John C. Garrett, M.D., Emeritus

Dr. John C. Garrett (passed away May 28, 2026) was the founder of Resurgens Orthopaedics and a transformational leader in the field of orthopedic surgery. In 1986, he established Resurgens as a single-physician practice and helped grow it into one of the largest and most respected orthopedic groups in the United States.

A specialist in arthroscopic and reconstructive knee surgery, Dr. Garrett was widely recognized for his expertise in sports medicine and his care for athletes and active patients. He served as team physician for the Atlanta Falcons from 1980 to 1993 and was deeply committed to advancing the quality and delivery of orthopedic care.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Garrett was a pioneer in building a physician-led model of practice, emphasizing collaboration, culture, and physician-driven decision-making long before these principles became widely adopted. In 1990, he further shaped the future of musculoskeletal care by establishing the Resurgens Surgery Center, one of Georgia's earliest orthopedic-focused ambulatory surgery centers, helping lead the shift of orthopedic procedures into specialized outpatient settings.

Dr. Garrett's vision and leadership laid the foundation for a model of care centered on efficiency, innovation, and patient experience. His legacy continues through the physicians, staff, and patients of Resurgens Orthopaedics, and through the standards of excellence he helped establish across the field of orthopedics.