Enterprise has new doctor: Samson native returns to Wiregrass

By Michelle Mann
Published: October 18, 2009

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A desire to be close to family and the opportunity to work with outstanding physicians are among the reasons Samson native Dr. Rory Farris cites for returning to the Wiregrass.

Farris is the newest orthopedic surgeon to join Doctors Fleming Brooks, Patrick Lett and Darrell Potter at Southern Bone and Joint Specialists in Enterprise.

“I feel like its my call to service,” Farris said. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to serve the people of the Enterprise area.”

“I’ve also been given the opportunity to serve the Geneva community,” he said. In Geneva, he holds a clinic at the Wiregrass Specialty Clinic at Wiregrass Medical Center.

The son of Roy and Rhonda Farris of Samson, Farris said after graduation from high school, he was humbled to receive Enterprise-Ozark Community College’s E.L. Gibson Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship is an academic award named in memory of Dr. E.L. Gibson, a pioneer in medicine in Coffee County. The scholarship is awarded to a resident of Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Pike or Barbour counties who is enrolled in a health-related area at the college. “It gave me the opportunity to start on my way to medical school.” Farris said.

Farris earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, where he received numerous academic awards and scholarships and graduated at the top of his class. He remained at UAB to complete his orthopedic surgery training. While there, he was involved in clinical research and published several articles in major orthopedic journals. “I love all aspects of orthopedic and sports medicine,” Farris said. “I am proud to have the opportunity to work with such outstanding physicians here.”

Farris said he has known Dr. Brooks, also a Samson native, his entire life. “His mother and my mother are best friends,” Farris said. “I’m proud to say that he has truly been my mentor.”

Farris is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a candidate member of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, American Medical Association, Alabama Orthopedic Society, Coffee County Medical Association and the Geneva County Medical Association.

Farris lives in Enterprise with his wife, Liz, and their two children Samuel, 6, and Anna Catherine, 3. In his off duty hours, he said he likes to hunt and fish. He enjoys running and biking, but he said he is not a bi-athlete. “The running and biking are more a hobby than being anything competitive.”

Farris’ wife is from Mobile, and they met at Auburn. “She loves it here,” he said. “She is so amazed by the warmth and friendliness of the people here.”

“I’m glad to be back home,” he said. “This is a great place to raise a family, and even while I was away at school, I always knew I wanted to come home to be close to family and have a chance to work with outstanding physicians locally.”