Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has appointed S. Clifton Willimon, MD, FAAOS, as the new Chief of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center. The appointment became effective on January 1.
Dr. Willimon specializes in advanced arthroscopic and reconstructive surgical techniques for complex orthopedic conditions affecting the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow. His leadership is expected to continue the center’s tradition in pediatric orthopedics that began over a century ago.
Dr. Willimon completed his undergraduate studies at Wofford College with highest honors before attending Emory University School of Medicine. He received his pediatric orthopedic surgery training at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite Hospital and did his residency at Duke University Medical Center. Further sports medicine fellowship training took place at the Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado.
Returning to Children’s in 2011, Dr. Willimon has held several roles including Practice Director of Children’s Orthopedics and Sports Medicine since 2021 and Medical Director of the Atlanta United Academy since 2017. He also founded Children’s Orthopedic Quality and Outcomes Program.
“As we welcome Cliff to this new role, we celebrate historic leadership and the tremendous growth and success of the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center,” said Edwin Smith, MD, Children’s Surgeon in Chief. “We look forward to supporting Cliff as he guides the Center into a new and exciting future of care.”
Over the past 18 years, the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center has become Georgia’s only nationally ranked orthopedics program focused on children and teens. Its services also include sports physical therapy, orthotics and prosthetics, as well as Children’s Physicians Group Orthopedics. The center is now one of the largest pediatric orthopedic groups in the United States and holds a No. 9 national ranking by U.S. News & World Report.
