Isaac A. Gooding, MD: Interventional Pain Management Specialist at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

When you meet Dr. Isaac A. Gooding, you’ll quickly discover a rare combination of sharp intellect, grounded humility, and a deep passion for helping others move freely again. A board-certified, triple fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with a specialty focus in Sports Medicine and Joint Replacement, Dr. Gooding has been practicing for over two decades—yet his motivation remains as strong as ever.

Dr. Gooding traces his calling to medicine back to childhood dinners around the table with his parents. “They’d share stories about the people they helped, and I could feel the impact those moments had on them,” he recalls. “Even when I explored other interests like engineering and law, those stories stayed with me. They were the compass pointing me back to medicine.”

That sense of purpose is especially evident in his work with injured workers. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to help someone recover from a work-related injury and get back to doing what they love or need to do to support their families,” he says. “You’re not just restoring movement—you’re restoring confidence, purpose, and sometimes even independence.”

Dr. Gooding takes a collaborative approach to care, partnering closely with case managers, adjusters, employers, and other specialists to ensure efficient recovery. “My guiding philosophy is to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care,” he explains. “A multidisciplinary approach helps streamline the process and create the best possible outcomes.”

His passion for orthopedics began early on, driven by a fascination with the musculoskeletal system and its role in our overall well-being. “I love that in orthopedics, my patients often experience immediate improvements in pain, function, and quality of life,” he shares. “That kind of transformation is powerful—and it motivates me every day.”

Dr. Gooding completed medical school at Harvard and continued with the Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency Program. That foundation not only shaped his clinical expertise but reinforced his commitment to continual growth. “Every patient’s journey from injury to recovery teaches me something. It’s a daily reminder to stay sharp, stay compassionate, and keep striving for excellence.”

And outside the operating room? “I flew and jumped out of planes before graduating high school,” he laughs. “That spirit of adventure is still with me. It keeps life interesting.”

For adjusters, case managers, or employers looking to coordinate care, Dr. Gooding and his team are easily accessible. The dedicated Workers' Compensation Contact Center is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 904.394.2494 or by email at WorkComp@se-ortho.com.

To learn more about Dr. Gooding or the team at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, visit www.se-ortho.com.