Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

04/24/2025

April is Occupational Therapy Month — and we're celebrating the incredible OT team at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists!

From helping patients recover from injury to restoring independence in daily life, our occupational therapists and certified hand therapists bring compassion, experience, and expertise to every appointment.

Meet the team:
🌟 Amy Piazza, OTR/L, CHT – 30 years of experience + 2024 Rater 8 Practice Excellent Award winner (US-1)
🌟 JL Jacobs, OT, OTD, CHT – 20 years (Southside)
🌟 Sarah Mersch, OTR/L, OTD, CHT – 15 years (Herschel)
🌟 Clay Vandenberg, COTA/L – 7 years (US-1)
🌟 Summer Forbes, OTR/L, OTD – 3 years (Flemings Island)

Thank you all for the care, dedication, and impact you make every day! 💪💙

04/17/2025

We are excited to announce that Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has been awarded first place in the Best Orthopedic Surgeon category in the 2024 Best of the Beaches awards, as mentioned in The Ponte Vedra Recorder.

Thank you to our incredible patients and the Jacksonville community for your continued trust and support. We're honored to be recognized as the top choice for orthopedic care in the area—and we're committed to delivering exceptional care every step of the way.

Click the link to read the full article: https://pontevedrarecorder.com/stories/2024-best-of-the-beaches-winners-circle,110531

To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists, please visit se-ortho.com or call 904.634.0640.

04/10/2025

WE’RE HIRING PHYSICAL THERAPISTS!
Join us for a virtual meet & greet to meet our team and learn about current job opportunities at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists.

Please RSVP using this link: http://mailxto.com/ls32dpd82h or email Marketing@se-ortho.com.

04/08/2025

Join us in welcoming Dr. Richard Snyder to our team of physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. Dr. Snyder is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, now caring for patients at our St. Augustine location.

To read more about Dr. Snyder or to schedule an appointment, please visit se-ortho.com.

04/07/2025

Join us in welcoming Dr. Jennifer Madden to our team of physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. Dr. Madden is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremities, now caring for patients at our St. Augustine location.

To read more about Dr. Madden or to schedule an appointment, please visit se-ortho.com.

04/02/2025

Are you experiencing knee pain?🦵

From arthritis to sports injuries, knee pain can make even simple tasks feel impossible. But you don’t have to push through the discomfort! Our blog dives into the common causes, treatment options, and tips to help you stay active and improve mobility.

Learn more in our blog, and when you're ready to explore treatment options, call 904-634-0640 or visit se-ortho.com to schedule an appointment with one of our knee specialists.

Knee pain is a common issue that affects individuals of all ages. Whether it’s caused by injury, arthritis, or overuse, knee pain can significantly impact your daily life and activities. In St. Augustine, many individuals are seeking expert treatment to alleviate their knee pain and improve their ...

03/30/2025

Happy National Doctors’ Day! 💙

Today, we celebrate the incredible physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists! Your dedication to expert orthopedic care and compassionate healing makes a difference in the lives of so many. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to getting patients back to doing what they love!

03/28/2025

⭐ 5 stars for Dr. Aaron Bates! ⭐

At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, we’re dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care when it matters most. Stories like this mean the world to us!

To schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, call 904.634.9640 or visit se-ortho.com.

03/20/2025

From Injury to Recovery: Tom’s Journey Back to the Skies ✈️

After suffering a serious shoulder injury, retired Navy pilot Tom Rao feared his flying days were over. His career — and his passion — depended on full mobility and strength.

That’s when he turned to Dr. Patrick E. Jones and Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. As a fellow naval officer, Dr. Jones understood exactly what was at stake — helping Tom not only heal but regain the strength and mobility he needed to get back in the cockpit.

If pain is keeping you from what you love, call 904.634.0640 or visit se-ortho.com to schedule an appointment.

03/14/2025

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Did you know that brain injuries can affect your musculoskeletal (MSK) health? From changes in posture to muscle weakness, brain injuries can impact your ability to move and function. Early intervention and proper care are key to improving recovery and preventing long-term MSK issues.

Learn more about the connection between brain injury and orthopedic health in our latest blog.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Learn about the full spectrum of brain injuries, from mild concussions to severe TBIs, and their impact on musculoskeletal health. Discover rehab options and recovery tips to improve strength, mobility, and quality of life for individuals with brain injuries.

03/08/2025

Happy International Women's Day from Southeast Orthopedic Specialists! ✨

Today, we celebrate Dr. Alexis T. Mugno and all the incredible women who make our practice thrive. From our physician assistants and physical therapists to our physical therapist assistants and dedicated medical and administrative staff, each one of you plays a vital role in delivering exceptional care.

Your expertise, compassion, and commitment help us provide the best treatment for our patients, and we couldn’t do it without you. You are truly essential to our success, and we are grateful for everything you do!

03/07/2025

Dr. Gabriel Galan is a board-certified podiatrist specializing in elective foot surgery, forefoot reconstruction, diabetic wound care, and limb preservation. As the medical director at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Wound Care Center, he provides advanced wound care treatment solutions, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, tissue grafting, and complex infection management.

To learn more about Dr. Galan or to schedule an appointment, please call 904.634.0640 or visit se-ortho.com.

03/01/2025

🏓 Pickleball injuries? They are more common than you think!
With the sport's rising popularity, foot and ankle issues—like Achilles injuries—are showing up more and more. In our latest Ask the Expert video, Dr. Hort shares what you need to know to prevent injuries and keep playing at your best.

Watch now to protect yourself on the court!

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hort or another one of our specialists, call 904.634.0640 or visit se-ortho.com.

02/20/2025

We truly appreciate the thoughtful feedback from our patients about their experiences at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. 💙

Thank you for trusting our team with your care!

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call 904.634.9640 or visit se-ortho.com.

02/11/2025

The Impact of Weight on Orthopedic Health

Excess weight can significantly strain your joints and bones, increasing the risk of pain, mobility issues, and orthopedic conditions like osteoarthritis. Learn how managing your weight can protect your bone and joint health and improve your quality of life.

Carrying extra pounds? Additional weight affects your bones and joints. Learn about the risks, pain, and mobility issues linked to excess weight and take control today!

02/06/2025

Dr. Nolan Gall is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with fellowship training in interventional pain management. He focuses on reducing pain, restoring function, and helping patients achieve their goals, from everyday movement to elite athletic performance.

To learn more about Dr. Gall or to schedule an appointment, please call 904.634.0640 or visit se-ortho.com.

01/29/2025

Is back pain keeping you off the golf course? Don’t let it sideline your game any longer! In our latest Ask the Expert video, Dr. Gooding explains how a personalized treatment plan can help you get back on the course.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gooding or another one of our specialists, call 904.634.0640 or visit se-ortho.com.

01/22/2025

Experiencing discomfort after long hours at your desk? Poor ergonomics could be the culprit!

Our blog shares essential tips for improving your workspace setup, reducing strain, and protecting your orthopedic health. From ergonomic chairs to posture hacks, we’ve got you covered!

Spending long hours at a desk can strain your body and lead to orthopedic issues. Read more on the five essential tips to avoid discomfort.