Thu, Aug 28, 2025 at 07:55 PM

More Than Medicine: Dr. John Groves

For nearly three decades, Dr. John Groves has been a steady and compassionate presence at Marshall Medical Centers. As a General Surgeon at Surgical Associates of Marshall County, he is known for his skill in the operating room, but his story goes far beyond medicine.

Saturdays on the Golf Course—or the Grill

A typical Saturday for Dr. Groves begins early, whether he’s on call or not.

“I can’t sleep in,” he says with a laugh. “I’m usually doing work around the house, or if I get the chance, I like to go golfing with my family. My son, daughter, and wife Amye often join me on the golf course.”

When the Groves family isn’t golfing, weekends are often filled with simple pleasures like grilling out or gathering around the TV during football season. Football has always been a big part of Dr. Groves’ life—he played for the legendary Bear Bryant at Alabama and later for Coach Jerry Claiborne at the University of Kentucky.

From Kentucky to Marshall County

Dr. Groves is originally from Kentucky. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, he attended medical school in Louisville and completed his residency in Birmingham. It was during his time in Birmingham that he met his wife Amye, a North Alabama native. That connection ultimately led the couple to put down roots in Marshall County, where Dr. Groves has practiced for the past 28 years.

Reflecting on his decision to move, he shares, “I had the opportunity to stay in Birmingham or come here, and choosing Marshall County has been the best choice. I really enjoy caring for my patients and being part of this health system.”

A Life of Faith and Family

At the core of Dr. Groves’ life are his faith and family.

“I enjoy reading my Bible, I love attending church, and I’m involved in a Life Group,” he says.

He and his family attend Compassion Church in Albertville.

Faith guides his priorities: “A life lesson I’ve learned outside the hospital is to spend as much time with your family as you can. God first, family second.”

Raising his children in a small town has been a blessing for him.

“I love raising my kids in a community where everyone knows one another.”

The Groves family also shares their home with three dogs and a handful of bird feeders. Watching the hummingbirds has become one of Dr. Groves’ favorite ways to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.

Music, Piano, and Don Henley

One surprise about Dr. Groves is his musical side. He took piano lessons for 10 years as a child, from ages 6 to 16. Though he regrets not continuing, music remains an important part of his life. His whole family is musically inclined, and while his wife and children play by ear, Dr. Groves still relies on reading music.

In the operating room, music also plays a role.

“The OR staff knows if I’m frustrated or need a pick-me-up, they’ll turn on Don Henley and The Eagles to keep me on track. I just think he’s so cool.”

His favorite genre? Yacht Rock.

“Somebody called it Yacht Rock one day, and I’ve loved it ever since—Journey, The Eagles, 80s music, all of it.”

Staying Healthy, Staying Grounded

Outside of work, Dr. Groves makes time for the gym a few times each week. For him, it’s not only about staying healthy but also about stress relief.

“If I wasn’t a doctor, I probably would have pursued football coaching,” he says, a nod to his athletic roots. But ultimately, he feels he ended up exactly where he was meant to be.

“I’m just a small-town country boy that God gave the ability to do surgery,” Dr. Groves reflects. “I ended up in the place I was supposed to be. This was my purpose.”