Healthy lifestyle habits, like a good diet and committing to a workout
schedule, are great ways to spark a pick-me-up during these difficult
times. But new workouts or trying a new sport can sometimes lead to sprains,
strains and stress fractures. If your weekend plans were cut short from
an unexpected injury, you now have the opportunity to visit a sports medicine
physician on Monday mornings, getting on your feet and back on the field
as fast as possible.
Christopher Yonz, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon with
Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery, has launched a
Camden Campus Injury Clinic, serving the St. Marys and Kingsland area. Held on Monday mornings, 8:30-11:30
a.m. starting Oct. 5, 2020, patients can simply walk in, no appointment
needed, to have their injury evaluated by Yonz. Bring an insurance card,
ID card, copay and radiology images. If self-pay, a down payment will
be required
Yonz earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine
in Atlanta, Georgia, and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency and
sports medicine fellowship at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
During his fellowship, he had the unique opportunity to provide medical
care to multiple, high level Division I athletes who now play professionally,
and an Olympian. This experience provided Yonz with a special understanding
of both surgical and nonsurgical treatments, managing injuries in-season,
preventing injuries and the intricate working relationship between trainers,
coaches and doctors.
“One of the aspects of sports medicine that drew me to the specialty
was being witness to a patient’s recovery,” Yonz says. “I
have the ability to relieve their pain and increase their function, so
they can return to whatever is most important to them, whether that’s
playing recreational or competitive sports, enjoying a hobby again, being
more active in their career or becoming more productive members of society.”
When Yonz isn’t practicing medicine, he enjoys being outside, especially
golfing, walking, hiking and kayaking. He decided to return to his roots
and family in Georgia following medical school and surgical training because
family and community ties are as important to him as medicine.
“That personal connection is one of the most important aspects of
my approach to patient care,” says Yonz. “I understand the
time and emotional commitment it takes for a person to see me. No one
really wants to visit a doctor’s office. They’re often injured
and in pain, and I appreciate the time my patients give me to help them
heal. It’s important for me to make patients know their visit with
me is valuable and worthwhile.”
Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery, a strategic affiliate of the Health System, has two locations in Glynn
County and one in Camden County. Yonz’s office is located on the
Camden Campus at 2060 Dan Proctor Drive, Suite 1400, St. Marys. He provides
expert care for children and adults of all ages, from hand and joint issues
to sport injuries. Visit
sghs.org/orthopaedic-surgery or call 912-576-6355 to schedule an appointment, or simply walk-in on
Monday mornings, 8:30-11:30 a.m., to see him during his
Camden Campus Injury Clinic.