ALPHARETTA, GA – February 14, 2025 – U.S. Orthopaedic Partners (USOP), the nation’s leading orthopedic management services organization (MSO), is proud to announce significant leadership enhancements that underscore its commitment to physician-led decision-making and exceptional patient care.
Effective in 2025, USOP has appointed JR Woodall, MD, PhD, of Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Jackson, MS, as the new chairperson of its Board of Directors. A renowned leader from a premier orthopedic practice and fellowship program in the region, Dr. Woodall’s appointment reinforces USOP’s dedication to ensuring that physicians drive strategic decision-making.
“Dr. Woodall’s visionary leadership and deep clinical expertise make him the ideal choice to guide our board as we continue to set the standard in orthopedic care,” said Steve Holtzclaw, MD, MBA, CEO of USOP.
The MSO solidified its commitment to physician leadership 2024 with the creation of the USOP Physician Board. This innovative group includes one physician from each member practice, ensuring every group has direct input at the highest levels of decision-making. Effective in 2025, Stephen Samelson, MD, of Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, a leading group in central Alabama poised to open its own ASC in 2026, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Physician Board.
“Dr. Samelson’s passion for excellence and his commitment to our mission are invaluable,” said Lyle Cain, MD, a fellow physician board member representing Andrews Sports Medicine. “His leadership will ensure that the Physician Board remains a powerful, transparent force driving innovation and improvement.”
These leadership enhancements complement USOP’s strategic vision to reduce administrative burdens while leveraging the clinical expertise of its physicians in all critical business decisions.
“USOP’s new board appointments are a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to putting physicians first,” added Holtzclaw. “By ensuring that our leadership is driven by those who practice medicine every day, USOP continues to lead as the premier physician-owned MSO in orthopedic care.”
As USOP prepares for continued growth in 2025, these developments reinforce its position as the leading orthopedic MSO in the country—anchored by an exceptional network of physicians and practices across the Southeast.
