Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee Named 2025 Innovator of the Year

L to R: Angeline Van Utrecht, MHA, Director of Operations, Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee; Joseph Mathews, PT, DPT, AAOE President; and Lyndsay Sullivan, Senior Business Development Manager, Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN—May 8, 2025. The Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, led by CEO John Reynolds, MBA, FACMPE, has been honored as the 2025 Innovator of the Year by the American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives (AAOE) at its Annual Conference. The award recognizes the practice’s exceptional commitment to innovation in healthcare delivery, patient care, and operational excellence. 

This prestigious award celebrates individuals and organizations that develop replicable, forward-thinking solutions that elevate the orthopaedic community. Bone and Joint Institute stood out for its transformative approach to improving access, patient and staff satisfaction, and streamlined clinical operations across its six clinics in the region. 

With a legacy spanning 45 years, the practice blends cutting-edge advancements with a deeply rooted culture of compassion, empathy, and community service. True to its motto, “High-Tech Care, Hometown Touch,” Bone and Joint Institute consistently integrates innovation not just in technology, but in the way it supports staff and serves patients. 

“The Innovator of the Year Award celebrates bold ideas that drive meaningful change, and Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee embodies that spirit in every sense,” said Joseph Mathews, PT, DPT, AAOE President and Practice Administrator, Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, a division of OrthoLonestar. “Their commitment to thoughtful innovation, team engagement, and community impact exemplifies the kind of leadership this award is meant to recognize.” 

Among the practice’s most notable achievements is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday operations. The Institute has transitioned the majority of its physicians to AI-based transcription and partnered with third-party vendors to enhance its revenue cycle through AI tools. As a beta site for its electronic medical record (EMR) system, the Institute regularly pilots new products aimed at improving both staff workflow and patient experience. 

Operational efficiency is also supported by a patient tracking platform, which monitors appointment flow to identify areas for improvement. Patients benefit from user-friendly features like online scheduling, reducing the burden on call centers and increasing access to care. 

Innovation extends to every one of the Institute’s locations. Uniform systems across all clinics ensure seamless staff transitions between sites, supporting consistent care delivery and workforce flexibility. A newly standardized onboarding program ensures that each new employee receives comprehensive orientation—beginning with a system-wide introduction at Williamson Health, followed by orthopaedic-specific training at the Franklin clinic. Competency-based assessments are now required across all teams, fostering excellence from day one. 

The Institute’s commitment to treating staff like family is evident through meaningful employee engagement initiatives, including the “WE>ME” recognition program and the “Pat Day Award,” named in memory of a beloved team member. These efforts, alongside the Institute’s community partnerships—including providing sports medicine coverage to Williamson County Schools—strengthen a culture of care and connection. 

By combining a passion for high-quality care with a deep sense of service and innovation, Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose in orthopaedic healthcare. 

About AAOE 

The American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives was founded in 1969 and is the only nonprofit orthopaedic-management specific organization developed to serve the musculoskeletal industry. Membership includes more than 1,200 orthopaedic practice executives, administrators, physicians, and their staff. AAOE provides education, community, and resources to set the standard of professional knowledge and industry insight. For more information, visit www.aaoe.net.