Jacksonville where he also served as the Department Head of Orthopedic Surgery.

Dr. Robinson’s professionalism and dedication has earned him numerous honors such as the Jacksonville Business Journal Healthcare Hero Award, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. He has broad experience in research, presentations within the medical community and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Established in 2001, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is a regional leader in musculoskeletal care. SOS was founded on the principle of providing high-quality, comprehensive care in the North Florida region. The entire spectrum of orthopedic care is provided to patients including: orthopedic surgery, spine care, physiatry, pain management, chiropractic, podiatry and physical therapy. Physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are leading experts in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research. Visit www.se-ortho.com to learn more.

Things to Know about Revision Knee Replacement

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Though knee replacement implants are created to last for a long time, they will not last indefinitely. There are a number of factors that can cause an implant to wear out, requiring revision knee replacement surgery to replace the old implant. If your doctor has mentioned revision knee surgery, you may be left with a lot of questions. Read more to learn everything you need to know about this type of surgery. (more…)

Partial vs Total Knee Replacement: Learn the Difference

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The human body is an amazing machine. The musculoskeletal system gives your body form, stability, and mobility. This system, made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and other connective tissues, is truly exceptional. Joints like your knees work endlessly each day for years. While your body can withstand a lot of wear, injury, arthritis, and other issues can cause serious joint damage. If the damage is serious enough, you may need a full or partial joint replacement. If you think you’ll need joint replacement surgery in Jacksonville, FL, you might want to know the difference between a partial and a total knee replacement.  (more…)

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