Orthopedic Surgery is advancing at an unprecedented pace in a rapidly evolving medical field. Amid these essential advancements, it’s reassuring to know that a love for humanity can surpass even the most sophisticated technology. Dr. Collin Bills, a local surgeon, has established a practice based on faith-driven service and patient-centered, evidence-based care. Aside from being a talented surgeon, he’s a devoted neighbor, family man, and advocate for whole-person care. Bills’ practice is founded on advanced orthopedic treatment delivered with a deeply personal touch. In his practice, meaningful connections matter.
A RETURN HOME WITH A PURPOSE Dr. Bills grew up in Tullahoma, and when he returned to establish his practice, he did so with the intention of providing specialized services in a region that often travels to larger urban centers for specialized orthopedic and sports medicine care. His love for the community was clear from the beginning, as he not only invested time in gaining knowledge but also took intentional steps to prepare for his role as a trusted medical provider.
“Most surgeons learn on the job,” Bills reflected, noting that he wanted to be fully equipped to serve his neighbors from day one. “I didn’t think it would be wise to learn how to operate on people who are close to me.”
He was determined to supply the highest quality of care to the people he cared about. Specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopy, Bills has developed expertise in minimally invasive techniques that help his patients recover faster and with less pain.
Arthroscopy, which uses a small scope to examine and treat joint problems, allows Bills to perform procedures through tiny incisions rather than large openings. This especially benefits patients who require shoulder, knee, hip, and elbow surgeries. These specialized techniques help local athletes and community members recover with reduced downtime, allowing them to stay active and engaged in their lives.
BUILDING A NETWORK OF COORDINATED CARE One of Bills’ unique contributions to the community is his ability to fill the communication gaps between the various professionals involved in his patients’ care. He frequently collaborates with athletic trainers, coaches, and physical therapists in the area to provide athletes with coordinated and comprehensive treatment.
By establishing relationships with trainers and coaches, Bills can offer care that considers each athlete’s distinct physical and emotional challenges. Athletes, as Bills noted, are “complicated patients” who often contend with not just physical pain but also the mental strain of injury and recovery.
“They come with problems that have huge social impacts,” he explained.
He acknowledged the many pressures young athletes face, such as scholarships, team dynamics, family expectations, and personal goals, and how they affect them emotionally, socially, and mentally. In understanding these broader contexts, Bills offers care that supports both his patients’ lives and their injuries.
“If you take care of a hand injury and don’t ever think about what this person is going back to,” he cautioned, “you kind of miss how to treat them well.”
SERVING PATIENTS OF ALL AGES One of the aspects Bills appreciates most about his work as a general orthopedist is the diversity of patients he sees. He proudly serves people of all ages, from infants to older adults, and values the challenge that comes with such a wide range of cases.
“I might see a 6-month-old baby and a 98-year-old lady on the same day. It’s the awesome part of what I do as a generalist,” he shared.
Unlike urban specialists who may focus on a narrow subset of procedures, Bills enjoys the variety his practice offers and finds fulfillment in treating a wide range of orthopedic issues within his community.
FAITH AS A FOUNDATION Faith heavily influences Bills’ life and work. He sees medicine as a calling that allows him to serve a higher purpose. Inspired by his father, Dr. Stephen Bills, he learned early in life that versatility, humility, and a strong moral compass would help him become an effective doctor.
“My dad told me being good at a lot of different things might make you a really good doctor because you’ll be able to relate to people from different backgrounds,” he recalled.
This lesson in diversity and empathy is central to his career as a surgeon, as he connects with patients of all ages, from infants to older adults.
Bills’ faith is particularly meaningful when he encounters situations where medical science has reached its limits. In cases where there is no surgery or treatment available, he relies on his faith to offer his patients emotional and spiritual support.
“There have been times when I’ve met patients who have problems that I can’t fix,” he admitted.
He recognizes that in those moments, the best he can offer is his loving presence.
These spiritual connections constantly remind Bills that his duty is not just to heal physically but also to offer integrated support and acknowledge the emotional and spiritual aspects of his patients’ experiences.
BALANCING FAMILY AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE Family connections are among Bills’ highest priorities. He honors his family by being present and valuing family time. He views family time as an important part of his life’s mission. He is intentional about how technology fits into his home life, mindful of the need to create meaningful, undistracted moments with his family.
“When I’m with my kids, I try not to be searching the web or answering emails,” he shared.
He believes balancing professional and personal life is key to leading a balanced, purpose-driven life. TECHNOLOGY WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH While Bills is excited about the potential of emerging technologies like virtual reality to enhance patient care, he’s careful to approach these advancements using evidence-based research.
“There’s an aspect of surgery that no one’s going to allow some computer algorithm to do,” he noted.
He sees technology as a tool to support — not replace — the relationships he builds with his patients. A LASTING LEGACY OF COMMUNITY CARE Bills has integrated patient-centered care, faith-driven service, and community connection to serve his community both as a skilled medical provider and as a neighbor. In Tullahoma, patients find both an expert surgeon and a compassionate healer who is deeply invested in their well-being and making a difference in their lives. Through his practice, Dr. Bills embodies the spirit of true health care that values each patient, strikes a balance of skill and heart, and recognizes his critical role in improving the well-being of those he touches in the local community. GN
