Genesis Physicians Home Page
The Southern Surgery Center History:

The Southern Surgery Center began as a vision of Southern Orthopedics' physicians, James F. Bruce, Daniel K. Guy, and Robert R. Comerford. Their vision was to establish a high quality ambulatory surgery center with patients not only benefiting from excellent medical care, but also competitive pricing and a pleasant, friendly and convenient environment. To make this vision a reality, the physicians applied for a Certificate of Need (CON) from the State Health Planning Agency to establish this free-standing center and its scope of medical services. On October 5, 1995, the physicians received full approval from the State Health Planning Agency

Initially, the Surgery Center was owned and operated by the Orthopedic Clinic of West Georgia with principal owners James F. Bruce, M.D., Daniel K. Guy, M.D., and Robert R. Comerford, M.D. Construction began along with the orthopedic clinic's new office during the summer of 1995 while application was being made for the CON. Deborah A. Simmons, M.D., Anesthesiologist, along with Terry Kirby, R.N., Clinical Manager, began as the center's first employees by planning, coordinating and ordering supplies, etc. The Southern Surgery Center opened its doors in September 1995.
The Center began with providing ambulatory surgery and epidural steroid injections for the Orthopedic clinic, renamed Southern Center for Orthopedics. It included a pre-surgical area, operating room, post anesthesia care unit, and support areas. After the center operated for approximately three months, it was time to apply for a Georgia Department of Human Resources Permit for services rendered. January 1996, the Southern Surgery Center had its first State and Federal inspection, to obtain this permit. By the beginning of 1996, the Southern Surgery Center had its first state and federal inspection and was granted its first permit January 31, 1996 for orthopedic surgery and epidural steroid injections.

In March of that year, the center underwent its first Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) survey.

This national accrediting agency awarded the center Accreditation with Commendation, the highest honor a healthcare organization can receive. Since then, the Center has remained J.C.A.H.O. accredited with surveys every 3 years.

In November, 1996, plastic, dental and gastroenterology services were added along with appropriate staff. Over the years , the orthopedic physicians continued to add more orthopedic procedures such as ACL reconstruction, shoulder arthroscopy and reconstruction.

In April 1997, the center became Southern Surgery Center, L.L.C. and began operating as a separate entity. Pain management and gastroenterology services grew and to accommodate the growth and meet CON requirements, the center added two endoscopy rooms, a minor procedure room, three preparation rooms, a business office and reception area by October 1997. The Center has continued adding specialties, including Ear, Nose, & Throat; general surgery; podiatry; ophthalmology; and gynecological surgery.

With the original vision of Drs. Bruce, Guy and Comerford realized, the center continues to grow and excel in providing high quality, competitively priced care in a pleasant, friendly and convenient environment.