A partnership affiliated with Dr. James Andrews, the well-known orthopedic surgeon who has treated some of the world’s top athletes, plans a surgery and research center in Alpharetta that could create more than 200 high-paying jobs, if approved by the state.
Andrews began his high-profile career in Columbus and became a go-to surgeon for devastating elbow, knee and shoulder injuries. He is now associated with four facilities in Alabama and one near Pensacola, Fla., but this would be the first facility in metro Atlanta started with his involvement.
The $100 million Atlanta Sports Medicine Center would feature operating and procedure rooms, rehab facilities, a sports performance center and athletic fields, according to a news release. A related research and education foundation would manage an adjacent conference center with classrooms and labs for continuing education and medical fellowships, the release said.
The Alpharetta surgery center would require approval of the state Department of Community Health under its Certificate of Need (CON) program, an evaluation process required to determine if certain medical facilities are needed before they are built. The process is designed to ensure there isn’t an oversupply of expensive medical centers.
Metro Atlanta is not lacking for orthopedic options, with clinics operated by major hospitals, orthopedic groups and private physicians.
Andrews was traveling overseas and was unavailable for comment about the metro Atlanta project, and his representatives also declined comment.
Global air access through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and metro Atlanta’s professional and amateur sports worlds were major draws for the project. Metro Atlanta is also the off-season home to numerous pro athletes.
Andrews, who is in his early 70s, still performs surgeries in Birmingham and Pensacola. His role in the proposed Alpharetta center isn’t clear.
His work has prolonged the careers of such stars as former Atlanta Braves ace John Smoltz, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and former Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley.
Andrews is medical director for Auburn University and a consultant for the University of Alabama, according to his corporate biography, and he also consults for the Washington Redskins and is director of orthopedic medicine for the Tampa Bay Rays.
The partners in the Alpharetta project control 32 acres west of Ga. 400 near the intersection of Old Morris Road and Morris Road. A site plan shows a baseball academy, sports performance center, and medical offices, along with adjacent baseball and football fields.
The group plans to break ground by the end of the year, pending CON approval. Construction is expected to take about two years.
The group has gotten letters of support for its CON application from current and former athletes, including Charles Barkley, Evander Holyfield and Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney.
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