Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic Closing: What Patients Need To Know

Carli Hackett 10 May 2025

Is the familiar comfort of consistent healthcare on the brink of an unexpected disruption? The Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic (AOC), a cornerstone of orthopaedic care for three decades along the Gulf Coast, is preparing to close its doors on April 11, 2025, impacting countless lives and reshaping the landscape of healthcare in the region.

The announcement, confirmed by CEO Barry Porter on Friday, signals the end of an era for AOC, which has diligently served patients for nearly 30 years. The closure stems from a confluence of challenges, including doctor retirements, difficulties in recruiting new medical professionals, and the relentless pressure of rising operational costs. This news has sent ripples of concern through the community, especially among the 153 staff members who face layoffs as a result of the financial and staffing difficulties. Patients are now encouraged to proactively seek out their providers at new locations to maintain continuity of their care, a testament to the deep-rooted relationships built over years of trust and medical service. While the clinic will cease operations on April 11, 2025, it will continue to accept new patients until that date, assuring a measure of stability during this transitional period. Patients can still access services and guidance regarding their future care, including assistance with transferring medical records and obtaining answers to their pertinent questions. The closure of AOC has also prompted welcoming five physicians from the clinic to other clinics in the area. This movement is designed to ensure that patients continue to receive uninterrupted care.

The clinic, with its singular location, has been home to a diverse team of 42 physicians, each specializing in one of 20 medical fields, ranging from the commonplace to the highly specialized. These specialties have included elbow, hand, wrist, knee, shoulder, foot, ankle, hip, sports medicine, trauma and total joint replacement. AOC has served as a comprehensive center for orthopaedic care and has dedicated its resources to providing high quality medical facilities in the region. Before its closure in December 2003, AOC took occupancy in the Orthopaedic Center at Springhill on 100 South Beltline Hwy. The team of AOC also volunteers their time, providing free athletic physicals to area schools and serve as team doctors for athletic events.

To highlight the impact of the clinic's closure and to offer a glimpse into the medical professionals involved, here's an example of how biographical information might be presented. For the purpose of illustration, let's consider a hypothetical prominent orthopaedic surgeon from AOC, Dr. Evelyn Hayes.

Category	Details
Name	Dr. Evelyn Hayes
Specialization	Orthopaedic Surgery, specializing in Knee and Shoulder Reconstruction
Education	MD: University of Alabama School of Medicine Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital Fellowship: Sports Medicine, Steadman Clinic
Certifications	Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery
Professional Experience	Staff Orthopaedic Surgeon, Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic (AOC) Team Physician, Local High School Athletics Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of South Alabama (Previous)
Research & Publications	Authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to knee and shoulder injuries and surgical techniques.
Awards & Recognition	"Top Doctor" Award, Mobile Bay Magazine (Multiple Years) Patient Choice Award
Hospital Affiliations	Springhill Memorial Hospital, Mobile
Address	(Hypothetical - example only) 1720 Springhill Ave Suite 301 Mobile, AL 36604
Contact Information	(Example: Phone number, practice website - replace with actual information when available)
Reference Website (for biographical details)	Example Orthopedics (Replace with a real, relevant website where details about Dr. Hayes would be found.)

Please note that the biographical information provided in the table is based on a hypothetical scenario and should be replaced with the accurate information and links when it becomes available.

The closure of AOC reflects broader trends affecting healthcare providers, including the pressures of an aging physician workforce, difficulties in attracting new talent, and the increasing cost of providing care. The challenge of maintaining financial viability in a complex healthcare environment has become increasingly difficult for independent practices. While the closure of AOC represents the end of an era, it also highlights the need for the community to adjust.

As the clinic navigates the process of closing its doors, patients are actively provided with resources and guidance to assist them in this transitional period. This includes information on how to make appointments with other providers, transferring medical records, and getting answers to their questions. Information is available on making an appointment, transferring records, and more. However, the closure also underscores the importance of proactive healthcare management.

The orthopaedic team's commitment to patient care has been evident through their availability, offering 24/7 on-call services, covering orthopedic, pain management, and physical medicine, and rehabilitation needs. The focus extended to offering a wide array of procedures, including joint repair, replacement and reconstruction, along with specialized surgery for the spine, hands, and feet. The staff is comprised of experts dedicated to offering the best care to ensure patients well-being.

The geographic footprint of AOC's services, particularly in Alabama, included practices in both Montgomery (address: 2257 Taylor Road, Suite 100 Montgomery, Alabama 36117) and Opelika, AL (2000 Pepperell Parkway). The clinic has played a vital role in ensuring the quality of healthcare in these areas. The legacy of AOC will be remembered not only for its clinical proficiency but also for its dedication to the community. Through volunteering at free athletic physicals for students and acting as team doctors, the clinic has contributed in immeasurable ways to the health and wellness of the community.

As the community grapples with the impending closure of AOC, it is important to find the best method for managing your healthcare. With the change in circumstances, it is essential for patients to remain well-informed, to follow their healthcare provider for continued care, and be proactive in their approach.

For individuals seeking orthopaedic care in the Mobile, Alabama area, several other practices and physicians are available. Granberry, is a well-known orthopedist in Mobile, offering a range of services. The NPI profiles of various practices, such as Alabama Orthopaedic Clinics, PC (3610 Springhill Memorial Dr N Mobile, AL 36608) and Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic, P.C. (1720 Springhill Ave Suite 301 Mobile, AL 36604), provide additional information regarding their services. Another vital practice, "Quality Foot & Ankle Treatment" in Mobile and Daphne, AL, offers specialized care.

As the landscape of orthopaedic care shifts, the importance of staying informed and proactive in your healthcare is paramount. Ensure you have access to your medical records. Seek guidance from your healthcare providers about future care, so that the transition can be as seamless as possible.