Kevin J Collins, MD

At Hughston Clinic and the Hughston Foundation, we believe that to the exact degree possible, people shouldn't be in pain. They shouldn't have the free and easy movement of any parts of their body restricted. They shouldn't be denied participation in the activities they enjoy. We believe that despite the myriad traumas that may befall the musculoskeletal system-from sports or any other cause-people should be able to work, play, and live their lives with the highest degree of freedom and comfort modern science and medicine can provide. That's what Hughston Foundation is all about. Hughston Foundation seeks to continually push the boundaries of orthopaedic medicine finding new and better ways to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Since our founding in 1968, we have helped improve the skill and knowledge of literally hundreds of orthopaedists and physicians through residency and fellowship programs and helped advance the science of orthopaedics through a wide range of clinical research. Hughston Foundation has also provided support for regional high school athletics for more than 60 years.

A native of Danielsville, Georgia, Dr. Heaton received an associate degree in chemistry from Young Harris College where he attended on a baseball scholarship. Graduating with honors, he received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. Dr. Heaton earned his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia. Following medical school, he completed an internship at the University of Florida-Shands Department of Surgery in Gainesville, Florida. After his internship, he completed his orthopaedic surgery training at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, and the Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport, Louisiana, where, in his last year, he served as chief resident. He then completed a one-year sports medicine fellowship at the Hughston Clinic in Columbus, Georgia. In addition to general orthopaedics, Dr. Heaton specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopic treatment of shoulder, knee, and hip injuries, as well as shoulder replacement surgery. Dr. Heaton is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and a candidate member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. He is the team orthopaedic physician for Lowndes High School Vikings and an associate team physician for Valdosta State University and Thomas University. Dr. Heaton enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He is an outdoorsman, who enjoys hunting and fishing, most especially fly fishing. Dr. Heaton's Specialties Include: - Arthroscopic & Joint Replacement Surgery - General Orthopaedics - Sports Medicine