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TOA Marks 100 Years of Service and Innovation
Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA), Tennessee’s largest orthopedic surgery group is proud to celebrate its 100th anniversary. TOA’s centennial marks a rare and remarkable milestone in healthcare, reflecting a century of commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and exceptional care to the communities it serves. Since its founding, Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance has proudly served an estimated 10 million patients, supporting generations of families across Tennessee.
Few orthopedic practices in the country claim a 100-year legacy. Founded in 1926, George Carpenter, Sr. opened the first orthopedic practice in Nashville, called Nashville Orthopedic Associates, or simply referred to as “the carpenter shop” by locals. From its time as a singular orthopedic clinic, to its growth into one of the largest orthopedic specialty groups in the region, TOA has remained steadfast in its mission to help patients move, feel, and live a better life.
“For 100 years, TOA has been built on the expertise and dedication of physicians, providers, and staff who put patients at the center of everything we do,” said TOA Board President, W. Blake Garside, Jr., M.D. “As physicians, we are proud to be part of an organization that has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of our communities while remaining grounded in the core values that have defined us. This milestone reflects not only our history, but our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional orthopedic care for generations to come.”
Throughout the decades, TOA has advanced alongside the field of orthopedics, embracing new technologies, expanding access to care, and continually raising the standard for musculoskeletal treatment. Today, TOA offers comprehensive orthopedic services across multiple specialties, providing care to patients throughout Tennessee, including locations in middle and East Tennessee.
As part of the centennial celebration, TOA is unveiling a 100-year anniversary logo that honors its history while representing its continued focus on the future. This special logo honors a century of trusted orthopedic care while symbolizing the strength and unity that define our organization. The signature golden “O” in TOA represents both our centennial milestone and the enduring circle of care we provide, from injury to recovery. The logo will be featured throughout 2026 across TOA locations, communications, and community initiatives as the organization reflects on its past and looks ahead to the next century of care.
TOA’s 100-year anniversary will be marked with internal celebrations, community engagement efforts, and storytelling initiatives that recognize the physicians, staff, and patients who have shaped the organization over the last century.
“To reach 100 years is extraordinary,” said Rob Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of TOA. “What matters most is how we use this moment to celebrate our people, thank our communities, and recommit ourselves to delivering exceptional orthopedic care for the next 100 years.”
