OrthoArizona has appointed physician-entrepreneur Dr Rajan Bhatt as its new chief executive officer (CEO), who is set to lead the company through its next growth phase using his medical and business expertise.

Dr Bhatt, a board-certified cardiologist, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including as CEO of Spectrum Dermatology and Valley Surgery Center.

His leadership at Spectrum saw the dermatology practice achieve a 39% compounded annual growth rate over nine years.

OrthoArizona president Dr Caleb Behrend said: “Dr Bhatt's impressive success in scaling physician-led healthcare organisations while maintaining clinical excellence makes him the ideal choice to lead OrthoArizona.

“His experience growing Spectrum Dermatology into Arizona's largest and best in class practice demonstrates exactly the kind of operational expertise we need as we continue expanding our comprehensive musculoskeletal services across the Valley.”

In addition to his medical leadership, he has 20 years of experience in real estate and industrial land development.

Dr Bhatt said: "OrthoArizona represents the pinnacle of orthopaedic excellence, combining world-class physicians with comprehensive care services.

"By enhancing our operational infrastructure and implementing proven growth strategies, we have an unprecedented opportunity to elevate this already exceptional organisation while maintaining our unwavering commitment to patient care."

Since its inception in 1994, OrthoArizona has become one of the nation's largest private musculoskeletal care providers, with nearly 100 orthopaedic surgeons across almost 30 locations in the Phoenix area.

The group is also the official team physician for the Arizona Rattlers and Arizona Cardinals.

With a comprehensive range of specialities, OrthoArizona is set to serve an estimated 766,000 patients in 2024, an increase from 674,000 in 2023.

The support structure of OrthoArizona includes over 40 physician assistants and 12 nurse practitioners, along with a team of athletic trainers. It plans to continue expanding its services.

These include specialised orthopaedic care, InstantOrtho walk-in clinics, physical and hand therapy, imaging and surgical facilities, a foot-ankle fellowship programme, and interventional pain management.