SGMC Health Welcomes Two Orthopedic Surgeons

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Wednesday, August 20th, 2025

SGMC Health is pleased to welcome two orthopedic surgeons, Anthony D'Abarno, DO, and Rehan Dawood, DO, to the health system. Drs. D'Abarno and Dawood join SGMC Orthopedics, providing comprehensive, specialized care for patients across South Georgia and North Florida. With expertise in general orthopedics, joint replacement, trauma care, and sports medicine, these physicians bring advanced surgical techniques to help individuals return to the activities they love. Their arrival enhances SGMC Health’s commitment to delivering high-quality orthopedic services close to home.

Meet Dr. Anthony D’Abarno

Dr. D’Abarno is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in total joint replacements, trauma care, and general orthopedics. He treats a wide range of conditions, including fractures, dislocations, and advanced arthritis requiring hip or knee replacement. His favorite procedures are knee and hip replacements, where he uses modern techniques like kinematic alignment and enhanced recovery pathways to help patients heal faster and with less pain.

“My goal is to understand what the patient is going through and what they want to get back to, whether that’s work, family, hobbies, or just being able to walk without pain,” said Dr. D’Abarno. “I treat every person like I would a friend or family member.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Dr. D’Abarno completed medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and residency at Franciscan Health in Chicago. He then completed a fellowship in Adult Reconstruction at Geisinger in Pennsylvania, focusing on robotic and technology-assisted hip and knee replacements. He and his wife Fernanda, along with their two sons, are excited to join the South Georgia community.

Meet Dr. Rehan Dawood

Dr. Dawood is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty expertise in Sports Medicine. He treats musculoskeletal conditions related to activity and exercise, offering both non-operative care and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for injuries to the shoulder, knee, and other joints. His favorite procedures include ACL reconstructions and shoulder stabilizations, with a passion for helping athletes and active individuals return to the activities they love.

“Empathy and listening are paramount in connecting with my patients,” said Dr. Dawood. “Whether you’re an athlete or someone who simply wants to stay active, my goal is to help you move without pain and get back to your lifestyle.”

Dr. Dawood graduated Summa Cum Laude from Virginia Tech and earned his medical degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. He served in the U.S. Navy, completing his orthopedic residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and providing care to service members in Japan and Italy. He completed his Sports Medicine fellowship in Washington, D.C., where he worked with professional teams including the Washington Nationals, DC United, and DC Defenders. He and his wife Kathleen, a cardiology nurse practitioner, recently welcomed their son Elias and are looking forward to settling into the South Georgia lifestyle.

Dr. D’Abarno and Dr. Dawood are now seeing patients at SGMC Orthopedics, located at 2417 N Patterson St, Suite A110 in Valdosta. To schedule an appointment, please call (229) 433-1861.

To learn more, visit sgmc.org