ADVANCED ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS:

Helping patients get back to their personal best

Everyone at Advanced Orthopaedic Specialists, from experienced surgeons and physicians to highly trained physical therapists, operates with a single mission: To advance the health of Northwest Arkansas by eliminating pain and helping people move again. Their select team of orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians has advanced fellowship training and a combined 90-year history of success in their field. They take pride in helping not only student athletes, but also weekend warriors and anyone who has experienced an injury or is dealing with pain in their joints.

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

Dr. Arnold is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, native of Northwest Arkansas, and graduate of University of Arkansas for Medical Science (UAMS). He completed his orthopedic residency at Hamot Medical Center in Pennsylvania and his sports medicine fellowship at Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

Dr. Yakin is double board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons in orthopaedic surgery and orthopaedic sports medicine. He is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and obtained his undergraduate degree from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Hahnemann University Medical School in Philadelphia. He completed his internship in general surgery at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and his orthopaedic surgery residency at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

Dr. Sites is a three-time board certified orthopedic surgeon. He spent his childhood in Little Rock and played basketball for Missouri State University before graduating at the top of his class from the University of Missouri School of Medicine. He completed his orthopaedic residency at the University of California – Davis in 1990. He is one of the most highly trained orthopedic surgeons in the United States having completed two fellowships: The first in orthopedic biomechanical research at the University of California – San Diego and the second in orthopaedic sports medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand/Upper Extremity Specialty

Eric Heim, M.D., is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hands and upper extremities. Dr. Heim completed his orthopaedic residency at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and his Fellowship at the University of Colorado.

General Orthopaedics

Dr. Heim has been practicing General Orthopedic Surgery in Fort Smith for 34 years. He recently retired from practice in Fort Smith to move to North Central Arkansas. During his years in Fort Smith he performed over 17,000 surgeries. His education includes an athletic scholarship to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He played on the football team for four years. His last game was the 1978 Orange Bowl against Oklahoma, won by Arkansas 31-6, in which Dr. Heim was the team captain and awarded the game ball. He then attended Medical School and Orthopedic Residency at UAMS in Little Rock, AR.

Sports Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Kent Hagan, M.D., MBA, MSF, is a fellowship-trained, non-operative sports medicine physiatrist. He received his bachelor’s degree at Huntingdon College before pursuing his medical degree at the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Medicine as well as his MBA and master’s in Finance at Auburn University. He completed a residency specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation followed by a fellowship in sports medicine, all at the University of Pennsylvania.