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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
4.5
4.5
Based on 209 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
4.74
Listened to me carefully
4.67
Shared the right amount of information
4.52
Earned my trust
4.41
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
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
Great experience - everyone was fast and caring especially with my child
July 21, 2023
5
I don't know if they washed their hands before entering....
July 14, 2023
5
Hi. I had a really good experience bringing my son in who had unfortunately injured his knee. We didn't have to wait very long, but the receptionist was very efficient. The nurse assistant, the person who took his weight and everything was good. Thank you. Bye. And of course, the doctor and nurse were nice too, thank you. Bye.
July 12, 2023
5
Dr amazing...thanks We'll start qualify of customer care was excellent!!
July 9, 2023
5
The staff was extremely courteous, professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I felt my daughter was in in the best care possible. So happy with our experience.
July 1, 2023
5
He's the best.
June 21, 2023
5
Dr. Priola was amazing!! Thanks so much for taking great care of my boy!!!
June 17, 2023
5
Great.
June 1, 2023
4
The visit was pleasant and services were good; I just need a way to send x-rays or something rather than travel long distances (an hour and a half each way) for a basic "check" every 3 months for the next 5 years. I wanted to discuss logistical options with someone.
May 18, 2023
5
The staff was very nice and the office very cleaned the doctor explained and my grandson felt very comfortable thank-you
May 17, 2023
5
All of the staff was very kind and helpful. I have 4 children and had 4 appointments consecutively and the staff was very gracious and I appreciated the time the doctor took with each of them.
May 12, 2023
5
I have been stressing since my son broke his leg, but the staff here made me comfortable. From front desk, xray tech, the techs that cast my son's leg and Dr. Priola, were all Amazing!
May 5, 2023
5
Great experience thanks for caring for my teen
May 5, 2023
5
The front desk, nurses and doctors were all wonderful and very patient! Dr. Michael Priola took the time to answer all our questions.
May 5, 2023
5
Everyone was so extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming.
May 3, 2023
5
They were fast, kind, and efficient, and I have a appointment to return in six months.
April 28, 2023
5
Great.
April 26, 2023
5
Thankful for friendly and knowledgeable staff treating her quickly and getting us home as quickly as possible!
April 9, 2023
5
When renovating, please work out AS MANY BUGS as possible before seeing patients. My daughter's x-ray orders got sent to the wrong printer, so we waited 45 minutes before she was taken to x-ray. I don't harbor any ill feelings towards your staff or physicians, as they were at the mercy of faulty computer communications. Unfortunately, I will have to pay a $45 cancelation fee to my dentist because of the time delay. I LOVED ALL THE EMPLOYEES, THEY WERE VERY APOLOGETIC.
March 30, 2023
5
The Dr listened to our reason for the appointment and gave a diagnostic that was well detailed along with describing the X-rays results. Great doctor's visit.
March 20, 2023
5
I really liked your services and how they took care of my child thank you very much very kind
March 16, 2023
5
The staff was really professional and we was very early because I thought my other child's appointment in another area was going to last longer, but they spoke to the doctor and was able to get us in early. They was all great and waited a bit longer for their lunch break and I felt bad abt that .
March 16, 2023
5
The nurse and doctor were very friendly
March 10, 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
Great experience - everyone was fast and caring especially with my child
July 21, 2023
5
I don't know if they washed their hands before entering....
July 14, 2023
5
Hi. I had a really good experience bringing my son in who had unfortunately injured his knee. We didn't have to wait very long, but the receptionist was very efficient. The nurse assistant, the person who took his weight and everything was good. Thank you. Bye. And of course, the doctor and nurse were nice too, thank you. Bye.
July 12, 2023
5
Dr amazing...thanks We'll start qualify of customer care was excellent!!
July 9, 2023
5
The staff was extremely courteous, professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I felt my daughter was in in the best care possible. So happy with our experience.
July 1, 2023
5
He's the best.
June 21, 2023
5
Dr. Priola was amazing!! Thanks so much for taking great care of my boy!!!
June 17, 2023
5
Great.
June 1, 2023
5
The staff was very nice and the office very cleaned the doctor explained and my grandson felt very comfortable thank-you
May 17, 2023
5
All of the staff was very kind and helpful. I have 4 children and had 4 appointments consecutively and the staff was very gracious and I appreciated the time the doctor took with each of them.
May 12, 2023
5
I have been stressing since my son broke his leg, but the staff here made me comfortable. From front desk, xray tech, the techs that cast my son's leg and Dr. Priola, were all Amazing!
May 5, 2023
5
Great experience thanks for caring for my teen
May 5, 2023
5
The front desk, nurses and doctors were all wonderful and very patient! Dr. Michael Priola took the time to answer all our questions.
May 5, 2023
5
Everyone was so extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming.
May 3, 2023
5
They were fast, kind, and efficient, and I have a appointment to return in six months.
April 28, 2023
5
Great.
April 26, 2023
5
Thankful for friendly and knowledgeable staff treating her quickly and getting us home as quickly as possible!
April 9, 2023
5
When renovating, please work out AS MANY BUGS as possible before seeing patients. My daughter's x-ray orders got sent to the wrong printer, so we waited 45 minutes before she was taken to x-ray. I don't harbor any ill feelings towards your staff or physicians, as they were at the mercy of faulty computer communications. Unfortunately, I will have to pay a $45 cancelation fee to my dentist because of the time delay. I LOVED ALL THE EMPLOYEES, THEY WERE VERY APOLOGETIC.
March 30, 2023
5
The Dr listened to our reason for the appointment and gave a diagnostic that was well detailed along with describing the X-rays results. Great doctor's visit.
March 20, 2023
5
I really liked your services and how they took care of my child thank you very much very kind
March 16, 2023
5
The staff was really professional and we was very early because I thought my other child's appointment in another area was going to last longer, but they spoke to the doctor and was able to get us in early. They was all great and waited a bit longer for their lunch break and I felt bad abt that .
March 16, 2023
5
The nurse and doctor were very friendly
March 10, 2023
4
The visit was pleasant and services were good; I just need a way to send x-rays or something rather than travel long distances (an hour and a half each way) for a basic "check" every 3 months for the next 5 years. I wanted to discuss logistical options with someone.
May 18, 2023
3
Good.
August 20, 2023
3
Good.
August 20, 2023
4
The visit was pleasant and services were good; I just need a way to send x-rays or something rather than travel long distances (an hour and a half each way) for a basic "check" every 3 months for the next 5 years. I wanted to discuss logistical options with someone.
May 18, 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
Great experience - everyone was fast and caring especially with my child
July 21, 2023
5
I don't know if they washed their hands before entering....
July 14, 2023
5
Hi. I had a really good experience bringing my son in who had unfortunately injured his knee. We didn't have to wait very long, but the receptionist was very efficient. The nurse assistant, the person who took his weight and everything was good. Thank you. Bye. And of course, the doctor and nurse were nice too, thank you. Bye.
July 12, 2023
5
Dr amazing...thanks We'll start qualify of customer care was excellent!!
July 9, 2023
5
The staff was extremely courteous, professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I felt my daughter was in in the best care possible. So happy with our experience.
July 1, 2023
5
He's the best.
June 21, 2023
5
Dr. Priola was amazing!! Thanks so much for taking great care of my boy!!!
June 17, 2023
5
Great.
June 1, 2023
5
The staff was very nice and the office very cleaned the doctor explained and my grandson felt very comfortable thank-you
May 17, 2023
5
All of the staff was very kind and helpful. I have 4 children and had 4 appointments consecutively and the staff was very gracious and I appreciated the time the doctor took with each of them.
May 12, 2023
5
I have been stressing since my son broke his leg, but the staff here made me comfortable. From front desk, xray tech, the techs that cast my son's leg and Dr. Priola, were all Amazing!
May 5, 2023
5
Great experience thanks for caring for my teen
May 5, 2023
5
The front desk, nurses and doctors were all wonderful and very patient! Dr. Michael Priola took the time to answer all our questions.
May 5, 2023
5
Everyone was so extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming.
May 3, 2023
5
They were fast, kind, and efficient, and I have a appointment to return in six months.
April 28, 2023
5
Great.
April 26, 2023
5
Thankful for friendly and knowledgeable staff treating her quickly and getting us home as quickly as possible!
April 9, 2023
5
When renovating, please work out AS MANY BUGS as possible before seeing patients. My daughter's x-ray orders got sent to the wrong printer, so we waited 45 minutes before she was taken to x-ray. I don't harbor any ill feelings towards your staff or physicians, as they were at the mercy of faulty computer communications. Unfortunately, I will have to pay a $45 cancelation fee to my dentist because of the time delay. I LOVED ALL THE EMPLOYEES, THEY WERE VERY APOLOGETIC.
March 30, 2023
5
The Dr listened to our reason for the appointment and gave a diagnostic that was well detailed along with describing the X-rays results. Great doctor's visit.
March 20, 2023
5
I really liked your services and how they took care of my child thank you very much very kind
March 16, 2023
5
The staff was really professional and we was very early because I thought my other child's appointment in another area was going to last longer, but they spoke to the doctor and was able to get us in early. They was all great and waited a bit longer for their lunch break and I felt bad abt that .
March 16, 2023
5
The nurse and doctor were very friendly
March 10, 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
Great experience - everyone was fast and caring especially with my child
July 21, 2023
5
I don't know if they washed their hands before entering....
July 14, 2023
5
Hi. I had a really good experience bringing my son in who had unfortunately injured his knee. We didn't have to wait very long, but the receptionist was very efficient. The nurse assistant, the person who took his weight and everything was good. Thank you. Bye. And of course, the doctor and nurse were nice too, thank you. Bye.
July 12, 2023
5
Dr amazing...thanks We'll start qualify of customer care was excellent!!
July 9, 2023
5
The staff was extremely courteous, professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I felt my daughter was in in the best care possible. So happy with our experience.
July 1, 2023
5
He's the best.
June 21, 2023
5
Dr. Priola was amazing!! Thanks so much for taking great care of my boy!!!
June 17, 2023
5
Great.
June 1, 2023
4
The visit was pleasant and services were good; I just need a way to send x-rays or something rather than travel long distances (an hour and a half each way) for a basic "check" every 3 months for the next 5 years. I wanted to discuss logistical options with someone.
May 18, 2023
5
The staff was very nice and the office very cleaned the doctor explained and my grandson felt very comfortable thank-you
May 17, 2023
5
All of the staff was very kind and helpful. I have 4 children and had 4 appointments consecutively and the staff was very gracious and I appreciated the time the doctor took with each of them.
May 12, 2023
5
The front desk, nurses and doctors were all wonderful and very patient! Dr. Michael Priola took the time to answer all our questions.
May 5, 2023
5
I have been stressing since my son broke his leg, but the staff here made me comfortable. From front desk, xray tech, the techs that cast my son's leg and Dr. Priola, were all Amazing!
May 5, 2023
5
Great experience thanks for caring for my teen
May 5, 2023
5
Everyone was so extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming.
May 3, 2023
5
They were fast, kind, and efficient, and I have a appointment to return in six months.
April 28, 2023
5
Great.
April 26, 2023
5
Thankful for friendly and knowledgeable staff treating her quickly and getting us home as quickly as possible!
April 9, 2023
5
When renovating, please work out AS MANY BUGS as possible before seeing patients. My daughter's x-ray orders got sent to the wrong printer, so we waited 45 minutes before she was taken to x-ray. I don't harbor any ill feelings towards your staff or physicians, as they were at the mercy of faulty computer communications. Unfortunately, I will have to pay a $45 cancelation fee to my dentist because of the time delay. I LOVED ALL THE EMPLOYEES, THEY WERE VERY APOLOGETIC.
March 30, 2023
5
The Dr listened to our reason for the appointment and gave a diagnostic that was well detailed along with describing the X-rays results. Great doctor's visit.
March 20, 2023
5
I really liked your services and how they took care of my child thank you very much very kind
March 16, 2023
5
The staff was really professional and we was very early because I thought my other child's appointment in another area was going to last longer, but they spoke to the doctor and was able to get us in early. They was all great and waited a bit longer for their lunch break and I felt bad abt that .
March 16, 2023
5
The nurse and doctor were very friendly
March 10, 2023
5
The nurse and doctor were very friendly
March 10, 2023
5
The staff was really professional and we was very early because I thought my other child's appointment in another area was going to last longer, but they spoke to the doctor and was able to get us in early. They was all great and waited a bit longer for their lunch break and I felt bad abt that .
March 16, 2023
5
I really liked your services and how they took care of my child thank you very much very kind
March 16, 2023
5
The Dr listened to our reason for the appointment and gave a diagnostic that was well detailed along with describing the X-rays results. Great doctor's visit.
March 20, 2023
5
When renovating, please work out AS MANY BUGS as possible before seeing patients. My daughter's x-ray orders got sent to the wrong printer, so we waited 45 minutes before she was taken to x-ray. I don't harbor any ill feelings towards your staff or physicians, as they were at the mercy of faulty computer communications. Unfortunately, I will have to pay a $45 cancelation fee to my dentist because of the time delay. I LOVED ALL THE EMPLOYEES, THEY WERE VERY APOLOGETIC.
March 30, 2023
5
Thankful for friendly and knowledgeable staff treating her quickly and getting us home as quickly as possible!
April 9, 2023
5
Great.
April 26, 2023
5
They were fast, kind, and efficient, and I have a appointment to return in six months.
April 28, 2023
5
Everyone was so extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming.
May 3, 2023
5
Great experience thanks for caring for my teen
May 5, 2023
5
I have been stressing since my son broke his leg, but the staff here made me comfortable. From front desk, xray tech, the techs that cast my son's leg and Dr. Priola, were all Amazing!
May 5, 2023
5
The front desk, nurses and doctors were all wonderful and very patient! Dr. Michael Priola took the time to answer all our questions.
May 5, 2023
5
All of the staff was very kind and helpful. I have 4 children and had 4 appointments consecutively and the staff was very gracious and I appreciated the time the doctor took with each of them.
May 12, 2023
5
The staff was very nice and the office very cleaned the doctor explained and my grandson felt very comfortable thank-you
May 17, 2023
4
The visit was pleasant and services were good; I just need a way to send x-rays or something rather than travel long distances (an hour and a half each way) for a basic "check" every 3 months for the next 5 years. I wanted to discuss logistical options with someone.
May 18, 2023
5
Great.
June 1, 2023
5
Dr. Priola was amazing!! Thanks so much for taking great care of my boy!!!
June 17, 2023
5
He's the best.
June 21, 2023
5
The staff was extremely courteous, professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I felt my daughter was in in the best care possible. So happy with our experience.
July 1, 2023
5
Dr amazing...thanks We'll start qualify of customer care was excellent!!
July 9, 2023
5
Hi. I had a really good experience bringing my son in who had unfortunately injured his knee. We didn't have to wait very long, but the receptionist was very efficient. The nurse assistant, the person who took his weight and everything was good. Thank you. Bye. And of course, the doctor and nurse were nice too, thank you. Bye.
July 12, 2023
5
I don't know if they washed their hands before entering....
July 14, 2023
5
Great experience - everyone was fast and caring especially with my child
July 21, 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
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.
