Former NFL player will lead physical and occupational rehab services at Bone and Joint Institute

The Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee has named a new director to lead physical and occupational rehabilitation services located in its new, state-of-the-art orthopaedic facility slated for opening on Monday, April 29.

According to Dr. John Klekamp, orthopaedic surgeon and president of Bone and Joint Institute, Dave Kempfert, MSPT brings more than 16 years of diverse experience as a physical therapist and healthcare professional to his new role. He has extensive experience in outpatient orthopaedic and sports medicine therapy.

“Dave is a high energy, and motivated leader with a strong background as a clinical director for rehabilitation services,” said Dr. Klekamp. “He is an excellent communicator with a very collaborative management style and an unwavering patient-first approach to care that is well matched for the culture of our organization.”

Dave Kempfert, PT Director of Rehabilitation Services
Dave Kempfert

Bone and Joint Institute CEO Darren Harris said Kempfert’s strong record of exceptional team-building will be a great asset for the new center. “Dave’s passion and enthusiasm is contagious,” said Harris. “He cares deeply about his colleagues, his patients and his community and it is demonstrated in everything he does both at work and on his own time.”

Bone and Joint Institute’s new 121,252 square foot facility will include physician offices, outpatient imaging services and physical and occupational therapy services. The outpatient surgery center will accommodate various orthopaedic surgeries, including, but not limited to, arthroscopic, sports medicine and spinal surgery.

Dr. Klekamp said the new orthopaedic facility is very thoughtfully designed and the rehabilitation services department will be an excellent choice for patients recovering from not only orthopaedic surgery, but also other injuries.

“I have been blessed over my entire career to work alongside the current providers of the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee and even spent some time working weekends at Williamson Medical Center,” Kempfert said. “I love the philosophy of patient care shared by these surgeons and this health system. The way they value each other, their staff and the community is a culture of family, and that is something I just had to be part of.”

According to Lori Orme, Chief Nursing Officer for Williamson Medical Center, the surgeons at Bone and Joint Institute also share the health system’s commitment to delivering exceptional, quality care and the very best outcomes for patients. “Dave clearly is equally dedicated to ensuring we deliver rehabilitation services grounded in effective evidence-based protocols,” she said. “It really is a perfect match of organizations and leaders who put our patients first, making us the region’s destination of choice for comprehensive orthopaedic excellence.”

Kempfert expects the rehabilitation services team will treat a wide range of patients in the new facility that features a dedicated occupational therapy services suite and a large open gym area with all new state-of-the art equipment. “It is a fun and dynamic space intended to aid in healing and restoring function,” said Kempfert. “It is large, well equipped, and specifically designed to enable our therapists to treat patients safely and efficiently; using timely, evidence-based protocols and best practices demonstrated to get the best results.”

Kempfert, a former NFL player with the Seahawks, Rams and Jaguars, completed a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Montana. Over his career, he has served as a rehabilitation consultant, and educational speaker at various locations in the community, and has been a clinical educator for the past 14 years.