Optim Orthopedics in Statesboro, GA, recently held a private gathering in memory of Scott Sanders, PA, who passed unexpectedly in July. The tribute, coordinated by Pam Swicord, Director of Operations at Optim, was attended by Sanders’ family, friends, and longtime colleagues.
Among those honoring Scott’s legacy were retired orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Hodges, with whom Scott worked for over a decade, and his more recent collaborator, Dr. Don Aaron.
The tribute marked Scott’s contributions with the dedication of "Sanders Hall," the very hallway where he had served patients with commitment and compassion for many years. The hall now features a commemorative shadow box with Scott’s lab coat and photo, alongside his biography displayed prominently on an adjoining wall.
They also presented his family with an album filled with remembrances from colleagues, friends, and patients of his.
Dr. Aaron shared touching words, expressing his admiration for Scott’s profound impact on colleagues and patients alike, saying, “The impact Scott had on people’s lives is absolutely staggering... It’s very fitting for a hall to be named after Scott...as a daily reminder of Scott and what he meant to all of us as a colleague, friend, and phenomenal person.”
Scott’s widow, Tara Sanders, expressed deep appreciation for the tribute, saying, “Adelind, Sela, and myself are deeply touched that Scott's legacy will forever live in the halls of the Statesboro Optim office. Optim has graciously honored Scott by naming the hall where he cared for patients after him. They have hung a beautiful shadow box with his picture, lab coat, and badge on one wall and printed a memorandum of his legacy on the wall adjacent to it. To say I'm proud is an understatement. Scott loved his profession as an Orthopedic PA, he loved his Optim work family of twenty-four years, and he loved his patients, many of whom became friends. The girls and I are both grateful and humbled by the outpouring of love and support everyone has extended to us since Scott's passing.”
Scott’s bio, displayed alongside his framed lab coat and photograph, reflects his life of service, dedication, and warmth. Born in Dublin, GA, and raised in Uvalda, he was a sports enthusiast and standout athlete in high school. Scott pursued his passion for medicine, graduating summa cum laude from the Medical College of Georgia as a Physician Assistant, where he also served as class president.
His career began at Statesboro Dermatology and later led him to Optim Orthopedics, where he spent over two decades working first with Dr. Hodges and later with Dr. Aaron.
Scott’s dedication extended beyond the workplace; he provided care for Georgia Southern athletes and local high school teams, earning admiration for his medical expertise and kindness.
At home, Scott was a devoted husband and father, sharing hobbies and treasured family moments with his daughters. His love of cooking, his sense of humor, and his unwavering curiosity in subjects from beekeeping to bourbon were just some of the ways he connected with friends and family.
Scott Sanders' legacy, now enshrined in the halls of Optim Orthopedics, serves as a lasting reminder of his compassionate care, his kindness, and his impact on the community he served so diligently.