St. Mary’s, Dr. Randy Lavender to create new orthopedics practice

Athens, Ga. – St. Mary’s Medical Group is teaming up with board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Randy Lavender, Jr., to create St. Mary’s Orthopedic Specialists (SMOS), a new practice opening Dec. 8 to provide comprehensive care for joint injuries, hip and knee replacements and revisions, and other orthopedic needs.

St. Mary’s Orthopedic Specialists will be located in The Exchange office park at 2470 Daniells Bridge Road, Building 300 – the same St. Mary’s facility that houses many outpatient services needed by orthopedic patients, including MRI, CT, x-ray imaging, rehabilitation services, and St. Mary’s Wellness Center.

“We are blessed to live in an active, rapidly growing community. But with that growth comes an increasing number of orthopedic conditions, including wear-and-tear injuries as our active population ages,” said Stonish Pierce, President and CEO of Trinity Health Georgia. “Our partnership with Dr. Lavender will expand our region’s ability to meet the orthopedic needs of our friends and families right here in Northeast Georgia. We are thrilled to welcome him to the St. Mary’s team.”

A decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, Dr. Lavender comes to St. Mary’s from Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele, Ga., where he has practiced as a general orthopedic surgeon since October 2022. Before Crisp Regional, he practiced in Florida and his native state, Louisiana.

He has extensive experience in general orthopedic surgery, with a specialization in hip and knee replacements, as well as experience with robotic procedures.

Dr. Lavender graduated Cum Laude from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. During his time at Rhodes College, Dr. Lavender participated in Army ROTC, and upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army.  He then earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans in 2013.

He completed his orthopedic surgery residency in 2018 at Orlando Health, Orlando Regional Medical Center, a level one trauma center servicing central Florida. Following his passion for hip and knee replacements, Dr. Lavender then completed his fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston in 2019. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and is licensed to practice in Georgia.

His military service began in 2004 as a treatment platoon leader with the U.S. Army’s 15th Forward Support Battalion in Iraq. He served in a number of progressively responsible roles, including medical platoon leader with the 1st Battalion 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He transitioned into civilian practice in July 2013.

During his time in the U.S. Army, Dr. Lavender received numerous medals and awards, including the Humanitarian Service Award, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Action Badge, Expert Field Medic Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

In his spare time, Dr. Lavender enjoys fishing, hunting, competitive barbeque, and hiking with his wife and three children.

St. Mary’s Orthopedic Specialists is now accepting new patient appointments. Please note that some insurance plans require a physician referral. As part of St. Mary’s Medical Group, SMOS accepts most major insurance plans and Medicare. You can make a new patient appointment by calling (706) 389-3590. For more information, please call the office or visit www.stmarys-health.org.