From the Optim Orthopedics Doctor's Office - Dr. Palmer - Changing Lives of Athletes for 27 Years!
SAVANNAH, Ga. - For 27 years, Dr. Palmer has played a key role in keeping Savannah-area athletes on the field of play. Since arriving in 1998, he's been a steady presence in the sports medicine community, treating injuries, offering guidance, and supporting young athletes through every phase of their journey.
Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, Dr. Palmer played football at Florida State before attending medical school at the University of Florida. After completing his residency and trauma fellowship in Kansas City, he moved to Savannah to fill a need for trauma care. About five or six years into his practice, he transitioned into sports medicine, a field aligned more naturally with his athletic background and personal interests.
"When I first started, I was doing trauma care. I transitioned to sports medicine about five or six years in, which fit my background better," said Palmer, who also noted that his brother was a professional athlete. That family and personal experience helped shape his approach to working with student-athletes.
"I know what it means to make mistakes on the field and in life. That helps me connect with these kids on a different level," he said. Dr. Palmer emphasized that while many young athletes are driven by passion for their sport, others are participating to meet expectations placed on them by their parents and influenced by their parents because it is a constructive outlet. "Some injuries stem from kids who don't even want to be on the field. You have to know when to hold them out."
Treating injuries, he explained, goes beyond physical rehabilitation. "There's so much mentally and spiritually going on with these kids. Sports teach perseverance. Coach Bowden once said I could do anything I set my mind to, and I've lived by that."
Dr. Palmer and his team at Optim Orthopedics have been involved in advancing sports medicine through new technologies, including the Regeneten Patch and GelrinC. The Regeneten Patch is a collagen-based patch that promotes healing in partial rotator cuff tears. GelrinC acts as a cartilage substitute and helps prevent long-term damage in knee injuries. "These tools help prevent minor injuries from turning into chronic or serious conditions like arthritis or complete tears," he explained.
Regarding common mistakes young athletes make, Dr. Palmer pointed to overtraining as the biggest issue. "Overtraining, especially in pitchers who ignore pitch counts and poor sleep habits. Recovery, including quality sleep, is just as important as training."
The way he practices medicine has evolved with time. Dr. Palmer treated everything from hand fractures to foot injuries early in his career. Today, specialization plays a more significant role in care. "I primarily treat knees, shoulders, sprains, and strains now. If a hand or foot injury comes in, I send it to a specialist. That's the beauty of having a large group."
He also praised the athletic trainers who serve schools like Richmond Hill, Calvary Day, South Effingham, and Effingham County. "We don't just place anyone at a school. We make sure they're the right fit. Our trainers are experienced and often come from top collegiate programs."
Dr. Palmer has seen Savannah's athletic talent rise dramatically over the years. "When I started, maybe one athlete from the entire city would go to Division I. Now it's three or four from each school."
Sports remain a personal passion as well. Dr. Palmer is a proud stepfather, grandfather, and father-in-law who enjoys watching his grandchildren compete. The family stays active with eight grandkids and two more on the way. A trulyathletic family. "The girls are dancing, the boys are playing ball, and dancing is just as demanding as sports," he said. His son, Jonathan, played football at Presbyterian College, and his daughter, Morgan, played softball at Gordon College. His son-in-law, Tyler Sumner, played football at Georgia Southern, and his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Jackson Sumner, played soccer at the University of Georgia. Her father was another Bulldog—the late Kevin "Catfish" Jackson. Sports run in the family.
When asked what's been most rewarding over his 27-year career, Dr. Palmer didn't hesitate. "Some of these kids come back after college to say thank you. That means everything. Early in my career, it was about me. Now it's about helping others succeed."
He closed by reminding parents and athletes of the importance of quality sports medicine: "Today's sports medicine is about more than taping ankles. It's about having the right professionals on the sidelines, from doctors to trainers. It's comforting for parents to know their kids are in good hands."
Photo Credit: Courtesy Optim Orthopedics and Florida State University Athletic Department
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Optim Orthopedics: Championing Savannah's Prep Sports Scene!
From the gridiron to the hardwood, Optim Orthopedics stands tall as a dedicated supporter of high school athletes across Savannah. They're not just sponsors—they're game-changers, delivering top-notch medical care to nine standout schools:
- Dr. Don Aaron: Bryan County Middle/High School
- Dr. David Sedory: Benedictine Military, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County
- Dr. David Palmer: Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham
- Dr. Thomas Alexander: Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent's
As Southeast leaders in fellowship-trained orthopedic care, Optim Orthopedics fuels Prep Sports Report's basketball and football coverage. Because when the game's on the line, Optim Orthopedics gets you back in it!
