About Dr. Don Aaron, MD

As a board certified and fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon with Optim Orthopedics, Don G. Aaron, MD, specializes in sports medicine, focusing on the unique stress that athletics can put on knees, hips and shoulders.

His journey toward orthopedics began with medical school at Mercer University School of Medicine where he was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society.

​He then completed a five-year orthopedic residency program at the Campbell Clinic in Memphis, TN, where he would go on to serv as chief resident. Following his residency, Dr. Aaron went on to train with renowned sports medicine specialist Dr. James Andrews at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, AL.

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In keeping with Optim Orthopedics’ commitment to the community, Dr. Aaron serves as a team physician for nine high schools throughout southeast Georgia.

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“Hands down the most rewarding part of participating in care for student athletes is seeing them recover from an injury and return to a sport they love,” he said. “There are few things more gratifying than that.”

In January 2019, he received the Warren Morris Sports Medicine Person of the Year Award from the Georgia Athletic Trainers’ Association (GATA). He was nominated and recommended by several athletic training professionals from both Georgia Southern and Optim Healthcare. Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association selected Dr. Aaron as the 2021 winner of the Jack C. Hughston, M.D., Sports Medicine Person of the Year Award.

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According to the nomination: “Known for his accessibility and willingness to help, Dr. Aaron is an excellent advocate for athletic trainers. His approach to athlete care allows ATs to reach the full potential of their practice while providing guidance and direction. Dr. Aaron – truly caring for each patient while mentoring young athletic trainers at the same time – has earned the respect and admiration of all those who benefit from his support and care in southeast Georgia. He is the embodiment of all that the Warren Morris Sports Medicine Person of Year Award should represent.”