Thacker Dermatologist

"Dr. Bearden is an excellent doctor. His bedside manor is outstanding and he does great work." -P.A. Dr. Bearden received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Georgia and his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Shands Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fl. Dr. Bearden is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. His areas of interest are hip, knee and shoulder arthroplasty, outpatient joint replacement, hand surgery, fracture repair, trauma surgery, and sports medicine. He is trained in endoscopic carpal tunnel release, Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement, and direct anterior hip replacement. Dr. Bearden has 12 years of experience practicing in Valdosta and looks forward to moving his practice to the Hughston Clinic. Dr. Bearden's CV Dr. Bearden's specialties include: - Joint Replacement - Sports Medicine - Hand Surgery - Fracture Care

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