Meet Your Hand Care Team in Columbus, GA

Welcome to Columbus Hand Institute! We’re so happy you’re here.
We believe that exceptional care starts with an exceptional team. Our providers work together every day to offer function-first, conservative treatment for hand, wrist and elbow conditions. We always operate with the shared goal of helping you restore function, regain ease of movement and return to what matters most.

At CHI, we deliver care that’s connected, not fragmented. We’re proud to offer a collaborative model that blends surgical expertise, advanced training and personalized support. Whether you’re recovering from a complex injury or navigating everyday pain, our Hand Team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Our Team-Based Hand Care Approach

When you become a patient at CHI, you gain the support of a full team, not just a single provider.

Dr. Blake, Heather Forrest, PA-C and Jonathan Williams, PA-C, work closely together to ensure every patient receives consistent, coordinated care. We communicate regularly, review cases together and make sure nothing falls through the cracks, so you can feel confident in your care, no matter who you see during your visit.

Depending on your needs, you may meet with one of our experienced PAs or with Dr. Blake himself. No matter who you’re scheduled with, you’ll always receive treatment that reflects the combined knowledge and attention of the entire Hand Team.

Heather and Jonathan are “connected to Dr. Blake at the hip,” fully empowered to order imaging, initiate care and guide your treatment with the same conservative-first mindset we bring to every case.

Meet the Columbus Hand Institute Providers

Each member of our team brings a unique background and skill set, but what unites us is our shared commitment to helping patients avoid surgery when possible and restoring function when it’s not.

Sean A. Blake, DO, DPT

Fellowship-Trained Hand Surgeon
Subspecialty Certification in Hand Surgery
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Heather Forrest, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Jonathan Williams, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Why Choose Our Hand Care Team

We know that patients are often anxious about the idea of surgery or frustrated by inconsistent care from different providers. That’s why we’ve built something different: a seamless, team-based approach that prioritizes your goals, comfort and outcomes.

Here’s what makes us different:

Conservative-First Treatment Plans.

Our first step is always to explore non-surgical options, including physical therapy, bracing and therapeutic exercise. Our goal is to help you avoid surgery whenever possible and do it well when it’s necessary.

Smart Surgical Planning

As a fellowship-trained hand surgeon and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Dr. Blake brings a unique perspective that informs every surgical decision. He understands the recovery process from both sides and is especially skilled at treating complex injuries involving trauma, gunshots or severe loss of hand function.

Coordinated Care

You’ll never experience fragmented or disconnected care at CHI. Our Hand Team shares updates, collaborates on care decisions and ensures smooth transitions between providers so that you get the right care at the right time, without delays or miscommunication.

Compassionate Support

From the moment you walk in the door, our focus is on listening to you. Dr. Blake often says that the key to diagnosis lies in the “last thing a patient says,” and he truly takes the time to hear it. For patients who are comfortable, he also offers prayer as part of the healing process, viewing his hands as “God’s tools.”

We’re also upfront about what to expect. Since Dr. Blake offers personalized care and attention to every patient, this can sometimes mean longer wait times. But it also means you’ll never feel rushed through your care. You’ll have the time, space and support you need to feel seen and understood.

From Conservative to Surgical: A Seamless Transition

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When Non-Surgical Becomes Surgical

If conservative care doesn’t lead to improvement, surgery may be the right next step. And if it is, great news, you’re already in expert hands.

Dr. Blake performs all procedures himself and continues to prioritize your goals. If surgery isn’t urgent and you want to wait, he fully supports that. But if it’s critical for long-term function, he’ll be clear and direct, always with your best interest in mind.

CHI ensures a smooth, supportive transition from conservative to surgical care, with your entire Hand Team staying involved throughout recovery.

Healing Hands, Compassionate Care in Columbus, GA

At CHI, we don’t just treat hand and wrist conditions; we treat the whole person. Whether you’re dealing with pain, recovering from trauma or just looking for answers, our team is here to listen, support and guide you toward the best possible outcome.