ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Southeastern Orthopedics & Spine has added five physicians to its practice this fall, expanding specialty care options for patients in Asheville and across Western North Carolina.
The physicians bring experience in spine surgery, sports medicine, shoulder conditions, pain management and joint replacement. All five are accepting new patients at the practice’s offices in Asheville, Hendersonville, Clyde, Brevard and Columbus.
The additions broaden the range of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions treated by the practice, giving area residents more options for specialized care closer to home.
Five physicians join regional practice
Reed Butler, M.D., is a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon specializing in degenerative spine conditions. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a spine fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. Butler primarily sees patients in Asheville and Hendersonville.
“Spine care should be nuanced and practical,” Butler said. “I like to get to know my patients as people. What does their daily life look like? What activities do they enjoy? How does their condition impact this, and what does it prevent them from doing? And finally, how can we get you better?”
Thomas B. Evely, D.O., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder conditions and sports medicine. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at East Tennessee State University and a shoulder and sports medicine fellowship at Plancher Orthopaedics Sports Medicine in New York. Before joining Southeastern, he served as assistant program director of orthopedic surgery and a shoulder and sports medicine surgeon at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Evely sees patients in Asheville, Hendersonville and Columbus.
William Leatherwood, M.D., is a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and general orthopedics. A Canton native, Leatherwood has returned to Western North Carolina after completing his orthopedic surgery residency at Stony Brook Medicine in New York and a sports medicine fellowship at the Hughston Clinic in Columbus, Georgia. He primarily sees patients in Clyde, Asheville and Hendersonville.
“Whether I’m treating a competitive athlete, someone eager to get back to their job, or a patient who just wants to enjoy their hobbies and time with their family, the ultimate goal is the same: heal the injury and return them to the life they love,” Leatherwood said.
Steven Punzell, M.D., M.S., is a board-certified interventional pain physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pain using minimally invasive procedures. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a pain medicine fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Punzell primarily sees patients in Asheville, Hendersonville and Brevard.
Forrest A. Rackard, M.D., is a board-eligible, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at UMass Chan Medical School and the James A. Dickson Fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Rackard primarily sees patients in Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard and Columbus.
Expanding orthopedic care across Western North Carolina
The new physicians add to Southeastern Orthopedics & Spine’s existing services for patients with orthopedic injuries, joint conditions, spine disorders and other musculoskeletal concerns.
Their specialties address a range of patient needs, from sports-related injuries and shoulder problems to chronic pain and conditions that may require joint replacement.
The practice also provides orthopedic rehabilitation and physical therapy services for patients who need continued care following an injury or procedure.
How to schedule an appointment
All five physicians are accepting new patients. Southeastern Orthopedics & Spine also offers same-day appointment options for certain orthopedic needs, including acute injuries through its SOS Clinics.
Patients can call 828-274-7367 or 833-747-7367 to ask about physician availability, appointment options and office locations.
Additional information about the practice and its services is available at southeasternorthoandspine.com. Patients can also find office addresses and hours on the practice’s locations page.