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Michael J. Priola, D.O., is a board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon. After finishing his fellowship, Dr. Priola was stationed at Winn Army Community Hospital at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he was the sole provider for pediatric orthopedics. He served in the United States Army for four years with a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan with a small forward surgical team. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his role in Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon return, he served as the department chief of orthopedic surgery for one year. He also is proud to be a part of the Shriners Hospitals for Children team, which is solely dedicated to the care of children with pediatric orthopedic conditions. He spent seven years in Minneapolis caring for children with congenital deformities, sports injuries and other orthopedic pathologies.
Specialties
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
Education & Training
Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine
Certifications
American Osteopathic Board of Surgery
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Hospital
Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
Languages spoken
English
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.6
4.6
Based on 247 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
4.80
Listened to me carefully
4.67
Shared the right amount of information
4.57
Earned my trust
4.50
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
We adore Dr. Priola. He is always great with the girls. He's very understanding, very caring. I love him as a doctor.
March 27, 2024
5
Dr. Priola was amazing!
March 14, 2024
5
Excellent service.
February 23, 2024
5
We had no wait time in the Waiting room , and once we got into the designated room, the Provider was punctual.
February 22, 2024
5
Dr.priola and his staff were incredible !!!! From the front office staff to the back made us feel so comfortable. The doctor explained everything thoroughly. Absolutely a wonderful experience !!!!
February 21, 2024
5
Excellent and professional.
February 3, 2024
5
The entire team was very friendly and professional.
February 2, 2024
5
Very friendly staff. What a nice group of people!
January 19, 2024
4
Doctor was very fast explaining fracture. Asked if we had questions, but I hadn't processed everything he said before he left.
January 18, 2024
5
Good
January 1, 2024
3
Xray staff were kindand quick. The front desk person was rude on the phone. Her tone seemed rushed and when I was unable to provide her with the billing info over the phone, I told her I'd bring the card in. She said "I need to provide the info or be put down as self pay. I need the info now. I'm at the front desk and I don't want to be slowed up." This conversation took about 10 minutes which delayed my leaving the house. Also at the end of the visit, I expected an after visit summary of some kind of escort out of the exam room. Every other medical facility I've been to does this. I was confused by the lack of this aspect. I'm glad I don't have a need to return.
December 22, 2023
5
The doctor was very helpful and provided great advice
December 22, 2023
5
I thank you for your good attention.
December 21, 2023
5
Today's visit was amazing. Everybody in the complete office was absolutely friendly and offered the best care and service.
November 29, 2023
3
The providers did not have good bedside manner and seemed to be rushing the visit even though we were early and the office was not busy.
November 17, 2023
5
Everyone was great!! Helpful and friendly staff. The Dr talked to me..he made sure my granddaughter was taken care of. I loved the atmosphere here..Great people!!
November 3, 2023
3
This provider was efficient but lacked doctor/patient interpersonal skills. I appreciated how quickly we were in and out but he could work on developing a rapport with the patient and caregiver during the office visit.
October 27, 2023
5
From the time me and my son walked in the door, until the service was completed was WONDERFUL!! I look forward to my son's next visit. The staff is kind, friendly and very professional. I recommend Pediatric Orthopedics to my son's entire football team and my own medical center referral department for future use. Thanks fo r everything!
October 14, 2023
5
They were all very caring
October 13, 2023
5
I really enjoyed my experience at Wellstar. They really made my son feel comfortable and gave us great information and treatment plan.
October 12, 2023
5
Love Dr. Priola nurse. The African American lady. She was so nice to my son and made him feel less scared about getting a cast on his arm. She has a way with kids and I will definitely recommend that practice to my friends and family.
October 4, 2023
5
Our son broke his arm, we were referred to wellstar by our pediatrician and we are so thankful. I was able to quickly make an appointment for the same day. They shared all of our options and took great care of our boy!
September 29, 2023
5
Staff was very nice and helpful.
September 29, 2023
5
I would like to have staff who spoke Spanish although they helped me with the interpreter, very satisfied
September 15, 2023
5
Fast friendly service.
September 15, 2023
5
Yes, hands down one of the best hospital experiences I've ever had. From start to finish from the receptionist when we first walked in, to the anesthesiologist, to the nurse to the recovery room, nurse to the person doing vitals, everyone was absolutely outstanding. And made my daughter feel incredibly comfortable and safe, and loved. I would absolutely recommend. And, of course, the surgeon was outstanding above and beyond is absolutely wonderful. I would recommend this practice is hospital to anybody.
September 15, 2023
5
Visit was very prompt and informational and mostly fast visit. The staff are great!
September 8, 2023
5
THE ENTIRE STAFF!!!! AMAZING.
August 25, 2023
3
Good.
August 20, 2023
5
I love Dr. Priola. He is amazing with my kids. He's very calm and patient and he does a great job. We always feel like his number one patient. He's a great doctor and I highly recommend him.
July 26, 2023
5
We adore Dr. Priola. He is always great with the girls. He's very understanding, very caring. I love him as a doctor.
March 27, 2024
5
Dr. Priola was amazing!
March 14, 2024
5
Excellent service.
February 23, 2024
5
We had no wait time in the Waiting room , and once we got into the designated room, the Provider was punctual.
February 22, 2024
5
Dr.priola and his staff were incredible !!!! From the front office staff to the back made us feel so comfortable. The doctor explained everything thoroughly. Absolutely a wonderful experience !!!!
February 21, 2024
5
Excellent and professional.
February 3, 2024
5
The entire team was very friendly and professional.
February 2, 2024
5
Very friendly staff. What a nice group of people!
January 19, 2024
5
Good
January 1, 2024
5
The doctor was very helpful and provided great advice
December 22, 2023
5
I thank you for your good attention.
December 21, 2023
5
Today's visit was amazing. Everybody in the complete office was absolutely friendly and offered the best care and service.
November 29, 2023
5
Everyone was great!! Helpful and friendly staff. The Dr talked to me..he made sure my granddaughter was taken care of. I loved the atmosphere here..Great people!!
November 3, 2023
5
From the time me and my son walked in the door, until the service was completed was WONDERFUL!! I look forward to my son's next visit. The staff is kind, friendly and very professional. I recommend Pediatric Orthopedics to my son's entire football team and my own medical center referral department for future use. Thanks fo r everything!
October 14, 2023
5
They were all very caring
October 13, 2023
5
I really enjoyed my experience at Wellstar. They really made my son feel comfortable and gave us great information and treatment plan.
October 12, 2023
5
Love Dr. Priola nurse. The African American lady. She was so nice to my son and made him feel less scared about getting a cast on his arm. She has a way with kids and I will definitely recommend that practice to my friends and family.
October 4, 2023
5
Our son broke his arm, we were referred to wellstar by our pediatrician and we are so thankful. I was able to quickly make an appointment for the same day. They shared all of our options and took great care of our boy!
September 29, 2023
5
Staff was very nice and helpful.
September 29, 2023
5
I would like to have staff who spoke Spanish although they helped me with the interpreter, very satisfied
September 15, 2023
5
Fast friendly service.
September 15, 2023
5
Yes, hands down one of the best hospital experiences I've ever had. From start to finish from the receptionist when we first walked in, to the anesthesiologist, to the nurse to the recovery room, nurse to the person doing vitals, everyone was absolutely outstanding. And made my daughter feel incredibly comfortable and safe, and loved. I would absolutely recommend. And, of course, the surgeon was outstanding above and beyond is absolutely wonderful. I would recommend this practice is hospital to anybody.
September 15, 2023
5
Visit was very prompt and informational and mostly fast visit. The staff are great!
September 8, 2023
5
THE ENTIRE STAFF!!!! AMAZING.
August 25, 2023
5
I love Dr. Priola. He is amazing with my kids. He's very calm and patient and he does a great job. We always feel like his number one patient. He's a great doctor and I highly recommend him.
July 26, 2023
4
Doctor was very fast explaining fracture. Asked if we had questions, but I hadn't processed everything he said before he left.
January 18, 2024
3
Xray staff were kindand quick. The front desk person was rude on the phone. Her tone seemed rushed and when I was unable to provide her with the billing info over the phone, I told her I'd bring the card in. She said "I need to provide the info or be put down as self pay. I need the info now. I'm at the front desk and I don't want to be slowed up." This conversation took about 10 minutes which delayed my leaving the house. Also at the end of the visit, I expected an after visit summary of some kind of escort out of the exam room. Every other medical facility I've been to does this. I was confused by the lack of this aspect. I'm glad I don't have a need to return.
December 22, 2023
3
The providers did not have good bedside manner and seemed to be rushing the visit even though we were early and the office was not busy.
November 17, 2023
3
This provider was efficient but lacked doctor/patient interpersonal skills. I appreciated how quickly we were in and out but he could work on developing a rapport with the patient and caregiver during the office visit.
October 27, 2023
3
Good.
August 20, 2023
3
Xray staff were kindand quick. The front desk person was rude on the phone. Her tone seemed rushed and when I was unable to provide her with the billing info over the phone, I told her I'd bring the card in. She said "I need to provide the info or be put down as self pay. I need the info now. I'm at the front desk and I don't want to be slowed up." This conversation took about 10 minutes which delayed my leaving the house. Also at the end of the visit, I expected an after visit summary of some kind of escort out of the exam room. Every other medical facility I've been to does this. I was confused by the lack of this aspect. I'm glad I don't have a need to return.
December 22, 2023
3
The providers did not have good bedside manner and seemed to be rushing the visit even though we were early and the office was not busy.
November 17, 2023
3
This provider was efficient but lacked doctor/patient interpersonal skills. I appreciated how quickly we were in and out but he could work on developing a rapport with the patient and caregiver during the office visit.
October 27, 2023
3
Good.
August 20, 2023
4
Doctor was very fast explaining fracture. Asked if we had questions, but I hadn't processed everything he said before he left.
January 18, 2024
5
We adore Dr. Priola. He is always great with the girls. He's very understanding, very caring. I love him as a doctor.
March 27, 2024
5
Dr. Priola was amazing!
March 14, 2024
5
Excellent service.
February 23, 2024
5
We had no wait time in the Waiting room , and once we got into the designated room, the Provider was punctual.
February 22, 2024
5
Dr.priola and his staff were incredible !!!! From the front office staff to the back made us feel so comfortable. The doctor explained everything thoroughly. Absolutely a wonderful experience !!!!
February 21, 2024
5
Excellent and professional.
February 3, 2024
5
The entire team was very friendly and professional.
February 2, 2024
5
Very friendly staff. What a nice group of people!
January 19, 2024
5
Good
January 1, 2024
5
The doctor was very helpful and provided great advice
December 22, 2023
5
I thank you for your good attention.
December 21, 2023
5
Today's visit was amazing. Everybody in the complete office was absolutely friendly and offered the best care and service.
November 29, 2023
5
Everyone was great!! Helpful and friendly staff. The Dr talked to me..he made sure my granddaughter was taken care of. I loved the atmosphere here..Great people!!
November 3, 2023
5
From the time me and my son walked in the door, until the service was completed was WONDERFUL!! I look forward to my son's next visit. The staff is kind, friendly and very professional. I recommend Pediatric Orthopedics to my son's entire football team and my own medical center referral department for future use. Thanks fo r everything!
October 14, 2023
5
They were all very caring
October 13, 2023
5
I really enjoyed my experience at Wellstar. They really made my son feel comfortable and gave us great information and treatment plan.
October 12, 2023
5
Love Dr. Priola nurse. The African American lady. She was so nice to my son and made him feel less scared about getting a cast on his arm. She has a way with kids and I will definitely recommend that practice to my friends and family.
October 4, 2023
5
Our son broke his arm, we were referred to wellstar by our pediatrician and we are so thankful. I was able to quickly make an appointment for the same day. They shared all of our options and took great care of our boy!
September 29, 2023
5
Staff was very nice and helpful.
September 29, 2023
5
I would like to have staff who spoke Spanish although they helped me with the interpreter, very satisfied
September 15, 2023
5
Fast friendly service.
September 15, 2023
5
Yes, hands down one of the best hospital experiences I've ever had. From start to finish from the receptionist when we first walked in, to the anesthesiologist, to the nurse to the recovery room, nurse to the person doing vitals, everyone was absolutely outstanding. And made my daughter feel incredibly comfortable and safe, and loved. I would absolutely recommend. And, of course, the surgeon was outstanding above and beyond is absolutely wonderful. I would recommend this practice is hospital to anybody.
September 15, 2023
5
Visit was very prompt and informational and mostly fast visit. The staff are great!
September 8, 2023
5
THE ENTIRE STAFF!!!! AMAZING.
August 25, 2023
5
I love Dr. Priola. He is amazing with my kids. He's very calm and patient and he does a great job. We always feel like his number one patient. He's a great doctor and I highly recommend him.
July 26, 2023
5
We adore Dr. Priola. He is always great with the girls. He's very understanding, very caring. I love him as a doctor.
March 27, 2024
5
Dr. Priola was amazing!
March 14, 2024
5
Excellent service.
February 23, 2024
5
We had no wait time in the Waiting room , and once we got into the designated room, the Provider was punctual.
February 22, 2024
5
Dr.priola and his staff were incredible !!!! From the front office staff to the back made us feel so comfortable. The doctor explained everything thoroughly. Absolutely a wonderful experience !!!!
February 21, 2024
5
Excellent and professional.
February 3, 2024
5
The entire team was very friendly and professional.
February 2, 2024
5
Very friendly staff. What a nice group of people!
January 19, 2024
4
Doctor was very fast explaining fracture. Asked if we had questions, but I hadn't processed everything he said before he left.
January 18, 2024
5
Good
January 1, 2024
3
Xray staff were kindand quick. The front desk person was rude on the phone. Her tone seemed rushed and when I was unable to provide her with the billing info over the phone, I told her I'd bring the card in. She said "I need to provide the info or be put down as self pay. I need the info now. I'm at the front desk and I don't want to be slowed up." This conversation took about 10 minutes which delayed my leaving the house. Also at the end of the visit, I expected an after visit summary of some kind of escort out of the exam room. Every other medical facility I've been to does this. I was confused by the lack of this aspect. I'm glad I don't have a need to return.
December 22, 2023
5
The doctor was very helpful and provided great advice
December 22, 2023
5
I thank you for your good attention.
December 21, 2023
5
Today's visit was amazing. Everybody in the complete office was absolutely friendly and offered the best care and service.
November 29, 2023
3
The providers did not have good bedside manner and seemed to be rushing the visit even though we were early and the office was not busy.
November 17, 2023
5
Everyone was great!! Helpful and friendly staff. The Dr talked to me..he made sure my granddaughter was taken care of. I loved the atmosphere here..Great people!!
November 3, 2023
3
This provider was efficient but lacked doctor/patient interpersonal skills. I appreciated how quickly we were in and out but he could work on developing a rapport with the patient and caregiver during the office visit.
October 27, 2023
5
From the time me and my son walked in the door, until the service was completed was WONDERFUL!! I look forward to my son's next visit. The staff is kind, friendly and very professional. I recommend Pediatric Orthopedics to my son's entire football team and my own medical center referral department for future use. Thanks fo r everything!
October 14, 2023
5
They were all very caring
October 13, 2023
5
I really enjoyed my experience at Wellstar. They really made my son feel comfortable and gave us great information and treatment plan.
October 12, 2023
5
Love Dr. Priola nurse. The African American lady. She was so nice to my son and made him feel less scared about getting a cast on his arm. She has a way with kids and I will definitely recommend that practice to my friends and family.
October 4, 2023
5
Staff was very nice and helpful.
September 29, 2023
5
Our son broke his arm, we were referred to wellstar by our pediatrician and we are so thankful. I was able to quickly make an appointment for the same day. They shared all of our options and took great care of our boy!
September 29, 2023
5
I would like to have staff who spoke Spanish although they helped me with the interpreter, very satisfied
September 15, 2023
5
Yes, hands down one of the best hospital experiences I've ever had. From start to finish from the receptionist when we first walked in, to the anesthesiologist, to the nurse to the recovery room, nurse to the person doing vitals, everyone was absolutely outstanding. And made my daughter feel incredibly comfortable and safe, and loved. I would absolutely recommend. And, of course, the surgeon was outstanding above and beyond is absolutely wonderful. I would recommend this practice is hospital to anybody.
September 15, 2023
5
Fast friendly service.
September 15, 2023
5
Visit was very prompt and informational and mostly fast visit. The staff are great!
September 8, 2023
5
THE ENTIRE STAFF!!!! AMAZING.
August 25, 2023
3
Good.
August 20, 2023
5
I love Dr. Priola. He is amazing with my kids. He's very calm and patient and he does a great job. We always feel like his number one patient. He's a great doctor and I highly recommend him.
July 26, 2023
5
I love Dr. Priola. He is amazing with my kids. He's very calm and patient and he does a great job. We always feel like his number one patient. He's a great doctor and I highly recommend him.
July 26, 2023
3
Good.
August 20, 2023
5
THE ENTIRE STAFF!!!! AMAZING.
August 25, 2023
5
Visit was very prompt and informational and mostly fast visit. The staff are great!
September 8, 2023
5
Fast friendly service.
September 15, 2023
5
Yes, hands down one of the best hospital experiences I've ever had. From start to finish from the receptionist when we first walked in, to the anesthesiologist, to the nurse to the recovery room, nurse to the person doing vitals, everyone was absolutely outstanding. And made my daughter feel incredibly comfortable and safe, and loved. I would absolutely recommend. And, of course, the surgeon was outstanding above and beyond is absolutely wonderful. I would recommend this practice is hospital to anybody.
September 15, 2023
5
I would like to have staff who spoke Spanish although they helped me with the interpreter, very satisfied
September 15, 2023
5
Our son broke his arm, we were referred to wellstar by our pediatrician and we are so thankful. I was able to quickly make an appointment for the same day. They shared all of our options and took great care of our boy!
September 29, 2023
5
Staff was very nice and helpful.
September 29, 2023
5
Love Dr. Priola nurse. The African American lady. She was so nice to my son and made him feel less scared about getting a cast on his arm. She has a way with kids and I will definitely recommend that practice to my friends and family.
October 4, 2023
5
I really enjoyed my experience at Wellstar. They really made my son feel comfortable and gave us great information and treatment plan.
October 12, 2023
5
They were all very caring
October 13, 2023
5
From the time me and my son walked in the door, until the service was completed was WONDERFUL!! I look forward to my son's next visit. The staff is kind, friendly and very professional. I recommend Pediatric Orthopedics to my son's entire football team and my own medical center referral department for future use. Thanks fo r everything!
October 14, 2023
3
This provider was efficient but lacked doctor/patient interpersonal skills. I appreciated how quickly we were in and out but he could work on developing a rapport with the patient and caregiver during the office visit.
October 27, 2023
5
Everyone was great!! Helpful and friendly staff. The Dr talked to me..he made sure my granddaughter was taken care of. I loved the atmosphere here..Great people!!
November 3, 2023
3
The providers did not have good bedside manner and seemed to be rushing the visit even though we were early and the office was not busy.
November 17, 2023
5
Today's visit was amazing. Everybody in the complete office was absolutely friendly and offered the best care and service.
November 29, 2023
5
I thank you for your good attention.
December 21, 2023
5
The doctor was very helpful and provided great advice
December 22, 2023
3
Xray staff were kindand quick. The front desk person was rude on the phone. Her tone seemed rushed and when I was unable to provide her with the billing info over the phone, I told her I'd bring the card in. She said "I need to provide the info or be put down as self pay. I need the info now. I'm at the front desk and I don't want to be slowed up." This conversation took about 10 minutes which delayed my leaving the house. Also at the end of the visit, I expected an after visit summary of some kind of escort out of the exam room. Every other medical facility I've been to does this. I was confused by the lack of this aspect. I'm glad I don't have a need to return.
December 22, 2023
5
Good
January 1, 2024
4
Doctor was very fast explaining fracture. Asked if we had questions, but I hadn't processed everything he said before he left.
January 18, 2024
5
Very friendly staff. What a nice group of people!
January 19, 2024
5
The entire team was very friendly and professional.
February 2, 2024
5
Excellent and professional.
February 3, 2024
5
Dr.priola and his staff were incredible !!!! From the front office staff to the back made us feel so comfortable. The doctor explained everything thoroughly. Absolutely a wonderful experience !!!!
February 21, 2024
5
We had no wait time in the Waiting room , and once we got into the designated room, the Provider was punctual.
February 22, 2024
5
Excellent service.
February 23, 2024
5
Dr. Priola was amazing!
March 14, 2024
5
We adore Dr. Priola. He is always great with the girls. He's very understanding, very caring. I love him as a doctor.
March 27, 2024
Publications and Articles
Compassionate Care for Clubfoot Tailored to Your Child
When an injury or health condition affects your child’s quality of life or keeps them from doing what they love, your family can rely on Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics to provide compassionate, comprehensive care. As your child grows, so do their bones and joints, and they need specialized expertise—whether they’ve broken a bone on the playground or have a congenital condition present at birth.
One in 1,000 babies is born with clubfoot, a condition in which one or both feet are turned inward and downward. If your child is affected by clubfoot, our pediatric orthopedic specialists provide expert care for this condition—supporting your child at every step of treatment.
The pediatric orthopedic team at Wellstar understands that medical procedures can be stressful for both young children and their families. Your child’s care team will personalize treatment to their individual needs, and they can answer any questions you have about clubfoot or managing the condition.
Care for clubfoot usually begins when the child is a few weeks old, with the goal of correcting the foot position before they learn to walk—minimizing the impact of the condition on the child’s long-term mobility.
“We use the Ponseti method, a nonsurgical approach that uses a series of casts and then bracing to gradually reposition the foot,” said Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Michael Priola.
With this method, most patients wear a series of casts on their foot for about seven weeks, and the cast is switched out weekly in order to correct multiple deformities at once. Following casting, about 90% of patients require a minor procedure that releases the Achilles tendon, allowing further correction. A final cast is then worn for an additional three weeks. Once corrected, a brace is used to maintain the alignment. The brace is typically worn for two to four years to prevent the condition from returning.
“This method boasts a high success rate and avoids the need for extensive surgery,” Dr. Priola said. “However, in more severe cases or if the Ponseti method fails, more extensive surgical intervention may be considered.”
With timely and appropriate treatment, children born with clubfoot can experience significant improvement, leading to a bright future that is not limited by the condition.