We have a responsibility.

The nurse who sits at the bedside, holding a patient’s hand; the professor committed to training the next generation of caregivers; the hospital system executive seeking innovative technology to advance healthcare. They’re united by a shared sense of responsibility — to care for others.

That powerful commonality and our cultural alignment has been the underpinning of the successful partnership between Wellstar Health System and Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia. In the year since Governor Brian Kemp, our state legislators and the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents put their trust in us to create Wellstar MCG Health, we’ve improved healthcare in the Central Savannah River Area and enhanced medical education for future generations of Georgia caregivers.

From the beginning, we knew our people would be the key to our success. They’ve committed their lives to caring for others, and we’re committed to caring for them. It’s why we prioritized pay raises, enhanced mental health support, and now offer additional resources to help them take care of themselves and their families. Thanks to their feedback, we’re also investing in their career growth, with programs like CareerCare, which provides funding to help further their healthcare careers.

Supporting caregivers extends beyond those on our team. We’re also expanding the pipeline of clinicians to address our state’s chronic physician and nursing shortages. The Medical College of Georgia is the fourth largest medical college in the country, and the second-largest sponsoring institution for graduate medical training. By bringing academic excellence and advanced research together with deep healthcare experience and extensive resources, we’re able to offer innovative academic teaching models that ensure more physicians are trained in a modern clinical environment. Together, we’re building the healthcare workforce of the future.

As we address the need for more caregivers, we can’t overlook the need to expand access to care. To do that, we’ve increased digital health services and launched mobile care vans to serve rural communities. We’re looking ahead too, building the first hospital in Columbia County, the largest county in the state without its own hospital. Opening this 100-bed, Level II trauma center means people will have better access to the expert, compassionate care they need, right in their own backyard.

For the facilities already serving the area, there are now 129 new doctors, four new urgent care centers, and we’ve introduced innovative technology to improve patient care. We’re the first hospital in Georgia to use Galleri cancer testing, for example, which allows us to use just one blood test to detect more than 50 types of cancer earlier than ever before. We also have two new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suites featuring state-of-the-art machines for faster scanning.

Another piece of technology new to WMCG ensures our caregivers have the tools they need to give people the best care possible. It’s called Epic, an electronic medical records system, and it lives up to its name. With Epic, our caregivers now have improved data access for more accurate diagnoses, better treatment plans, and improved patient outcomes. Epic allows students to learn on modern technology, it facilitates research and makes it easier for patients to access their medical records. We invested approximately $175 million in this technology, along with other upgrades, and completed the implementation almost two full years ahead of schedule. It's a game changer and we couldn't be prouder of how the team came together to get this technology up and running.

Georgia’s leaders have put their faith in this partnership, an honor we take seriously. As we continue our work to create a healthier future for all Georgians, we’re committed to collaboration and financial sustainability, because we know our communities depend on us today and for generations to come. Improving the health and well-being of every person we serve isn’t just our responsibility, it’s our privilege, and none of it is possible without our dedicated team members. It’s heartwarming to see the way they embrace each other as one team. In the wake of hurricane Helene, their compassion hasn’t wavered as they care for patients and each other, a testament to their strong bonds. This is a team that cares deeply about each other and the communities we serve; a team that empathizes and uplifts; a team with determination and heart. With that kind of spirit, we can accomplish anything.

Candice L. Saunders is president and CEO of Wellstar Health System and Russell Keen is president of Augusta University.

Christmas music and cheers filled the halls of Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Dec. 5 through 7 as listeners and viewers of local iHeartMedia radio stations and WRDW-TV generously supported patients and families for the 24th consecutive year.

In the end, the community pledged $255,612 to support Wellstar Children’s.

iHeartMedia generously donated the 72 hours of airtime to the cause while three of its popular radio stations—104.3 WBBQ, 96.3 Kiss FM and 105.7 The Bull—and WRDW News 12/NBC 26 broadcast live from the hospital.

“The children’s hospital could not survive without the support of the community. I’m just so grateful for everyone’s support,” said Dr. Valera Hudson, pediatrician-in-chief of Wellstar Children’s. “No children’s hospital thrives without philanthropy; 100% of the money that’s raised is used directly to help the children we take care of here. All of the funds stay right here at the Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia.”

Wellstar Children’s is a not-for-profit hospital with specialists who care for pediatric patients with a range of conditions, including the most complex conditions.

Some of the patients who have been treated at Wellstar Children’s shared their stories with DJs and reporters throughout Radiothon. For example, 9-year-old Kensley Woodberry began developing spots on her hands and feet that became so painful, she could no longer walk. She stopped eating and refused to play. A team of specialists at Wellstar Children’s diagnosed her with juvenile dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own muscles and leads to inflammation throughout the body.

This past summer, Kensley attended Camp Joint Venture, a summer camp for children with rheumatic conditions. It gives kids like Kensley the opportunity to enjoy the summer camp experience while a team of medical personnel is nearby in case they are needed. The camp is one of several summer camps funded through Radiothon.

Radiothon also allows for purchases of comfort items like Zaky Hugs, which mimic the warmth and security of a parent’s touch for babies in the NICU; red wagons for transporting young patients around the hospital; and sensory toys for children with autism. These are only a few of the items that bring joy, comfort or care to young patients that the hospital could not purchase without community support.

Though Radiothon has concluded, donations can be made throughout the year by calling (706) 721-4004, by emailing Wellstar Children’s Director of Philanthropy Catherine Stewart or through the Cares for Kids Radiothon website.

A Wellstar patient recovering from a brain injury got a surprise visit Thursday from a former Atlanta Falcons player in celebration of the teenager’s graduation from the intensive care unit of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta.

Oheneba “O.J.” Appiah, 17, who plays linebacker for the football team at Archer High School near Lawrenceville, sustained the brain injury during a football game last month.

“After the game, he said he was dizzy, and that’s when he passed out,” said his mom, Elizabeth Appiah.

“I met O.J. on the worst day of his life,” said Dr. Phillip Parry, a Wellstar neurosurgeon. “He had a life-threatening bleed inside his head, and we took him to surgery immediately.”

O.J. has come a long way during his 20-day stay in intensive care.

“His miraculous recovery is a testament to the care he received and an inspiration to us all to continue doing what we do every day,” Dr. Parry said.

“We are so grateful to God,” O.J.’s mother said. “The team here is great, and the nurses are amazing.”

Wellstar Kennestone’s neuro-ICU team, called “5 Blue East,” bonded with O.J. and his family over their love of football. The team members said it’s been great witnessing O.J.’s recovery and seeing his personality come back.

Former Atlanta Falcons and Pro Bowl player Ovie Mughelli visited O.J. during a special surprise party Thursday. Mughelli gave O.J. a signed jersey and photo from his professional football days and shared advice.

“You had a hard situation happen to you, but you can do hard things,” said Mughelli, encouraging O.J. to “ask for help up front.”

The young football player had just one question for the former NFL player: “How do you get an offer?”

By working hard and building relationships, Mughelli responded. He also stressed the importance of focusing on school. After learning O.J. had never been to a Falcons game, Mughelli invited him to attend one next season.

Wellstar Kennestone President Lorrie Liang, who also stopped by to congratulate O.J., noticed Mughelli’s gift.

“Now you have a jersey to wear during rehab,” she said to O.J.

But O.J. didn’t feel like waiting. He put on the jersey almost immediately.

Carter Fawcett has been reading to her four children since before they were born. As a fifth grade teacher, she knows the importance of immersing children in words, stories and songs, starting when they’re still in the womb.

“While I was pregnant with my firstborn, reading and singing to him was my whole attachment to motherhood,” she said. “The other three were just along for the ride, even in my belly, listening to me read aloud to my toddlers.”

Fawcett’s children are patients of Dr. Melissa Boekhaus, a pediatrician at Wellstar Pediatric Adolescent Center in Smyrna. Fawcett was thrilled to learn that the practice had implemented a literacy program called Small TALK, made possible thanks to generous donations from the Wellstar Foundation.

“I love knowing that Wellstar encourages families to read together,” she said.

Wellstar is the only health system in Georgia that provides a high level of literacy support throughout the entire spectrum of pediatric care, from pre-birth through third grade and beyond.

During various touchpoints, from prenatal care to pediatric well-child visits, Small TALK teaches parents and caregivers to tune into their child’s interests and activities. By regularly asking open-ended questions, even to newborns, children learn how to become conversational partners.

“We encourage parents to use their home language and speak in complete sentences using complex vocabulary to lift their child’s language and grow their understanding of the world,” said Lisa Liedke, manager of Small TALK for Wellstar. “Talking, reading, playing and singing together helps even the youngest children establish these skills.”

“Parents are their children’s first and best teachers,” Liedke said. “Empowering the family to have this intentional engagement carries this role from Wellstar to home.”

Small TALK allows healthcare professionals to work closely with families, explaining and coaching how to produce early healthy brain development and language acquisition. These conversations help monitor early development, address concerns and encourage early interventions through referrals if necessary.

“Just as children need food nutrition to grow their bodies, they require language nutrition to grow their brains,” Liedke said.

“If you’re looking for a charitable cause to support on Giving Tuesday, please consider the Wellstar Foundation,” said Fawcett. “Small TALK reaches children across all socioeconomic levels, setting them up with the foundational language tools they’ll need for educational success before they even start kindergarten.”

To learn more about the Wellstar Foundation or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit wellstar.org/give.

Language Development

• By the third trimester, a baby’s auditory channels are fully formed, and exposure to quality language creates neural pathways that build a foundational vocabulary for future learning.
• Eighty percent of brain growth and development occurs between pre-birth and age 3.
• By age 5, brain growth reaches 90%.
• In metro Atlanta, only one in five third graders are strong readers. Those not reading proficiently by this time are four times more likely to drop out of high school.

Small TALK Timeline

• In November 2022, with the support of philanthropy and partners through the Literacy and Justice for All initiative, Wellstar launched Small TALK at 13 of its pediatric offices in Cobb County.
• In 2023, the Small TALK program expanded to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center’s Mother Baby Unit and NICU and is now embedded in prenatal classes.
• In February 2024, Small TALK received a $1.1 million donation from the Callaway Foundation to expand to OB/GYN and pediatric offices in West Georgia and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center's Mother Baby Unit and NICU in LaGrange.
• In October 2024, Small TALK expanded to Wellstar pediatric offices in Douglasville, Hiram, Alpharetta and Smyrna.
• Today, Wellstar uses its internal and community partnerships to help build a bridge and close gaps in healthcare and education. The Small TALK team attends community events with Marietta City Schools and Cobb Collaborative, among others. Wellstar is building a literacy ecosystem representing healthcare’s involvement in the broader literacy space.

Many people in low-income neighborhoods go without essential healthcare services, with reasons including lack of insurance, unreliable transportation or inflexible work schedules. At Wellstar Center for Health Equity, we’re excited to offer a simple solution for people living in northwest Atlanta: no-cost digital health services. Digital health services, also called telehealth or telemedicine, allow people to schedule virtual visits with a healthcare professional to access the care they need—when they need it.

This solution is possible thanks to a partnership between Wellstar, Family Life Restoration Center in Mableton and Giving Health, a Georgia-based telemedicine provider. To participate, people can sign up at Family Life Restoration Center. Then, they can schedule online telehealth appointments using a phone, smart device or computer. The program provides 24/7 access to:

• Primary care providers for urgent and non-urgent needs
• Mental health counselors
• Free lab testing
• Referrals to other providers and community services

Participants can use the digital health service for up to a year. Staff and volunteers at Family Life Restoration Center can help participants apply for Medicaid and find a primary care practice when they are ready.

Health and wellness success with telehealth

While the telehealth program is new, Giving Health has provided telehealth for low-income and uninsured people since 2019. They also offer after-hours digital health services for many clinics in the Wellstar Community Clinic Network.

Family Life Restoration Center is also part of the Wellstar Community Clinic Network, which was launched nearly 10 years ago to better serve the most vulnerable and under-resourced people in our communities.

Many people in Mableton and other areas in South Cobb County are living below the poverty line. Many do not have a primary care provider or health insurance. Round-the-clock access to telehealth can make a significant impact on people’s lives, helping them experience better health and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department.

The Family Life Restoration Center provides community members with food, clothing, spiritual encouragement and referrals to nearby social services. Wellstar has worked with the center for over a decade to meet the community’s needs, including vaccination clinics, health screenings and patient education programs.

Check out the Wellstar Find Help Tool

Another way we’re meeting health needs in our community is with the Wellstar Find Help Tool. It allows people to search for free or reduced-cost resources, including:

• Clothing
• Financial assistance
• Food
• Housing
• Legal aid
• Personal care items
• Transportation

The tool, available in several languages, is one of several Wellstar initiatives to improve the health well-being of every person we serve by connecting them with resources such as nutritious foods, housing and education.

Learn more about the Wellstar Center for Health Equity.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (Dec. 2, 2024) – Wellstar MCG Health is transforming healthcare in the state and advancing medical education for the next generation of caregivers. A new 1-year progress report details the significant strides that have been made since Wellstar Health System and Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia (MCG) joined forces last year.

This strategic affiliation combines Augusta University’s academic excellence and research capabilities with Wellstar’s extensive healthcare expertise and resources. Since beginning the partnership on Aug. 30, 2023, Wellstar MCG Health has improved access to care, made substantial investments in facilities, and expanded innovative programs aimed at serving Georgia’s unique healthcare needs.

Highlights from the Year-One Progress Report:

• Expanded Access to Care:
  • Hired 129 new physicians, a net increase of 60 doctors in the region.
  • Opened multiple urgent care centers and launched the mobile "On the Go Primary Care" van to serve underserved communities.
• Enhanced Facilities and Technology:
  • Funded more than $82 million in capital improvements, including the first major remodeling of the Children’s Hospital of Georgia since it opened in 1998.
  • Modernized or replaced ultrasound equipment, operating room equipment, x-ray machines, anesthesia machines, defibrillators, and imaging workstations, among many other improvements.
  • Completed implementation of the Epic electronic medical records system well ahead of schedule in just 14 months, enhancing quality, safety, and accessibility for patients and clinicians alike.
• Support for Healthcare Workers:
  • Increased the minimum wage to $15 per hour, provided raises for 1,500 team members, and expanded wellness benefits, including mental health support and family care services.
• Advancements in Digital Health:
  • Partnered with more than 20 rural hospitals to provide telehealth services, allowing 75% of patients to remain in their local communities for care.
  • Became the first and only hospital in Georgia approved to offer an Acute Care Hospital at Home program.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in this first year,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System. “From expanding access to care and enhancing our facilities to investing in our people, we’re dedicated to a brighter, healthier future for Georgia. This partnership is a testament to what we can achieve when we bring together academic and healthcare excellence.”

Dr. Russell Keen, president of Augusta University, added, “A great example of how Wellstar and Augusta University are collectively improving the lives of Georgians is the ongoing collaboration between MCG researchers and clinicians in the Georgia Cancer Center, the Children’s Hospital of Georgia and the MCG Center for Telehealth. I couldn’t be more pleased with the collaborative spirit, shared passion and culture of innovation that permeate Augusta University and Wellstar Health System.”

The Wellstar and Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia partnership will continue to evolve and expand its impact, with projects such as the new Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center, affiliated with the Medical College of Georgia, slated to open in 2026, which will bring acute care services to Georgia’s largest county without an existing hospital.

Wellstar’s Comprehensive Aortic Program has identified thousands of hidden aneurysms in the past two years. The goal of the program is to help people before their conditions become life-threatening.

Aortic aneurysms are bulges in the body’s largest blood vessel. They can burst and cause severe damage or death if they become too big. Unfortunately, most people never know they have one because they are typically asymptomatic until they rupture.

However, the aortic experts at Wellstar found a way to help people before they have an emergency.

“When patients have CT scans at Wellstar for other reasons, we use artificial intelligence (AI) to sift through them and find images of someone who may have aneurysm,” said Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. James Ryan Burke. “That allows us to proactively contact them and bring them in if appropriate for evaluation to discuss that diagnosis.”

Since the program launch in July 2022, more than 4,700 people with aneurysms have been placed under surveillance—a protocol to monitor people who have a risk. Surveillance allows people to avoid undergoing unnecessary surgery but to know when the aneurysm grows larger and becomes a greater concern.

For people who had large, potentially life-threatening aneurysms, cardiovascular surgeons and vascular surgeons performed more than 700 advanced procedures at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center since the program began.

“These are major cardiac operations only performed in centers that offer complex aortic surgery,” Dr. Burke said. “The outcomes are best when done in experienced centers that do a high volume of procedures, like Wellstar Kennestone.”

Patient-centered aortic care

“This program is very patient-oriented. We have an excellent team of dedicated physicians at Wellstar to accomplish our mission and I think it’s very beneficial for both patients and physicians,” said Dr. Michael Corey of Vascular Surgical Associates.

The aortic program at Wellstar provides a higher level of aortic care than a patient would typically find in a local hospital. What makes the program unique is:

• The multispecialty team of aortic experts working together
• The cutting-edge AI technology used to identify patients who are unaware they have an aneurysm
• A high-tech hybrid operating room (OR) for open or minimally invasive procedures
• The latest surgical techniques and technology
• A high volume of procedures performed

“The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It runs from the heart, through the chest and abdomen and down to the legs,” said Dr. Burke. “When you have a disease process involving the aorta, it requires multiple specialties.”

Wellstar’s specialized aortic team includes cardiovascular surgeons, vascular surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

There is also a cardiac hybrid OR that brings a catheterization lab and surgery suite together in one space, making aortic aneurysm treatment more efficient and encouraging collaboration between our expert providers.

“The hybrid OR is a state-of-the-art, innovative, open operating room where patients can receive complex aortic reconstructions—procedures that have open surgery components to them—as well as endovascular (or minimally invasive) aortic reconstructions. This all can take place in one nice operating room,” Dr. Corey said.

The aortic program is part of a larger heart care program at Wellstar, based at Wellstar Kennestone, the first in Georgia and the fourth in the nation to receive Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center Certification by The Joint Commission and American Heart Association. This is the highest certification in cardiovascular care.

Learn more or schedule an appointment with an aortic disease specialist.

In a first-of-its-kind program for Georgia, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center is now offering admitted hospital patients the option to receive care from the comfort of their own homes. The new Hospital Care at Home program provides acute, hospital-level care at home for patients admitted to the medical center who meet certain criteria—such as having a qualifying non-life-threatening condition, needing relatively straightforward care and having access to a reliable caregiver, if bedbound.

Emergency department clinicians now assess if their patients need to stay in the hospital or if they can safely receive treatment at home. This treatment involves the use of hospital equipment, two or more daily in-person visits from nurses or paramedics, daily virtual visits from a dedicated provider and 24/7 virtual access to clinicians. Patients admitted to the Hospital Care at Home program receive all necessary medical supplies—including blood pressure cuffs, video communication devices and patches that monitor vital signs—along with healthy pre-packaged meals and training on how to take medications and use equipment.

“This latest innovation shows, once again, how Wellstar and the Medical College of Georgia lead the way in digital health,” Ralph Turner, senior vice president and hospital president at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, said. “By maximizing virtual services at our academic medical center, we have the chance to reduce readmissions and open up beds for those who need it most while improving patient and family satisfaction.”

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the conditions most often treated by Hospital Care at Home programs include conditions affecting the lungs, kidneys and cardiovascular system, along with infectious diseases.

Patients admitted with severe illnesses requiring urgent attention or continuous IV treatment will stay on-site at the medical center. Because Wellstar Hospital Care at Home patients might occasionally need to return to the hospital for additional support, the care team must be able to respond to a patient’s home within 30 minutes for emergent needs. As a result, geographic boundaries are considered for admission.

Wellstar MCG Health plans to start accepting patients the week of December 2 for admission into its new Hospital Care at Home program. The medical center remains the only hospital in Georgia to have received an approved waiver from CMS to offer acute hospital care at home.

Our ability to offer this care long-term depends on Congressional renewal of the Acute Hospital Care at Home initiative beyond 2024. If passed, H.R. 7623, the “Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024,” would extend the flexibilities that make possible hospital-at-home services for our patients. To date, CMS has approved the waiver for 139 health systems in 39 states.

In a first-of-its-kind program for Georgia, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center is now offering admitted hospital patients the option to receive care from the comfort of their own homes. The new Hospital Care at Home program provides acute, hospital-level care at home for patients admitted to the medical center who meet certain criteria—such as having a qualifying non-life-threatening condition, needing relatively straightforward care and having access to a reliable caregiver, if bedbound.

Emergency department clinicians now assess if their patients need to stay in the hospital or if they can safely receive treatment at home. This treatment involves the use of hospital equipment, two or more daily in-person visits from nurses or paramedics, daily virtual visits from a dedicated provider and 24/7 virtual access to clinicians. Patients admitted to the Hospital Care at Home program receive all necessary medical supplies—including blood pressure cuffs, video communication devices and patches that monitor vital signs—along with healthy pre-packaged meals and training on how to take medications and use equipment.

“This latest innovation shows, once again, how Wellstar and the Medical College of Georgia lead the way in digital health,” Ralph Turner, senior vice president and hospital president at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, said. “By maximizing virtual services at our academic medical center, we have the chance to reduce readmissions and open up beds for those who need it most while improving patient and family satisfaction.”

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the conditions most often treated by Hospital Care at Home programs include conditions affecting the lungs, kidneys and cardiovascular system, along with infectious diseases.

Patients admitted with severe illnesses requiring urgent attention or continuous IV treatment will stay on-site at the medical center. Because Wellstar Hospital Care at Home patients might occasionally need to return to the hospital for additional support, the care team must be able to respond to a patient’s home within 30 minutes for emergent needs. As a result, geographic boundaries are considered for admission.

Wellstar MCG Health plans to start accepting patients the week of December 2 for admission into its new Hospital Care at Home program. The medical center remains the only hospital in Georgia to have received an approved waiver from CMS to offer acute hospital care at home.

Our ability to offer this care long-term depends on Congressional renewal of the Acute Hospital Care at Home initiative beyond 2024. If passed, H.R. 7623, the “Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024,” would extend the flexibilities that make possible hospital-at-home services for our patients. To date, CMS has approved the waiver for 139 health systems in 39 states.

Colorectal cancer continues to be a critical community health challenge across Georgia, particularly in areas served by Wellstar. High cancer incidence rates are driven by barriers such as limited access to education on screening guidelines, risk reduction strategies and screening resources. This lack of access impacts not only the affected communities but also the organizations working to support them.

To address these challenges, the Wellstar Center for Health Equity and Wellstar Community Health have launched the ColoCare Connect Program, funded by the 2024-2025 Community Health Improvement Plan Partnership Grant from Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) with support from the Wellstar Foundation. This program aims to improve access to colorectal cancer education and screenings by providing fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) to community clinics serving high-risk populations.

Building on insights gained through previous collaborations, including the #GoodDownThere campaign with BLKHLTH and Cottonelle, this program is designed to overcome obstacles such as low awareness, insufficient health insurance coverage, fear of test results and limited access to resources.

The ColoCare Connect Program focuses on empowering community clinics to seamlessly integrate colorectal cancer screening into their care workflows. This approach supports education, screening and follow-up care, ensuring a more comprehensive and sustainable impact while directly addressing barriers to improve screening rates and outcomes among high-risk and underserved populations.

We are excited to collaborate with the following community clinic organizations on this initiative:

• Bethesda Community Clinic
• Bwell Medical and Wellness Center
• The Rouse Foundation
• Someone Cares, Inc.

These partnerships will help bring critical screening resources to vulnerable populations while supporting clinics in their mission to provide equitable healthcare.

We are grateful for the commitment of these clinics and look forward to seeing the positive impact of the ColoCare Connect Program in the communities we serve. Together, we are making strides toward reducing the burden of colorectal cancer and advancing health equity across Georgia.

It seems "defeat" just isn't in John Cashen's vocabulary. A survivor in more ways than one, John has overcome not only a catastrophic natural disaster, but also fought cancer with unyielding resilience.

In 2005, as flood waters from Hurricane Katrina rose and threatened his New Orleans home, John took an axe to his attic's ceiling, climbed atop his roof and tied himself to his chimney so he wouldn't be swept away. Days later, no help had arrived, so John untied himself and swam to an overpass where he was rescued by a helicopter. He joined the rest of his family in Georgia.

Since then, John has become a proud citizen of LaGrange. A master of everything Mardi Gras, John runs a local krewe and is a natural at building parade floats from the foundation up. But when he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019, he summoned his fighting spirit, squared his shoulders, and faced his cancer journey head on.

In a fiery demonstration on Wednesday, nurses from the Joseph M. Still Burn Centers at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center joined Cobb County firefighters to showcase why it’s essential to be vigilant during the holidays to prevent burn wounds and fires.

News cameras began recording as firefighters in full gear used a long rod to lower a frozen turkey into a fryer full of overheated vegetable oil. Immediately, a violent splash of hot oil spilled from the fryer and burst into a flash flame that extended 5 feet outward and roughly 20 feet high. It would have been a disaster if that scenario had played out during a family’s Thanksgiving feast.

At the demonstration, team members from the Burn Center at Wellstar Cobb told reporters that cooking mishaps are among the most frequent causes of the burn injuries they treat and shared safety tips that can help keep the holidays merry and bright.

“Please be extremely careful while deep frying your turkeys this holiday season,” said nurse Imani Hence of Wellstar Cobb’s inpatient burn unit. “Everyone loves fried turkey, but we have seen a lot of instances where turkey fryers have tipped over, causing significant burn injuries from the grease.”

Burn Program Manager Nadine Lynch said it’s crucial to maintain a “kid-free zone” around cooking areas, whether indoors or outdoors.

“It’s wonderful when the whole family pitches in, but make sure to keep hot liquids away from table edges,” she said. “Use potholders when cooking. Unplug cooking sources when no longer needed and use long-handled tools for grilling and frying.”

Emily Black, clinical coordinator at Wellstar Cobb’s burn, wound and hyperbaric outpatient clinic, said that when kids are out of school during the holidays, more accidents happen.

“We see a great many hand burns from children touching hot stoves, oven doors and glass screens on fireplaces,” Black said. “With kids home and cooking for themselves, we see an even greater number of hot water, tea and ramen noodle burns as well.”

What to do if someone suffers a burn: 

• Immediately wash the wound with cool (not cold) running water.
• Place a clean, dry cloth or gauze over the burn.
• Seek medical attention for deep burns or burns that cover more than 5% of the body.

What not to do if someone suffers a burn:

• Do not ignore the burn.
• Do not treat a burn like a regular wound.
• Do not use toothpaste, mayonnaise, butter, etc., to treat the wound.

The sooner you’re seen at a burn center, Lynch said, the better your outcome.

Turkey fryer fire safety:

• Turkey fryers can tip over easily, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area. Make sure your fryer is on a sturdy, level surface and is at least 10 feet from your home and not under roof eaves. Do not use it in, on or under a garage, deck, breezeway, porch, barn or any structure that can catch fire.
• Cooking oil is combustible. Its vapors can ignite if heated beyond its cooking temperature (375 degrees Fahrenheit). If your turkey fryer does not have a thermostat, use a kitchen thermometer that attaches to the side of the pot. This will help you monitor the oil's temperature.
• An overfilled cooking pot will cause oil to spill when you put the turkey in it. Before turning on the fryer, test how much oil you’ll need by placing the turkey in the pot and adding water. Measure how much water it takes to fill the pot to a safe level, and then use that as a guide for filling the pot with oil.
• A partially frozen turkey will cause hot oil to splatter when you place it in the pot, leading to burns. Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before you fry it.

What to do if a grease fire occurs:

• Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If it’s a stovetop fire, cut off the source of the fire and cover the pan, if possible, to smother the flames.
• If an indoor fire spreads, get out and stay out!
• Once you’re safely outside, call 911.

This holiday season, you can support Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, by tuning in to the 24th Annual iHeartMedia Cares for Kids Radiothon.

Tune into 104.3 WBBQ, 96.3 KISS FM and 105.7 The Bull or watch News12 NBC26 to hear stories of hope, healing and inspiration as patients and families share how Wellstar Children’s has had a positive impact in their lives.

December 5 & 6
6 AM to 7 PM

December 7
8 AM to 1 PM

Wellstar Children’s offers dedicated, world-class care to the youngest patients in our state and beyond. The hospital is home to a 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Room, a dedicated Level II Trauma Center, a Level IV NICU and the only Level I PICU outside of Atlanta.

Giving is easy! Here’s how:

• caresforkidsradiothon.com
• During the event: Call the SRP Federal Credit Union Phone Bank at (866) 412-KIDS (5437)
• Anytime: Call (706) 721-4004
• By mail: Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia 1446 Harper Street, BT 1845 | Augusta, GA 30912
• By text: Text CHOG to 51555 at any time

Learn more at caresforkidsradiothon.com.

Wellstar’s ongoing commitment to improving patients’ health and wellness was on full display when more than 100 cardiovascular healthcare providers gathered for the third annual Cardiovascular Quality Forum last spring. The forum, which was hosted at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, serves as a way to share best practices across the Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care in order to enhance patient care systemwide.

“All of our Wellstar cardiovascular programs across the system are constantly working to improve clinical processes in order to improve patient outcomes, whether it be reducing mortalities, decreasing complications, reducing length of stay, etc.,” said Wellstar Quality Manager Dave Bloomquist. “Our annual Cardiovascular Quality Forum allows us to share the work being done at each individual hospital so all Wellstar hospitals can benefit from each other’s improvement efforts.”

The centerpiece of the forum is the poster competition, an idea borrowed from the American College of Cardiology’s annual Quality Summit. Each Wellstar hospital is encouraged to share its cardiovascular improvement successes in the form of a poster submission. Submissions can come from any stakeholder across the care continuum, including inpatient, outpatient, procedural, wellness and post-acute care areas. The posters are then judged by a panel of physicians using an objective scoring tool.

“After three years of holding this event, our physician leaders are still quite eager to devote the time necessary to score the ever-increasing number of posters,” Bloomquist said. “When we held the first Cardiovascular Quality Forum, we had 12 poster submissions. Last year we received 20 submissions, and this year we received 32 submissions.”

The posters represent the hard work from Wellstar teams to enhance and sustain a culture of high-level cardiovascular quality. This year, the top five posters belonged to Wellstar Kennestone, Wellstar MCG Health, Wellstar North Fulton, Wellstar Paulding and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Centers. Wellstar West Georgia earned the top overall score for its poster on decreasing telemetry calls, or the overuse of cardiac monitoring.

Additional highlights of the 2024 forum included a keynote address delivered by Mayo Clinic Cardiologist Dr. Abhishek Deshmukh and an awards presentation that honored Wellstar Cobb Medical Center with the overall cardiovascular quality award.

For the first time, the event also recognized outstanding provider leadership in quality. Wellstar Kennestone Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant Deleen Huff received the APP quality leader award, while Wellstar North Fulton Cardiologist Dr. Suresh Ramamurthy received the physician quality leader award. The awards are based on nominations, which may be submitted by any individual from any hospital.

“It was quite moving to read the nominations for physician quality leaders,” Bloomquist shared. “There was so much love and respect shown for our physicians by their clinical teams that it brought tears to my eyes as I read each nomination.”

Tears also flowed during the forum when a patient who survived a heart attack took the stage to share his testimonial alongside the Wellstar care team members who treated him.

“As we do each year, we invited a patient to join us to tell their story and recognize their Wellstar care team,” said Bloomquist. “There was not a dry eye in the room when the patient and his family told their journey at Wellstar—which ended with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)—and thanked his care team for their love and care.”

As the Cardiovascular Quality Forum continues to grow, Wellstar patients will benefit greatly from care teams who are dedicated to improvement through collaboration. Bloomquist noted that the forum has been increasingly recognized by system leaders, including a number of hospital presidents who attend.

Looking ahead, Bloomquist said he is eager to see even more heart care leaders acknowledged for their contributions to the service line. “We will continue to grow the list of cardiovascular stakeholders that will be recognized for their improvement efforts to include inpatient nurses and EMS partners,” he shared.

The next Cardiovascular Quality Forum will be held March 2025.

It’s simple for many of us to find a primary care physician or advanced practice provider that we trust and feel comfortable with. By booking online or making a quick phone call, we can make an appointment and feel confident about the level of care we will receive. We know how and where to get the help we need when we need it.

Many people lack access to care, making their path to high-quality care more challenging. It could be because they don’t have insurance, are unable to pay for medical services or don’t have a way to get to their appointments. This isn’t how it should be.

At Wellstar, we believe every person deserves to live their healthiest life, regardless of their circumstances. The Wellstar Center for Health Equity has partnered with local clinics like Someone Cares to make healthcare accessible to everyone in our communities.

A safe and welcoming space

People who rely on Someone Cares include those who are underinsured or have difficulty accessing healthcare due to transportation or financial issues. The clinic is a one-stop shop that offers care at a brick-and-mortar location in Marietta. Services include:

• Primary care
• Addiction treatment
• Behavioral healthcare
• Lab services, including confidential HIV/AIDS testing
• Onsite pharmacies
• Other diagnostic testing
• Treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

In addition to their Marietta clinic, Someone Cares has two mobile units. They travel to communities throughout metro Atlanta to provide HIV and STD testing, health screenings, health education and vaccinations. It’s a convenient option that allows people to get the care they need, where and when they need it.

Someone Cares also offers specialized services for individuals in the transgender community, including gender-affirming hormone therapy.

How Wellstar supports Someone Cares

Wellstar and Someone Cares began their partnership in 2023 when the organization was applying to become a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

FQHCs are community-based centers that receive funds from the federal government to provide primary healthcare services in underserved areas. FQHCs typically work with a hospital or health system to ensure patients have easier access to services that are unavailable in the primary care setting, such as inpatient behavioral health services.

Someone Cares will officially become a FQHC in February 2025. The designation allows them to expand their services, further supporting vulnerable communities.

Each partnership is unique

Someone Cares is one of about a half-dozen clinics in the Wellstar Community Clinic Network. The Wellstar Center for Health Equity launched the network eight years ago to serve the most under-resourced populations in our communities better.

Each partnership is unique and customized to the community-based clinic’s needs. A few examples of the services we provide include:

• Lab services
• Medical imaging
• Patient education
• Reduced-cost outpatient medical care and health screenings
• Telehealth services

We’re grateful for our Community Clinic Network partners, who help Wellstar create a healthier Georgia for all. Together, we’re making a difference in people’s lives across the state.

Learn more about the Wellstar Center for Health Equity.

More than 450 Wellstar team members fanned out across metro Atlanta, West Georgia, Augusta and beyond on November 14, volunteering their time to improve access to healthy food and housing by supporting 20 local, community-based organizations.

They packed and distributed food, assisted in community gardens, and sorted food and clothing donations.

“It warms my heart to see so many team members participating in our annual Day of Service,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System. “As a nonprofit, community-based health system, our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve, and it’s always exciting to expand that mission outside the walls of our facilities.”

Wellstar volunteers participated in service projects for the following nonprofit organizations: Atlanta Community Food Bank (Atlanta and Marietta), Covenant House (Atlanta), Douglasville Community Garden (Douglasville), The Drake House (Roswell), Feeding the Valley Midland Warehouse (Muscogee County), Five Loaves & Two Fish Food Pantry (Griffin), Food Well Alliance – Roswell UMC Giving Garden (Roswell), Golden Harvest Food Bank (Augusta and Aiken, S.C.), Helping Hands of Paulding County (Dallas), LaGrange Personal Aid (LaGrange), MUST Ministries (Marietta Donation Center and Mobile Pantry at the VA Clinic), North Fulton Community Charities (Roswell), Our Giving Garden (Mableton), The Salvation Army (Atlanta, Griffin and Marietta), Sweetwater Mission (Austell) and the Warehouse of Hope (Douglasville).

KENNESAW, Ga. (Nov. 12, 2024) — Kennesaw State University (KSU) and Wellstar Health System have doubled the number of students at KSU’s Wellstar School of Nursing in the last four years, helping to fill the need for more nurses in Georgia.

The nationwide shortage of nurses is hitting Georgia particularly hard. Georgia currently has 21 percent fewer registered nurses than it needs and is expected to see the second-highest estimated shortage in the U.S. by 2035, according to the federal Health Resources Service Administration (HRSA).

“Our partnership with Wellstar not only enhances the educational opportunities for our students, but also makes a significant impact on the future of healthcare in Georgia,” said Kennesaw State President Kathy S. Schwaig. “Together, we are ensuring that more nurses are entering the workforce, highly trained and dedicated to providing essential care and support.”

To grow KSU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing enrollment, Wellstar in 2020 committed nearly $9 million over five years to fund nursing scholarships and the hiring of new nursing faculty and staff. As a result:

• Kennesaw State’s nursing enrollment has increased in each of the past four years — doubling from 512 in 2019-20, prior to Wellstar’s grant, to 1,155 students in the 2023-24 academic year. (Note: The 2024-25 nursing enrollment will be known once the Spring 2025 cohort is enrolled.)
• The Wellstar School of Nursing hired an additional 32 faculty members and 12 support staff employees.
• Kennesaw State added new sections of several nursing courses and skills labs, coinciding with Wellstar expanding its clinical nurse training opportunities and sites available to KSU students.

“At Wellstar, we have a responsibility to create pathways for our communities’ future healthcare workers,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System. “By working closely with Kennesaw State, we’re helping more students pursue medical careers through scholarships and the additional faculty to teach them. This collaboration is critical to help meet Georgia’s need for more healthcare workers.”

The Wellstar scholarships at KSU can be combined with the state-provided HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships, which are helping thousands of Georgia students attend an in-state four-year college or university, as well as other tuition assistance. Wellstar also offers its nurses and other clinical team members tuition reimbursement for ongoing education at KSU throughout the career.

“Wellstar Health System’s generous support directly addresses the critical nursing workforce need,” said Monica Swahn, dean of KSU’s Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. “Our commitment to excellence has remained steadfast, and as we look to the future, we will continue to lead and innovate in shaping the next generation of nurses.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses in metro Atlanta earn on average about $45 per hour, or $95,000 per year plus benefits, depending on their area of specialty.

The longstanding KSU-Wellstar partnership’s success supporting community health and well-being is outlined in the 2024 Wellstar School of Nursing annual report.

Kennesaw State has been collaborating with Wellstar for decades. Wellstar currently manages the University’s on-campus student health clinics and is the named donor of the College of Health and Human Services and its School of Nursing.

Wellstar, on top of its previous $18 million in contributions to KSU, recently committed $25 million to expand the relationship. Wellstar provided the lead funding commitment for a new state-of-the-art training and conditioning complex for KSU student-athletes, pending approval by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, along with a new Center for Research on Human Sport Performance and Wellbeing. Beginning July 1, 2026, Wellstar will be the exclusive orthopedics and sports medicine provider, partner, and sponsor of the KSU Athletics Association, providing key services for Kennesaw State student-athletes.

The Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center Pharmacogenomics Program (CaPP) has launched pharmacogenomics testing services for the center’s patients and oncologists. Pharmacogenomics employs genetic sequence alterations in drug metabolism genes to predict toxicity.

The tests measure changes in genes that make proteins that metabolize common chemotherapy drugs. If a patient has a mutation in these genes, their metabolism will not handle the drug properly. This may cause the patient to become sick.

“These tests can help people avoid severe toxicity from chemotherapy. We want to optimize treatment for patients who need a lower dose when they have any gene mutation,” said Dr. John W. Henson, director of neuro-oncology at the Medical College of Georgia and the Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center. The Pharmacogenomics Program is co-led by Henson in the Hereditary Cancer Clinic and Dr. Katherine Saunders-Wohlfrom in Oncology Pharmacy.

The program’s initial focus will be on patients with gastrointestinal cancers in conjunction with Dr. Asha Nayak. Henson said this is where the biggest impact will come right away. Other service lines, including breast cancer, will benefit as more testing is done.

“This is a valuable message to the community,” said Henson. “CaPP services will include testing support, report interpretation, document management, clinician consultation, and patient and family consultation.”

Henson also thanked Dr. Brandy D. Gunsolus in Clinical Laboratory Science for her help with the program, saying she was instrumental in developing the order process.

From catching cancer to following through with expert care, Wellstar ensures patients never have to fight lung cancer alone.

Wellstar is dedicated to early intervention in lung cancer, which improves outcomes for patients. After detection of an abnormality on a CT scan, patients are immediately surrounded with an interdisciplinary support team devoted to their well-being.

Identifying lung cancer early

If you are at increased risk for developing lung cancer, talk to your care team about screenings. With a low-dose CT scan of the chest, it only takes a few seconds to check in on your lung health. These screenings are offered at several Wellstar imaging centers.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force has revised lung screening guidelines. Patients may qualify for screening if they are 50 to 80 years old and smoked for 20 years. If they are a former smoker, they may qualify if they quit less than 15 years ago.

“Lung screening improves a person’s chances of detecting a lung cancer at an early stage and being cured of that cancer,” said Wellstar Thoracic Surgeon Dr. William Mayfield.

Because finding cancer and starting treatment sooner can be life-saving, Wellstar has invested in the incidental nodule program. When people come into a hospital seeking care for something else—whether that be a health condition like appendicitis or a traumatic event like a motorcycle accident—they might get a scan of the abdomen or chest that also shows portions of the lungs.

Using artificial intelligence, reports of those scans are fed to report coordinators, categorized based on their risk level, and if the patient is higher-risk, forwarded to nurse navigators for review. Nurse navigators consult with physicians about the findings, and Wellstar can then initiate care if cancer is found.

“People that come to the hospital for other problems may also be walking around with a lung cancer they didn’t know about,” Dr. Mayfield said.

The program, which started in fall 2020, has identified a total of 148 lung cancers and 14 other types of cancer, as of October 2024.

“Now those people are getting care, and it’s quite likely those cancers would have been missed,” Dr. Mayfield said.

Wellstar is developing another incidental nodule program for the abdominal area, which could lead to the discovery of several cancers including ovarian, kidney, bladder and liver cancers.

The program aligns with the Wellstar mission of enhancing the health and well-being of every person we serve.

“It was the right thing to do for the community. If we miss these cancers, it is a broken promise to the patient,” Dr. Mayfield said.

Then, if cancer is found, Wellstar “closes the loop” by initiating treatment and connecting the patient with resources, Dr. Mayfield said.

Expert care and support at every step

From the very beginning, lung cancer patients at Wellstar are surrounded by a team of experts. Rather than go through the time-consuming process of driving to multiple appointments with different specialists, patients meet with all these physicians in one place.

The Wellstar Lung Cancer STAT Clinic, at Wellstar Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone Regional, North Fulton and Paulding medical centers, as well as the Thoracic NOW Clinic at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, give patients immediate access to specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, pulmonary medicine and thoracic surgery.

“No other health system does multidisciplinary care the way Wellstar does,” Dr. Mayfield said.

Getting multiple expert opinions from the start not only gives patients peace of mind, it speeds up treatment, too. In the United States, the average time between an abnormal scan and the beginning of treatment is 95 days, Dr. Mayfield said. The STAT Clinic reduces that time to as little as 14 days. Time-to-treatment affects long-term survival in lung cancer patients, Dr. Mayfield said—a six-week delay can reduce five-year survival by up to 13%, according to research from the Cleveland Clinic.

“Time really does matter in the treatment and diagnosis of lung cancer,” Dr. Mayfield said.

High-tech surgery options

For many patients, surgery is a crucial part of lung cancer treatment. Wellstar offers several minimally invasive options, reducing recovery time for patients.

Dr. Mayfield said more than 90% of lung cancer surgeries at Wellstar are performed using either the da Vinci Surgical System or Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery techniques (VATS).

Minimally invasive surgeries reduce pain, scarring, blood loss and infection, as well as time to recover—getting patients back to work and other routines quicker.

The da Vinci system is equipped with 3D cameras and instruments that can make very intricate, precise movements, allowing for shorter incisions and more accurate surgery. Some patients can leave the hospital as early as the next day.

For biopsies, Wellstar has completed 500 procedures using the Ion system, a robotic-assisted platform.

To prevent lung cancer and keep your lungs healthy, talk to your primary care team and follow a few tips, such as avoiding smoking and getting your exercise. Learn more about treatments on our cancer care page.

Lead Khristen Flennoy is on a mission. As the new director of the Wellstar Healthy Start program, she wants to enroll hundreds of women in Butts, Spalding and Troup counties in a program that cares for mothers and babies before, during and after childbirth.

“There is a great need to expand women’s health services in Butts, Spalding and Troup counties, and we’re grateful for the resources the Healthy Start grant provides,” said Flennoy. “After an extremely competitive application process, Wellstar is now part of Healthy Start’s 33-year legacy of improving the health of women and families. I am ecstatic to lead the charge alongside a dynamic team to create a lasting impact for the people in these communities.”

For the first time in her new role, Flennoy led a community consortium meeting on Friday, October 25. The group was formed to serve as a voice for the community after Wellstar received the $5.5 million Healthy Start federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration. The highly competitive grant invests in communities to improve health outcomes before, during and after pregnancies.

According to the Georgia Department of Health, maternal deaths during pregnancy are increasing. Black women are twice as likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related causes. Wellstar is the first grant recipient in the state to embed the Healthy Start program in its OB/GYN offices.

Participants include pregnant women, new moms of babies up to 18 months old, and fathers and other caregivers. So far, more than 50 participants in Butts, Spalding and Troup counties have signed up. Many are already receiving the services at no cost, which include case managers, nurse navigators and doula services, as well as classes on pregnancy and infant care, parenting and nutrition. The grant also covers transportation needs.

“This grant allows us to better connect clinical expertise with community support to improve the health of women and families in Georgia counties that have the greatest need," said Preston Hendrickson, assistant vice president of Women’s Health at Wellstar. “We’re thrilled about the opportunities that the Healthy Start grant will make available to families that live, work and play in Butts, Spalding and Troup counties.”

A family’s income or insurance status does not factor into who qualifies. Any expectant or new parent can receive care through the program. To apply, fill out the confidential questionnaire at wellstar.org/healthystart.

This article is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $5.5 million with 0% financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS or the U.S. government.

Whether you’re running a marathon or simply running errands, having healthy lungs helps you to live comfortably and do the activities you enjoy.

Lung health is an important part of overall wellness. It’s best to prevent health issues before they start, and Wellstar experts will partner with you to personalize a plan to keep your lungs healthy. 

Book an appointment online to check in with a provider about your lung health and follow these tips to breathe a little easier.

Don’t smoke or vape

If you are a smoker, keep in mind that there are both short-term and long-term benefits to quitting. One to nine months after the last cigarette, your shortness of breath should decrease. Within 10 years of quitting, a former smoker's risk of developing lung cancer is 30% to 50% below that of a person who continues to smoke.

Also, if you don’t smoke, do not pick up the habit. Nicotine is highly addictive, even more so than many other drugs including narcotic opiates, according to Wellstar Pulmonologist Dr. Hitendra Patel.

Dr. Patel said that vaping is gaining popularity, especially among younger people. However, vaping irritates a person’s airways and increases their risk of asthma.

“Nothing but air should go in and out of the lungs,” Dr. Patel said. “Any other chemical or substance, or inhalation of smoke of any kind, is going to be detrimental and harmful.”

Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Jignesh Dholaria said misinformation about vaping is common.

“People have the notion that vaping is somehow safer and that it doesn’t have the same chemicals that cigarettes do,” Dr. Dholaria said. “We’re seeing a lot more harmful effects from vaping just because we don’t always know all the chemicals that are in these vapes. That has caused a lot more lung-related injuries.”

Get your exercise and sleep

While staying active is a critical component of overall wellness, it’s especially important to keep your lungs in top shape.

“As you’re breathing in and out, getting rid of carbon dioxide and inhaling more oxygen, that helps your tissues, which helps you feel better overall,” Dr. Dholaria said.

Even if it is raining—or if pollutants are especially high that day and you’re worried about lung irritation—there are ways to get your steps in. Dr. Patel recommends going to an air-conditioned shopping mall or store to get some exercise if being outside is not an option.

“Continuing to exercise to the fullest of your body’s ability is an important step of maintaining whatever lung health you have,” Dr. Patel said. “If you start with healthy lungs, staying on an exercise program and regimen is vital.”

Balance that exercise with some rest, too. Dr. Patel, who is also the medical director of the Wellstar sleep program, said being well-rested can ward off sickness, including some respiratory illnesses.

“If you don’t sleep well, that means your immune system is not going to function as well as it should,” he said.

Try breathing exercises

In addition to getting your sleep, some relaxation and breathing techniques can have benefits for both mental wellness and lung health. 

Dr. Patel recommends “4-7-8 breathing,” which involves inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for seven seconds and then exhaling for eight seconds.

Benefits of breathing exercises may include lower stress and anxiety levels, lower blood pressure and better sleep.

Manage your asthma

If you have asthma, know your lungs and avoid the environmental triggers that cause the condition to flare up, Dr. Patel said. Common triggers include pet dander, seasonal changes, allergens like perfume and smoke inhalation. 

Asthma can also run in families, although there is often no specific reason why a person develops asthma, Dr. Patel said.

“Sometimes people underestimate how bad asthma can be,” Dr. Patel said.

If you have asthma, see your primary care physician to monitor your lung health. Pulmonologists specialize in caring for people’s lungs, and they often collaborate with primary care clinicians to create personalized plans to manage their patients’ asthma.

Ask your care team about screenings

Early detection is key in cancer treatment, but many lung cancers present in later stages, Dr. Patel said.

“In that area in the middle of the lungs and the middle of the chest, there are no pain fibers or pain sensors in there,” Dr. Patel said. “If a tumor occurs there, patients don’t know it. They don’t feel it, and it doesn’t hurt them.”

Lung cancer is sometimes found when it spreads and causes complications, Dr. Patel said.

If you are at increased risk for developing lung cancer, ask your care team about screenings. You should consider screenings if you are a current or past smoker. Visit our lung cancer screening page to learn more about if screening, which involves low-dose CT scans, could benefit you. To keep up with your lung health, find a Wellstar physician near you.

Innovative technology at Wellstar is offering patients a minimally invasive option for lung biopsies, reducing complications and helping expedite lung cancer treatment.

The Ion system is a robotic-assisted platform for performing lung biopsies. If a lung cancer screening or any other CT scan shows a suspicious nodule, providers will need to perform a biopsy to determine if the patient has lung cancer and how to proceed with care.

“Those nodules may not be cancer, but in certain situations we still need to know what it is,” said Wellstar Pulmonologist Dr. Timothy Udoji. “The Ion technology helps us biopsy those nodules to get an answer so that additional workup can be done immediately. If it is cancer, we want to catch it at an early stage.”

The system uses a three-dimensional spatial recognition technology that helps guide a catheter down the airway, deep into the lung, all the way to small nodules where biopsies can be performed. The robotic catheter maintains its shape and stability throughout the biopsy process significantly improving diagnostic yield compared to other modalities.

“The better the image and the more certainty we have of the spatial location of the catheter, the better we can avoid complications by making sure we are not too close to a blood vessel or the edge of the lung,” said Wellstar Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Daniel Fortes.

During the biopsy, providers can also use the Ion system to mark an area in the lung, making it easier to find later during surgery.

“If something is very small and hard to find in surgery, Ion can be used to mark that area with dye, or contrast, that allows us to find it in surgery,” Dr. Fortes said. “With this technology added to the surgical robotic system in the operating room, we can better identify those lesions and remove smaller portions of lung, also called segments.”

Technology to help provide peace of mind

The Ion system also has further reach than previous technologies and is able to more easily biopsy nodules in the peripheral areas of the lung. For many cancer patients, this will allow them to initiate care earlier and improve their outcomes, as well as give them peace of mind during the treatment process.

“Mental health impacts physical health. We are able to confidently biopsy and identify these nodules and that means a lot for our patients,” Dr. Udoji said. “Now, with this new technology we are able to get a biopsy done much earlier which has huge outcome implications for malignant nodules.”

At Wellstar, cancer care is tailored for each patient. In the Wellstar STAT Clinic for Lung Cancer, patients meet with multiple specialists at once to discuss their care options and create a personalized treatment plan. Specialists in the STAT Clinics, which are located at Wellstar Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone Regional, North Fulton and Paulding medical centers, work with patients to determine the optimal course of treatment and will talk with patients and families about biopsy options, including the Ion system. The STAT Clinics give patients the opportunity to have their diagnoses managed right away, and literature shows that the clinics’ diagnostic and treatment model improves outcomes for patients.

The Ion system is currently in use at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, where the team has completed 500 procedures. Learn more about lung cancer care at wellstar.org/lungcancer.

ATLANTA, Ga., Oct. 17, 2024 – Wellstar Health System announced today that redevelopment of the former Atlanta Medical Center campus is set to begin in the coming weeks, led by The Integral Group and guided by the land-use plan unanimously approved by the Atlanta City Council last month with support from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

“We will work closely with the city to build on its revitalization plan and bring to life our shared vision of a thriving, healthy addition to the Old Fourth Ward,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System.

To lead the redevelopment process, Wellstar has engaged The Integral Group, a nationally recognized, Atlanta-based firm that specializes in creating spaces that reflect the needs, character and history of their community.

The City of Atlanta placed a zoning moratorium on the property in 2022 and renewed it three times, most recently in June 2024. The moratorium expired October 15, 2024.

“For nearly two years, our administration has worked with purpose and intent on a thoughtful plan for the next chapter for this property,” said Mayor Dickens. “Through direct engagement with the Old Fourth Ward and surrounding stakeholders, we now have an opportunity to create an inclusive, forward-looking and thriving new development that meets the community’s needs for affordable housing, green space and safe streets—while maintaining some medical use and retaining the neighborhood’s unique character. I appreciate Wellstar moving forward with this community-driven project while our administration continues to explore options to meet the healthcare needs of residents on the Southside.”

The vision for the 22-acre campus includes a vibrant, diverse mixed-use neighborhood with affordable housing, residential properties, community and public green space, neighborhood-level retail, new street access, commercial uses, and health and well-being resources.

“At Integral, we believe that transforming a community requires more than just development—it requires a commitment to understanding and addressing the core needs of the people who live there,” said Egbert Perry, chairman of The Integral Group. “This project is a tremendous opportunity to create a lasting impact. It will honor the history of the area while shaping a vibrant, sustainable future.”

The nature of the health and well-being component will be determined in collaboration with community stakeholders as part of Integral’s comprehensive planning process and will include an in-depth analysis of the area’s healthcare needs.

Over the next few weeks, Integral will develop an implementation plan and engage with neighbors and community stakeholders to gather further feedback. The revitalization effort will take place in phases over several years, with community input at every stage. In response to the neighborhood’s desire to see progress quickly, Integral expects to apply for permits soon with the goal of beginning demolition of certain aging structures in the first quarter of 2025.

“This is a long-awaited new beginning for the Old Fourth Ward community," said Atlanta City Councilor Amir Farokhi. “These properties have enormous potential to meet our city’s and the neighborhood’s need for more dense, mixed-use development, including, hopefully, new housing.”

“The Old Fourth Ward sits at a crossroads of our city. This is a vital investment in the growth and advancement of this historic neighborhood for the betterment of all who live here,” said Tom Boyle, president of Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association. “We are ready to move ahead quickly with the next steps for this site and we are eager to work together throughout all phases of this project.”

The Wellstar Center for Health Equity has teamed up with Social Cascade, a health literacy platform designed to modernize patient education, to address health inequities across Georgia. This partnership is part of Wellstar’s Community Transformation Program and represents a shared commitment to improving health outcomes by using technology to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients. However, the partnership is about much more than what can be accomplished through technology; it is about empowering patients and making meaningful progress toward health equity.

At Wellstar, we have long believed that every person deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life, regardless of their circumstances. The Center for Health Equity is committed to making healthcare accessible, equitable and dignified for everyone in Georgia. By implementing systemwide programs that address health disparities, Wellstar is creating lasting change across the state. Now, Social Cascade joins us in championing this important work that ensures everyone can access quality care, regardless of their background or circumstances.

A collaborative approach to health equity

Improving health inequities requires teamwork. No organization, policy or program can solve these complex issues alone. Wellstar’s new partnership with Social Cascade uses a collaborative approach to make a meaningful difference in the community.

Here’s how it works: Wellstar has identified five Georgia-based clinics and advocacy organizations focused on reducing health inequities. Social Cascade will give those clinics full access to its innovative AI-powered solutions to help them more easily reach the patients they serve and strengthen patient engagement. The five participating organizations are:

• Someone Cares 
• Giving Health
• Empowerment Resource Center
• Healthy Mother, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia
• CareLink of Northwest Georgia

These clinics and advocacy organizations serve some of the most vulnerable populations, offering crucial services to individuals and families who may face barriers to healthcare access. Together, Wellstar and Social Cascade aim to amplify their reach, ensuring their patients receive timely, accurate health information through the social media platforms they already use.

Leveraging technology to improve health outcomes and access

Many individuals struggle to find, understand and apply health-related information, leading to poor health outcomes and difficulties navigating an already complex healthcare system. Social Cascade’s role is to help improve this situation by making health information more accessible and actionable for patients through the organizations and providers patients already know and trust.

With Wellstar’s support, Social Cascade will help participating groups:

• Boost patient acquisition and engagement: Social Cascade’s platform will enable clinics to reach their patients more effectively, offering real-time advice, resources and support that align with their healthcare journeys.
• Promote equitable healthcare: By connecting clinics to their communities through digital channels, Social Cascade helps break down barriers to access, improving social determinants of health like access to healthcare, education and support services.

Both Wellstar and Social Cascade envision a future where organizations across Georgia can more easily connect with their patients, improve access to care and positively impact the social determinants of health in their communities over time. Our organizations look forward to sharing the positive outcomes of this partnership and continuing to drive change in healthcare through innovation and collaboration.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Earl Stewart Jr. has accepted the role of medical director of health equity at Wellstar.

Dr. Stewart, a native of Augusta, graduated with honors from Mercer University and Meharry Medical College. He completed his internal medicine residency at Brown University. His clinical interests include heart disease prevention, the effects of the environment and climate on health, health equity and the connection between spirituality and medicine.

He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the National Medical Association, the American Association for Physician Leadership and the Arnold P. Gold Foundation for Humanism in Medicine. He actively serves in various capacities at both the state and national levels with these organizations.

"Growing up in Augusta, I saw family members in rural areas near Augusta struggle to access healthcare,” Dr. Stewart said. “That experience shaped my desire to improve access to care, which remains a key driver for me today."

His passion for making a difference is rooted in the belief that everyone should have access to the care they need, no matter where they live or their background. This personal connection continues to fuel his dedication to creating more inclusive healthcare.

"Many of us from underrepresented groups pursue medicine to advocate for equitable healthcare for those with similar experiences,” said Dr. Stewart on the importance of community care. “Despite advancements in care, these issues still persist."

In his new role, Dr. Stewart will partner with executive leadership and nursing teams to develop strategies for fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at Wellstar, leading initiatives to improve patient experiences, enhance cultural competency, boost employee engagement and strengthen community partnerships.

Dr. Stewart emphasized collaboration and innovation saying, "We are working to implement the PREVENT (Predicting Risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs) tool to more accurately assess cardiovascular risk for patients,” he said. “We are also gearing up for the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment to improve care, clinician data resources, and partnerships focusing on addressing the health care needs for all we serve, especially underserved groups."

Additionally, Dr. Stewart will help guide the Wellstar Center for Health Equity in addressing social determinants of health and reducing disparities.

"Improving diversity, equity and inclusivity in healthcare is no longer optional for health care systems—it's a requirement,” said Dr. Stewart. “Accreditation, certification and reimbursement all depend on it and we must embrace this new reality."

Reflecting on his roots, Dr. Stewart is ready to give back to the community he grew up in. "I'm thrilled that these initiatives will extend to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia and Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center in Augusta, where I first learned the ropes and prepared for a career of practicing medicine."

In 2023, an estimated 610,000 people will die of cancer in the U.S. It’s the second leading cause of death in the nation, just behind heart disease.

That’s partly because detecting cancer early is essential to treating it. Yet recommended screenings like mammograms, Pap tests and colonoscopies only screen for a handful of individual cancers.

That’s why the new Galleri Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) blood test being offered at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center is revolutionary. It can detect more than 50 kinds of cancer using about 1.5 tablespoons of blood.

Dr. Brandy Gunsolus, who oversees pathology utilization for Wellstar MCG Health, said the vast majority of the cancers Galleri can detect don’t currently have any other type of screening method. This is particularly important for more lethal cancers that aren’t typically caught until later stages, she said.

“To be able to catch a Stage II or even a Stage I ovarian cancer or pancreatic cancer, which you typically don’t catch until Stage IV, is completely life-changing,” she said. “It gives patients an increased chance of survival.”

In addition to looking for cancerous cells to determine if cancer is present, the test can also indicate in which organ system the cancer likely started. This lets the doctor know which additional tests to perform to verify the presence of cancer, such as a CT scan of a patient’s lungs.

The Galleri test development was supported by what is believed to be one of the largest study programs in genomic medicine, with more than 20,000 participants at more than 140 clinical study sites, including the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Its false-positive rate—the rate in which the test detects a cancer signal when there is no cancer present—is 0.5%.

Gunsolus said she started vetting the Galleri process this past spring. Wellstar MCG Health is the first hospital in Georgia to offer the test.

“It’s a process where pathology looks at the lab and the test itself to ensure it’s a legitimate test and not a scam,” she said.

While the test is a breakthrough, Gunsolus said she isn’t expecting high demand at the start because the test is not currently covered by insurance, although that’s expected to change in the next 12 to 18 months. The test is offered at a discounted rate of $799 for patients at Wellstar MCG Health. The regular price is $950 for patients outside of the health system. However, patients can use funds from their FSA or HSA to pay for the test, and a payment plan is available.

“Even though insurance doesn’t cover it yet, we wanted to go ahead and offer it for individuals like me who are very high risk,” she said. “This is a life-changing screen.”

Gunsolus said she plans to take the test because her four grandparents died from cancer, and her father has cancer.

“I’m willing to put out additional money until the test is covered because it’s not a matter of if I get cancer, but when,” she said.

The Galleri test is recommended for those 50 or older at elevated cancer risk. Those interested in taking the test can call (706) 721-9335.

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. It can develop in adults, often due to changes in the spine, such as disc degeneration, arthritis or osteoporosis. While many adults with scoliosis may not need treatment, surgery may be necessary in severe cases where the curve causes significant pain, limits movement or leads to deformity.

This type of surgery, called spinal deformity correction, is a complex procedure performed by a neurosurgeon. The goal is to realign the spine from the neck to the hips, both front-to-back and side-to-side. Dr. Ben Zussman, a Wellstar neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, is one of the few specialists in Georgia who performs this life-changing surgery.

When scoliosis surgery is recommended

“Adult degenerative scoliosis often develops slowly, causing someone with a previously straight spine to become increasingly crooked,” Dr. Zussman explained. 
Common signs that might lead to considering surgery include:

• Uneven shoulders or waistline
• Protruding shoulder blades
• A hump on the back
• Severe low back pain or leg pain
• Leg weakness
• Stooped posture

These symptoms occur because the spine's unnatural curve forces the body to adjust, which can change posture and make it hard to stay upright. “Without a good center of gravity, your body begins to lean, which is exhausting,” says Dr. Zussman. When pain and limited mobility significantly affect daily life, scoliosis surgery can help improve movement and quality of life.

Moving forward with treatment

By age 50, Cynthia Clark’s spine had become so crooked that she could no longer stand upright. A CT scan taken just eight years earlier showed a straight spine, but degenerative scoliosis had progressed quickly, causing intense pain and difficulty walking.



Dr. Zussman offered Cynthia surgery to relieve her severe symptoms, explaining the complexity and long recovery process. Although she was nervous, Cynthia reached a point where she felt she couldn’t continue living in such pain.

Before surgery, Dr. Zussman referred her to an endocrinologist to strengthen her bones, ensuring she was physically and mentally prepared. When she was ready, Cynthia underwent the procedure.

Undergoing complex spinal surgery

Cynthia’s surgery was extensive, lasting eight hours and involving a long incision down her back. Dr. Zussman used advanced imaging techniques to guide the placement of 17 levels of screws with precision. He removed damaged discs and relieved pressure from pinched nerves. The screws were then connected by long, strong rods to realign her spine, restoring its shape and function.



Post-operative X-rays show Cynthia standing up straight. The screws, rods and spacers help to brace her skeleton internally and maintain her posture.

Recovery is ‘like a miracle’

Cynthia’s recovery was remarkable. She began walking within two days after surgery—far surpassing expectations. Her quick progress allowed her to be discharged without needing inpatient rehab, and she completed a shorter-than-usual course of outpatient therapy.

“Cynthia now walks completely straight without a cane,” said Dr. Zussman. “Even people at her grocery store notice the drastic difference and give her hugs.”

Cynthia credits Dr. Zussman and his team with giving her life back. “I’m so happy I can move and do stairs—it’s like a miracle,” she shared.

Life-changing scoliosis surgery

Wellstar’s neurosurgery team addresses complex brain and spine conditions, including adult spinal deformity. In severe cases, scoliosis correction surgery requires a dedicated team of 10 to 15 medical professionals working together to realign the spine.

“This type of surgery can be totally life-changing,” Dr. Zussman shared.

Only a few neurosurgeons in Georgia perform this extensive surgery. Wellstar offers this advanced level of scoliosis care at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. Reach out to a location near you to schedule an appointment:

• Neurosurgery in Austell
• Neurosurgery in Marietta
• Neurosurgery in Roswell
• Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Augusta 

Learn more about spine surgery at Wellstar.

With dedicated health resources and caring, compassionate providers, Wellstar is making primary care more accessible to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+).

Historically, many healthcare systems have not focused on the specific needs of the LGBTQ community. 

“The LGBTQ community has been marginalized by the healthcare system,” Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Gabriella Maris said. “There is a lack of providers who have adequate training to understand and treat their unique health risks.”

Wellstar believes every person should have access to safe, high-quality healthcare. At each of our primary care locations, we maintain a welcoming, non-judgmental environment to treat patients. Across Wellstar, we’re committed to providing inclusive medical services in a safe, comfortable space to make LGBTQ care more available.

Dedicated health experts for the LGBTQ community

Members of the LGBTQ community may be at a higher risk for certain medical issues.

For example, lesbian and bisexual women may be at increased risk for breast, cervical and ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. The American Psychiatric Association also shared that LGBTQ people are more likely to experience mental health concerns and use mental health services.

Treating these health concerns starts with trained providers who take a caring, compassionate approach to help patients stay healthy.

Wellstar provides primary care for the LGBTQ community, including wellness exams, chronic disease management, virtual appointments and other health screenings. We also offer special services for people who identify as LGBTQ including:

• Family planning and birth control
• Prenatal and OB/GYN care
• Pap smears for men and women
• Colposcopy and anoscopy
• Hormone therapy
• PrEP and nPEP treatment for HIV prevention
• Pediatric care

Gender-affirming care

Gender-affirming care is medical treatment that supports a patient’s gender identity when their identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. 

“Gender-affirming care has the ability to save lives,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Danielle Ortega. “We know that a large percentage of transgender individuals, even starting in adolescence, have either suicidal intent or attempts in the past, and we know that gender-affirming care, when appropriate, improves mental health and prevents suicide.”

Active partners in your care

Wellstar physicians provide great care to patients and our health experts are dedicated to being a true partner in your wellness journey.

“I want for patients to know that Wellstar is their medical home—for them to feel comfortable when they walk in our door and for them to know that this is going to be a clinic that is not judgmental, is truly empathic and is here to help them in whatever way we can,” Dr. Maris said. 

Our primary care team puts patients at the center of their care, presenting them with all their options and working with them to decide how to accomplish their goals.

“I get to know patients and understand what their goals are, what their hopes are, who their supports are, what their job entails, what their community is like and, specifically, what their goals are in relation to their health,” Dr. Ortega said.

Find a Wellstar primary care location near you. Learn more about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Wellstar.

Effective November 2, 2024, Surgery Center of Columbia County and AU Health Imaging will be transitioning to Wellstar Outpatient Surgery Center Columbia County and Wellstar MCG Health Imaging Wheeler Road, respectively.

This change is part of Wellstar’s ongoing commitment to enhance the quality of care we provide and to ensure that our patients receive the most comprehensive and integrated care. As a result, patients will have greater access to a broader range of medical services, specialists, and advanced technologies within our hospital network.

While transitioning to a hospital-based entity will result in changes to the billing and payment process, it is our goal to make this transition as simple and convenient for patients as possible. Moving forward, patients will receive billing statements from two entities: Wellstar MCG (Hospital) for services rendered during treatment, and Wellstar Medical Group (WMG) for physician services. Our surgery and imaging services will stay at their current locations and our team members remain committed to providing world-class patient care and services to our community.

We encourage patients to contact their insurance carrier and/or Wellstar Customer Service at 956-STAR (770-956-7827) with any questions.

Thank you for entrusting Wellstar with your care. It is our privilege to serve you.

It’s not every day that a young man survives a nearly fatal car accident and takes a victory walk through the hospital hallways to thank his care team. After suffering a rare cricotracheal separation that left Chris LoCurto unable to effectively breathe on his own, that’s exactly what happened.

Coordinated EMS & hospital care set Chris up for survival

At 22, Chris was in a car accident that caused serious injuries he wasn’t sure he’d be able to survive. He fractured his jaw, clavicle and spine and his lung collapsed. His most life-threatening injury was a tracheal separation—his airway was cut in half.

EMS professionals arrived on the scene. Although Chris was talking and walking, they could hear something abnormal in his breathing. The paramedics coordinated care with Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center so the trauma team would be assembled and ready for Chris upon arrival.

“I was trying to breathe but I wasn’t getting air,” Chris said. “Going to the hospital, I was honestly thinking I wasn’t going to make it.”

How the trauma team put Chris on the road to recovery

Led by Dr. Daniella Kington, the trauma team was waiting when Chris arrived. Immediately, they intubated him so he could breathe. They used a bronchoscope, a special camera, to see inside the airway to diagnose the injury and learn important details to plan treatment.

Chris was then put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This highly-advanced machine helps the heart, lungs or both heal after extreme trauma or organ failure.

“For Chris, ECMO supported his breathing and oxygenation during the intricate surgical repair of his trachea,” said Jamie Van Ness, MBA, BSN, TCRN, director of Trauma Services at Wellstar Kennestone.

Now a Level I Trauma Center, the hospital is one of a few in Georgia that offers ECMO.

Dr. Nelson May, a head and neck trauma surgeon, was assisted by Dr. Nicholas Mildenhall to perform Chris’ tracheal repair. The surgery required the surgeons to reattach Chris’ larynx to his trachea. Then they placed a tracheostomy tube so Chris would be able to breathe, swallow and talk again.

To allow his airway to heal, Chris was sedated for a few weeks. When he woke, his injuries had been treated but he was fighting pneumonia. He was transferred to intensive care and his condition improved within a week.

Throughout his time in the hospital, Chris received the right treatment at the right time thanks to Wellstar’s multidisciplinary approach to care.

“Coming to Wellstar Kennestone made a difference in Chris' outcome,” said trauma surgeon Dr. Ginger Justice, a physician who got to know Chris on her daily rounds. “He came to a trauma center that had all the resources to care for him—pretty much from the moment he hit the Emergency Department to discharge.”&

Providing specialized trauma care

When Chris was a patient, all the specially trained doctors and advanced technology were available to help him recover from his life-threatening injuries. Shortly after, Wellstar Kennestone was verified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level I Trauma Center, the highest level of trauma care offered.

“The first and most crucial piece [to Level I Trauma Center verification] is that we have all the different subspecialists available in one place to provide full care for our patients,” Dr. Kington said. “If a patient comes in, no matter where they’re injured, we have a subspecialist who can help with all those different injuries.”

That was exactly what Chris needed. In addition to helping people get trauma care fast, Wellstar Kennestone is home to a residency program, training the next generation of trauma doctors.

For about a month and a half, Chris recovered in the trauma unit, ICU and intensive inpatient rehabilitation. In Wellstar Kennestone’s inpatient rehab, specially trained speech, occupational and physical therapists create a specialized care plan to help each patient achieve their goals and get back to living life.

Compassionate nurses made a lasting impact on Chris

While the trauma team saved his life, Chris credits his nurses with keeping him motivated.

“Every nurse I met who came in, we ended up forming some sort of relationship,” Chris said. “They took care of me like their own. That’s not in their job title, nobody asked them to do that, which is why I’m so grateful. They went above and beyond what they get paid to do to make me better physically and mentally.”

For example, one nurse found out about Chris’ love of aviation and brought him to see an air ambulance helicopter. Another nurse shared his love for hunting and planned a reunion for Chris and his hunting companion, his dog Maddux.



“While the future was kind of unforeseen, the nurses connected with me,” Chris said. “I got to spend some time with my dog too. It was huge for my mental well-being.”

Coming back to say thanks

Chris defied the odds by walking, talking and being able to eat. Today, he’s taking steps toward a full recovery. While learning to live with a tracheostomy tube, he’s working out and increasing his cardio exercise. He spends a lot of time walking Maddux.

“I’m slowly introducing myself to normalcy again,” he said.

A crucial part of recovery was visiting the hospital and saying “thank you” to his care team.

“He and his family walked in,” Dr. Justice remembered. “I saw Chris in normal street clothes, walking with his sunglasses on. He said, ‘Hey, I’m doing great!’ To see this young man with so much potential have a good outcome was very inspiring.”

Chris made sure to thank as many care team members as possible. “Their motivation and drive to get me going is without a doubt one of the reasons I’m moving around as good as I am today,” he said.

Dr. May added, “It was gratifying to see the real-life implication of Chris’ care and to be able to participate in getting him to where he is today.”

A bright future thanks to expert trauma care

Overall, without the first-rate trauma response of Chris’ medical team at Wellstar Kennestone, he would not be where he is today—back in the wilderness with Maddux.

“The coordination of many different teams and doctors with different areas of expertise in different phases of his care allowed him to be where he is today,” Dr. May said.

Wellstar Kennestone provided the advanced care Chris needed with excellent trauma services. Now with a Level I Trauma accreditation, the trauma team can keep offering advanced care—and preparing the physicians of the future to do the same.

Learn more about Trauma Care at Wellstar.

At the recent Health Connect South conference, Dr. Charles Craton, Quality Medical Director of Primary Care at Wellstar Health System, participated in an impactful panel discussion titled “Driving Innovation in Your Backyard: Helping Local Startups Get Off the Ground.” The discussion brought together Dr. Craton and other medical experts to explore how innovation and technology are shaping healthcare access and outcomes across the state.

“Part of my role as the Quality Medical Director is to provide great evidence-based care, but I also want to make it easier on our primary care doctors and help reduce burnout,” Dr. Craton explained.

He highlighted Catalyst by Wellstar's pilot program, developed in collaboration with MapHabit, a company dedicated to helping individuals with cognitive disorders. The technology allows patients living with Alzheimer’s disease, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and traumatic brain injuries to live more independently. After learning about MapHabit, Dr. Craton reached out for more information.

“We don’t have great tools for these conditions,” he said. “While we have medication to slow disease progression, this is a tool that can help a lot of people live a better life.” Matt Golden, CEO of MapHabit, was also a panelist. He discussed the growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s, asking audience members to raise their hands if they knew someone affected by the disease. Nearly 80 percent of attendants raised a hand.

“Ten years ago, you might have only had half that response, but unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease is exploding as people live longer,” Golden shared.

The collaboration between Wellstar and MapHabit is a testament to Wellstar’s ongoing commitment to innovative care. The pilot program, currently taking place in Douglasville and through Population Health Managers, involves ten primary care physicians and 75 families from these practices. The study includes a diverse population, with 65% of study patients being African American, ensuring that the findings and benefits of the program are relevant and beneficial to a wide range of communities.

MapHabit is the first company to use the spared memory system through visual cues and applied behavioral analysis—proven habit-building techniques that benefit people with cognitive decline. The system allows caregivers to set up step-by-step guides for specific tasks they want their loved ones to learn. Patients can follow these visual steps and, over time, perform daily activities without thinking through each step, using a preserved area of the brain. This unique approach helps drive independence for neurodiverse individuals.

Dr. Craton shared that they are halfway through enrolling participants in the pilot, which serves as a proof of concept, and early results have shown improved outcomes. His vision is to see the tool implemented across the entire Wellstar system.

“My ultimate goal is to conduct a full study and publish comprehensive data,” Craton said.

Wellstar’s commitment to safely streamlining the flow of information was among the highlights at a gathering that brought together more than 1,200 health leaders from across the South.

Bob Speakman, Wellstar’s VP and Chief Technology Officer, participated in a panel discussion titled, “The Rise of the Digitally Native Health Care Consumer” at Health Connect South’s annual event Wednesday at the Georgia Aquarium. Speakman gave insights into Wellstar’s partnership with CLEAR, the technology company that provides biometric travel document verification systems at airports and stadiums across the U.S.

In May, Wellstar became the first healthcare system to pilot a program that allows patients to efficiently check in for appointments using CLEAR’s technology integrated into Epic’s kiosks and tablets. The technology uses facial recognition to verify a patient’s identity and streamline the check-in process safely and reliably. Wellstar pioneered the development of this solution in partnership with CLEAR and Epic.

“Everything we’re doing is based around the patient experience,” Speakman said. “We’re trying to make things better, easier, less stressful. Our objective is to replace the clipboard.”

As patients of all ages become more comfortable with having technology at their fingertips, Wellstar continues to lead the way in exploring the application of smart-phone and other technology innovations in the healthcare setting.

During the gathering, Speakman also said he’s excited about healthcare innovations surrounding artificial intelligence.

“I’m excited about the AI stuff. It’s going to be a game changer,” he said.

Other participants in the Health Connect South panel discussion were David Bardan, General Manager and Head of Healthcare for CLEAR, and Dr. Priyanka Agarwal, Founder and CEO of HealthEx. Ryan Howels, Principal of Leavitt Partners, served as the moderator.

Each year, leaders and innovators from across the Southeast come together at Health Connect South to discuss the health needs of our communities and how local systems and organizations can collaborate to address these needs. This year's event, held on September 18 at the Georgia Aquarium, convened healthcare, finance and community leaders to discuss shared solutions for challenges like healthcare accessibility, workforce shortages and health outcomes.

During a panel discussion with other healthcare leaders, Wellstar Health System President and CEO Candice L. Saunders explained how healthcare collaborations can improve access to care and workforce development, and the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to improve the lives of our communities.

"As we look at the future of healthcare, where we're going, what's happening in the healthcare industry from an overall cultural transformation and all the other opportunities and challenges that we face, we see a different future for healthcare— one that is much more holistic, more proactive," said Saunders.

Wellstar knows the importance of collaboration and has long worked with community partners and local systems to enhance the health and well-being of every person it serves across the region.

Last August, Wellstar announced a partnership with the University System of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) in Augusta to create Wellstar MCG Health. The organizations' shared vision for effectively addressing the unique needs of people and communities across Georgia has inspired several programs and initiatives to expand access to care and develop the healthcare workforce of the future.

"As we focus on our biggest problems and opportunities, we must use technology, including AI, to augment care and help our caregivers. But we also want to make sure we can make it more human. We can't forget the important human connection in health care, which we all need to protect," she continued.

Saunders also shared how leveraging innovative technology to advance telehealth has presented significant opportunities for Wellstar and Wellstar MCG Health to reach patients and clinicians in every corner of the state. Through the Rural Hospital Virtual Care Network, pioneered by Augusta University Health, rural hospitals can receive support from local systems like Wellstar for particularly challenging procedures. The network also helps address significant health disparities across rural Georgia, such as maternal and cardiovascular health.

The panelists also discussed the issue of recruiting and retaining clinicians to address the shortages health systems and hospitals have faced in recent years. According to the federal Health Resources Service Administration, Georgia currently has 21% fewer registered nurses than the state needs. The state is expected to see the second-highest shortage in the country by 2035. That's why, as Saunders shared, the Wellstar College of Nursing at Kennesaw State University, in partnership with Wellstar, is working to double the number of students in the next four years, ensuring a strong pipeline of new nurses to address the shortages we continue to see.

"You must have partners; the health systems cannot do this alone. And how do we help people continue to learn and grow? We know that it is not only really good for patient care but also good for business," Saunders continued.

Through Wellstar's partnership with MCG and other state medical colleges and universities, work is underway to expand residency programs to educate hundreds of future clinicians statewide. Students at MCG will also be trained to use Epic, ensuring they are prepared to use the latest digital tools as technology continues to evolve and drive innovation in care delivery.

Wellstar team members also have significant opportunities for professional development and advancement, such as the CareerCare program, which provides funding for tuition in select healthcare career pathways and expands professional development, education and growth opportunities.

Wellstar is proud to partner with organizations across the state to meet Georgians' healthcare needs now and for years to come. Together, these organizations can create the healthcare workforce of the future, leverage technology to increase affordability and accessibility of care, and improve the health of the patients and communities they serve.

Quick history lesson: In the 1990s, U.S. doctors adopted the prostate-specific antigen test—or PSA—to identify prostate cancer early, when it’s more treatable. While the PSA helped more men get diagnosed, concern was raised over the risks versus benefits of biopsies, procedures and treatment. In response, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force gave a controversial recommendation against routine screening with PSA in 2012.

But with new evidence from a variety of credible studies, they changed their recommendation in 2017. The current Task Force recommendation focuses on men having a conversation with their doctors about their risk for prostate cancer and the risks and benefits of screening.

Why did the guidelines change?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in males after skin cancer. The American Cancer Society projects that there will be more than twice as many prostate cancer cases diagnosed in men as lung cancer this year.

“The prevalence of the disease cannot be ignored,” said Dr. Jeffrey Tharp, a primary care physician and chief medicine division officer for Wellstar Medical Group. “Early-stage prostate cancer has higher survivability than prostate cancer diagnosed in later stages.”

Dr. Tharp pointed out that while guidelines have changed, so have the way doctors diagnose and treat prostate cancer. An elevated PSA does not automatically mean a cancer diagnosis. And when cancer is diagnosed, some care options have no side effects.

Read on to learn:

• Who should have a conversation with their doctor about prostate cancer screening, and when
• Who is at higher risk
• How the reason that’s holding some men back has changed
• What is a PSA and why having them at regular intervals is important
• Care options for prostate cancer

Due to renovations at Wellstar Children’s, the main lobby and parking circle are closed. The renovations are ongoing until Spring 2025. Here’s how to plan your visit while construction is underway. 

Wellstar Children’s continues to expand to meet the growing needs of the CSRA. To help improve your access to care, the Wellstar Children’s lobby is closed for renovations beginning August 29, 2024. During renovations the main entrance on Harper Street and the first floor elevators will not be accessible. The Wellstar Children’s parking circle will also be closed to all traffic.

Patient Access
For ease of access, please park in Medical Center Parking Deck 2 at 1461 Harper St. 

1. From the parking deck, enter the Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center through entrance F on Harper Street.
2. Take the F elevators to the second floor.
3. Follow signs to the Wellstar Children’s elevators to access patient floors.  
   

Pharmacy Curbside Pick-up 
Reserved parking for pharmacy pick-up will remain available.

1. Enter the Wellstar Children’s parking deck on Harper Street at the ground level.
2. Turn right. 
3. Signs designating the reserved spaces will be straight ahead along the sidewalk.

Chick-fil-A Access
Chick-fil-A will remain open and accessible during renovations. 

1. Enter Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center through the F entrance on Harper Street.
2. Follow signs for Chick-fil-A.

Blue Coat Ambassadors are always available to assist. Find a team member wearing a blue blazer to answer any questions you have.

The cancer care experts at Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers at Wellstar Cherokee Health Park are dedicated to patient-centered care that’s tailored to every patient, every time. We have expanded our services and space to invest in the health of our community in Cherokee and the surrounding areas.

Our facility now has tripled patient exam rooms and quadrupled infusion recliners to facilitate complex treatment that is requested by our cancer patients. We’ve also added support services, including an onsite compounding pharmacy and a clinical pharmacist available to help answer any questions.

Our leaders, researchers and innovators collaborate with specialists and care team members to create treatment plans for optimal clinical outcomes. 

Our services include:

• Medical oncology with partners in care Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers
• Outpatient infusion
• Pharmacy services including a compounding pharmacy for patient treatment needs, as well as on-site patient medication pick-up for oral chemotherapy
• Resources for patient education with a clinical pharmacist and nurse
• Support services including nurse navigators, dietitians, social workers and genetic counselors

Whole patient care

“At Wellstar, our patients have the support they need at every step of their cancer care journey,” said Wellstar Hematologist and Oncologist Dr. Madhurima Uppalapati. “Our team provides expert care for every aspect of the patient’s well-being and personalizes care to each patient’s needs.”

Support services include nurse navigators, who are registered nurses specially trained in cancer care who bring a highly personalized level of guidance and support to each patient and their family. Other members of our cancer care team include dietitians, social workers and genetic counselors. 

To schedule a cancer care appointment at Wellstar Cherokee Health Park, call (470) 267-0230. 

Leading healthcare institutions in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) have joined forces to enhance collaboration and address critical healthcare needs in the region. The inaugural meeting of the CSRA Healthcare Leadership Council convened Dec. 12, 2023.

Comprising the top executives from the area’s foremost hospitals, the council includes Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center; Joanna Conley, chief executive officer of Doctors Hospital; Lily Henson, chief executive officer of Piedmont Augusta; and Robin Jackson, medical center director of the VA Augusta Health Care System.

Wellstar MCG Health’s Ralph Turner emphasized the significance of collaboration among healthcare leaders. “Sometimes there’s a focus on competition among hospitals, but we have a common goal of wanting to take care of the people in our community.”

Joanna Conley added: “At Doctors Hospital, our mission is that, above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life. By convening regularly, we can strengthen our partnership and elevate the level of care across the CSRA.”

Robin Jackson of VA Augusta Health Care System said the council is about sharing resources, knowledge and best practices. “Quality healthcare doesn’t happen in isolation. It starts with partnership. The communication and collaboration coming out of the CSRA Healthcare Leadership Council will only strengthen the quality of care we deliver to local veterans and the wider community.”

The group’s monthly meetings will focus on recurring topics such as community health and emergency preparedness for the area.

“Piedmont Augsuta is creating real change across Georgia, in part through partnerships that empower our communities with education and access to seamless, hassle-free, high-quality care,” said Lily Henson. “By embracing the future and exemplifying teamwork and connections, we can make a positive difference in every life we touch.”

The council’s monthly meetings will rotate among participating facilities, fostering inclusivity and equitable engagement. These gatherings will serve as forums for discussing pressing healthcare issues and identifying collaborative opportunities to enhance patient care and community well-being.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (Aug. 8, 2024) – With courage that belies her 15 years, Harper Mathis stepped to the podium at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia and spoke to visitors from Hyundai, Wellstar Health System, Wellstar Children’s, Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center and Augusta University. When she finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

“This is my second chance at life,” she told them. “Without this trial, I don’t know if I would be here today. I just got the best MRI I’ve gotten in a while.”

On Thursday, Harper and other patients at Wellstar Children’s made their mark for kids battling cancer across the country by pressing their paint-covered hands onto white stickers, which were then placed on a new white Hyundai Santa Fe. The effect is a custom handprinted paint job to commemorate Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ $400,000 grant for pediatric cancer research.

Each year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels visits children’s hospitals across the U.S. to donate a two-year Scholar Hope grant to researchers working to improve outcomes and treatments for children diagnosed with cancer. The annual event also raises awareness for pediatric cancer research.

The $400,000 Scholar Hope grant will fund Dr. Ted Johnson’s research project titled, “Novel measurement of molecular immune activation to predict response to pediatric immunotherapy.” Dr. Johnson is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Wellstar Children’s and co-director of the Pediatric Immunotherapy Program at Wellstar Children’s and Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center.

Dr. Johnson and his research team are working to define the mechanisms that suppress the body’s immune response and allow tumor survival, so they can identify ways to counteract those processes and fortify the immune system to fight the tumor instead.

“This grant represents another critical pledge in our fight against pediatric brain tumors,” Dr. Johnson said. “This investigation is important because the more we understand about how these tumors quietly advance, the closer we will get to developing better treatments and therapies. This could positively impact care for children with brain tumors by improving their quality of life.”

This is the fourth Hyundai grant awarded to Dr. Johnson, who has received a total of $925,000 in Hope on Wheels funding since 2011 for his pediatric immunotherapy studies. The current Scholar Hope grant will fund research to measure the immune system’s activation and response to pediatric immunotherapy.

Harper and her family, who are from Michigan, have spent nearly six months at Wellstar Children’s to participate in the study.

“It means the world to me that Dr. Johnson has made his life all about this trial because I needed it so badly and so do other kids,” Harper said. “So many people don’t understand how meaningful this all is and how grateful and thankful we are."

Hyundai Hope on Wheels is a nonprofit organization committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. The organization provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives.

KENNESAW, Ga. (Aug. 13, 2024) — Kennesaw State University (KSU) and Wellstar Health System (Wellstar) today announced a new collaboration to support the health, wellbeing, and performance of KSU student-athletes. The partnership has three main components:

• Wellstar has provided the lead funding commitment for a new state-of-the-art training and conditioning complex for KSU student-athletes as they compete in Conference USA.
• KSU and Wellstar will partner to create a new center to support the physical and mental wellbeing of KSU student-athletes and conduct cutting-edge research into sports performance; the center will be called the Center for Research on Human Sport Performance and Wellbeing.
• Beginning July 1, 2026, Wellstar will be the exclusive orthopedics and sports medicine provider, partner, and sponsor of the KSU Athletics Association, providing key services for Kennesaw State student-athletes.

Today’s agreement builds on a longstanding partnership between the two institutions. Wellstar manages the University’s on-campus student health clinics and is the named donor of KSU’s Wellstar College of Health and Human Services and its Wellstar School of Nursing. In 2020, Wellstar made a $9 million funding commitment to help KSU double enrollment in its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which is helping meet Georgia’s urgent need for nurses.

“We are grateful to Wellstar for their continued generosity and support of Kennesaw State’s mission,” said KSU president Kathy S. Schwaig. “Their latest contribution comes at an exciting and pivotal time for the University, and it will further strengthen our ability to train the next generation of healthcare providers, as well as to support athletic programs that will benefit our students for years to come.”

“We congratulate Kennesaw State for growing its healthcare programs and expanding its medical research,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System. “We appreciate the opportunity to take an active role caring for our community’s athletes and providing the next generation of athletes with opportunities to improve their physical and mental wellness, on and off the field.”

Subject to approval by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the Sports Performance Complex and the Sports Medicine and Training Center will provide comprehensive services to more than 450 student-athletes, including injury prevention and treatment, physical therapy, and hydrotherapy, and will contain a strength and conditioning suite, training table, locker rooms, and new weight room. In addition, the complex will provide a new home for KSU’s football program with team and position meeting rooms, coaches’ offices, and a team locker room.

Wellstar’s funding will also support the creation of the Center for Research on Human Sport Performance and Wellbeing in the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. The center will engage in research and teaching that explores technological methods to improve sport performance and athletes’ overall well-being.

Officials from KSU and Wellstar celebrated the agreement at a signing ceremony held on the Kennesaw campus, which comes 10 months after the University launched its most comprehensive fundraising campaign, The Campaign for Kennesaw State.

KSU competes in NCAA Division I in eight men’s sports and 10 women’s sports. Since joining Division I in 2005, KSU has won 61 conference championships across a range of women’s and men’s sports.

Earlier this month, KSU assistant coach Daniel Haugh competed in the Summer Olympics in Paris in the hammer throw, becoming the first former student-athlete in Kennesaw State’s Division I history to compete in the Olympics twice. Current student Emma Hunt competed in the Paris Olympics in sport climbing. Other recent success has included the KSU men’s basketball team making a memorable March Madness run to the NCAA Tournament in 2023, and track and field standout Isaiah Rogers winning the national championship in the weight throw.

Wellstar, affiliated with Medical College of Georgia, is transitioning from the VIP Portal to Wellstar MyChart in November 2024. With MyChart you’ll be able to request prescription refills, manage your appointments, access your test results and message your care team.

We’ll help you throughout the transition process, but there are few ways you can prepare and stay proactive with your care. In this article, we’ll provide key dates to keep top-of-mind, instructions on how to create a Wellstar MyChart account, new features to explore in MyChart and answers to your questions. Check back often, as this page will be updated regularly with the latest information. Here’s what you need to know.

October 29, 2024, is the last day you can message your care team and request prescription refills in the VIP Portal. All VIP Portal functions will move to Wellstar MyChart November 2, 2024.

It is important to note that your health records in VIP Portal, such as after-visit summaries and lab tests results, will not transfer to MyChart. Instructions are provided in this article on how to download a copy of your records from the VIP Portal. You will no longer be able to download your records after April 1, 2025.

Access your new patient portal today! Sign up for a Wellstar MyChart account.

When can I create my Wellstar MyChart account?

Sign up for your MyChart account today! You can create your MyChart account at any time and patient portal functions will be activated beginning November 2, 2024.

Did the date for the transition from VIP Portal to Wellstar MyChart change?

Yes, the transition date for Wellstar MyChart has moved to November 2, 2024. If you have already created your MyChart account, great! Now you’re fully prepared for when Wellstar MyChart is available for use in November. Until then, you can continue to use your existing VIP Portal as you do today.

What is the Wellstar MyChart website address?

Visit mychart.wellstar.org. You can also learn more about MyChart at Wellstar at wellstar.org/mychart.

How do I create a Wellstar MyChart account?

1. Go to mychart.wellstar.org.
2. Click on Sign Up (I don’t have a code).
3. Follow the instructions to create your account.

If all your information does not match what is in our system, someone will reach out to you by email within 48 hours or you can call the MyChart Help Desk at (470) 644-0419 for assistance.

Are there other ways to sign up for a MyChart account?

Yes, there are several options.

• If you have an appointment scheduled with a Wellstar healthcare professional, after November 1, 2024, an activation code will be automatically sent to the email address you have on file. This email will detail the steps to activate your MyChart account and will include a link with your activation code. If you do not see an email following your visit, check your spam folder.
• If you have recently been discharged and received a copy of your written discharge information from Wellstar, this will include an activation code to create your MyChart account. Activating your account using your written discharge information will require you to enter your zip code.
• For assistance creating your account, call the MyChart Help Desk at (470) 644-0419.

Is there a MyChart app?

Yes, you can download the app in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Can I access Wellstar MyChart in Spanish?

To view MyChart in Spanish, go to the MyChart login page and click Ver en Español in the top right corner. At this time messages from your provider are not translated into Spanish.

Am I losing any functionality I had in VIP Portal?

There are two changes to be aware of:

• Currently in the VIP Portal you can message any provider. In Wellstar MyChart you can message providers who you have had a visit with in the past two years.
• Your VIP proxies will not automatically transfer to MyChart. You will need to complete a new MyChart Proxy Form or use Proxy invites.

Will I be able to message my providers in Wellstar MyChart beginning November 2, 2024?

To message your providers, you must re-establish your relationship as their patient within MyChart. This is an automated process that occurs after you have had an in-person or virtual visit with your physician or advanced practice provider.

How do I schedule an appointment?

There are three ways to schedule an appointment:

• Call (706) 721-CARE (2273) or (800) 736-CARE (2273) to connect with a representative who can help schedule your appointment.
• Schedule your appointment in MyChart.
• Call your physician’s office directly.

How do I schedule an appointment in Wellstar MyChart?

1. Log in to your MyChart account.
2. Click on Schedule an Appointment.
3. From the list of your current providers, select the provider you’d like to see.
4. Click Schedule Now.
5. Fill in the requested information.
6. Click Send Request.

It’s after October 29, 2024, and I need a prescription refill. What should I do?

You can request prescription refills through your pharmacy.

Can I request medication refills in Wellstar MyChart for medical office visits after November 2, 2024?

Yes, you can request refills through MyChart for medications ordered after November 2, 2024. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your MyChart account.
2. Click Menu.
3. Click Medications.
4. Select the pharmacy where you’d like to have your prescription filled.
5. Select the medication to be refilled.
6. Click Request Refill.

Will my healthcare records in VIP Portal transfer to my new Wellstar MyChart account?

Your healthcare records will not transfer from VIP Portal to MyChart. Here’s how to download your records.

1. Log in to your VIP Portal account.
2. Select Open My Record > Care Summaries.
3. Here you will find your after-visit summaries, lab test results and other records.
4. Select Download next to each document to save a copy to your electronic device.
5. If you would like to print a copy for your personal records, select Print.

Wellstar reminds you to store your personal records and information in a safe, secure place.

How will the transition to Wellstar MyChart affect my VIP Portal access to my medical records?

You will have access to all your healthcare records prior to November 2, 2024, in the VIP Portal until April 1, 2025. In accordance with HIPAA laws (Code of Federal Regulation 164) and Georgia Statuses, your official medical records are stored within the Wellstar, affiliated with Medical College of Georgia, system. You have the right to access and obtain copies of your protected health information. To request your official medical records at any time, contact our Health Information Management Services Department at (706) 721-2948 or visit wellstar.org/request-medical-records for more information.

What happens to my VIP Portal healthcare records after April 1, 2025?

VIP Portal records will be available upon request after April 1, 2025. Click here to request your records.

When will I begin to see my healthcare records from Wellstar in MyChart?

Once you have created your account, you will begin to see your after-visit summaries, lab tests results and more in MyChart for Wellstar provider visits November 2, 2024, and later. These will include hospital and medical office visits.

What test results show in Wellstar MyChart?

You will be able to see your lab test results, mammogram results and chronic disease information in your MyChart account.

What test results do not show in MyChart?

HIV and genetic testing will not be in Wellstar MyChart. You can request those records here.

Will I have new functionality in Wellstar MyChart that I do not have in VIP Portal?

Yes, you will gain new functionality in MyChart. Some of the many features include:

• Menu and search: MyChart will allow you to search for features using the Your Menu bar located on the top left of your screen.
• Request records: MyChart has a feature called Share My Record that allows patients to request their medical records.
• Schedule appointments: You can schedule appointments through MyChart without having to call your healthcare professional’s office.
• Mammograms: You can schedule and view your mammogram report via MyChart. Your physician must first place an electronic order.
• Proxy Access:
  

o   You can request adult proxy access for a family member or caregiver via your MyChart by searching the Sharing Hub, selecting Manage Friend and Family
Access and following the prompts. 

o   If you have power of attorney rights for an adult patient, you must provide a copy of your legal documents along with a completed Adult Proxy Form to gain
MyChart proxy access. (Adulto Delegado Formulario en Español)

o   For children 17 years old or younger, parents/legal guardians can be granted full access to their child’s MyChart account by completing a Child Proxy Form.
(Formulario Para Representante de Menor en Español)

o   When a patient turns 18 the parent/legal guardian’s proxy access will automatically be revoked because the patient is now a legal adult.

o   Teen Access allows teens age 12 to 17 to have full access to their own MyChart account. Teens can invite family or legal guardians to have full proxy access to
their account by using the adult proxy feature mentioned above.

• Billing: 
  

o You can view and pay your bill through Wellstar MyChart beginning November 2, 2024.

o You will now see cost estimates for your medical care via MyChart for dates of service November 2, 2024, and forward.

o You will have the ability to set up a payment plan in MyChart.

Who do I call if I have questions related to a patient bill I received for visits that occurred before November 2, 2024?

If you have questions about your bill, payment plan or want to make a payment, contact (888) 531-0397 or visit the Patient Bill Portal. If you have questions about extended payment plans or Access One, contact (888) 458-6272.

Who do I call if I have questions related to a patient bill that I received from Anesthesiology Associates for visits that occurred before November 2, 2024?

Please call (866) 700-2989.

Who do I call if I have questions related to a patient bill that I received from Emergency Physicians for visits that occurred before November 2, 2024?

Contact (844) 703-5532.

Who do I call if I have questions related to a patient bill in collections for visits that occurred before November 2, 2024?

• Physician bill: If you have a question related to a bill in collections or have received a call from NRS, call (866) 591-7932.
• Hospital bill:
  o If you have a question related to a bill in collections or have received a call from NRS and the first letter of your last name begins with A through K, call (866) 591-7932.
  o If you have a question related to a bill in collections or have received a call from BCA and the first letter of your last begins with L through Z, call (305) 909-2200.
  o If you have a question related to a bill in collections and have received a call from RSI, call (706) 222-4660.
  o If you are a South Carolina resident and you have a bill in collections, call (706) 222-4660.

Who do I call if I have questions about my financial assistance application for visits that occurred before November 2, 2024?

Call (706) 721-1301.

Will I still call the VIP Portal Help Desk for my VIP Portal questions after October 29, 2024?

No, you will call the MyChart Help Desk at (470) 644-0419. There will be a patient portal specialist available at this number to assist with any of your patient portal questions.

I still have questions. Who can I contact for more information?

We’re here to help. You can email us at [email protected], call us at (470) 644-0419 or send a fax to (770) 999-2306. The patient portal help desk hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

Effective Sept. 3, Southside Medical Center will assume operations of the Wellstar Urgent Care clinic in Stockbridge. The Wellstar Stockbridge urgent care location will remain open through Thursday, Aug. 29, before transitioning operations to Southside and reopening on Sept. 3.

There will be no loss of services. After Sept. 3, Southside will continue to provide urgent care services and, in the future, expanded primary care services like immunizations and annual wellness visits will also be available. Patients will notice new signs and new staff but will continue to receive the same high-quality care from our partners at Southside that they have come to expect at this location.

We have kept our patients top of mind throughout this process, developing a thorough communications plan to notify them of this change. We will reach out to patients in the community to provide more information about this change through signage, postcards and electronic messages.

As part of this next phase of our partnership, Wellstar is contributing nearly $1 million in operational funds and donating medical equipment to ensure a successful transition of care in Stockbridge. We are committed to working closely with the Southside team to ensure a smooth transition of care.

The clinic will continue to be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Urgent care services are available via appointment or walk-in and care will continue to be provided to all patients regardless of their ability to pay.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve as your healthcare partners, and we hope you will continue your care with us after this transition. Thank you for entrusting us with your care.

For more information on Southside Medical Center, visit SouthsideMedical.net.

At Wellstar, every patient’s care plan is tailored to their needs. When it comes to head and neck cancers, a team of expert specialists form an interdisciplinary care team that supports the patient and their family through the whole treatment process.

In Wellstar STAT Clinics—short for Specialty Teams and Treatments—patients can see multiple cancer specialists to be diagnosed, have questions answered and finalize a treatment plan in a single day at one location. This reduces the need to drive to different locations and helps the patient start treatment faster.

“The concept of multidisciplinary care is tried and true and shown to be effective for cancer patients,” said Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, a Wellstar head and neck cancer surgeon. “This model decreases the time to proceed with and receive care.”

First, a team of medical experts, including a head and neck cancer surgeon and facial plastic surgeon, a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, a pathologist and a neuroradiologist, review the patient’s pathology and imaging as a group to diagnose, stage and create a personalized treatment plan.

Next, the patient and their family meet with the experts. This is an opportunity for the patient to learn about the recommended treatments and ask questions.

“Traditionally, patients must drive to several different appointments to learn the stage of their cancer, meet with different specialists and make decisions,” said Wellstar Medical Oncologist Dr. Nagender Mankan. “At that point, four to five weeks have gone by. In STAT Clinics, we are expediting the complicated decision-making process.”

The patient also meets with a nurse navigator. This specialized nurse helps coordinate many aspects of care for the patient including scheduling appointments and connecting patients with support team members, such as a registered dietitian, a speech therapist or a dentist who may help relieve irritation in the mouth and throat.

While Wellstar is well-equipped to help you fight head and neck cancers, there are steps you can take to prevent cancer from forming, including limiting exposure to the sun and cutting out tobacco and alcohol. Your Wellstar care team can work with you on a plan to keep your head and neck healthy and set achievable goals to prevent cancer.

Learn more about head and neck cancer care at Wellstar.

Hair loss can be a difficult side effect to navigate for people with cancer. It affects a person both emotionally and mentally as they deal with a change to their outward appearance while undergoing a serious health battle.

“Hair loss during chemotherapy can cause patients to feel vulnerable and self-conscious,” says Andrea Rhoden, a breast oncology nurse navigator at Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center.

Emotional well-being is an important factor to your physical health, as poor emotional health can lead to higher blood pressure, a weakened immune system and other health issues that can become quite serious for patients with a cancer diagnosis.

Andrea saw a need for a way to prevent hair loss and immediately thought of cooling caps.

Cold scalp cooling caps are caps patients wear before and after chemotherapy that can help prevent hair loss by reducing the damage that chemotherapy causes to hair follicles. They work by cooling the blood vessels in the scalp and reducing blood flow to hair follicles, which restricts the amount of chemotherapy medication that enters hair follicle cells.

While this device cannot reduce hair loss by 100% for all patients, patients can see a hair loss reduction of about 50% when using a cooling cap throughout their treatment journey.

These devices can be costly, so Andrea and her collaborator, Dr. Alicia Arnold, submitted their program, Cooler Heads for Helping Hair Loss During Chemotherapy, for funding from Unite in the Fight Against Cancer 2023.

Unite in the Fight Against Cancer is a 1-mile walk that celebrates and honors all who have been affected by the disease, while raising funds for patient-centered programs.

Andrea and Dr. Arnold’s program received funding from Unite 2023, along with six other programs, covering the costs for two machines and the supplies needed to use them.

“I’m so excited for this opportunity,” Andrea said.

To learn more about this program, follow us on social media to be kept up-to-date on it and other programs funded by Unite in the Fight Against Cancer, which is held annually.

Wellstar has new urgent care centers in Evans, Grovetown and South Augusta to serve our community’s growing healthcare needs. These locations provide convenient care for minor emergencies, illnesses and injuries.

Walk-ins are always welcome, but you also have the option to book a visit online at the time that works best for you. Booking online can help reduce your wait time once you arrive.

Our new Wellstar Urgent Care locations:

307 W Robinson Ave | Grovetown, GA 30813
(706) 760-7607
Open seven days a week, 8 AM to 7 PM
Urgent Care Check-In at this location

3324 Peach Orchard Road, Suite B | Augusta, GA 30906
(706) 760-7607
Open seven days a week, 8 AM to 7 PM
Urgent Care Check-In at this location

4244 Washington Road, Suite 1 | Evans, GA 30809
(706) 760-7607
Open seven days a week, 8 AM to 7 PM
Urgent Care Check-In at this location 

Wellstar Urgent Care provides:

• Care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as coughs, colds, sprains and broken bones
• Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts
• Flu care
• Rapid COVID-19 testing for all ages
• Labs and X-rays
• Sports physicals
• Worker’s compensation services

Find an urgent care location near you.

Like most seniors, Ja’Quan Hart was very much looking forward to going off to college in the summer of 2023.

The Thomson, Ga., resident had just graduated high school and as a linebacker and tight end, helped lead his Thomson High School Bulldogs to win the Class AA State Championship.

“I had these big tackles, and I caught like an 89-yeard interception pass,” he said. “That was like my best game. We won state!”

Ja’Quan’s talent and skill on the football field—and his love of the game—earned him the opportunity to play for the University of Kansas with a full scholarship.

Unfortunately, life had other plans.

Amid packing for school and booking his flights, Ja’Quan learned from a routine sports physical that he had an irregularity in his heart that could be life-threatening.

That irregularity turned out to be a leaky aortic valve—and an abrupt end to his aspirations of a college football career.

“Blood was flowing back into my heart. It wasn’t going all the way through,” Ja’Quan explained.

In a healthy heart, leaflets between the left and right ventricles open to allow blood to flow through the heart one way and then close fully to keep blood from flowing back into the heart. In a condition like Ja’Quan’s, the leaflets do not close all the way and blood does leak back into the heart.

For most people the treatment for a leaky aortic valve involves a valve replacement. But a valve replacement now will often require another replacement surgery at some point in the future, and probably more than one, said Dr. Brian Bateson, a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon and co-director of the adult congenital heart program at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center. The younger the patient, the more potential surgeries the patient will need to have to replace the valves when they wear out.

Because Ja’Quan had not yet reached 20 years of age at the time of his care, a valve replacement would mean multiple surgeries over the course of his life.

The solution is a new device called the HAART ring that is affixed to the support structure of the aortic valve. This stabilizes the valve and allows for further repair of the leaflets themselves, meaning the valve can close properly and prevent leakage.

“If you’re using Ja’Quan’s own valve, keeping it in place and it functions, potentially he wouldn’t need another procedure again in his life because it’s still his own tissue. It’s not going to break down. Any prosthetic valve, whether it’s mechanical, bio-prosthetic will fail over time,” Dr. Bateson said. “Nothing’s better than what you’re born with.”

The HAART device is ideal for a young patient like Ja’Quan, but would also be a good treatment option for any person—pediatric or adult—with the same condition.

Ja’Quan spent three days in the hospital recovering from his surgery. Since, he has been slowly increasing his cardiovascular activity, such as walking, and following up with Dr. Bateson for regular checkups, who said he has been recovering very well.

Ja’Quan said he plans to continue to play sports, but will need to be more selective about the sports he can play.

“I play basketball. I just won’t be playing contact sports (like football),” he said.

Though he said it was disappointing to have to change direction as far as playing college football is concerned, Ja’Quan hasn’t let it dampen his spirit. Instead of college football, he is now exploring the possibility of driving trucks with the intention of going into business for himself—as long as it isn’t too strenuous for his heart.

“I’m not going to give up. I’m going to regroup and keep going and find another path to being successful in life,” he said.

Answering your questions about paperless statements

Are all patients/accounts transitioned to paperless billing statements?

Why is Wellstar automatically opting everyone in instead of giving them the choice?

I opted in for paperless statements but am not being notified my statement is ready. Why?

I have opted in for paperless billing, but I'm still receiving paper statements.

How can I opt out of paperless statements?

Website

1. Log in to your Wellstar MyChart account. 
2. Select Menu > Billing Summary > Cancel Paperless Billing.
3. Click Cancel Paperless.
4. On the confirmation page, click Receive Paper Statements.

App

1. Log in to your Wellstar MyChart account.
2. Tap the Menu > Billing Summary > Cancel Paperless Billing.
3. Tap Cancel Paperless.
4. On the confirmation page, tap Cancel Paperless. 

As we look forward to the 4th of July holiday, fireworks, swimming, and grilling offer plenty of fun summer activities for families across Georgia. However, it's important to be cautious with fireworks, which can quickly turn your Independence Day celebrations sour. While public fireworks displays have safety measures to protect us, fireworks at home may be less safe, especially for kids!

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 10,000 individuals were treated in ERs for fireworks-related injuries in 2022, 38% of which were burns.

With summer camps in full gear and celebrations right around the corner, Wellstar sat down with Dr. Danny Branstetter, the chief medical officer of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, and Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a Wellstar pediatrician and representative for the American Academy of Pediatrics, to learn their safety tips for staying safe while we celebrate this holiday.

According to Dr. Dolgoff, "The most common injury from fireworks is a hand burn. But it can be worse, such as a hand fracture, cuts, or gashes, or even the loss of a finger," Dr. Dolgoff continued. "Facial injuries, including burns and eye injuries, are also common. If you're going to handle fireworks, please be very careful."

We can be so caught up in the excitement of summer that we don't realize there are other seasonal injuries we should be careful to avoid. Dr. Branstetter reminds us that we see more water injuries like drownings and near drownings, water ski and boating accidents, and even head, neck and spine injuries from diving in shallow water.

He went on to share that with extreme heat, we should plan ahead to avoid heat-related exhaustion, stroke, and sunburns. And to be careful to prevent burns from items that can get hot from the summer sun, like playgrounds and seat belts.

And let's not forget those pesky summer critters, "insect and plant illnesses – from mosquito bites and allergic reactions to poison ivy, bee stings and snake bites."

As a pediatrician, Dr. Dolgoff often works with new parents who wonder if sparklers are safe. She stresses that parents should "not underestimate the danger of sparklers. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt some metals. They account for a high percentage of injuries, emergency room visits, and fires every year. The sparks can cause burns and eye injuries." And she added, remember to soak all sparklers in a bucket of water before throwing them away!

If your family plans to participate in holiday activities, remember the word FIRE with these essential safety tips!

• Families: Always avoid holding a lighted firework in your hand, and never point or throw it at another person. Children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers

• Injury: Fireworks should only be lit outdoors, away from people, houses, and other flammable materials. We recommend wearing protective eyewear to avoid eye injuries

• Run Off: Once you have lit a firework, move away quickly, do not light more than one firework at a time, and don't try to re-light fireworks that don't go off

• Extinguish: Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish fireworks that do not go off or spark a fiery mishap. Soak both used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding them

Ankle injuries

Achilles injuries are some of the most common injuries I treat. Often, they result from improper stretching and warm-up prior to physical activity. When the Achilles is torn, surgical repair is often, but not always, necessary. Ankle sprains are also very common and usually much less severe than Achilles tears. These injuries typically result from rolling your ankle awkwardly when jumping or running. Rest, ice, elevation and compression with a bandage or brace is an effective treatment.

To help prevent these injuries, focus on a good stretching routine for at least 10 to 15 minutes before engaging in physical activity. Proper shoes can also help, and be mindful of where you step.  

Knee injuries

Meniscal tears are one of the more common knee injuries. The meniscus is a circular disc-like cartilage located in the knee. When a twisting or torsional injury occurs, the meniscus can get torn. This can produce catching or locking type symptoms and may require surgical treatment. Injuries to the patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon are also somewhat common and usually result from a failure to stretch and warm up appropriately. Whenever the patellar or quadriceps tendon is torn, surgery is almost always required.  

Focus again on stretching prior to activity. When the activity is relatively strenuous, such as pickleball, tennis or basketball, then you should build up a quadriceps strengthening program and core strengthening prior to engaging in activity.

Shoulder injuries

Rotator cuff injuries are very common and can range from strains to complete tears. Injuries occur when people fall on an outstretched hand, like diving for a ball, or through other twisting motions. When the rotator cuff is strained but not torn, physical therapy will usually suffice. However, when torn, surgical treatment may be necessary.  

The best way to prevent shoulder injuries is to focus on stretching prior to activity and to engage in a strengthening program.  

I encourage you to engage in physical activity, but attention to stretching, strengthening and focusing on your environment can help you avoid a variety of orthopedic injuries.  

Learn more about orthopedic care at Wellstar at wellstar.org/ortho.

Dr. D. Hodari Brooks, Wellstar orthopedic surgeon

Your 20s & 30s
Striving for top health performance
You may feel on top of your game—even unbeatable—In your 20s and 30s. You may be tempted to think, “Why even bother with a physical?” Yet this is training season for building up lifelong healthy habits.

Establish your care coach: In your late teens to early 20s, transition from your pediatrician and establish yourself with a primary care physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant by scheduling a physical.

“When young men show up for preventive care, we talk about the future,” said Dr. Dean Seehusen, chair of Family & Community Medicine at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center in Augusta. “Then we talk about what that’s going to take habit-wise. What you can do in your 60s and 70s is based on what you’re doing in your 20s, 30s and 40s.”

Stay on top of your stats: The information from your annual exam can help you stay on track to live out your vision, measured in part by important health stats—like glucose and cholesterol levels, body mass index and blood pressure. Staying on top of your trending numbers can help prevent heart disease, stroke and diabetes down the road.

It’s also a good time to talk about your vaccine status, such as tetanus (needed every 10 years) and HPV. To protect yourself and your partner, it’s important to test for human papillomavirus. Also known as HPV, it’s the most common sexually transmitted infection and can cause several types of cancer for men and women, even though you likely won’t have symptoms. You may have already received this vaccine in your teens, but if you haven’t yet, it’s recommended through the age of 26.

Men may also consider self-screening for testicular cancer through self-exams during these earlier healthcare years, according to John Aaron III, a physician assistant who cares for patients at Wellstar Family Medicine in Alpharetta.

Look for weaknesses: Make your health team aware of your family medical history, from heart disease and stroke to cancer. This will help them create a personalized health plan for you. You may need screenings or tests for certain health conditions at an earlier age than the average population.

Find a Men’s Health care team near you, including the Wellstar KSU Health Center for Kennesaw State University for students.

Dr. Angello Lin, the new transplant surgery section chief at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, had a light bulb moment when he took three years off during his 23-year tenure as a surgeon at the Medical University of South Carolina.

He took a break to spend time in Savannah with his father, who had turned 90 and was having health issues. During that time, Dr. Lin had time to think and realized that although he had become a transplant surgeon because the work seemed dynamic, his work had not been very dynamic lately. He had been solely focused on performing the transplantations and taking care of patients for 14 years.

“I started to wonder if I could add some dynamism back by finding different and better ways to do a transplant,” he said.

The break served him well as Dr. Lin went on to become the first surgeon to successfully connect a pancreas and a kidney before putting it into the patient’s body, rather than putting them in separately. Implanting them as one organ with one arterial inflow and one venous outflow reduced the patient’s time in the operating room from four to six hours to two to three hours, making the procedure safer and giving patients the potential for a quicker recovery.

Dr. Lin, who graduated from Emory School of Medicine, found a renewed sense of purpose in innovation in surgery and decided he wanted to work at a hospital that would encourage his innovation. That led him to Wellstar MCG Health’s transplant center, which has received grants from the Mason Trust Foundation to enhance transplant research, education and patient care. The transplant center also performed a record 105 kidney transplants last year. “The surgery department here is very supportive of me trying new ways of doing things, and I was drawn to that,” he said.

Dr. Lin joined the hospital in February and is already working on a pilot project that infuses therapeutics that will hopefully reduce injuries to kidneys after transplantation from ischemia repercussion. He will also help the transplant center restart its pancreas transplant program.

Dr. Lin spends his time outside the hospital with his wife and three daughters: Jasmine, 24, who plans to go to medical school; Camille, 21, who is studying to become a pilot; and Abigail, 13, who is in eighth grade.

Born in Taiwan, Dr. Lin moved to Tybee Island as a teen and later graduated from Emory with a bachelor’s in chemistry. He first became interested in transplant surgery during his general surgery rotations as a fourth-year resident when he saw the difference transplantation made in patients’ lives. One story that stands out to him was when he was taking care of a retired chemistry professor, a liver transplant recipient who was near death. Although the patient was depressed, he told Dr. Lin about himself, including his favorite movie—"Dead Poets Society”—and about his dream to travel the world. The next day, Dr. Lin came into the patient’s room, stood on a chair and recited the famous poem from the film to encourage the patient.

“O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells,” he said. “Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills.”

The patient went on to recover and sent Dr. Lin postcards from his travels around the world.

“After a successful kidney transplant, patients are so grateful and will say, ‘I can go to the bathroom again!’” he said. “They are excited to be able to do the everyday things our bodies do that we take for granted. It’s very touching.”

Following residency, Dr. Lin became the first trainee to complete Emory’s transplant fellowship in 2000.

Now Dr. Lin estimates he’s performed over 1,500 transplant surgeries. The most difficult part of the job remains working around the nationwide organ shortage. He has to be ready to drop everything when an organ is ready to be donated and, sadly, he also has to tell patients that they are at the mercy of the waitlist.

“They look to us to be the miracle workers, and some days we come close,” he said.

Georgia’s oldest comprehensive stroke center at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center was approved by The Joint Commission to renew its best-in-class certification.

The healthcare accrediting body has four advanced stroke certifications. Wellstar MCG Health has once again earned its most demanding certification—the Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) certification—which was designed for hospitals that can treat complex stroke cases.

Wellstar MCG Health’s stroke center, which provides care to a thousand patients annually, was the first hospital in Georgia to get the CSC certification when it was first offered in 2013.

Every two years, the program must get recertified, a process that requires surveyors from The Joint Commission to visit the center to observe practices and collect data, such as complication rates.

This year, two surveyors spent two days in April doing a comprehensive review of the stroke center.

Dr. Scott Rahimi, neurosurgical director of the stroke center, said this year’s review was the best they’ve had since becoming a CSC in 2013.

“This year we took care of more stroke patients than any other facility in the CSRA,” he said.

Eight hospitals in Georgia have the CSC certification, including Wellstar Kennestone, Wellstar MCG Health and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Centers, but Wellstar MCG Health is the only in the region with the advanced certification, said Stroke Program Manager Amanda Howard.

“This particular survey was very rewarding and made it worth all the hard work we do taking care of patients,” she said.

Representatives from Norfolk Southern, members of Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Philanthropy Board and Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns were all in Augusta to present Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia with a donation of $250,000.

The funds will be used to support the Kisner Foundation & Friends Center for Pediatric Development, Behavioral Health and Wellness, which is expected to begin construction this fall. The center will bring together a variety of pediatric mental and behavioral services already offered at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia in partnership with Augusta University into one location. It will offer a multidisciplinary approach to care tailored to each child’s needs and will include services like testing and evaluation; referrals for psychotherapy and mental health services; physical, occupational and speech therapy; and connections for parents to ancillary services.

“Norfolk Southern is honored to support Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia with a $250,000 donation for the vital development of a mental and behavioral health center. Our commitment to investing in initiatives that build strong, thriving communities aligns perfectly with the hospital’s mission to provide top-tier pediatric care. We believe that enhancing mental health services for children is a critical step toward fostering overall well-being and resilience for future generations,” said Kristin Wong, director corporate giving at Norfolk Southern.

The center will cost about $6 million to build. Along with construction costs, donations are used for programs already in place that will move into the completed center, such as testing materials for autism, learning disabilities and developmental delays.

“We offer those services now, but they’re scattered across our campus. We envision a place where we can bring these services together to make it more convenient and more accessible for our patients and their families. The money you’re donating today is going to help us move forward faster with that renovation,” said Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Valera Hudson.

Hudson, who is also the department chair of pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, emphasized that Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, and thereby the Kisner Center, will serve children in Augusta and across Georgia.

Jon Burns, the Speaker of the House for the Georgia House of Representatives, thanked Hudson for her tireless efforts to serve children across the state and pledged to continue his support for initiatives that improve the mental healthcare for children. He also thanked his wife, Dayle, and fellow Wellstar Children’ Hospital of Georgia philanthropy board members King and Beth Rocker for their efforts in helping to facilitate Norfolk Southern’s support, as well as board member Carol Parrish and state representatives Jodi Lott, Gloria Frazier, Butch Parrish and Karlton Howard.

“Public dollars can’t do it all. It takes partnership between the private sector and the public sector,” he said. “It takes a group of people working together to get things done.

MARIETTA, Ga. (May 31, 2024) – Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has achieved the prestigious Level I Trauma Center verification from the American College of Surgeons and designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health State Office of EMS and Trauma. The ACS verification is the gold standard for trauma centers nationwide.

Each hospital verified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level I Trauma Center must demonstrate that it provides the highest level of trauma care. The evaluated criteria range from prevention through rehabilitation across the broadest spectrum of injuries, as well as academic research that helps improve trauma outcomes.

“Wellstar strives to provide compassionate, world-class care to every person, every time. The designation of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center as a Level I Trauma Center further strengthens the network of quality trauma care that exists across Metro Atlanta and Georgia,” said Candice L. Saunders, President and CEO of Wellstar Health System.

Level I verification requires consistently delivering a high level of clinical expertise for a wide range of severe injuries at all times, and further improves patient outcomes through trauma research and education.

• 24/7 availability of specialized trauma care
• Comprehensive services and resources to handle the most complex trauma cases
• A multidisciplinary team approach involving surgeons, specialists, nurses, and support staff
• Advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities
• Ongoing trauma research and education initiatives to continuously improve patient outcomes

The Wellstar Trauma Network is the largest integrated trauma network in the State of Georgia with two Level I trauma centers (Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar MCG Health Medical Centers), one Level II (Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center), one Level III (Wellstar Cobb Medical Center), and three Level IV (Wellstar West Georgia, Wellstar Paulding and Wellstar Spalding Medical Centers), along with a Pediatric Level II Trauma Center (Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center) in Augusta.

From adolescence through adulthood, Wellstar Women’s Health cares for women at every stage of life and encourages patients to stay up to date on essential screenings.

Building a foundation in your 20s

You may feel invincible in your 20s, but it’s important to start healthy, lifelong habits now. Schedule an annual physical exam with your primary care provider so they can check important indicators of health over time, like blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels. Taking charge of your health early on lays the groundwork for a lifetime of well-being.

Find a women’s health provider near you.

Reproductive health in your 20s and 30s

By age 21, women should get an annual pelvic exam and Pap smear with an OB/GYN. Depending on your results, you may not need another Pap smear for three years. You may also want to test for human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and can cause several types of cancer, even though you may not have any symptoms. Your OB/GYN may also recommend monthly self-breast exams.

Be attentive in your 40s

Adding a yearly mammogram at this stage (or sooner, if advised) is important. You can schedule your mammogram through either an OB/GYN or a primary care provider. Modern mammography programs can reduce breast cancer mortality by more than 40%. Wellstar has 14 mammography locations and offers 3D mammograms, which can help detect breast cancer at early stages when it’s easier to treat.

Starting at age 45, you should talk to your primary care provider about a screening test for colon cancer. Colonoscopies are the most common procedure to detect precancerous polyps and should be repeated every 10 years or sooner, depending on your personal and family history.

Maintain your health and wellness in your 50s and beyond

In your 50s, it’s important to maintain your relationship with your provider. Ask if you need a heart screening (coronary artery calcium scoring). Individuals with a history of smoking should inquire about lung cancer screenings. Since hormone changes can lead to osteoporosis, post-menopausal women should also consider a bone mineral density test.

Learn more about women’s health services at Wellstar.

The road to recovery after a stroke can be long and difficult. By following exercise recommendations from Wellstar’s rehabilitation care team, you can take an active role in the process and help shorten your journey.

According to the National Institutes of Health, falling can lead to delays in recovery for stroke survivors. Muscle stiffness and loss of balance are two common issues that contribute to increased fall risks. The expert providers at Wellstar work with patients and family members to develop individualized care plans that improve steadiness and flexibility. For added benefit, they also recommend you do the following exercises on your own.

Standing up and sitting down
Begin by sitting on a chair with a firm seat. Stand up fully and then slowly take a seat. Repeat as many times as you can tolerate initially. If necessary, use your hands to push into the standing position. Gradually progress to standing without the added assistance and completing more repetitions.

Step-ups
Begin by holding on to a stair rail. Step up onto the first step and then back down to the floor. Repeat as many times as you can tolerate initially. Step up with your stronger leg and lead with the weaker leg going down. Gradually progress to not holding on to the rail and increasing the number of repetitions.

Calf raises
Using a chair or countertop for balance, raise up onto your toes, lifting your heels completely off the floor. Slowly lower your heels back to the floor. Repeat as many times as you can tolerate initially. Gradually progress to not holding on and completing more repetitions.

Marching in place
Begin using a chair or countertop for balance and march in place for as many seconds as you can tolerate initially. Gradually progress to not holding on and marching in place for longer periods of time.

Shoulder flexion
Start with your arms at your side. With your palms facing each other, raise your arms in front of you as far as you can. Return to the starting position, then repeat.

Shoulder extension
Start with your arms at your side. With your palms facing each other, raise your arms behind you as far as you can. Return to the starting position, then repeat.

Shoulder abduction/adduction (lateral shoulder arm raises)
Extend your arms out to the side. Slowly raise your arms above your head. Return to the starting position, then repeat.

Elbow extension and flexion
Start with your arms at your sides, with your palms facing forward. Bend at your elbow so that your palm touches your shoulder. Return to the starting position, then repeat.

Wrist extension and flexion
Place your arms on a supported surface such as a table or desk, leaving your wrists free to move. Turn your palms up toward the ceiling and bend your wrists up and down.

Finger flexing and extending
Place your forearms on a surface such as a table or your lap with your palms facing up. Make a tight fist then open your hand and extend your fingers out until they are straight.

Get the most out of your exercise regimen

Establishing a regular exercise routine outside of your scheduled therapy appointments is important for your recovery. Perhaps equally important is completing the routine in a safe manner to avoid falling and to maximize your results. The experts at Wellstar suggest following these tips to maintain your safety.

• Dress comfortably. Your clothes should not limit your movements. Wear a hospital gown, pajamas or athletic clothing.
• Move slowly through all the movements.
• Do not hold your breath while doing any of these exercises. Breathe deeply. Count out loud during the exercises to keep your breaths evenly paced and remind you to breathe.
• Try to do the exercises while standing or sitting at the edge of your bed. If you do them this way, make sure another adult is around. This will help to make sure you are safe and reduce your risk of falling.
• Stop any exercise that causes you pain or discomfort and tell your doctor, occupational or physical therapist. Continue to do the other exercises that do not cause pain.

 If you have any questions, talk with your doctor, physical therapist or occupational therapist. Learn more about the expert care from Wellstar’s inpatient rehabilitation program.

For more information on Wellstar Roosevelt’s specialty rehabilitation services, visit rooseveltrecovery.com.

If you’ve had a stroke, you don’t have to replace flavorful cuisine with bland foods on your journey to recovery.

There are easy, delicious meal options that follow American Heart Association nutrition guidelines for lowering your risk of another stroke. More fiber, whole grains, fruit, vegetables and lean protein, with less trans fat, saturated fat, sodium and sugar are key to supporting your recovery efforts. Rehabilitation care teams and dietitians at Wellstar recommend keeping meals and snacks interesting with variety and new recipes like these.

Coconut Truffles satisfy your sweet tooth without any added sugar.

Ingredients:

12 medjool dates, pitted
2 tablespoons water
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup puffed brown rice
½ cup shredded unsweetened dried coconut

Directions:

1. Using a blender or food processor, puree dates and water until a sticky paste forms.
2. Add cocoa powder and pulse until a solid dough forms.
3. Stir in puffed brown rice.
4. Using a small scoop, form mixture into 14 tablespoon size balls.
5. Roll each ball in the shredded coconut for a light coating.
6. Refrigerate for one hour.
7. Enjoy! 

Southwestern-Style Breakfast Casserole is a great way to start your morning.

Ingredients:

6 slices hearty whole-grain bread, cut into cubes
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out
1 7-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped (or 1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped)
1 ½ cups (6 ounces) Mexican-style cheese
3 cups non-fat milk
8 ounces egg substitute
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Layer the bread in the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Sprinkle evenly with the spinach, red peppers and cheese into baking dish.
4. Combine the non-fat milk, egg substitute, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper and salt, then pour into baking dish.
5. Cover and refrigerate at least four hours or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
7. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

For more heart-healthy recipes, visit American Heart Association Recipes.

To learn more about how you can partner with Wellstar rehabilitation care teams to reduce your risk of another stroke, visit https://www.wellstar.org/medical-services/treatments-procedures/rehabilitation-services/neuro-rehabilitation..

Wellstar is proud to celebrate four of our leaders who have been selected for Becker’s Black Healthcare Leaders to Know. Becker’s Hospital Review is one of the hospital industry’s leading publication for insights and information.

At Wellstar, we value the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideals of all who come through our doors. By leveraging our similarities and differences, collectively, we create healthier communities. Our engaged and diverse workforce learns and grows while providing our patients with world-class healthcare.

Join us in congratulating our recognized leaders: Le Joyce Naylor, senior vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, David Jones, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Mary Chatman, RN, PhD, executive vice president of Acute Care Operations, and Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health.

Le Joyce Naylor. Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Wellstar Health System (Marietta, Ga.). Ms. Naylor offers systemwide thought leadership, strategic thinking and program direction for Wellstar Health System's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Her responsibilities include the design and implementation of programs to advance diversity efforts, achieving measurable outcomes and leading the health system's diversity and inclusion advisory council. Among her many accomplishments are the formation of 11 business resource groups, the recalibration of 11 diversity and inclusion councils, and the engagement of team members in inclusive virtual and in-person conversations about everyday topics.

David A. Jones. Executive Vice President and CHRO at Wellstar Health System (Marietta, Ga.). Mr. Jones is executive vice president and CHRO for Wellstar. In this role, he has overall systemwide responsibility for establishing, enabling and maintaining organizational effectiveness and a positive employee relations environment. He is responsible for providing senior executive leadership and oversight for the delivery of HR solutions to the business, including human capital strategy, culture design and change management, team effectiveness, workforce planning, performance management planning, succession management, diversity and inclusion, and employee relations. Previously, he served as CHRO at Stanford University and Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente's senior vice president of national human resources. Mr. Jones' nearly 30-year career in human resources has spanned across the healthcare, academic and corporate sectors.

Mary Chatman, RN, PhD. Executive Vice President at Wellstar Health System (Marietta, Ga.). Dr. Chatman's leadership and collaborative work ethic can be seen throughout the health system. She manages a team of more than 10,000 staff members. Dr. Chatman is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of healthcare experience.

Ralph Turner. Senior Vice President and Hospital President of Wellstar MCG Health (Augusta, Ga.). Mr. Turner was appointed as Wellstar MCG Health president in April 2024. He assumed the role after serving on an interim basis. Wellstar MCG Health includes a 478-bed adult hospital, 154-bed Children's Hospital of Georgia, the Georgia Cancer Center, and over 80 outpatient clinics. Prior, he served as senior vice president and president for Hiram, Ga.-based Wellstar Paulding Medical Center since 2022.

Congratulations to our leaders!

Wellstar and CLEAR are launching an initiative that simplifies and speeds up the patient check-in process. 

Wellstar Avalon Health Park patients who opt-in to use this free service can verify their identity with CLEAR before their appointment to simplify check-in once they arrive. It only requires two steps:

• Patients will receive a text a few days before their scheduled appointment to register with CLEAR. They can then register from their mobile device. 
• On appointment day, participating patients will select “Sign in with CLEAR” at the kiosk in the medical office waiting room and take a quick selfie to check in for their appointment. 

Why CLEAR?

CLEAR’s technology is trusted and secure. At the heart of this first-of-its-kind partnership is CLEAR's pioneering integration with Epic, a leader in the electronic health records market, to power seamless patient registration and on-site check-in.  Wellstar co-developed the integration and is the first health system to utilize the CLEAR Verified technology application.

“Identity is foundational to making patient experiences safer, easier and more efficient in healthcare,” said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman Becker. “CLEAR’s collaboration with Wellstar and Epic will bring frictionless and secure check-in for patients. With the launch of this seamless experience, CLEAR is one step closer in our effort to replace the clipboard in healthcare.”

CLEAR’s identity platform is secure and HIPAA-compliant, and many patients may already be familiar with the technology. It’s used locally at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and State Farm Arena.

Keeping care convenient

This new check-in option reflects the Wellstar vision of delivering world-class healthcare to every person, every time.

“Our patients’ time is precious. Introducing CLEAR’s proven, secure technology will help make the check-in process even more efficient and safe,” said Dr. Hank Capps, executive vice president and chief information and digital officer for Wellstar. “We are committed to building an ecosystem of care that includes technologies that have never been used in healthcare. When combined with compassionate care from Wellstar clinicians, we will deliver a truly world-class experience.”

Register now and try the experience at your next Wellstar Avalon Health Park primary care appointment: clearme.com/wellstar. 

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff joined Wellstar and Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center leadership in cutting the ribbon on two new MRI suites that feature state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. The machines were purchased with $3.5 million in federal funds that Ossoff secured with bipartisan support from the U.S. Senate in March 2022.

The critically needed units are located in newly designed and built MRI suites that are conveniently located between Wellstar MCG Health and Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The updated technology allows for faster image scanning, better quality scans, and better patient access and comfort for adults and children. The new machines and suites replace two aging machines that were located in different parts of the medical campus.

“Senator Ossoff listened to our friends at Augusta University when they shared how adults and children in Augusta and throughout Georgia would benefit from two new, state-of-the-art MRI machines,” said Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health. “Today, we celebrate Senator Ossoff’s leadership and work to obtain federal funding that will improve the healthcare experience for people across our great state for years to come.”

“The technology in these new machines is phenomenal and will make a noticeable difference in the care of every patient and physician who uses them,” said Dr. Annette Johnson, department chair for radiology at Wellstar MCG Health and academic chair and professor of radiology and imaging at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. “These state-of-the-art machines can compensate for patient breathing and other motion, anticipating the patient’s movement and modifying the scanning techniques to adapt to the motion. This level of sophistication results in a higher quality scan in less time.”

For context, a typical MRI exam consists of five to 10 individual scans, each of which takes several minutes to complete. If a patient moves during one of the scans, the scan must be repeated. This happens frequently since it’s very hard for people to be perfectly still for long periods of time.

“If everything goes perfectly, the whole exam for a cervical spine MRI, for example, should take 25 minutes. But if the patient moves a little bit during the exam, it may take 10 or 15 additional minutes because scans have to be repeated, which makes the experience more difficult to tolerate as a patient,” said Johnson.

Cutting down the amount of time spent in the machine is a win-win-win. In addition to improving the quality of the scans, it is more comfortable for the patient, reduces wait times for other patients and allows for more patients to be seen.

“I don’t know if it qualifies as AI, but it’s super-smart technology,” said Johnson. “It’s motion-sensing and even predicts the patient’s movements. This results in fewer repeat scans, which improves the patient experience and enables more people to receive scans.”

Wellstar MCG Health also has a mobile MRI machine that is located outside of Professional Building One.

“This will be so much better for our patients, being closer to other support services for pediatric patients and wayfinding for all patients. All patients who receive a MRI will now got to the same waiting room, instead of three different waiting rooms,” Johnson said.

The new machine has a stronger gradient within the magnetic field, Johnson explained, which translates to higher-resolution, thin-section imaging. This means, for example, that radiologists and other physicians will be able to more clearly see the margins of a prostate cancer or the valves of the heart.

“You can see fine detail so much better, so you can make more confident diagnostic and treatment decisions,” she said. “You can get literally a half a millimeter slice thickness with this new equipment. That’s huge for us as we help patients and physicians make the best possible decisions for a person’s care.”

The new technology also improves the ability to adapt to individual patient body shape and to better scan patients who have implanted devices such as pacemakers.

Radiology Manager Felicia Ford said she is very happy to begin working with the new machines. She even volunteered to be among the first people to be scanned, just to test it.

Ford is looking forward to providing her patients with a better experience in addition to better quality MRI scans.

“It’s really nice,” she said. “I was impressed. It’s comfortable.”

Atlanta, GA -- CLEAR (NYSE: YOU), the secure identity company, and Wellstar Health System, one of the largest healthcare systems in Georgia, are launching a new initiative to further simplify and speed up the patient check-in process. The first pilot location is live with further rollout expected in the second half of 2024.

CLEAR has successfully integrated with Wellstar to enable patient registration and on-site check-in through CLEAR Verified. Wellstar co-developed the integration and is the first health system to utilize the CLEAR Verified technology application, which will become an out-of-the-box integration that CLEAR can easily implement for other healthcare partners who use Epic.

Wellstar patients who opt-in to use CLEAR’s proven technology will enjoy a smooth on-site check-in by simply verifying their identity ahead of time. Wellstar patients will receive a text a few days before their scheduled appointment to check-in using CLEAR. On appointment day participating patients simply need to take a selfie at the Wellstar CLEAR Verified kiosk to check-in for their appointment.

“Identity is foundational to making patient experiences safer, easier, and more efficient in healthcare,” said CLEAR CEO, Caryn Seidman Becker. “CLEAR’s collaboration with Wellstar Health System will bring a streamlined and secure check-in experience for patients. With the launch of this new experience, CLEAR is one step closer in our effort to replace the clipboard in healthcare.”

“Our patients’ time is precious. Introducing CLEAR’s proven secure technology will help make the check-in process even more efficient and safe,” said Dr. Hank Capps, FAAFP, EVP and Chief Information and Digital Officer for Wellstar Health System, and President of Catalyst by Wellstar. “We are committed to building an ecosystem of care that includes technologies that have never been used in healthcare. When combined with compassionate care from Wellstar clinicians, we will deliver a truly world-class experience.”

About CLEAR
CLEAR's mission is to create frictionless experiences. With more than 22 million members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR's identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you – making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell member data. For more information, visit clearme.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that any and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those described in the Company's filings within the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10- K. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

Epic is a registered trademark of Epic Systems Corporation.

Contact
[email protected]

Presiding over weddings is one way that the Reverend Michael Teston, ThM, gives back to his community after retiring as a full-time pastor.



One recent wedding was quite different than the rest. It was with heartfelt pride that the pastor looked on as the groom—the man Michael credits with saving his life—said his vows.

“Fiyin, do you take Courtnee to be your lawfully wedded wife?” Michael asked his head and neck cancer specialist.

“I do,” Dr. Fiyin Sokoya replied, standing happily as his former patient—now friend, spiritual advisor and premarital counselor—joined him with his wife in holy matrimony.

Compassionate expertise follows an unexpected diagnosis

A few years earlier, an unexpected diagnosis brought the two men together as they formed a bond that exceeded the typical doctor-patient relationship.

It began when Michael noticed a knot in his left cheek. He thought he had an infected lymph node so he went to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor to get it checked out. The prognosis was that the knot was likely non-cancerous, but worth getting removed because it was growing rapidly and increased the risk for cancer. The clergyman was referred to Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, a head and neck cancer specialist and facial plastic surgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center.

Specialized head & neck cancer care

Dr. Sokoya surgically removed the tumor using techniques similar to a facelift. This helped the scars heal well and meant minimal downtime during the healing process.

“If you look at my face now, you couldn’t tell,” Michael shared. “Dr. Sokoya did a phenomenal job.”

As a precaution and part of standard practice at Wellstar, the tumor taken from his face went to specialized head and neck pathologists for testing.

“I went into the doctor’s office for a follow-up visit,” Michael remembered. “The doctor said, ‘Unfortunately, it’s cancer.’”

The tumor was a rare type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma.

“Well, that’s not what I was expecting!” Michael remembered thinking at the time. “I thought it was just a benign tumor. But Dr. Sokoya kept his manner calm, kind and never rushed. He explained things in a non-technical way to make sure I understood.”

Along with Dr. Sokoya’s demeanor, the reverend’s belief that no matter what happens, a higher power is watching out for him helped. Michael said, “My heart rate didn’t go up one bit. I never had a moment of panic.”

Fortunately, Michael was already in the right place for his care.

“We’ve become the destination center for advanced head and neck cancer care,” Dr. Sokoya said. “We can take care of him whatever his needs may be with top-notch physicians who empathize and display emotional intelligence while connecting on a human level throughout treatment.”

Aside from the surgery, Michael did not need further treatment, other than regular monitoring and bloodwork.

“Michael ended up not needing chemo because we caught it early and his medical oncologist is able to watch it closely in case any symptoms develop again,” Dr. Sokoya said. 

Wellstar Sylvan Grove Medical Center has been named a first-time Georgia Oglethorpe Award winner. The Sterling Council, established in 1992, is a public/private not-for-profit corporation supported by the Executive Office of the Governor. The Council oversees the Governor’s Sterling Award for Performance Excellence and the Georgia Oglethorpe Award, which is based on the national Malcolm Baldrige Award, with Awards being presented annually to high performing, role-model organizations, both private and public, who demonstrate superior management approaches and role model results.

Wellstar Sylvan Grove is a nonprofit, critical access hospital in Jackson, Georgia and one of 11 Wellstar Health System hospitals. The hospital operates with 25 in-patient/swing beds (subacute rehab) and a 13-bed emergency department. The swing bed unit serves patients from all over the country, and the emergency department treats over 17,000 patients annually. Wellstar Sylvan Grove receives patients from across the nation because of their excellent reputation for rehabilitative care. “Together we can achieve more” describes the mindset of the Wellstar Sylvan Grove team. The hospital’s teamwork approach is the key driver of maintaining zero hospital-acquired infections for over three years and consistently remaining in the top 75th percentile for patient satisfaction as a facility.

Wellstar Sylvan Grove consistently remains one of the top-performing hospitals on the Great Place to Work® Survey, a national employee engagement survey, which resulted in the health system being named one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®, earning the award in 2024 for the sixth time. The family culture extends outside of the four walls of the hospital to the people in the community. Wellstar Sylvan Grove participates in many community events, including a mobile market that helps to provide nutritious food and health education to the community at no cost.

Wellstar Sylvan Grove Medical Center is a first-time recipient of the Georgia Oglethorpe Award and is the sixth hospital that is part of the Wellstar Health System to be recognized with the Sterling Oglethorpe Award.

Wellstar Sylvan Grove will be formally recognized on Friday, May 31, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando at a banquet honoring their accomplishments and attainment of this recognition.

Determination and service are family traits shared by the mother-son duo of Claudette Owens and her son Mayor Michael Owens of Mableton. The two have been serving their community in Cobb County for decades leading Michael to become the first Mayor of Mableton in 2023.

Claudette found her calling in nursing and served at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center from October 1998 to April 2012 when she retired. As we celebrate National Nurses week, she expressed that “once you are a nurse, you are always a nurse.”

During her time at Wellstar, she was a staff nurse and a charge nurse. “I think all nurses probably feel the same way. When our patients come in with chest pain, shortness of breath and chest pains so unstable, it is such a good feeling to care for them and bring them back to good health. That was my reward from Wellstar Cobb Hospital when I served on 2 North.”

At that time, her son Michael was pursuing his dreams and attending college. “If he set his mind to do something, he was going to find a way to do it,” Claudette said. “I think determination was his guiding force.”

On the eve of Mother’s Day weekend, Claudette fondly remembers her son when he was young. “He would bring me little pictures and we would go over them. He played basketball with his friends and brothers and was even into modeling and acting. He always kept me busy too because I was always running him here and there, but it was really fun for me.”

Michael started his life of service as a teenager by joining the United States Marine Corps before going on to college. “He’s always been moving towards something,” she said.

“I joined the Marines at 17. My father was in the Marines and my grandfather was in the Navy. Leadership is an extension of serving my country – I am now serving locally,” Michael said.

After enlisting with the Marines, Michael graduated from high school and went to Paris Island for basic training. He served for eight years and then attended North Carolina A&T State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvard University and the U.S. Army War College. He launched a career in cybersecurity and dedicated time to public service. When Cobb County residents voted to create the City of Mableton in 2022, Michael set his sights on his next chapter of community service.

Michael’s drive and inspiration is evident in his mother. “Before she was a nurse, she opened her own beauty salon in a small town in North Carolina,” he said.

Michael’s fondest memory of his mom is when she became a registered nurse. “She inspired me, and she still inspires me. She has always had an appetite for the world and working hard. She was relentless in wanting the best for us as a wife, mother and daughter. She was constantly trying to be everywhere at the same time.”

As Claudette reflected on her time as a nurse, she recalls, “I was welcomed from the very beginning. I always felt welcome there [at Wellstar] and I still feel that way today.”

Michael shared that some of his mother’s best friends served alongside her.

“I used my vacation time back then to make sure to get our family together,” she remembers describing the summers when she would get her entire family, including five children, their spouses and grandchildren together.

The camaraderie she experienced on the floor with her fellow nurses is memorable. “And we all knew one another’s children even though we didn’t see them, but we knew when there was a graduation or birthday.”

Now that she is retired, Claudette is still active in the Mableton community, attending events and enjoying many of the activities the city has to offer, and spending time in her garden and with her family.

For Michael, his service is about “improving the quality of life for everyone.” With strong role models growing up and in adulthood, he is committed to his community. After spending the first year of his term “putting the blocks together” for the newly established city, he’s excited about Mableton 2045, a comprehensive citywide plan that’s being developed.

“The goal is to come up with a flexible and comprehensive plan to determine how the city is going to change and build,” he explained.

Mableton is now the largest city in Cobb County and home to 80,000 people.

The mayor and his mother will have much to celebrate this Mother’s Day, including their legacy of serving their growing community.

When someone has a stroke, it’s crucial that they get treatment right away. 

If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Ambulance crews can start treatment on the way to the hospital, speeding up care and saving brainpower. 

“Many people think that they can sleep it off, or that they can go to bed and they'll be better in the morning,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, Wellstar director of stroke care. “If you have a loss of sensation, you cannot move your arm or your leg, you have trouble speaking or you have trouble with your vision, the faster you get to the emergency room, the more likely we are to reverse your disability.” 

Learn the warning signs of a stroke, and if you notice any of these in yourself or someone else, BE FAST. 

• Balance—One sign is a sudden loss of balance or coordination. This can also appear as a sudden, severe headache or dizziness.
• Eyes—Blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision can be symptoms of a stroke. If you think someone else may be having a stroke, ask if they are having trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.
• Face—One side of the face may be drooping or feeling numb. Ask the person to smile and see if it appears lopsided or uneven.
• Arms—Look for sudden arm weakness or numbness. Check if the person can lift both arms without one drifting downward.
• Speech—Check for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to determine if they are having trouble talking.
• Time—The more treatment is delayed, the more the brain is damaged. Don’t wait to seek care. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Reduce your risk of a stroke by living a healthy lifestyle. Your Wellstar provider can partner with you in creating a treatment plan to stay in good health. To learn more about brain, spine and nerve health services at Wellstar, visit our neuro care page or call (770) 956-STAR (7827). 

Wellstar has three new urgent care centers in Austell, Rome and Woodstock to serve our community’s growing healthcare needs. These locations provide convenient care for minor emergencies, illnesses and injuries.

Walk-ins are always welcome, but you also have the option to book a visit online at the time that works best for you. Booking online can help reduce your wait time once you arrive.

Our three new Wellstar Urgent Care locations:

1025 East-West Connector
Austell, GA 30106
(678) 273-3071
Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 8 PM; Saturday - Sunday, 8 AM - 4 PM
Urgent Care Check-In at this location

1314 Turner McCall Blvd.
Rome, GA 30161
(706) 728-3240
Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 8 PM; Saturday - Sunday, 8 AM - 4 PM
Urgent Care Check-In at this location

4477 Towne Lake Parkway
Woodstock, GA 30189
(770) 249-5620
Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 8 PM; Saturday - Sunday, 8 AM - 4 PM
Urgent Care Check-In at this location

In addition to the three new locations, Wellstar Urgent Care in Kennesaw has relocated to a larger space only a mile from its previous location. Visit us at:

3980 Jiles Road
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(770) 426-5665
Seven days a week, 8 AM to 7:30 PM
Urgent Care Check-In at this location

Wellstar Urgent Care provides:

• Care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as coughs, colds, sprains and broken bones
• Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts
• Flu care
• Rapid COVID-19 testing for all ages
• Labs and X-rays
• Sports physicals
• Worker’s compensation services

Find an urgent care location near you.

Your body supports you in everything you do, from everyday activities like grocery shopping to milestones and memories with friends and family. 

But while you may make sure you eat healthy, get your exercise and see your doctor to keep up with your physical health, it’s important to check in on your mental health, too. 

Wellstar offers a full range of behavioral health services close to home in convenient locations, so you can feel your best both physically and mentally.

Meeting you where you are

If you’re dealing with feelings of anxiety and depression, you may turn to your primary care physician or another healthcare provider for help. Wellstar is removing barriers to behavioral healthcare by integrating those services into many of our locations. 

On-site behavioral health providers work at many of our primary care and specialty clinics, making it a little easier to take that first step in improving your mental health. Wellstar also provides access to on-site and virtual behavioral health specialists in hospital emergency departments and on the medical floors.

“We know that patients are already struggling with stigma, and sometimes it takes a lot for a patient to come into care with a behavioral health professional, and we wanted to remove that stigma,” said Dr. Ryan Breshears, chief behavioral health officer at Wellstar.

About 1 in 3 patients with a physical health condition also could benefit from some form of mental health support, Dr. Breshears said. Wellstar providers work together across specialties to ensure each patient receives “whole person care”—addressing both their mental and physical well-being.

“When you address the mental health components that an individual is dealing with, you’re going to improve the physical outcomes,” Dr. Breshears said. “In the same way, if you address the physical health outcomes, you’re probably going to provide care that improves the mental health outcomes as well.”

Wellstar Psychologist Dr. Shawn Coyne works with cardiac patients to provide that whole person care to patients like John Petrick and his daughter Janin as they adjust to cardiac diagnoses. 

Cardiac health and behavioral health are closely tied, Dr. Coyne said—if someone is depressed, they are twice as likely to have a cardiac health issue or twice as likely to experience a second cardiac event. Heart patients are also three times as likely to be depressed as the general population.

In addition to cardiovascular behavioral medicine, Wellstar also offers several other specialized programs to assist patients with the mental and emotional challenges of a medical condition: 

• Metabolic behavioral medicine, for patients with metabolic conditions or who have received bariatric surgery
• Psycho-gastroenterology to provide support to gastrointestinal patients
• Psychosocial oncology to help patients adjust to cancer treatment
• Somatic symptom disorders for people experiencing unexplained physical symptoms that may be caused or impacted by stress

With our PeopleCare approach, Wellstar providers tailor care to each patient, taking the time to get to know their needs and create a customized care plan.

“You as the patient are part of the treatment team,” Dr. Coyne said. “You are involved, you can participate, you give feedback, you engage and we get a better end product when we work as a strong team.”

To learn more about outpatient behavioral health services, call (770) 644-1570.

Compassionate inpatient care

If you or a loved one requires immediate care for a behavioral health condition, our inpatient behavioral health units provide 24-hour care for adults ages 18 and older.

Inpatient behavioral health services include round-the-clock monitoring, medication management, individual and group therapy, and educational resources for both the patient and their family.

If you have questions, you can reach our Behavioral Health Assessment & Resource Center anytime at (470) 732-3789. However, in the case of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Learn more about behavioral health services at Wellstar.

Marietta, Ga. (May 1, 2024) – Wellstar Health System has selected John Hatfield as Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer. He will lead the nonprofit community health system’s Marketing, Communications, Government Relations, Community Development and Foundation teams in a new integrated group called External Affairs.

“We serve Georgia communities in a challenging, rapidly changing environment for healthcare. It is increasingly vital that we engage effectively with our stakeholders, including policymakers, civic and community leaders, and the media. I am confident we found the right individual to lead this new group,” said Candice L. Saunders, President and CEO of Wellstar.

Through a 30-year career in public affairs, John has held senior executive positions with large corporations, public relations agencies, political campaigns and elected officials. Most recently, John served as Vice President of Corporate Communications at Norfolk Southern Corporation, where he was responsible for brand strategy, reputation management, strategic communications, community affairs and corporate giving, including the Norfolk Southern Foundation. He previously worked in the electric utility industry, where he built strong advocacy and local community engagement programs.

John and his teams will work collaboratively with donors, patients, families, media, legislators and community partners to raise awareness and build support for Wellstar’s vision and efforts to transform healthcare.

Before beginning his professional career, John received his bachelor’s degree in politics from Princeton University. He lives in Buckhead with his wife and daughter.

While strokes have become relatively common—more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—many risk factors for stroke can be managed in partnership with your healthcare provider.

Manage your risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk of experiencing a stroke include:

High blood pressure

Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, increases the risk of a stroke. Stay up to date on your annual physicals to know your blood pressure levels, and if you have hypertension, talk to your provider about managing it. “High blood pressure is the most modifiable risk factor, meaning it’s the one that is most treatable and has the most impact on one’s risk,” said Wellstar Neurologist Dr. Ashis Tayal. “It is vastly underdiagnosed and when it is treated, it’s often undertreated.”

High cholesterol

Cholesterol can build up and lead to clotting in the blood, which can cause a stroke if the clot travels and blocks blood flow to the brain. Your primary care provider can help you monitor your cholesterol with a blood test and manage levels with medications or lifestyle changes.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are at increased risk of experiencing a stroke. Talk to your provider about diabetes screenings. If you are diabetic, discuss managing the condition with your provider.

Smoking

Smoking can increase your risk of a stroke, so if you are a smoker, it is beneficial to quit. “Cigarettes accelerate atherosclerosis, or clogging in the arteries, and cause inflammation in blood vessels that then increases people’s risk of stroke and heart attack,” Dr. Tayal said.

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, a heart arrythmia, can cause clots that then travel to the brain, leading to a stroke, according to Dr. Tayal. If you have atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, partner with your healthcare provider to manage the condition.

Other risk factors

While many of these risk factors can be controlled through medication or lifestyle changes in collaboration with a healthcare provider, other risk factors for stroke can be out of your control. People of any age can experience a stroke, but stroke risk increases with age.

The risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for Black adults as for white adults, and Black adults and Pacific Islander adults have the highest rates of death from stroke, according to the CDC. Hypertension is more common in Black patients, according to Dr. Tayal. People in rural communities may also experience higher rates of stroke due to limited access to healthcare and nutritious foods, he added.

To help lower stroke rates in our communities, Wellstar Community Health will distribute over 100 blood pressure cuffs in 2024 and educate community members about stroke risk and blood pressure monitoring at Wellstar Mobile Markets. The team will identify and distribute blood pressure home monitors to those coming to the markets who are diagnosed with high blood pressure, on blood pressure medication and do not have a home monitor.

Live to the Beat. Powered by Wellstar. is a pilot program to help community members at two East Point churches take charge of their cardiovascular health. Through the program, participants will meet monthly with a Wellstar Community Health community health worker to have their blood pressure checked and discuss ways to keep their heart healthy, such as proper nutrition, exercise and caring for mental health.

How to recognize a stroke

Learn the warning signs of a stroke, and if you notice any of these in yourself or someone else, BE FAST and call 911 right away.

Balance

Look for a sudden loss of balance or coordination. This can also appear as a sudden, severe headache or dizziness.

Eyes

Blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision can be signs of a stroke. If you think someone else may be having a stroke, ask if they are having trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.

Face

One side of the face may be feeling numb or appear to be drooping. Ask the person to smile and see if it appears uneven.

Arms

Check for sudden arm weakness or numbness. See if the person can lift both arms without one drifting downward.

Speech

Watch out for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to find out if they are having trouble talking.

Time

Don’t wait to seek care. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. The more treatment is delayed, the more the brain is damaged.

Learn more about stroke care at Wellstar.

Live to the Beat. Powered by Wellstar. is an initiative of the Wellstar Center for Health Equity and Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, the CDC Foundation and Million Hearts. Through the program, participants will meet monthly with a Wellstar Community Health community health worker (CHW) to have their blood pressure checked and discuss ways to keep their heart healthy, such as proper nutrition, exercise and caring for mental health.

Funding has been provided by the Wellstar Foundation to support a partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health Chronic Disease Prevention Section for a CHW, who is trained using a Morehouse School of Medicine education curriculum.

Participants for the program have been identified through the Wellstar Congregational Health Network, which partners with local faith communities to connect congregants with health resources. Live to the Beat. Powered by Wellstar. will launch in May with 50 congregants from First Baptist Church East Point and Mount Olive Seventh Day Adventist Church, also in East Point. Participants will receive blood pressure cuffs and other tools for promoting health and wellbeing.

The program is one of several Wellstar community initiatives to address social determinants of health, or the non-medical factors that can affect someone’s well-being, such as access to nutritious foods, housing and education.

“If we want to reduce poor health outcomes and reduce heart attacks and stroke in our community, we have to also look at all those other factors at play,” said Wellstar Assistant Vice President for Community Health and Wellstar Center for Health Equity Elise Lockamy-Kassim. “If an individual does not have access to food and we expect them to maintain good heart health, what could happen is they have to resort to having limited nutrition. They may choose high calorie foods just to feel full, not necessarily nutritious foods. Not having food also contributes to stress, which we know contributes to weakening your body.”

The Wellstar Find Help tool connects community members to assistance for housing, transportation, food and other resources.

Learn more about the Wellstar Center for Health Equity. To learn more about the national Live to the Beat campaign, visit Live To The Beat.

At Wellstar, every patient’s care plan is tailored to their needs. When it comes to head and neck cancers, a team of expert specialists form an interdisciplinary care team that supports the patient and their family through the whole treatment process.

In Wellstar STAT Clinics—short for Specialty Teams and Treatments—patients can see multiple cancer specialists to be diagnosed, have questions answered and finalize a treatment plan in a single day at one location. This reduces the need to drive to different locations and helps the patient start treatment faster.

“The concept of multidisciplinary care is tried and true and shown to be effective for cancer patients,” said Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, a Wellstar head and neck cancer surgeon. “This model decreases the time to proceed with and receive care.”

First, a team of medical experts, including a head and neck cancer surgeon and facial plastic surgeon, a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, a pathologist and a neuroradiologist, review the patient’s pathology and imaging as a group to diagnose, stage and create a personalized treatment plan.

Next, the patient and their family meet with the experts. This is an opportunity for the patient to learn about the recommended treatments and ask questions.

“Traditionally, patients must drive to several different appointments to learn the stage of their cancer, meet with different specialists and make decisions,” said Wellstar Medical Oncologist Dr. Nagender Mankan. “At that point, four to five weeks have gone by. In STAT Clinics, we are expediting the complicated decision-making process.”

The patient also meets with a nurse navigator. This specialized nurse helps coordinate many aspects of care for the patient including scheduling appointments and connecting patients with support team members, such as a registered dietitian, a speech therapist or a dentist who may help relieve irritation in the mouth and throat.

While Wellstar is well-equipped to help you fight head and neck cancers, there are steps you can take to prevent cancer from forming, including limiting exposure to the sun and cutting out tobacco and alcohol. Your Wellstar care team can work with you on a plan to keep your head and neck healthy and set achievable goals to prevent cancer.

Learn more about head and neck cancer care at Wellstar.

Wellstar Family Medicine in Morrow is relocating to Douglasville.

Starting April 29, you can find us at:
Wellstar GME Family Medicine - Douglasville
6002 Professional Parkway, Suite 220
Douglasville, GA 30134
(770) 968-6464

We appreciate the opportunity to serve as your healthcare partners, and we hope you will continue your care with us in our new location.

Our last day in Morrow is April 19. If you have an appointment between April 22 and April 26, we will contact you to reschedule. Patient appointments scheduled for April 29 or later will take place in Douglasville.

We are committed to helping you find a location that is both convenient and the right fit for your health needs. Call us at (770) 956-STAR (7827) if you would like assistance in finding a new provider. Several options for continuing care in the Morrow area are:

1. The Family Health Centers of Georgia will begin operating from our current Morrow location (1000 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 200) in early May. They are a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides primary care, family planning and other specialized health programs—regardless of ability to pay. They will move to their newly renovated space nearby at 6685 Merchants Way in July 2024. Learn more about FQHCs.

2. CenterWell Senior Primary Care 1821 Mount Zion Road, Morrow, GA 30260 (470) 491-2020

3. Mayuga Family Medicine 236 Stockbridge Road Suite B, Jonesboro, GA 30236 (770) 742-9326

4. Wellstar Primary Care 3890 Redwine Road Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30331 (404) 344-0059

5. Wellstar GME Internal Medicine Clinic 747 South 8th St. Suite B, Griffin, GA 30224 (470) 604-8250

6. Wellstar Primary Care 708 S. 8th St., Griffin, GA 30224 (770) 228-5402

When the weather starts to warm up, many people start getting ready for the spring season. Along with cleaning and decluttering your home, you should also spruce up the space you live in every day—your body.

When you prioritize your well-being and do the proper up-keep for your health, it may help you stay ahead of potential medical issues.

To feel your best this spring and beyond, we’re sharing our top tips to keep you healthy.

Check for a clean bill of health

Setting our clocks forward can also be your reminder to set up a visit with your primary care provider.

“People should definitely add a wellness exam to their spring-cleaning checklist, regardless of age. Routine preventative care every year is very important,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Nayab Dhanani.

During a wellness exam, your provider will check your Foundational 4 numbers—body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

From there, your provider can help create a screening plan to help keep you ahead of chronic conditions or serious diseases. Recommended screenings may vary depending on your family history, gender and age, as well as your provider's recommendations.

“The importance of screenings is really to be proactive instead of reactive,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Facia Dew. “It’s better to know a person’s risk factors so we can screen accordingly. Our goal is to meet their unique medical needs and help them live a healthy life.”

Be sure to bring up any other medical concerns, health questions or wellness goals at the appointment. Wellstar providers are partners in your care, committed to keeping you feeling your best physically, mentally and emotionally.

Stay ahead of health concerns

It can be easy to put your own health on the backburner as life gets busy. This spring, make a commitment to yourself to get the essential screenings you need.

For women, screenings like pelvic exams, Pap smears and mammograms can help catch cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and other issues. These important physical and gynecological health exams can help you stay ahead of potential medical concerns, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer.

Along with a routine physical to stay in top shape, men can benefit from a prostate-specific antigen test. Having this simple blood test done can help catch prostate cancer in its early stages, often when it is more treatable. Men who are 50 or older should start getting screened for prostate cancer. Those at higher risk—including Black men and those who have had a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer—may start screenings even sooner.

Talking about colon health can feel a little uncomfortable, but getting screened could save your life. Starting at age 45, everyone should get a colonoscopy. Those with a higher risk or family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening even sooner. Learn more about the importance of colon screenings.

Freshen up your mindset

For people who experience seasonal depression during the fall and winter months, spring’s longer hours of light may bring a renewed sense of hope. Still, lingering feelings of sadness or other difficult emotions could be more than just the “winter blues.”

“We have a screening test called PHQ-2, which is used to screen for depression,” Dr. Dhanani explained. “Patients typically have to answer two questions, and it is a preliminary screening to see if you have any signs or symptoms of depression.”

“Plenty of times, patients don’t even know they have depression. Often, a person may have had the condition for a while and it could be untreated,” Dr. Dhanani said.

If you feel overwhelmed and need support, we’re here for you. Reach out to your provider or one of our behavioral health specialists for help.

Looking for more ways to stay well? Learn about screenings to help keep you healthy.

Former former major league baseball player CJ Stewart didn’t want to have a colonoscopy. He dreaded the liquid diet. The needles. The IV sedation. The possibility of cancer.

So how did CJ face his fears—and what happened next?

On track for a heart attack

It started in 2020 when CJ scouted a new primary care provider. He chose Dr. Randy Hines II, Wellstar Primary Care. He said Dr. Hines was the most straightforward doctor he had ever visited.

“I was overweight,” CJ remembered. “My health changed positively because Dr. Hines said things to me in a very positive way. He was direct with me and that helped save my life.”

Dr. Hines learned CJ’s father was a diabetic and had quadruple bypass heart surgery to treat a heart attack. CJ remembered him saying, “‘You’re on track to have the same thing but you can control it.’” 

CJ admitted that he had a daily dose of French fries and two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before bed. Dr. Hines challenged him to rethink his relationship with food if he wanted to see his daughters walk down the aisle one day. It was tough talk and it meant something.

“I really love my daughters!” CJ said. “It made me change.”

As a result, he modified his diet, took up running and lost 45 pounds.

Preventing colorectal cancer

Then CJ’s mom revealed a family history of colon cancer.

“My wife and daughters were like, ‘We really need you to go get checked to make sure you’re good,’” he said.

Because of his fears related to the colonoscopy, CJ wanted to have Cologuard, an at-home screening test for colon cancer. But Dr. Hines recommended the 47-year-old have a preventive colonoscopy screening instead, explaining that if pre-cancerous polyps are detected during the procedure, they can be removed before becoming cancerous. 

“I didn’t want to hear it,” CJ laughed. “But hearing that from a fellow African American man, I trusted that it was the right thing to do.”

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on April 12, 2024.

Orthopedic care has evolved from injury treatment and corrective surgery into a critical component of modern healthcare. As primary care remains foundational in managing overall health, the demand for orthopedic services has surged, reflecting changing lifestyles, demographics and expectations. In any given year, 12% to 14% of the adult population will visit their physician for back pain, according to the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI).

Against this backdrop of widespread musculoskeletal issues, Wellstar recently convened with the Atlanta Business Chronicle for a panel discussion to delve into the changing landscape of orthopedic care. This insightful forum explored key trends, challenges and innovations shaping the field, with leading healthcare professionals offering valuable perspectives. These discussions unraveled the complexities of orthopedic care, ranging from preventive strategies to cutting-edge treatments. Among the panelists was Steve Quehl, a former college football player for Notre Dame, who started as a tight end before transitioning to a center. Other panelists were Dr. Hodari Brooks, orthopedic surgeon, Wellstar Health System; Dr. Joseph Burns, chief musculoskeletal officer, Wellstar Health System; Dr. Timothy Oswald, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics. Moderator was David Rubinger, market president and publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle.

The rise of orthopedics and interventions

David Rubinger:  There’s an uptick in the demand for orthopedic services and these specialists have become increasingly essential to healthcare. What societal changes drive this heightened need for specialized ortho care?

Dr. Joseph Burns: We’re facing an aging population alongside a growing desire for an active, pain-free lifestyle. In the past, individuals had to endure their limitations and pain for life. Today, people have more options. Technology, techniques and training advancements now provide surgical alternatives that significantly enhance quality of life well beyond middle age. 

Wellstar conducts numerous community campaigns through various channels, including community events, the media and in our offices and hospitals, highlighting the value of maintaining health and establishing a relationship with a primary care physician.

Dr. Hodari Brooks: Societal changes for both our youth as well as adults have resulted in the increased need for orthopedic care. Physical activity has decreased, with fewer kids participating in physical education. This leads to more injuries related to obesity and lack of activity. The need for joint replacements is soaring, driven by both baby boomers aging and younger individuals seeking treatment earlier. Half of my practice is caring for patients under 55, a shift from when people would wait years for treatment. Now, we prioritize improving quality of life sooner rather than later.

Patients, including those seeking joint replacements, are opting for earlier interventions. They are less inclined to wait for treatment, indicating a shift within the healthcare system towards promptly addressing patient needs.

Rubinger: What new injury trends are emerging in sports due to changing physical activity patterns, especially with the rise of extreme sports and diverse workout routines?

Dr. Burns: The rise in overuse injuries among our younger population is disheartening. Young athletes don’t diversify their sports as they once did, leading to year-round specialization and an increased risk of injury. This relentless pursuit of success often comes at the cost of rest and diversity in physical activities.

We’re also encountering complex medical issues that require specialized treatment, reflecting both advancements in medical care and the aging population’s evolving healthcare needs. Conditions once considered untreatable are now within our reach, marking a significant shift in the scope of orthopedic care over the years.

Rubinger: Dr. Oswald, as a pediatric orthopedic specialist, have you frequently observed the concept of subspecialization and the decline in diversification among young athletes?

Dr. Timothy Oswald: It’s a significant area of concern for us, and we’re conducting more research. Recent studies have highlighted the insufficient breaks and rest periods given to children, as well as the trend of starting high-level athletics too young, which aligns with the issue of subspecialization. Kids are not miniature adults. Their orthopedic stresses differ due to growth plates and differing stress responses.

We’re educating the community, including coaches and parents, about the importance of rest periods during training through channels like social media. We aim to implement better training methods so young athletes can continue playing into their college years, as we’re noticing a concerning trend where many high-level athletes quit sports as early as eighth grade.

Rubinger: Steve, as a former college athlete yourself, what’s your observation of the sports world’s changes regarding how injuries are approached, especially compared to when we were younger?

Steve Quehl: I view this issue through the lens of my grandchildren and their friends, and I agree with the insights shared by these doctors. Their perspectives must influence parents’ decisions, particularly regarding the early specialization trend. Parents often have unrealistic expectations of their children becoming professional athletes, which can lead to overtraining and injuries. Kids should have a balanced approach to sports. I’m grateful my daughters chose activities like swimming over contact sports for their children, considering the risks to growing bones and muscles.

Prior to my enrollment at Notre Dame, I appreciated the joy of playing multiple sports during each season for fun, without the pressure of turning it into a professional pursuit.

Efficient outpatient care benefits

Rubinger: I’ve noticed remarkable changes in my lifetime regarding the duration of procedures and the efficiency of hospital stays or visits to outpatient surgery centers. I’m curious about your perspective on this shift away from extended hospital stays. Do you believe it’s ultimately beneficial or detrimental to patients? What are your thoughts on this evolution of the time spent in hospitals or surgery centers?

Dr. Brooks: There’s been a significant shift in the duration of hospital stays, especially concerning joint procedures. In the past, patients would typically spend several days in the hospital before and after surgery. In my practice, around 90% of primary joint patients can return home the same day, which is remarkable. This change is not only due to patient preferences for quicker recovery but also has medical benefits, such as reducing the risk of infection. Outpatient joint replacement is not done everywhere, however, and it is important to discuss this option with your individual surgeon.

Insurance companies have started incentivizing shorter hospital stays. While this trend has clear advantages, it also comes with challenges, such as pressure to discharge patients quickly. The ability to expedite recovery and minimize specific complications is a positive development I believe will continue.

Rubinger: Do we have data showing a decrease in complications due to the trend of shorter hospital stays, particularly for joint procedures?

Dr. Burns: Evidence indicates improved outcomes for outpatient procedures, with data supporting this trend. The shift involves a comprehensive approach beyond simply performing the surgery and discharging the patient. It requires a multidisciplinary effort, with investments in establishing preoperative optimization programs, patient education classes and a coordinated team approach on the day of surgery.

Patients undergo physical therapy before returning home, but the care doesn’t stop there. We must ensure effective pain management, minimize infection risks and create a safe home environment to support their recovery. This process goes beyond safely discharging patients. It’s about ensuring their complete and safe recovery. I’m proud of the extensive teamwork and complex processes that Wellstar has implemented to support these programs.

Quehl: When it was time to correct my right shoulder this past year, I went in the morning and came back home in the evening. Dr. Burns assured me that I’d be home the same day, and it was a wonderful experience. I didn’t want any overnight stays. It was well-planned and executed, with proper anticipation and expectations set. The follow-up was excellent, too.

Dr. Brooks: Patients are shocked or hesitant when I inform them that they’ll go home the same day. It’s about managing expectations and explaining the benefits, especially as it relates to improved outcomes. Involvement in these programs gives physicians more control over the process. It’s a serious undertaking but rewarding because we can provide more input, especially in an outpatient setting. Collaboration with anesthesia colleagues has improved, particularly with techniques like regional blocks, as patients need to be up and about after surgery. Almost universally in my experience, patients prefer their outpatient surgical experience to any previous hospital stays.

Multimodal pain management success

Rubinger: This leads me to my next question regarding opioids and pharmacology. Has pharmacology evolved over the last decade to improve patient treatment?

Dr. Burns: Most of us are employing what we refer to as multimodal pain control, which involves a process aimed at sparing, if not entirely eliminating, the need for opioids as a primary method of pain management. By utilizing different medications that target distinct pain receptors, we can effectively manage pain while minimizing potential side effects that may arise from relying solely on opioids or multiple doses of the same medication. Advancements in regional blocks, administered by anesthesiologists, allow injections that can provide numbing effects in the affected areas for several days, alleviating initial post-operative pain and reducing patients’ overall need for pain medication over time.

Dr. Oswald: The opioid crisis in the greater Atlanta area is a significant concern for both children and adults, and it’s something we’re all acutely aware of. We’ve initiated extensive research efforts at Wellstar to address this issue and lead advancements in pain management that don’t rely on narcotics. Similar to the approach described in the total joint experience, we’ve been observing this trend for some time now, even in pediatric cases.

When I trained for pediatric spine surgery 20 years ago, patients stayed in the hospital for at least a week post-surgery. By implementing multimodal approaches, we’ve managed to reduce narcotic use by nearly 90% while also transitioning from a week-long hospital stay to just a 23-hour observation period for certain procedures.

Patient satisfaction is higher with these approaches, directly correlating with their overall experience. Are we expediting discharge solely for the sake of pushing people out? Actually, no. It’s about ensuring patients feel empowered in their recovery process, with their pain managed effectively, and their ability to return to the quality of life they desire. These patient-centered care programs optimize outcomes and enhance the overall healthcare experience.

With a mound of red dirt piled behind him and wearing a hard hat, Gov. Brian P. Kemp lifted a purple-bowed shovel full of gray dirt Monday, April 1, ceremonially breaking ground on Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center.

Joining him in this symbolic event were First Lady of Georgia Marty Kemp; Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System; University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue; Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center; Brooks A. Keel, president of Augusta University; Doug Duncan, chairman of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners; and other esteemed dignitaries to commemorate construction of the new hospital and medical office building.

They were among the first to sign a purple beam with a Wellstar logo commemorating the momentous event. The 8-foot-long ceremonial beam will next travel to the Wellstar MCG Health campus so team members who provided input on the facility’s design can also sign it.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a great symbol of the incredible partnership between the state, local and private sector leaders and what is being done every day to expand access to quality, affordable healthcare to Georgians throughout the state,” said Gov. Kemp. “Through this partnership, Columbia County and the surrounding rural area will be able to experience innovative care, and the state will benefit from the generations of new minds that will be molded to provide care in the years to come.”

When Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center and the adjacent medical office building open in 2026, the full-service acute care hospital will feature 100 inpatient beds; an emergency department expected to become a Level II trauma center; a surgical platform that will include operating rooms, catheterization laboratories, and interventional radiology and endoscopy; and a 90,000-square-foot medical office building that will offer primary care, women’s health care and other specialties.

Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center will bring the world-class care already provided at Wellstar MCG Health to the residents of Columbia County and the surrounding areas. The new hospital’s close proximity to I-20 will make accessing that care more convenient and will create more jobs for the community.

“I can’t stress enough how important this partnership is to the people of Columbia County as well as the state of Georgia,” said Perdue. “This facility will expand access to quality healthcare, create more opportunities for students and prove to be a huge turning point in medical provision in Georgia.”

Wellstar is a nonprofit community health system that works to ensure every person has access to personalized, high-quality healthcare. The 11-hospital health system has a deep and long-standing dedication to providing care for diverse communities, those in need and underserved Georgians.

“At Wellstar MCG Health, our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve,” Turner said. “We look forward to continuing to work with our community partners in ensuring the patients and the community we serve have the best care possible.”

Wellstar has committed to invest more than $800 million in capital expansion across Richmond and Columbia counties. Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center will complement and expand the world-class resources that are already provided at Wellstar MCG Health.

In people under 50, colorectal cancer is now the number one cancer-related killer of men and the number two killer of women. Black communities are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from it. But this doesn’t have to be the case—colorectal cancer is preventable. When people have a screening colonoscopy, doctors can remove pre-cancerous polyps, stopping them from ever becoming cancer.

Colonoscopies are now recommended starting at age 45 for the general population, and younger for people at higher risk or with a family history. But you have questions:

I’m above average healthy—do I really need a colonoscopy?

How do I know my risk level?

Will the procedure be painful?

How much time should I take off of work?

A panel of gastrointestinal health experts and a patient answer your questions and more here.



Who needs a colonoscopy

I eat well, exercise and am in good general health. Do I really need to go through the hassle of a screening colonoscopy?

Dr. Shani Clay, gastroenterologist: Unfortunately, we discover colon cancer in quite healthy individuals. While it is true that smoking and consumption of red meat increases your risk, we also see colorectal cancer in patients who follow very healthy diets and exercise regularly, hence the need for all people to get screened for colon cancer.

Samantha McInturff, colon cancer survivor: The screening age used to be 50 before they changed it to 45, so I had never had a screening. I was 48 when I had symptoms that led to a colonoscopy and I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. I am a rule follower. I always get my mammograms. I never smoked. I have no family history. I thought, ‘How can I have cancer?’ What I’ve been through really highlights the importance of screening early. Don’t be scared. Getting screened for colon cancer is a small inconvenience that’s completely worth it. 

When should I start having colon cancer screenings and how often will I need to have one?

Dr. Clay: For people at average risk, meaning people with no alarm symptoms and no family history of colon cancer, screening begins at age 45. 

How frequently you should have a colonoscopy depends on a few things, including family history, the number and type of polyps that are found during your colonoscopy and how clean the colon is at the time of the procedure. Repeat procedures can be anywhere from six months up to 10 years, depending on the results.

Colon cancer is in my family. When should I start screening? 

Dr. Sahir Shroff, surgical oncologist: We’re seeing more and more young patients with colon cancer. If a patient has a strong family history, the screening should start sooner than 45 years of age. For example, if your parent died of colon cancer, you should begin colonoscopies at the age of 30. It depends on the risk factor. Talk to your primary care doctor about your personal risk level.

Dr. Clay: If you have high-risk factors, you should be screened earlier. For example, if a person has a first-degree relative with colon cancer who was diagnosed at less than 60 years of age, that individual should get a screening colonoscopy at either 40 years of age or 10 years younger than the age at the relative’s diagnosis. Additionally, there are certain genetic syndromes that also warrant earlier colon cancer screening with a colonoscopy at less than 45 years of age. Wellstar has a Genetic Risk Assessment Program for people with hereditary risk factors or a family history of cancer.

Should I see a doctor if my stool looks different than before? 

Nancy Page, oncology nurse navigator: If you’re having changes in your bowel habits like blood in or on your stool or black stool, you need to let your doctor know soon. Consistent changes like constipation, diarrhea and, it may sound gross, but skinny stools that look like a pencil for a few weeks or more are signs to talk to your doctor. Other changes to be aware of are unexplained weight loss, unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain and even anemia. Don’t put it off. Don’t think, ‘I work a lot. I have kids. I’m busy.’ Let your doctor know now. If it’s colon cancer and it’s diagnosed early, there’s a 90% cure rate.

The care teams at Wellstar are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of everyone we serve, and we thank our team members for their commitment to world-class care. We also thank Cobb residents for trusting the expertise of Wellstar to keep their families healthy and provide them with more than healthcare, PeopleCare.
Several Wellstar team members have been voted among the Best of Cobb:

• Bruce Alayof, MD
  Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
  Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Third Place


• Ryan Cantwell, MD
  Wellstar Primary Care
  Family Physician, Third Place
  General Practice Doctor, Third Place


• Larry Clements, MD
  Wellstar Pediatrics
  Pediatrician, First Place


• Kozue Cunningham
  Wellstar Health Place
  Massage Therapist, Third Place


• Amber Devey
  Wellstar Health Place
  Personal Trainer, Second Place


• Amber Driskell, MD
  Wellstar Primary Care
  Family Physician, First Place
  General Practice Doctor, First Place


• Amy Gross
  Wellstar Outpatient Rehabilitation
  Physical Therapist, First Place


• David Parks, MD
  Wellstar ENT
  ENT Specialist, Second Place


• Sandra Rodriguez-Sfeir, MD
  Wellstar Pediatrics
  Pediatrician, Third Place


• Daniel Saade, MD
  Wellstar Pediatrics
  Pediatrician, Second Place


• Nicole Shields, AuD
  Wellstar ENT
  Hearing Professional, Second Place


• Carolyn Smallwood, DO
  Wellstar Primary Care
  Family Physician, Second Place
  General Practice Doctor, Second Place


• Michael Vick, MD
  Wellstar ENT
  ENT Specialist, Third Place
  


• Wellstar Health Place
  Fitness Gym, Second Place
  Yoga/Barre/Pilates, Second Place
  Weight Loss - A Healthier You, Third Place


• Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
  Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Second Place


• Wellstar ENT
  Hearing Center, Second Place


• Wellstar Pediatrics
  at 760 Kennesaw Avenue
  Pediatric Group, Second Place


• Wellstar Pediatrics
  at 121 Marble Mill Road
  Pediatric Group, Third Place

Find a caring primary care provider or specialist near you.

Heart attack is the leading cause of death in Georgia, according to the American Heart Association. To save more lives, Wellstar provides advanced heart care services, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to open heart surgery. The health system recently expanded its offerings to bring an advanced technology called rotational atherectomy to more people in our community. The tool our physicians use for this procedure is called a Rotablator, which has a small but mighty diamond tip.

Who rotational atherectomy helps

Wellstar has offered percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), formerly known as angioplasty, for a number of years. This procedure helps treat the main cause of heart attacks—the build-up of cholesterol filled plaque within a coronary artery. The build-up decreases blood flow and oxygen to the heart. By opening the artery, blood and oxygen can move freely once again.

The benefits of having a PCI typically include fewer complications, faster recovery time and shorter hospital stays.

Not everyone is a candidate for PCI, especially when the blockage is heavily calcified. But rotational atherectomy changes that.

“For heavily calcified coronary blockages, rotational atherectomy works as a drill to decrease the bulk of calcium,” said Wellstar interventional cardiologist Dr. Omer Mirza.

This technology makes non-surgical heart attack treatment available to people with more complex blockages that could not typically be cleared with balloon angioplasty.

Rotational atherectomy has been available at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, and now we have expanded availability recently to Wellstar Cobb Medical Center.

“By expanding Wellstar Cobb’s technology, we can offer more comprehensive care for the patient and prevent transfers and subsequent delays to patient care,” Dr. Mirza said.

How rotational atherectomy works

At Wellstar, a rotational atherectomy is performed using a Rotablator, a small, diamond-tipped tool. This revolving instrument is inserted into the blocked artery using a catheter while a patient is under local anesthesia.

When the interventional cardiologist guides the Rotablator to the blockage, it begins to rotate, going as fast as 190,000 rpm. It gently breaks apart the blockage, making the plaque particles small enough to pass safely through the bloodstream.

Stents are then placed in the artery to widen it so blood can flow through. This procedure can improve blood flow and heart function within minutes.

Effective treatment with advanced technology

Studies indicate that rotational atherectomy results in high procedural success rates.

Giving patients the ability to resume normal activities within a few days, the recovery time for this procedure is significantly less than open heart surgery. Patients undergoing a rotational atherectomy typically spend one night in the hospital.



Learn more about interventional cardiology at Wellstar or find a specialist near you.

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on January 6, 2024.

Primary care is the initial and ongoing healthcare individuals receive from pediatricians, internal medicine or family care providers from prevention to the management of common health issues. Primary care fosters enduring patient-clinician relationships and facilitates specialized care when needed. Insufficient primary care can lead to delayed or inadequate medical attention, resulting in undetected health issues, unmanaged chronic conditions and increased reliance on emergency services—which can have significant cost impacts.

Without a robust primary care system, preventive measures, early intervention and continuity of care are compromised, contributing to poorer health outcomes, higher healthcare costs and strain on emergency resources. According to data compiled by the Kaiser Family Foundation, approximately 3.3 million—a third of Georgians— reside in an area grappling with a shortage of primary care. Recognizing the urgency and importance of addressing this issue, leaders from Wellstar Health System joined the Atlanta Business Chronicle for a panel discussion. The conversation delved into the crucial significance of primary care and the challenges that persist, shedding light on the need for strategic solutions in healthcare management.

Panelists & moderator

• Elise Lockamy-Kassim, AVP, Community Health & Center for Health Equity, Wellstar Health System
• Dr. Dean Seehusen, chair of Family & Community Medicine, Wellstar MCG Health
• Dr. Jeffrey Tharp, chief medicine division officer, Wellstar Medical Group
• David Rubinger, market president and publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle

Reaching the population avoiding medical care

David Rubinger: What strategies can community health providers use to reach out to individuals who haven’t sought medical care until they end up in the emergency room with a chronic condition? What specific approaches does Wellstar employ to effectively bring people into the healthcare system in a more manageable and proactive manner?

Dr. Jeffrey Tharp: Outreach is pivotal in addressing the root issues you mentioned. We understand that a person’s health significantly influences their lifestyle and quality of life. At Wellstar, we actively raise awareness, an integral part of the fabric that emphasizes the importance of a healthier lifestyle. Interestingly, insurance companies play a role in this by recognizing the cost benefits of keeping individuals healthy. Many insured individuals receive outreach, even in their homes, encouraging health assessments and connecting with primary care physicians.

Wellstar conducts numerous community campaigns through various channels, including community events, the media and in our offices and hospitals, highlighting the value of maintaining health and establishing a relationship with a primary care physician.

Elise Lockamy-Kassim: To add on to what Dr. Tharp said about reaching out to the community, we know health results are driven by non-health issues. The majority of our health outcomes are attributed to other things like where we live, where we go to work, where we send our children. Health literacy is needed outside health providers’ offices. Wellstar partners with organizations like Ser Familia to reach Spanish speakers and connect them with health resources in their community. Another example is our partnership with BLKHLTH. African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups according to the American Cancer Society. Together, we distribute colorectal cancer kits to the community members that enable them to test and get results at home.

Rubinger: What factors contribute to men’s lower likelihood of seeking medical attention?

Dr. Dean Seehusen: It hasn’t been a cultural norm in America for men to seek out healthcare.  I think part of it is also about the interaction that families have had with medicine over the years. Women get screening tests at a much younger age than men, like pap smears and mammograms, on a regular, ongoing basis. Considering traditional family dynamics, who also takes children to the doctor? Traditionally, it was the mother. She was going to the doctor herself annually, and men waited until they had chest pain for the first time. There wasn’t that equivalent of an annual exam associated with screening tests that men had in customary American medicine.

Rubinger: I’ve noticed a positive shift in the American health community acknowledging and addressing the reluctance of men to prioritize health check-ups. Recent advertising featuring athletes, unconventional in traditional public service ads, indicates a cultural change. How do you perceive the impact of technological advancements in further influencing the healthcare narrative and possibly addressing the healthcare-seeking behavior within the male dynamic?

Lockamy-Kassim: If I put on an equity lens, I could think of the male population as an underserved group in healthcare in certain ways. We’re addressing that, especially in the Center for Health Equity here at Wellstar, because we are bringing care, awareness, health literacy and health education to people where they are.

We’ve had many campaigns with people at churches and social service agencies where they just live their lives. We will bring the healthcare to you and that represents a shift. Across the industry, we’re returning it to where it used to be when you had a doctor make house calls. We see the benefits of that model.

Telemedicine and accessibility

Rubinger: Amid the challenges of COVID, a silver lining is the increased accessibility of healthcare through telemedicine. The positive aspect lies in the enhanced efficiency of interactions and features like online scheduling. How has that changed how you all practice medicine?

Dr. Seehusen: Wellstar is leading the way in telehealth. We are contacting many rural parts of Georgia, not just the Augusta or Atlanta area. There’s a statewide network that we are reaching out to via telehealth that includes ICU and emergency care, and we’re even doing a lot of hospital-type care at home now. It’s paving the way for the future of what healthcare can look like.

On the flip side, when we try to deliver primary care via telemedicine, equity becomes an issue. There is a subset of our patients who do not have the hardware or do not live in a neighborhood that has Wi-Fi connectivity. There is still work to be done on the primary care side with telemedicine. Once you get into the more specialized care, we’re doing some fantastic things that I’m proud of.

Dr. Tharp: To echo Dr. Seehusen, what has been done at Augusta University has really led the way for much of what the rest of us have learned along the way.  Virtual care is a skill set that primary care physicians rarely had before COVID—how to perform it or what was appropriate to do via telemedicine.

The access issue is a double-edged sword. It does help some people, but on the other hand, there are areas where broadband is not great, or you have elderly folks who may not know technology. We must ensure that we give appropriate care when it needs to be in-person versus virtually and provide access to technology to as many people as possible who can’t afford that luxury.

Lockamy-Kassim: Evolving patient needs have forced us to grow as innovatively and quickly as the industry grows. In a church setting, we provide broadband hotspots, laptops and free services to individuals we encounter. You’re going to learn the signs and symptoms of whatever health topic we’re addressing. We will give you the tools to access primary care. We’ve had to be creative with our funding and partnerships to make sure we’re not creating more inequity as we pursue this new space.

Dr. Tharp: An example of patient care improvement as a result of the pandemic, particularly with the diabetes epidemic, is the advent and promotion of virtual diabetic education classes. Previously, multi-hour comprehensive diabetic classes could be difficult to schedule with respect to work and family responsibilities and transportation. Having the ability to do all that virtually has increased people’s knowledge, and we’re seeing metrics improve in diabetic control, almost to the same degree as adding on another medicine. It’s a vivid example of how we’ve been able to use this technology and help people’s lives on the primary care side.

The value of having a primary care physician

Rubinger: Unfortunately, people would use their emergency room as their primary care physician. What can be done to help educate people on where they should go first, and how do you decide which care is best for your medical situation?

Tharp: There are different values when having a relationship with a primary care physician, such as access, quality of care and individualized care. When starting that relationship, there’s often an access problem since there are so few primary care physicians in the state and nation to accommodate our needs.

One tactic in building relationships with patients is connecting them with a specific physician or practice when they visit the emergency room. Although the process isn’t perfect, having a designated contact helps streamline communication. When a patient is identified, the initial step is knowing who to call, and from there, the referral process can begin. While it may not always be as fast as desired, establishing this relationship can also involve routing the referral through an urgent care facility in some instances. Having your own primary care physician can help you overcome some of the difficulty in navigating the U.S. healthcare system.  Those benefits we see with that primary care patient relationship must start with knowing who to call.

Seehusen: Once a patient has experienced primary care with a provider they regularly see, establishing a relationship with true continuity occurs. This provider ideally knows not just the patient but also their entire family and medical history. It’s about getting them into the door. Then, we must develop systems where, again, access exists. The faces are stable enough that even if it’s not the same one face, it’s at least a small team of clinicians who are seeing that patient repeatedly.

A small team might be made of one physician and a couple of nurse practitioners and that small team really gets to know that patient and vice versa. You won’t have to convince those patients of the value of primary care. Those patients are much less likely to show up at an urgent care center or the emergency room because they know they want to see that team.

Lockamy-Kassim: While conducting our Community Health Needs Assessment, we held a Community Summit—a community-centered event similar to a focus group. With community members in each of our service areas, we identified access to care as a critical community challenge. One of the first aspects they mentioned as being the best asset in their community was the presence of a Wellstar Graduate Medical Education clinic or primary care facility. We know that neighborhoods are comprised differently. One of the ways that we can make entry points for primary care instead of the emergency room is to have primary care facilities in high-need ZIP codes.

With Valentine's Day approaching, there seems to be more than love in the air; there is loneliness, too. So, how does love affect our health?

Humans desire connections; we are wired to love and be loved. Feelings of closeness help individuals navigate challenges in both their physical and mental well-being. Being close to others is crucial for mental health, and loneliness can often play a role in worsening psychiatric conditions and major depressive disorders.

In this season of love, Wellstar is dedicated to providing support and care, helping individuals navigate the emotional challenges that may arise, and fostering a community connected by compassion and well-being.

For advice on this timely topic, we asked Dr. Justin Ayankola, medical director of Wellstar Collaborative Care Psychiatry, to help us understand how the heart affects the mind.

"Giving ourselves permission to love and be loved is critical to our well-being because love is the glue that ties communities together.”

For some, this season can trigger depressive feelings, so we wondered how we could go about preparing ourselves for the emotions we might feel during the upcoming holiday.

"The best way to prepare for a difficult time is to optimize your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Emotionally, being surrounded by people you love and care about is important. It is not the time to explore or salvage relationships.

Practices such as meditation and gratitude journaling can help increase resilience and decrease feelings of loneliness."

Did you know that research indicates both pleasant conversations and physical touch trigger the release of oxytocin? Just 30 minutes of in-person interactions, including a hug, can help release this hormone in our brains.

There is a common misconception that being in a relationship brings an individual "wholeness." Still, a critical part of finding love is loving oneself first, so how does nurturing that relationship help our mental health?

"Prioritizing self-care is equally important in tending to our mental health. Surprisingly, the most significant barrier to forming relationships often lies not in our feelings toward others but our feelings about ourselves.

Love is about connections. These healthy connections take effort to form and trust to keep. We should be aware that even when we focus on self-love, it is an action that is still dependent on relationships with others. It isn't easy to love ourselves while not giving love to others. The work of self-love and giving love must happen simultaneously."

There has often been a connection between Valentine's Day and loneliness or reminders of toxic situations affecting our mental health.

"Toxic relationships are connections that are destructive. There are numerous ways in which these types of relationships manifest; however, the result is often isolation and stress. Stress has both biological and psychological effects.

Biologically, there is an increase in cortisol, which, if elevated chronically, can make individuals more susceptible to depression and anxiety. The isolation that often accompanies toxic relationships only exacerbates these issues."

For many, the pressures of dating and finding "the one" can cause anxiety. Some find online dating a way to seek companionship, but swiping right and left can overwhelm the heart and mind. How do the brain and heart handle the ways of modern love?

"Online dating apps can be invaluable tools for connecting with others. In fact, many people who meet people on dating apps say it led to an exclusive, romantic relationship. However, they should be used responsibly, considering one's vulnerabilities and insecurities.

One size does not fit all. I recommend using apps that do not cater to a person's more problematic habits. Dating apps can facilitate connections for individuals but should not be the sole means for bringing love into their lives."

If you are wondering where to turn if you need help, scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider can be a great way to connect with a behavioral health clinician.

Please join us in extending best wishes to Jim Budzinski, executive vice president and chief financial officer, on his decision to retire.

Jim joined Wellstar in 2008 and has led critical initiatives and strategies that created the foundation for the Wellstar we know today. He has worn many hats during his tenure, including bold champion of our managed care division during significant periods of payer and provider discourse, first president of our highly successful Medicare Accountable Care Organization, head of information systems during our successful Epic implementation and leader of our supply chain team.

Jim has been recognized by the healthcare industry throughout his career. The American Hospital Association designated him an International Emerging Healthcare Leader early in his career. He received a bronze and silver award from the Healthcare Financial Management Association and was honored as one of Atlanta’s top CFOs by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Last September, Jim was invited by the American Hospital Association to provide expert testimony before a United States House Committee on Ways and Means hearing on the patient impact of surprise medical billing.

Jim’s servant-leader heart and his passion to help others are evident in his decade of volunteerism with organizations like MUST Ministries and The Tommy Nobis Center, where he was recognized as a Thomas A. Slaughter Award recipient in 2016 and as a Community Champion in 2022.

We would like to thank Jim for his years of dedicated service to Wellstar, our patients and our communities. We wish him all the best and can be assured that after a career that spanned five decades, with the last 15-plus years at Wellstar, Jim has earned the opportunity to enjoy his retirement with his wife Deb, his three adult children and his seven grandchildren.

Wellstar is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2024. According to Newsweek, Wellstar and the other large and mid-size companies were identified for “genuinely respecting and valuing individuals from different walks of life.”

“Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is part of our roadmap for success as a healthcare organization,” added Le Joyce Naylor, SVP and chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at Wellstar. “It is mission-driven work that touches everything we do, beginning with how we care for our patients, team members, and communities. It is also an ongoing journey that impacts our every action and is demonstrated in the compassionate care we provide to the people in the communities we serve.”

For a second year in a row, Wellstar was named to the list. Newsweek and market data research firm Plant-A Insights Group utilized public data, interviews with HR professionals and an anonymous online survey to determine the scoring. Wellstar, with more than 31,000 team members, is included in the large company category.

With the support of systemwide DEI ambassadors, physicians and team members are trained to increase their cultural competency and awareness of patients, team members and community members from all walks of life. Examples of this programming includes:

• Systemwide training to create a shared language, foundational understanding of conscious inclusion and tools to help embed those practices with intention.
• Lunch and Learns feature nationally recognized speakers to expand awareness of national recognition and heritage months, observances and holidays. All 12 events garnered more than 14,000 live and recorded views.
• Wellstar’s Underrepresented Minority Physician BRG worked with the Center For Health Equity to reach 1,000 team members during April’s Minority Health Month Lunch & Learn Speaker Series.
• Ten separate “Inclusion Cafés” – events designed to help team members find common ground through discussions – connected more than 500 participants.
• Through our team member app, nearly 30,000 users consumed DEIB content in 2023.
• An inclusion index was added to our Great Place to Work engagement survey to understand our current culture better and provide a baseline for measuring ongoing initiatives.

“We are cultivating an environment where every individual feels valued, heard, included, and can have a true sense of belonging,” said Naylor. “Fostering a sense of belonging is more than a goal. It’s a fundamental part of our culture. We’re creating spaces where everyone can thrive, contribute their unique perspectives, and become an integral part of our collective success."

Pat Gelisse has been dancing for 30 years. She even taught the Carolina shag for a while. It’s a partner dance, sometimes compared to Swing dancing to beach music.

But severe heart failure downgraded Pat’s dancing queen status for close to 10 years.

“I went from feeling happy to feeling like a nothing,” she remembered of that time in her life.

With a team of Wellstar heart specialists working together for her, Pat found hope and new life on the dance floor.

Heart failure masquerades as acid reflux

It started more than a decade ago when Pat lived in central Georgia. She scheduled a doctor’s appointment for what she thought was acid reflux. She popped in on a quick break from her marketing job, assuming it wouldn’t take long.

Blood work and an EKG got Pat a ticket straight to the hospital and a quadruple bypass. 

“My heart got worse; it wasn’t pumping blood,” Pat said.

She was in acute heart failure, a life-threatening condition where the heart doesn’t pump well enough to deliver the necessary amount of oxygen to her body. Pat’s ejection fraction (EF)—the percentage measurement of the blood that leaves the heart each time it pumps—was only 10%. The normal range is 50 to 70%.

It was a scary time, and with a family history of heart problems, Pat was worried. She’d lost both parents to heart failure, as well as other family members.

“I just knew for sure I was going to be next,” said Pat.

Doctors from various academic institutions discussed serious treatments ranging from LVAD to transplant, but because the pumping performance of her heart improved, she was no longer a candidate for those procedures. Instead, Pat spent close to nine years managing her heart failure with a pacemaker and various medications—treatments that failed to get her back on the dance floor.

On Thursday, January 11, Wellstar presented its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Program. The live-streamed event paid tribute to Dr. King’s impact and provided an opportunity to reflect on his extraordinary life and legacy. The 2024 celebration featured a performance from members of the world-renowned choir, Kevin Lemons’ Higher Calling, and a compelling conversation between Ambassador Andrew Young, Congressman, Mayor, revered Civil Rights icon and close friend to Dr. King, and Monica Pearson, former Atlanta news anchor and current host for CBS46 and Peachtree TV.

Ebenezer Baptist Church, located in the heart of Atlanta’s historic Auburn Avenue, served as a preeminent location for the program’s discussion and recording. Functioning as a central hub for several pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King’s ministry, Ebenezer Baptist Church served as a powerful setting for the events of the program and added a significant connection to our shared history.

The featured discussion between Ambassador Young and Monica focuses on Dr. King’s words, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Over the course of the conversation, Ambassador Young shares firsthand experiences from his work alongside Dr. King, including reflecting on how Dr. King’s first speech came to be recorded, how the King family’s positive impact and influence in the Atlanta business community contributed to the legacy of Ebeneezer Baptist Church and the global reaction to Dr. King winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He also addresses his instrumental role in the Civil Rights Movement – often serving as a negotiator and mediator in pivotal moments or times of conflict. Further exploring these elements, Ambassador Young highlights the importance of Black and White Atlantans working together and the city’s transition as it progressed from the early Civil Rights Movement to the present day.

Ambassador Young concludes by emphasizing the important impact healthcare team members make in the communities they serve, noting that this work is critical to the progress and prosperity of every city, state and nation. He underscores that robust, balanced healthcare systems like Wellstar are essential to the survival of every community and to the health and well-being of their members.

Wellstar is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for every patient, family and team member. Delivering personalized care, comprehensive programs and valuable tools and resources that enrich and empower all Georgians is critical to nurturing a culture of belonging and advancing health equity in our communities. The Wellstar Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging pioneers the creation of initiatives, including the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. event, that aim to enhance cultural competency, develop workforce diversity, positively influence health equity and amplify community engagement.

To view our 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Program, click on the video below.

A cancer surgeon at Wellstar Health System since 2005, Dr. Sahir Shroff never thought his journey to medicine would lead him to find a passion for art. Referring to it as a "serendipitous encounter with painting," Dr. Shroff’s career led him to be a world-class cancer surgeon who sees sick patients as the Surgical Oncology Subsection lead and the Kennestone Cancer Steering Committee Chair. Throughout the years, he realized he needed an outlet to help compartmentalize his life and destress. That is where his newfound passion came into play.

Officially, his journey into art began about a year ago; painting became a means of meditation for Dr. Shroff. As time passed, he realized this hobby offered him something more valuable than he had ever dreamed of- peace and tranquility. "More than what I'm doing - it is what I need to do. It allows me to focus on things other than medicine." The instant he picked up the brush and started painting, he felt a weight lifted from his shoulders.

"I do not consider myself an artist. I am an amateur. I am self-taught; I experiment with different paint mediums and brushes to create the desired effect." Dr. Shroff continued, "Art has never been a big part of my life in the past. Being a physician, I have naturally gravitated towards the STEM topics."

Dr. Shroff was born in Mumbai, India, and completed his residency and fellowship in the United States. He met his now wife, Dr. Paulomi Shroff, a breast surgeon with Wellstar Health System in medical school, and they share a beautiful family. After becoming empty nesters in the past few years, Dr. Shroff realized converting one of his children's bedrooms into an art studio was the perfect culmination of his life's works and his newfound passion for art. Not only is it helping him, but Dr. Shroff has also found that art is a beautiful tool to connect to his patients. His canvasses line the walls at Kennestone Regional Medical Center's Cancer Center, where patients can find a time for respite from the chemotherapy and radiation treatments that so often fill their lives with the angst of the "C Word."

From his art titled "Home Coming" featuring the wildebeests and huts he has found along his travels to villages in Tanzania to the hyenas and big moon in his art 'Blue Moon in the Serengeti' and a cheetah and her cub in 'Now You See Them, Now You Don't.' These moments have inspired Dr. Shroff in so many ways. With this reflective approach to better understanding life's purpose, the love of art has been life-changing for Dr. Shroff, "our role as humans on this earth and our responsibility to safeguard this delicate ecosystem."

The start of a new year is a great time to focus on your health. For many of us, that means setting resolutions to live a healthy, full life. While many people like to reset their health goals in January, Wellstar providers partner with patients year-round to help them feel their best.

By following tips from Wellstar health experts, you can create realistic resolutions and better your health—making healthy choices a lifelong habit rather than a short-term goal.

Partner with a Wellstar provider

When it comes to your wellness goals, staying healthy starts with a visit to your Wellstar primary care provider.

“Your primary care provider will collaborate with you to create a customized care plan and recommend screenings based on factors such as your age, gender and family history,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Cristina Dasoveanu. “Regular screenings can help you stay ahead of issues and catch any health concerns early.”  

Know Your Foundational 4

To check your health status and screen for potential medical issues, your provider will take your Foundational 4 numbers, a few screenings that identify risk factors for some health conditions such as heart disease.

Blood pressure

A blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.

Blood glucose level

The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes or risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

Blood cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can indicate clogged arteries, which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

Body mass index (BMI)

A higher level of body fat may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.

Personalized OB/GYN care for women

“Gynecologists partner with women in their healthcare across the lifespan,” said Dr. LeThenia “Joy” Baker, a Wellstar obstetrician and gynecologist. “The first gynecologic visit is recommended between 13 and 15, and the first exam between 18 and 21.”

Gynecologists are uniquely positioned to care for women from adolescence through menopause and beyond. 

“We’ll make sure you are up to date on screenings like mammograms and Pap smears, help you make informed decisions about family planning and fertility, and provide medical and surgical treatment for a variety of conditions affecting the female reproductive system,” Dr. Baker said.

Primary care, anywhere

In addition to in-person primary care visits, Wellstar also offers virtual care options. Connect with your Wellstar provider over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet. 

“While primary care physicians help patients meet long-term wellness goals, we’re also here for you when you’re sick,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Georgia Forrest. “Your primary care provider is already familiar with your background and health needs, so we can seamlessly continue that care and help you get back on track when you’re ill.”

If you need to see a specialist such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist or neurologist, your primary care provider will refer you for that specialized care while continuing to help you manage your overall wellness.

“Through our patient portal MyChart, specialists and primary care physicians can see test results and visit summaries and stay updated on how each of us is working with the patient,” Dr. Forrest said.

Accessing care online

If you’re a MyChart user, E-visits are a convenient way for you to receive care from a Wellstar provider without needing to schedule an appointment or come to the clinic. Through MyChart, tell us about your health concern by answering a few questions about yourself and your symptoms, then a primary care provider will respond in MyChart with your care plan.

Conditions that can be treated with an E-visit include:

• cough
• sinus problems
• urinary tract infection
• conjunctivitis
• back pain
• diarrhea
• vaginal discharge
• heartburn

Log on to MyChart and click “Symptom Checker” from the menu in the top left of the screen to start an E-visit.

For more immediate healthcare needs that are not life-threatening, you can talk to a provider with WellstarON, our virtual urgent care. 

In an emergency, such as if you are having trouble breathing or experiencing chest pain, call 911.

Learn more about the different types of care Wellstar offers and where to go if you’re not feeling well.

By Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, Wellstar pediatrician

When school is in session, finding the perfect after-school snack that balances nutrition and deliciousness can feel like quite a task. As a board-certified Wellstar pediatrician, I understand the importance of fueling growing bodies with the right nutrients. With that, I'm excited to share five wholesome after-school snack ideas that are easy to make and fun for kids to eat. 

1. Celery Caterpillars

This creative snack recipe offers a good balance of protein from peanut butter, along with a variety of fruits and vegetables, providing essential vitamins and antioxidants for growing children.

What You’ll Need:
Peanut butter
Celery
Grapes
Blueberries
Grape tomatoes
Candy eyes

Directions:

1. Fill stalks of celery with peanut butter.
2. Place grapes, blueberries or grape tomatoes atop celery sticks. These will be the body and head of your caterpillars. 
3. Apply peanut butter to the backs of candy eyes, then place eyes on grape, tomato or blueberry to create face.
4. Optional: Cut thin matchsticks from a celery stick and place behind candy eyes to create the antennae. 

2. Apple Sailboats

This recipe is excellent for kids as it combines the crisp sweetness of apples, a good source of fiber and vitamins, with protein-rich peanut butter and the added crunch of Cheerios to create a tasty and nutritionally balanced snack. Toothpicks may be a choking hazard for children, so supervise as your family makes and enjoys this snack. 

What You’ll Need:
One apple
Peanut butter
Cheerios
Low-fat cheese
Toothpicks

Directions:

1. Cut apple in half and remove the apple’s core. 
2. Spread peanut butter across the flat side of your apple halves. 
3. Place Cheerios on top of peanut butter spread. 
4. Using a thick slice of cheese, cut triangular sails for your apple boats. 
5. Attach sail to boat using toothpick.

3. Krazy Kabobs 

This krazy kabob recipe is a playful and nutritious way to encourage children to enjoy a variety of fruits. Filled with hydrating watermelon, sweet cantaloupe, refreshing honeydew, juicy pineapple, antioxidant-rich blueberries and grapes, these skewers provide a spectrum of vitamins and flavors, promoting a fun and healthy snacking experience for young taste buds.

What You’ll Need:
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Honeydew
Pineapple
Blueberries
Grapes
Wood skewers
Fruit-shape cutters (stars, hearts, etc.)

Directions:

1. Cut horizontal slices of your larger fruits (watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew). 
2. Use your fruit cutters to cut shapes out of your fruit slices. 
3. Place any creative combination of fruits or fruit shapes onto your skewer to create the ultimate krazy kabob.

4. Veggie Cars

This wholesome veggie car recipe is a fun way to encourage children to enjoy their vegetables. With vibrant baby peppers and baby cucumbers, the snack not only provides essential vitamins, but also engages kids in a fun, hands-on experience of assembling their own veggie cars, promoting both healthy eating and interactive play. Toothpicks may be a choking hazard for children.

What You’ll Need:
10 baby peppers
Six baby cucumbers
Toothpicks

Directions:

1. Slice cucumbers into half-inch rounds, discarding the ends. These will be your wheels. 
2. Place two toothpicks through each pepper. The toothpicks will serve as the axels to your cars. 
3. Push one cucumber round onto the ends of each toothpick to form the full car.

5. Banana Lollipops 

These banana lollipops offer a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional sweets. With the natural sweetness of bananas and the richness of dark chocolate, the recipe makes for an enjoyable, nutritious after-school snack for kids of all ages.  

What You’ll Need:
One banana
Chopped dark chocolate bar
Popsicle sticks
Wax paper and baking sheet

1. Unpeel banana and slice into inch-thick rounds, discarding the ends. 
2. Insert one popsicle stick into each round. 
3. Place chopped dark chocolate into microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted. 
4. Dip each banana round into chocolate.
5. Place popsicles onto wax paper-covered baking sheet and let freeze for 45 minutes.  

As a pediatrician dedicated to the well-being of children, these snack ideas offer more than delicious bites—they pave the way for a lifetime of healthy habits. Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables, these recipes not only provide essential vitamins and minerals, but also engage young minds in the joy of preparing and enjoying wholesome foods. Learn more about how to keep your kids happy and healthy by scheduling an appointment with a world-class Wellstar pediatrician today. 

A graduate of New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Dr. Joanna Dolgoff is a board-certified pediatrician with Wellstar.

Wellstar’s content, and all related media, are provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. Consult a pediatrician for the diet that’s best for your child.

Santa Claus’ cheery “Ho, Ho, Ho” boomed through Christian Norris’ hospital room seconds before the jolly man entered the room himself.

Christian, age 3, wore a Santa and sat in the middle of his hospital bed at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia. He broke into a wide smile as the Jolly Old Elf came near. Santa gave Christian a large stuffed bear, a stuffed animal and a wrapped Christmas present.

On Christmas morning, Santa made his rounds at Wellstar Children’s, visiting patients like Christian, who couldn’t be home for Christmas.

Christian’s mother, Charlene Norris, said it meant a lot to her that Santa took the time to visit. “There’s joy for the children in times like this when they don’t understand anything. They don’t understand why this is happening to them,” she said. “Just to see them smile and to know that Christmas isn’t all about gifts at home. People came out to make sure that he had a Christmas, even if he was in the hospital.”

On Christmas Eve, Christian’s stomach began expanding and he started to dry heave. Not knowing what was wrong, Charlene brought him to the emergency room at Wellstar Children’s and the staff began running tests. Doctors are still working to determine what’s causing the problem, but they have ruled out a cancerous tumor, Charlene said.

She knows first-hand that Christian is in good hands.

“Believe it or not, I was a patient as a child here years ago under the old Medical College of Georgia,” said Charlene, who is an Augusta resident. “I’m a cardiac patient myself. Being here as a child and then being here as a parent with a child—it makes you more grateful that we didn’t have to go far.”

As she spoke, Christian unwrapped his gift. It was a toy doctor’s kit, and he busied himself exploring different tools inside and putting a cloth band aid on his leg.

“Some people have to come so far to get here. We are grateful to have this hospital here,” Charlene said.

Learn more about Wellstar Children’s and its pediatric services.

At Wellstar, we deliver personalized care to every patient, every time. That’s because we know you are more than a number, diagnosis or medical chart. Our dedicated experts support you through every stage of your wellness journey, providing care that is as unique as you.

That’s what PeopleCare is all about.

Because we know preventative care plays a major role in staying healthy, our primary care providers (PCPs) will build a PeopleCare plan just for you.

Your PeopleCare plan is your unique blueprint for better health. It doesn’t look like anyone else’s. PCPs create tailored treatment plans for each patient, based on your health concerns, family medical history and results from routine wellness exams.

Using these building blocks, PCPs can form an action plan and often get ahead of major health problems like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Four tests for better health

Wellness exams arm you with knowledge, so you can take control of your health.

No matter your age or medical history, it is recommended to get a medical check-up at least once a year. At your next doctor’s visit, make sure to “know your numbers” for:

1. Blood Pressure: A blood pressure test uses an arm cuff and pressure gauge to measure the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps. This simple test can help diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.
2. Blood Glucose Level: With just a drop of blood, your doctor can analyze the amount of sugar, or glucose, in your blood. Elevated levels can indicate the onset of diabetes and an increased risk for heart disease, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease or stroke.
3. Blood Cholesterol: A lipid panel is a simple blood test that shows your cholesterol levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) often called “bad” cholesterol. Abnormal cholesterol levels can indicate clogged arteries which may lead to heart disease, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease or stroke.
4. Body Mass Index (BMI): The body mass index (BMI) estimates human body fat, using a person’s weight and height. People with high BMIs may be at an increased risk for health problems, including heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and more.

Wellness for everyone

For both men and women, basic wellness exams are an important step in staying healthy.

• Men: For men, colonoscopies and prostate exams are key to catching major diseases early. In addition to a digital rectal exam (DRE), a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a quick way to screen for prostate cancer. Using a blood sample, specialists analyze the levels of PSA. Higher than normal readings may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
• Women: For women, an annual well-woman exam can help keep your reproductive health in check. Typically, these screenings include a mammogram, pelvic exam and pap smear to spot potential breast or gynecologic cancers.

To schedule a primary care appointment, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or click the “Book Now” button at the top of the page.

According to a Modern Healthcare analysis of data from 255 health systems, Wellstar Health System provides the second-highest percentage of charity care among large nonprofit U.S. health systems. The rankings are based on a review of charity care reported as a portion of operating expenses for fiscal year 2022[1].

Wellstar devoted 6.11% of its operating expenses to charity care, making the system the top provider of charity care in the state and the second nationwide. As a nonprofit healthcare system, Wellstar is committed to bringing expert, compassionate health services to those who need them.

“Wellstar is committed to providing compassionate, expert care to the communities we serve,” Julie Teer, SVP and President of Wellstar Foundation, said. “As a nonprofit health system, we rely on the generosity of donors and strategic partnerships to help us expand access and impact. The Wellstar Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the health system and is fueling innovation and action to address the state’s most pressing health needs.”

Our nine safety net hospitals[2] care for every patient that comes through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. Wellstar intentionally focuses on philanthropy and partnerships that support health equity, behavioral health, innovation, workforce development and clinical excellence initiatives. Each is critical to the health system’s efforts to provide holistic, tailored care that meets people’s health needs at every age and stage.

As we lead the way to a healthier Georgia, Wellstar is the only health system in the state with an established Center for Health Equity. The Wellstar Center for Health Equity (WCHE) is critical to reaching underserved communities. Every three years, a Community Health Needs Assessment is conducted to help better understand the unique health needs of the communities we serve – further enabling us to create and implement a plan to improve care and promote healthy lifestyles for every person regardless of their race, gender, culture or income.

“We are able to reach a broader range of people in need because of the partnerships we’ve formed,” Elise Lockamy-Kassim, AVP of the WCHE, said. “As a community, we are stronger together. Working with organizations like Goodr; Wholesome Wave Georgia; Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies; Ser Familia, and hundreds of other partners, we’re able to make a much greater impact.”

Food insecurity is one of Wellstar’s six strategic initiatives because of the WCHE’s findings. Wellstar and the Wellstar Foundation first partnered with Goodr in 2020 to tackle food insecurity during the pandemic. Our partnership initially focused on Mobile Markets, pop-up grocery markets that provide food and fresh produce to thousands of families each year.

The partnership has evolved to also include a Surplus Food Recovery service where leftover food from hospitals and donated to community-based organizations. Most recently, the system launched an Organic Recycling Program with support from Goodr, the Wellstar Foundation, Catalyst by Wellstar and Wellstar Strategic Community Development.

At Wellstar, our strong commitment to clinical and community initiatives, designed to help enhance care and create a healthier Georgia, has recently grown with the addition of Wellstar MCG Health and Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

Please consider supporting Wellstar’s nonprofit work by making a tax-deductible donation through the Wellstar Foundation at wellstar.org/give.

[1] Source: Merritt Research Services, an Investortools Company
[2] Source: Georgia Department of Community Health, Safety Net Hospitals (2019 Data Year)

From a balancing a busy work schedule to running errands around town, it can be easy to keep putting off important wellness appointments. However, an annual visit with your Wellstar primary care provider is one of the best investments you can make in your health.

Just like building savings in a bank account, each preventative care appointment adds more value to your health. That’s because, instead of just getting treatment just when you feel sick or experience symptoms of a serious condition, preventative care helps you stay ahead of potential medical problems.

Taking the time to schedule an annual wellness exam can pay off in the long run.

Early detection for everyone

At Wellstar, we believe preventative care is the key to living your fullest, healthiest life. During an annual exam, our primary care providers use preventative screenings to help catch major diseases early and prevent chronic conditions.

While different types of tests may be recommended based on your age, gender and medical history, common screenings include a:

• Physical exam
• Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
• Family history questionnaire
• Check of your vital signs
• Blood pressure test
• Blood cholesterol analysis
• Body mass index (BMI) assessment

Atypical results may indicate an increased risk of certain diseases like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. Your primary care provider may order extra testing or refer you for follow-up care with a Wellstar specialist, such as a cardiologist, neurologist or oncologist.

Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) gives you the opportunity to meet with your primary care provider to:

• Discuss your current health and any opportunities you may have to enhance your wellness plan.
• Work together to create an action plan that allows you to track your healthcare goals year to year.
• Identify other health concerns that may be affecting your quality of life.

If you have a chronic disease or new illnesses, they should be discussed during your AWV; treatment(s) may need to be addressed separately.

Learn more here:
Medicare.gov
Cigna.com
Humana.com
Aetna.com
Wellcare.com

Understand your risk factors

Knowledge is power. Understanding the results of your wellness exams can help you take charge of your health and make informed decisions about your care.

The results of your health screenings may reveal certain personal risk factors. Some of your risk factors can’t be changed, such as your age, genetics or family medical history. Others are under your control and can be adjusted to help you live well, including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and choosing not to smoke.

Understanding your test results and risk factors can help you become your own wellness advocate. Armed with knowledge about your health, you can often reduce the effects of a serious condition, improve your outcome or avoid certain health complications altogether.

Your wellness check-up is also a safe space to discuss your health goals and medical concerns. Whether you need help maintaining a healthy weight or managing a chronic condition, your Wellstar primary care provider will create a tailored care plan just for you, based on your unique health needs.

Don’t delay your annual exam. Schedule a visit today by clicking the "Book Now" button at the top of any webpage.

ATLANTA (December 12, 2023) – After more than a year of collaboration and partnership between Southside Medical Center and Wellstar Health System to expand preventive and primary care services to the East Point community, the partners will complete the transition of urgent care services from Wellstar East Point Health Center (EPHC) to Southside Medical Center’s East Point clinic on Jan. 12, 2024.

As part of the partnership, Wellstar is investing $5 million over five years to help increase services and expand the Southside East Point clinic’s size and capacity. Wellstar is also committed to a thoughtful process to determine the future of the AMC South site, which includes ongoing cooperation with Dr. David Williams, president and CEO of Southside Medical Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

About the Transition

Since announcing the partnership between Southside Medical Center and Wellstar in October 2022, the organizations have been working together to establish a medical home for patients who have received episodic care through the Wellstar EPHC urgent care facility.

With coordinated ongoing care, including preventive visits and management of chronic conditions, patients have had fewer medical needs that require urgent care visits. As a result, the average urgent care volume at Wellstar EPHC has dropped by almost 65%, from nearly 80 patients per day in October 2022 to 28 patients per day in November 2023.

Beginning the first week of January, Southside, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), will expand its urgent care hours of operation to seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., for all patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Expanded Services

People who previously received urgent care services at Wellstar EPHC will have access to a greater range of services at Southside Medical Center's East Point clinic, which is located next door. In addition to urgent care, patients can receive primary care, pediatric care, dental care, OB/GYN services and immunizations at Southside’s East Point facility and support like mental health care services virtually.

Patients can also access substance abuse support and other specialty care like podiatry, basic optometry and urology at the main Southside Medical Center clinic location, located at 1046 Ridge Avenue, less than 10 minutes away from the East Point clinic.

As an FQHC with a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) designation, Southside’s East Point clinic provides enhanced patient access and other benefits, such as decreased pharmaceutical costs and free transportation to medical appointments.

Team Member and Community Transitions

Wellstar is committed to supporting all EPHC team members through this transition and is offering them positions at other Wellstar locations. Additionally, if any impacted Wellstar team member wants to continue serving the East Point community, Wellstar and Southside’s human resource teams will collaborate to offer them opportunities at Southside Medical Center locations.

Both organizations will also work throughout this final transition phase in close alignment with community leaders and partners.

Luke List, a PGA TOUR player, and his wife, Chloe, presented a check for $250,000 to Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Thursday, December 7. The donation, which was made possible by the proceeds earned when Luke won the RSM Birdies Fore Love charity competition during the 2022-2023 PGA TOUR season, will support the expansion of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Georgia’s second largest children’s hospital.

The Lists’ son, Harrison, was born prematurely on June 5, 2021. After leaving the hospital, Harrison was soon readmitted due to RSV, a respiratory virus, and was intubated for two days. Ultimately, Harrison spent two weeks in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Wellstar Children’s. Helping expand the unit is a cause that is near and dear to the Lists’ hearts.

“It means so much to me and my family to have this opportunity to give back,” Luke said. “We want to share our story just to have people know what they do here and how much they’re really giving and really changing lives.”

Wellstar Children’s is home to the highest level (Level I) Pediatric Intensive Care Unit referral center in the region, providing critical care to children suffering from trauma or serious illnesses. Its team of dedicated pediatric intensivists delivers round-the-clock care to more than 1,000 children annually. Currently, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit has 14 private rooms to care for children. After the expansion that number will increase to 22 rooms, allowing more Georgia families to benefit from the expert care at Wellstar Children’s.

The RSM Birdies Fore Love competition awards the top player who accumulated the most birdies (or better) during the FedExCup Fall events with the opportunity to donate to their choice of children- and/or family-focused charitable organizations. The List family decided that Luke’s winnings would go to Wellstar Children’s.

Representatives from RSM joined the Lists to present the check to Wellstar Children’s. Since the program’s inception in 2018, RSM Birdies Fore Love has raised $5.25 million in donations for players’ charities, supporting over 85 different organizations. Four players have started their own foundations as a direct result of RSM Birdies Fore Love funds.

Christmas carols and telephones ringing filled the Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia lobby December 7 through December 9, 2023 for the 23rd annual iHeartMedia Cares for Kids Radiothon.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, a check for $262,693 was presented to Wellstar Children’s at the conclusion of Radiothon on Saturday, December 9.

Throughout the event, radio stations 104.3 WBBQ, 96.3 Kiss-FM and 105.7 The Bull broadcast live from the lobby while WRDW News 12/NBC 26 shared stories of hope. Families of pediatric patients who have successfully finished treatment or are undergoing treatment at Wellstar Children’s, which is a member of the Children’s Miracle Network, stopped by to share stories of the world-class care their children received from the caring staff and expert caregivers.

“Every dollar that’s raised this weekend with Radiothon stays right here at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia and directly benefits the care of the children,” said Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Valera Hudson. “We’re the second largest children’s hospital in Georgia and the only children’s hospital outside of Atlanta. We offer the highest level of care to the sickest and most complex children. We hope you never need us, but if you ever need us, we’re here.”

Donations to Radiothon are used to purchase much-needed items that are unique to a children’s hospital, such as a vein finder for the neonatal intensive care unit. This device shines a red light through an infant’s arm or leg and helps caregivers find their tiny veins without having to stick them with a needle multiple times to administer fluids and medications.

The funds are also used to provide additional supplies for patient care as needs arise.

Though Radiothon is over, pledges are accepted year-round by calling (706) 721-4004 or by visiting the Cares for Kids Radiothon website.

With nearly one in five Georgians struggling with mental health challenges annually, treating mental health conditions and assessing suicide risk is a group effort between health professionals and state, local, and community partners. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recognized Wellstar as the only system in Georgia and one of 25 nationwide to be awarded funding as part of a $2M Grant from the Biden-Harris Administration. The grant falls in the Cooperative Agreements to Implement Zero Suicide in Health Systems in the form of an intervention and prevention model for adults throughout our health system.

Wellstar launched a system-wide suicide prevention program in 2017 when the Behavioral Health Service Line adopted the national best-practice Zero Suicide Initiative (ZSI) framework developed by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) and the National Alliance for Suicide Prevention. During the earliest phases of implementation, Wellstar invited national experts from the SPRC to advise on best practices, hosted a series of focus groups with various Wellstar medical specialties and departments, conducted an organizational needs assessment, and convened a Zero Suicide Oversight Steering Council to oversee the development, implementation, and fidelity of the program.

"Behavioral health cannot own the problem alone independent of other members of the healthcare team. We have to consider a systemic approach – how we screen, assess, deliver care and address gaps throughout the entire healthcare continuum," explained Ryan Breshears, PhD, ABPP, chief of Wellstar's Behavioral Health service line and a board-certified clinical health psychologist.

Since the initial 2017 launch, Wellstar's Suicide Prevention Team has implemented an improved suicide screening process for all Wellstar emergency departments and medical floors. These experts have also routinized collaborative safety planning to ensure safety interventions are initiated at the onset of the patient encounter and throughout the duration of care.

“The support of our executive leadership to launch this program in 2017, ongoing system collaboration, and commitment from our suicide prevention team has helped to save lives. The infusion of the SAMHSA grant funding received, in partnership with our Wellstar Foundation, will further enhance our reach and impact to the individuals in this vulnerable population,” says Trisha Velasco, assistant vice president of the Behavioral Health service line.

Wellstar's receipt of the SAMHSA grant builds on the system's established infrastructure through the provision of additional educational resources to healthcare clinicians and the community. It also increases access to evidence-based treatments shown to reduce suicidal thoughts. Specifically, funding will enable follow-up care for high-risk adults who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and/or have experienced a recent suicide attempt. Through this grant, SAMHSA aims to aid the program in continuing to reduce suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and deaths due to suicide.

This grant's objectives align with Wellstar's goals of reducing suicide attempts and suicide death rates among Georgians ages 18 and older by growing the existing Wellstar Zero Suicide Initiative. Adding community-based and treatment-focused strategies, including suicide prevention training throughout the organization coupled with identification, treatment, and care transition, Wellstar will continue strengthening the community. At least 5,000 patients across six Wellstar hospitals and emergency departments will receive care, including to residents in Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Harris, Paulding, Polk, and Troup counties.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, affecting people of all ages. While mental health plays a role, there are many other factors that may lead someone to contemplate suicide, and there are some warning signs to pay close attention to because they may indicate that someone is at risk of suicide, which include:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves, or making comments like, "I wish I weren't here," or "Nothing matters."
• Talking about feelings of hopelessness, being a burden to others, feeling trapped, or being in unbearable pain.
• Exhibiting impulsive or reckless behaviors, acting more irritated or anxious than normal, and extreme mood swings.
• A change in habits related to appearance, eating, drinking, or sleeping.
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
• Signs of self-harm like cuts or scratches.

The research is clear that enhancing feelings of belonging and connection is a powerful method of reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. While suicide can be a difficult topic to talk about, speaking about it non-judgmentally can offer hope. In contrast, avoiding the discussion can contribute to feelings of isolation, further contributing to devastating outcomes.

If you suspect a loved one is at risk for suicide, talk with them. Here are some tips to help guide your conversation:

• Be available.
• Be non-judgmental and maintain curiosity.
• Talk less.
• Listen more.
• Allow your loved one to express their feelings.
• Validate that their feelings make sense.
• Ask how you can be helpful. "
• Offer hope that treatment alternatives are available without offering insincere reassurance.
• Follow-up after the initial conversation.
• Show interest and support.

ATLANTA – Mary Chatman, PhD, RN, executive vice president (EVP) of Acute Care Operations for Wellstar Health System, was elected chair of the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) earlier this month. Chatman, who has served on the GHA Board since February 2020, will lead the Board in developing strategies for GHA hospital members, advocating for the highest quality care for patients, and supporting adequate reimbursement for hospitals.

“Mary Chatman’s extensive leadership experience and skills make her well-equipped to lead our Board,” said GHA President and CEO Caylee Noggle. “She is a strong patient advocate, and her experience will serve our members well.”

Serving as a Wellstar EVP, Chatman oversees the operations of Wellstar’s 11 hospitals, post-acute services, and emergency departments. In 2020, she led the opening of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center’s new emergency department, the largest in the Southeast.

Prior to serving in her current role, Chatman was the chief operating officer and chief nursing officer at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, where she was responsible for managing the 654-bed hospital and its nursing operations. She also served as interim chief information officer for Memorial and completed the electronic health record conversion to EPIC.

In 2021, Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Chatman to the state’s Healthcare Workforce Commission, where she has helped address challenges in the hiring and retention of health care workers.

Chatman has been recognized locally and nationally as a prominent leader and strong patient advocate in health care. Atlanta Daily World recognized her among the 2018 Women of Excellence. Diversity MBA Magazine named her among the 2018 Top 100 Under 50 Executive & Emerging Leaders and 2020 Top 100 Women of Influence. Profiles in Diversity Journal named her a 2020 Women Worth Watching® in STEM award winner. Chatman was recognized by Atlanta Magazine among the 2021 Women Making A Mark honorees and by Becker’s as one of the 75 Black Healthcare Leaders to Know 2022. She was also named the 2020 West Cobb Citizen of the Year for serving on the frontlines for Cobb County, fighting COVID-19, and collaborating with local leaders.

Chatman is deeply involved in the community, serving as board member for United Community Bank and active in the fight to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives. She earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.

About GHA Founded in 1929, GHA serves nearly 150 hospitals in Georgia and promotes the health and welfare of the public through the development of better hospital care for all Georgia’s citizens. The mission of GHA is to advance the health of individuals and communities by serving as the leading advocate for all Georgia hospitals and health care systems. GHA represents its members before the General Assembly and Congress, as well as state and federal regulatory agencies, and is an allied member of the American Hospital Association. For more information, please call 770-249-4500 or visit gha.org.

Are you getting the most out of your healthcare experience? If you don’t have an established Wellstar primary care provider (PCP), you could be missing out on some major benefits.

Some people visit a different provider each time they need a check-up or just whenever they feel sick. Similarly, many patients use the walk-in convenience of urgent care as a substitute for primary care. However, in both of these cases, it can be difficult for you to build a lasting health partnership and leave your care feeling incomplete.

Having a designated Wellstar primary care provider—and specialty medicine providers within the same health system—gives you an entire team of health experts that are invested in you and your well-being.

Benefits of a primary care provider

The main role of a primary care provider is to keep you healthy at every age and stage of life. To keep you feeling your best, these experts are trained to:

• Get to know and understand your unique health needs. Your PCP can keep you on track with your individual wellness goals, whether you are planning to start a family, need help managing a chronic illness or maintaining a healthy weight.
• Coordinate care and provide referrals for specialists. Your PCP can quickly and seamlessly get you in touch with the robust network of medical experts, such as cardiologists, oncologists, neurologists and more at Wellstar.
• Keep you up-to-date on immunizations and vaccinations. You can build up your body’s immunity to common diseases and protect your health with the latest vaccines, all ordered by your PCP.
• Order appropriate health screenings, diagnostic tests and follow-up care. If your wellness check-up reveals certain risk factors, chronic conditions or new diagnoses, your PCP can help you get the right treatment fast.
• Treat you for acute illnesses, such as colds or the flu. When you feel under the weather, your established PCP can often get you an appointment sooner so you can feel better.

Continuing care for every stage of life

As you get older, your healthcare needs will change. That’s why many people keep the same Wellstar primary care provider for years, even decades.

Your provider can help you stay ahead of health issues and deliver tailored care for your unique needs, as they change over time. These experts are your first defense against many preventable diseases and can catch major illnesses earlier, so you have the best possible outcome.

Ready to find the right Wellstar primary care provider for you? We make it easy to get expert, comprehensive primary care at many convenient locations across metro Atlanta and West Georgia. To find a location near you, simply click “Book Now” at the top of any page.

Between cookie baking, busy shopping trips and being with family, the holiday season can pass by in a blur. Through all the hustle and bustle, Wellstar health experts warn it can be all too easy to put off your wellness.

“During this hectic time of year, health may be the last thing on your mind. However, the best present you can give yourself is prioritizing your well-being,” said Dr. Umme Nur, internal medicine physician with Wellstar.

“Seeing your provider now can help you stay on track this season,” Dr. Nur explained. “It can also help you jumpstart your health goals in January and already have a care plan tailored to your needs.”

Start healthy habits

It’s easy to let your normal routines slip during this time of year. However, you can take small steps to stay on track every day.

• Eat right. It’s okay to indulge in holiday treats, but try to keep your main meals balanced with fruits and veggies.
• Don’t forget about fitness. Create a routine and stick to your exercise goals, even if it’s just a 30-minute stroll.
• Catch some Z’s. Maintain an adequate sleep regimen to help your body rest, feel refreshed and ready for the day.

Check in on your well-being

Remember, the perfect gift isn’t something wrapped with a bow—it’s putting your health first. That means partnering with Wellstar Primary Care and scheduling a wellness exam.

Your primary care team will help you take charge of your health and create a personalized plan just for you. Because your clinician is a pro at preventative care, they’ll help keep you ahead of potential medical problems.

After your annual check-up, you’ll know your stats for:

• Blood pressure. Taken with a simple arm cuff, a blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.
• Blood glucose level. The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes and an increased risk for heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
• Blood cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can indicate clogged arteries, which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
• Body mass index (BMI). The BMI estimates human body fat, which may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.

At your exam, be sure to bring up any health goals, such as weight loss or managing a chronic condition. Your care team will work with you to create a custom treatment plan for your unique needs.

Know your family history & take action

Depending on your gender, age and family history, your care team may also recommend other preventative tests to screen for diseases before they start, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy.

Your clinician can also help you understand your potential health risks with:

• Know Your Heart screenings. Preventative heart screenings help determine your risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.
• Genetic risk assessment. Genetic testing is a tool to help people determine their hereditary risk of cancer and heart problems. This program also helps couples and expecting mothers with prenatal or preconception concerns.

Learn more about how having an established primary care team can keep you well.

The holidays can be challenging, especially for those struggling with mental health. Familial factors, unrealistic expectations, past trauma, and grief/loss can all play a role in why sometimes the holidays can be more stressful than joyful.

Physical and behavioral health outcomes are intertwined and provide a holistic view of our health. Physicians refer to assessing depression as “a vital sign” -- like checking blood pressure and heart rate. Considering the assessment of depression is essential for a person’s overall health status.

With nearly one in five Georgians struggling with mental illness yearly, treating mental health conditions and assessing suicide risk is a group effort between health professionals and state, local, and community partners. Wellstar’s director of adult & pediatric primary care behavioral health integration, Dr. Janna Williams-Pitts, helps us to understand why the holidays can be so stressful.

“When the stress response becomes activated due to something we are excited or concerned about, it can have a physiological and psychological impact. This occurs for those with and without a diagnosed mental health condition. The stress response, and more specifically chronic stress, can play a role in the onset of a depressive episode or the recurrence of heightened anxiety symptoms.”

Women are about twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. In speaking with Dr. Williams-Pitts, we wanted to understand how specific risk factors like age and gender can make facing these holiday stressors more challenging.

“Research suggests that there are gender differences in the stress response due to biological factors, specifically hormonal differences. Women appear to be more likely to experience depression due to chronic stress, whereas men may be more likely to develop substance use disorders due to chronic stress. The APA completed a survey to assess for Stress in America in 2022. The results of this survey indicate that inflation, concerns about violence, and the racial climate in America are a few of the factors that contribute to differing experiences with stress for participants. Age differences emerged as well. Forty-six percent of adults under 35 reported feeling so stressed that it impacted their functioning whereas 42% of adults aged 35-44, 16% 45-64, and 4% of adults 65+ reported the same.”

People respond to stress in a variety of ways. Often, individuals can hide their symptoms from those closest to them. But we learned there are signs to look for in loved ones who might be experiencing stress blues during the holidays. Social withdrawal, increased substance use, change in hygiene/self-care, shifts in sleep, and experiencing feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and poor concentration can all be signs that chronic stress is starting to have an impact.

It's common for people to notice increased fatigue and feeling down due to less exposure to sunlight during the winter months. So, it’s only natural to wonder if environmental changes during winter months play a role in the onset of depression.

“Some people experience debilitating depressive episodes during the fall and winter months with significant improvement in the spring and summer months. When depressive episodes occur in a seasonal pattern, this is consistent with the diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder.”

Dr. Williams-Pitts added that it is “important to identify a range of meaningful, enjoyable activities to engage in during the winter months to help reduce the likelihood of worsening depressive symptoms.”

Rescheduling appointments with your behavioral health clinician before the holidays can be tempting. Still, keeping that appointment is helpful for those who experience stress during this season. It serves as an opportunity to review your stress management plan and identify meaningful coping mechanisms, which may help the holiday season go more smoothly.

If you are wondering where to turn if you need help during the holidays but don’t have a behavioral health clinician, scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider can be a great way to connect with a behavioral health clinician.

According to the American Hospital Association, “Shortages of health care workers in all roles will persist well beyond the pandemic given today’s highly competitive labor market.” To help meet this need, the Cobb County School District and Wellstar Health System are introducing high school students to healthcare careers through the healthcare pathway at the Cobb Innovation Technology Academy (CITA). CITA is an innovative Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program inside the Cobb County School District (CCSD).

Wellstar Health System and Wellstar Foundation recently awarded Cobb Schools Foundation a $2 million grant to expand the Cobb Innovation and Technical Academy (CITA) over the next five years. The CITA program is a beacon of opportunity for students seeking hands-on learning experiences and career prospects in healthcare through district, post-secondary and industry partnerships.

"This program seeks to inspire, educate, and nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said David Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Wellstar. “We’re thrilled with the opportunity to help enhance the education of our community’s students and offer them rewarding career pathways."

Cobb students will have direct access to healthcare professionals from Wellstar who will make their classroom experience more practical and prepare them for their real-world jobs. All CCSD students can apply for the opportunity to enroll in CITA. Once enrolled, the Cobb students will be able to:

• Participate in the new Wellstar Healthcare Pathway Program
• Access cutting-edge equipment and technology
• Engage with Wellstar clinical team members and professionals before they graduate from high school
• Apply for two $2,500 college scholarships funded by Wellstar

"The Wellstar Healthcare Pathways Program will offer students exposure to training and potential job opportunities,” said Tiffany Barney, Director, CITA. “The Cobb Schools Foundation appreciates this investment in students who will go on to have careers in healthcare. It will further enhance the quality of education we provide our students in Cobb."

It’s taken three years and several hospitalizations, but Dianne George finally knows what’s wrong with her heart, and it’s not one of the usual ailments.

She has sarcoidosis.

The condition is often missed partly because symptoms are not obvious, and partly because many physicians don’t know about it. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes clumps of immune cells, called granulomas, to form in tissues and organs.

“We don’t know what triggers it, and we don’t understand why certain people get it and are more susceptible to it,” said Dr. Neal Weintraub, Division Chief of Cardiology and Professor of Medicine at Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia. “It’s most common in Black people, and it’s also very common in Scandinavia.”

It can affect almost any organ, though the lungs are most commonly involved.

For George, the granulomas form in her heart. With conditions involving the heart, the first symptom might be sudden death.

That’s one thing that makes George’s case unique: She’s here to tell her story.

“It all started in June of 2019,” she said. “I was a teacher, and I walked the neighborhood during the summer, in the morning. That summer, I started walking but I would get out of breath, dizzy and stuff.”

On her way to Edisto Beach for a trip with her husband, she joked that at least she had never passed out.

“Probably 20 minutes later, after saying that, I passed out in the car,” George said. “Harry tried to find my pulse and he couldn’t find it. I recovered fairly quickly, but I didn’t feel right.”

They went to a nearby prompt care clinic, which sent George to a local hospital because, while her blood pressure was good, her heart rate was off. She received a pacemaker and assumed that her problems were solved.

In November 2019, George started having ventricular tachycardia—her heart was beating very fast and weakly. Her cardiologist in Aiken, where she lives, sent her to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center. She was placed on medical therapy and her pacemaker was changed to a CRT-D device, which has a defibrillator that shocks the heart to restore a regular heartbeat rhythm.

George began receiving repeated shocks from her device and was readmitted to the hospital the following month. Weintraub became involved in her care and almost immediately suspected the culprit could be sarcoidosis. He ordered several tests, including a PET scan and bronchoscopy with a biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis.

Weintraub prescribed several medications designed to treat inflammation, as well as heart medications. George’s heart rhythm calmed down almost immediately and her heart function recovered.

Cardiac sarcoidosis can become very serious if left untreated, Weintraub said. Besides dangerous arrhythmias, patients like George could present with heart failure with no obvious cause such as blocked arteries to explain it.

“The problem is a lot of physicians are not aware of cardiac sarcoidosis at all. Even many cardiologists don’t think about it. Since they don’t think about it, they can’t make the diagnosis,” he said. “If you have cardiac sarcoidosis and proper treatment is not given, the prognosis is dismal. Most people that have untreated cardiac sarcoidosis will be dead within a few years.”

Sarcoidosis is very common in the Southeast, and that is one of the reasons Weintraub and his colleagues have established the Sarcoidosis Clinic at Wellstar MCG Health. Not only is the disease very serious with potentially life-threatening consequences and can be difficult to diagnose, but a diagnosis also typically requires advanced imaging capabilities that aren’t always available—especially in smaller communities.

“So we felt that here at Wellstar MCG Health, we were in exactly the right place and have the right people and resources to bring together to form this clinic so that we can serve the region,” Weintraub said.

When a patient comes to the clinic, they see a cardiologist, a pulmonologist and a rheumatologist who all have expertise in sarcoidosis. The cardiologist and pulmonologist investigate problems with the heart and lungs, and the rheumatologist investigates problems with the joints (another common site for the disease). The rheumatologist can also initiate medications that help suppress the immune system, which is an important part of treatment. The team will refer the patient to an ophthalmologist or dermatologist if eye or skin involvement is suspected. Each patient also receives follow-up care to ensure that the inflammation is controlled and medications are tightly monitored.

“The patient can come to one clinic and see three different physicians who all share their expertise and come up with the best plan for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up,” Weintraub said.

George credits Weintraub and the rest of her care team for her ability to continue doing the things she enjoys, although in a more limited capacity. She travels with her husband, cares for her granddaughters and stays active in her church through careful management of her symptoms.

“And I can share my story,” she said. “It’s not a death sentence, by any stretch of the imagination. You just have go to about things in a little different way.”

Wellstar MCG Health recently joined 42 other institutions as a member of the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance.

Amanda Dion had her heart set on having a girl. After three boys, she was very excited when her doctor told her, based on an early sonogram, that she would finally have one.

Another sonogram a few weeks later told a different story. Not only was she having a boy, but the image showed something concerning. He would have a cleft lip.

“My ultrasound tech was taking more time this time, measuring more,” Dion said. “I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ She said, ‘We’ll just wait until the doctor comes in.’ About that time, I see her go across his face and you could see his cleft lip in the picture on the screen.”

That wasn’t all. Her doctor sat her down and explained that not only would her baby boy, Jace, have a cleft lip, but he might have a cleft palate. There was also an abnormality in his brain, which was eventually diagnosed as Dandy-Walker syndrome.

Dandy-Walker is a brain malformation that affects coordination. In many children, the condition causes hydrocephalus, in which fluid in the brain doesn’t drain properly. These children often have a large head size and slow motor development.

No one would know how the condition would affect Jace until he grew and began to develop, Dion said.

However, the staff at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia stepped in to not only deliver Jace early—Dion was borderline preeclamptic and had a c-section at 37 weeks—but also treat Jace and help ensure he lives a healthy, normal life.

Jace spent the first few days of his life in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Once he was stable, he was able to go home with oxygen and a feeding tube, but the battles were just beginning. Jace developed pneumonia, needed several sets of ear tubes and had a shunt in his liver repaired. He also had heart surgery to correct a congenital heart defect.

As he grew, Jace had a difficult time eating due to a laryngeal cleft.

“It can cause aspiration, which can make it hard for babies to gain weight and stay well,” said Dr. Heather Koehn, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Wellstar Children’s and assistant professor of pediatric otolaryngology at Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia.

Jace required a feeding tube and frequently had tubes put in his ears. Koehn explained that children with a cleft palate also tend to have frequent ear infections. Swallowing helps us pop our ears, releasing fluid and ventilating the ear.

“If your palate isn’t born with the muscles connected, then the whole mechanism doesn’t function properly,” Koehn said. “Then you’re not able to ventilate the ears through the Eustachian tubes. The ears end up accumulating thick mucus, and then that fluid is like being underwater all the time. So a child can’t hear clearly, and it puts them at risk of speech delay and other learning delays.”

Jace’s neurologists continue to monitor his Dandy-Walker symptoms, which, thankfully, are not severe. He also sees a team of speech therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists every other week.

Now 4, Jace is an active boy who loves dinosaurs, playing with his brothers and swimming.

“It took us a long time to get him there, but he’s definitely in a good spot,” Dion said. “He’s definitely super resilient—bounces back from everything.”

Kathy DeJoseph delights in making and giving away thousands of soft and cheerful hats to Wellstar cancer patients through a nonprofit she founded called Happy Caps. It’s all in the name of bringing a little light and comfort to people during a hard time.

Where did the idea come from? It started with Kathy’s own lung cancer diagnosis.

A commitment to yearly lung cancer screening

A cancer survivor for more than a decade, Kathy said regular lung cancer screenings were the key to her survival. With a long history of smoking and growing up around relatives who smoked, she decided to join an early detection lung cancer study at Wellstar.

Even though she felt fine and had no symptoms, committing to the study meant having an annual low-dose CT scan every year. After several years of clean scans with no signs of lung cancer, Kathy told a nurse that she was going to quit. But the nurse persuaded her to come in for another screening.

“Thank goodness she did,” Kathy said. “I was diagnosed the very next day.”

Quick and efficient treatment at the STAT Clinic

Being a part of the study and getting screened early allowed Kathy to move immediately to Wellstar Lung Cancer STAT Clinic at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center.

STAT stands for Specialty Teams and Treatment, highlighting the collaboration of multiple cancer experts. Together, they come to a consensus on a treatment plan and meet with the patient on the same day. This puts the patients at the center of their care plan, allowing them and their families to get immediate answers to questions, make decisions and start treatment faster.

“The biggest benefit for me with the way the STAT Clinic works is that I didn’t have to worry about whether the doctors had actually talked to each other,” Kathy said. “They’d come in one after another and tell me what they thought from their expertise.”

Immediate communication and mutual agreement among medical experts mean treatment plans are established and started faster, which is proven to improve long-term survival. On average, it takes 60 to 90 days from the time of diagnosis to treatment in the U.S. With the STAT Clinic at Wellstar, patients go from diagnosis to treatment in 14 to 20 days.

Kathy’s treatment started quickly—she had a lung biopsy the day after her STAT Clinic appointment and started chemotherapy a week later.

“I wasn’t as terrified for as long as most people are because I had answers within a short period of time,” Kathy remembered.

She had surgery once she completed chemotherapy. Throughout the process, she had the support of an entire cancer team, including a medical oncologist, a lung cancer surgeon, a pulmonologist and a nurse navigator.

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on November 3, 2023.

As cancer research advances, doctors know more about the keys to reducing cancer cases and driving better outcomes, like long-term survival. Prevention, early detection and treatment—an area that has drastically improved through scientific discovery—are the big three keys today. While preventative measures reduce the risk, screening for cancer before someone has symptoms can be a lifesaver when it is identified earlier and in more treatable stages. Newer, more advanced treatments and starting treatment faster are also making a sizeable impact on survival. For a closer look at how healthcare experts apply these keys in the fight against cancer, Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Market President and Publisher David Rubinger sat down with Wellstar leaders and patients for a sponsored panel discussion on the state of cancer care.

Panelists & moderator

• Dr. Bill Mayfield, MD, medical director, lung screening program, medical director, incidental pulmonary nodule program, medical director, STAT Clinics, Wellstar
• Dr. John French, MD, medical oncologist, Wellstar and Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers*
• Kathy DeJoseph, lung cancer survivor
• David Rubinger, market president and publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle

*Wellstar partners with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers to provide world class cancer care close to home.

Keys to better outcomes

David Rubinger: Cancer is one of the top causes of death in the U.S., second only to heart disease, with 1.9 million new cancer diagnoses expected this year. The whole idea of trying to beat cancer is the common language of treatment now. We’ve really changed the conversation in many ways. Dr. Mayfield, what have been the keys to getting these better survival rates across all types of cancers?

Dr. Bill Mayfield: There are three basic components to improving outcomes and reducing cancer. Number one is prevention. How can you prevent cancer? Smoking cessation is a major way to reduce the risk for cancer, especially lung cancer. The second key is early detection screening for cancer such as colonoscopies, skin exams and low dose lung cancer CT scans.

Finally, we have treatment as the third key. We have dramatically improved treatments, especially in the last 10 years, with targeted therapies, immune therapies and precisely targeted radiation therapy. For some cancers, reducing the time it takes to start treatment can be as impactful as some of the newer cancer therapies. At Wellstar, we speed up time to treatment through our STAT Clinics.

Rubinger: Dr. French, from the medical oncology standpoint, what has specifically gone on in your world since you started practicing medicine that you think has improved these outcomes?

Dr. John French: There’s no bigger story than immunotherapy in the last 10 years. It was 2017 when Jim Allison out of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Tasuku Honjo in Japan won the Nobel Prize for cancer immunotherapy—the first time the Nobel in Medicine recognized a cancer therapy in decades. Wellstar and our patients participated in clinical trial development of immunotherapy for various cancers.

In medical oncology, there are also targeted therapies. In improving the survival and outcomes of patients, we do a lot of what we call next generation sequencing—tumor genomics and tumor DNA. The way I explain this is, “We’re not testing Kathy’s DNA. We’re testing the tumor itself. We are trying to find a lock and key mechanism, where if we can find what’s driving the cancer, maybe there’s a pill or a target that we can go after to take it out.”

Rubinger: Let’s move on to lung cancer in particular. Lung cancer has traditionally been known as a smoker’s disease—at least that’s how many people view it. It appears as though in the United States we’ve seen an improvement in terms of the number of lung cancer cases. Dr. Mayfield, where is the lung cancer discussion right now? I feel it was maybe one of these small victories that are going on in the cancer movement.

Dr. Mayfield: We do actually have some large victories. The surgeon general came out with a report in the 1960s that said smoking caused premature death and lung cancer. Men in Georgia started reducing their smoking about 35 years ago. As a result, we have 50% fewer male smokers and 35 years later, we’re now seeing a 50% reduction in primary lung cancers from tobacco.

Rubinger: As far as I understand it, early lung cancer is one of those cancers that has no outward physical markers that tell you you’ve got something going wrong. So as lung cancer specialists, what do you advise people to do when they’re getting their checkup? What is the process by which they should be screening for lung cancer?

Dr. French: The biggest thing you can do is if you’re smoking, stop smoking and get screened if you’re eligible. Dr. Mayfield discussed that already, but I’ll add some numbers and perspective.

Number two, if you were a smoker, understand the guidelines and recommendations to undergo screening. They updated the guidelines in 2021 that if your age is 50 to 80 and you have a 20 or more pack per year history of smoking, and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, then you’re eligible for screening.

By having a CT scan, you can reduce the risk of lung cancer death by up to 20% by identifying and treating cancer earlier.

Rubinger: Let’s talk to a lung cancer patient about this. Kathy, thank you for joining us. Take us briefly through your journey. What is your background with cancer?

Kathy DeJoseph: This year, I’m a 12-year survivor. Before I was diagnosed, I was a career person and I was on my computer one day and up popped information about this early lung cancer screening study that Wellstar was a part of. I had no symptoms. I had a long history of smoking, grew up with parents who smoked, grandparents who smoked, lived near a factory that was belching out junk into the air.

I was a workaholic and a mom and I saw this study and for whatever reason, I called and talked to the nurse navigator. I was like, “I don’t know whether I want to do this or not. You know, this sounds like I’m going to end up paranoid about it.” She encouraged me to participate.

Dr. Mayfield: Kathy was enrolled in the study and had three or four normal CT scans before she developed a mass. And sure enough, we jumped right on it through Lung Cancer STAT Clinic and got her treatment plan together quickly. That was the point of her being in the annual screening study.

What is a STAT Clinic?

Rubinger: Kathy, before we dive further into your treatment, will Dr. Mayfield help define the STAT Clinic? It’s not a simple thing to do. You all are very busy people and you all have individual schedules. To turn you all into this sort of troop, if you will, moving in sync, that’s a logistical nightmare for a bunch of doctors.

Dr. Mayfield: STAT stands for Specialty Teams and Treatments and it’s about bringing multiple cancer experts together to collaborate about a patient’s care and meet with them the same day so they can get treatment started quickly. We created STAT because we saw a need to do things better and to put the patient at the center of everything we do.

About 17 years ago, we opened a general Thoracic Surgery practice at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. And we did everything like everybody else did. We had a navigator—someone who connects a person who has cancer with the help and support they need. We had tumor boards—a group of physicians and scientists who meet to discuss treatment options for individual cancer patients.

But when we looked carefully, we saw that by the time the patient’s case was presented in a tumor board, it was 58 days on average from the time the patient had their original CT scan. They had gone from a primary care doctor to a pulmonologist to an oncologist back to the pulmonologist, then had a biopsy, a PET scan and then maybe saw a radiation oncologist. It was 58 days by the time they got to the tumor board and were able to get a treatment plan started. That’s a problem. But that is the standard of care in the United States today—60 to 90 days in this workup period.

We said, “There’s got to be another way.” I knew of a clinic run by a pretty notable oncologist in another state, who brought the thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists and the oncologist to his clinic to see the patient at the same time. An oncologist and I drove up there, spent the day, asked a bunch of questions and said, “You know what, we need to do this.”

So we came back and getting those specialists—the thoracic surgeon, pulmonologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and navigator—in the same place at the same time was hard.

What we decided to do is start with one hour on Wednesday afternoon. So we saw two patients one week, then 2 to 3 the next week and then 3 to 4 the next week. Then a primary care doctor heard about it and the pulmonologists heard about it and suddenly we were seeing 12, 15, 20 patients.

A few years ago we surpassed more than 10,000 patient visits in the Lung Cancer STAT Clinic. And during that time, we started the lung screening program and the incidental nodule program.

The culmination of our initiatives to identify lung cancer earlier and hasten the time to treatment has reduced our time from abnormal image to starting treatment to somewhere between 14 and 20 days, rather than 60 to 90 days. The early detection program has made it such that 40% of the cancers diagnosed at Wellstar are stage 1 and 2, when cancer is more treatable and patients have better outcomes. On a national average, just 15 to 20% of lung cancer diagnoses are stage 1 or 2. We’ve dramatically improved the ability of our lung cancer patients in our community to survive their disease.

Rubinger: It sounds like early detection and shorter time to start treatment make a real impact for patients. Kathy, let’s talk a little bit about what those things meant for you as a patient. Let’s start with when you were diagnosed. Did you have any symptoms? What happened next?

DeJoseph: I didn’t have any symptoms. Everything was fine, except for my history with smoking. The year I was diagnosed, I was going to quit the study but the nurse navigator took me out to lunch to convince me to come back—and thank goodness she did. I was diagnosed the very next day.

The biggest benefit for me with the way the STAT Clinic works is that I didn’t have to worry about whether the doctors had actually talked to each other. I didn’t have to worry about whether maybe they didn’t actually agree. All those things that I would have been worried about went away because I talked to all of them on the same day in the same place.

It gives you a lot of confidence. I thought, “Well, you know, they’d have to all be wrong on the same day at the same time to screw this up.” I ended up becoming a volunteer and would meet with newly diagnosed patients for several years. One of the biggest things that I would talk to new patients about is how STAT Clinic kept things from dragging out for months, going from doctor to doctor.

Rubinger: It sounds like STAT Clinic is meaningful to patients, not just medically, but emotionally. Is the STAT Clinic exclusively for people with lung cancer or are patients with other conditions benefitting from this model now?

Dr. Mayfield: That’s a good question. We added Lung Cancer STAT Clinics at Wellstar Cobb, Douglas and North Fulton Medical Centers. Outside of lung cancer, my neurosurgery buddy got curious. He’s saying, “Wait a minute. You know, we have this patient with brain cancer and they have to go see the radiation oncologist but your patient gets to meet the radiation oncologist at the same time as you. We want that.”

So the next STAT Clinic that cranked up was for neurological tumors. It was awesome to see that we could inspire other folks to do the same thing.

Dr. French: To add to that, we also have STAT clinics for breast cancer and head and neck cancer. All of these cancers require multidisciplinary care with doctors from different specialties who collaborate on patient care because otherwise, you have to go see different cancer subspecialists and that may take a longer period of time.

Dr. Mayfield: Here’s the dark secret about cancer care in the U.S. Dr. Alok Khorana at the Cleveland Clinic published a paper about three years ago. He studied 1.2 million cases in the national cancer database and 340,000 of those were lung cancer patients. He clearly showed that for every seven days’ delay in therapy in stage 1 or stage 2 disease, you lose 2% five-year survival. Delay in time to initial cancer treatment in the U.S. is an important risk factor for survival over time.

A first-hand account

Rubinger: Kathy, let’s come back to you for a second. So you go into this STAT Clinic. Obviously, this whole process must have been terrifying on so many different fronts.

DeJoseph: I wasn’t as terrified for as long as most people are because I had answers within a short period of time.

Rubinger: How short?

DeJoseph: I had my biopsy the next morning after the first STAT Clinic appointment. About a week and a half after that, I started chemo. That was really fast. I had surgery after chemo.

In the STAT Clinic, every doctor comes in and talks to you. You learn what their role is going to be and what the timing will be with other treatments. It all happens at the same time. I took a lot of confidence in questioning everybody on the same day and knowing they had also talked together. I knew for sure that they had, where I would have really wondered about that if had I done it the normal way—visiting multiple specialists over a several-month period.

Rubinger: I’ll be the contrarian for a second. What if I walk into the STAT Clinic and say, “Well, I’d like to choose my surgeon. I’d like to choose my oncologist. I’d like to choose the radiation oncologist I want to use for my radiation treatment.” How much flexibility do I have within the STAT Clinic to select the doctor I want to work with? Or do I have to take the ones that are assigned to me regardless?

Dr. Mayfield: That is an excellent question. You can come to us for a consolidated opinion and get your care wherever you choose. You have four experts looking at you physically and reviewing all your imaging and all your tests together, coming to a consensus. For treatment, you can use any oncologist, any thoracic surgeon, anybody you want, even if it’s within our own institution.

Dr. French: Whether we’re providing the care or simply an opinion, STAT Clinic puts the patient first. We have patients from Alabama, Tennessee, North Georgia who can’t travel here for ongoing care. I’ve even had patients who live near the Carolina border. Part of the STAT Clinic is also handling the logistics where one of these patients may need treatment closer to home. For example, someone may need chemotherapy and I say, “OK, I’ll coordinate that with the medical oncologist in your area.” When we’re done seeing STAT Clinic patients, we agree, “You call the local radiation oncologist, I’ll call the local medical oncologist and let’s get them plugged in and connected with treatment recommendations.” Again, STAT Clinic expedites and coordinates all that care. Getting the foot in the door and getting that ball rolling is half the battle.

The state of screening and future goals

Dr. French: In talking about screening earlier, we didn’t address non-smokers. If I don’t smoke, I don’t need to be screened if I’m doing my well check-up and I’m not having a cough or chest pain. There’s really no screening for lung cancer outside of those recommendations.

That being said, the other thing that you need to understand is that in the state of Georgia, we are horrible at screening people. We rank toward the bottom quartile of the entire country in screening patients when it comes to the proportion of eligible patients. The American Lung Association data ranks Georgia 35th in the nation. We screen 5% of eligible people, so we’re not capturing 95% of people who could be screened.

We know the data to support screening is there. Kathy is a living example of this. Talk to your primary care doctor about your history with smoking and the need for screening.

Dr. Mayfield has ramped up the effort to capture more at-risk people through screening, but we still need to get the message out.

Dr. Mayfield: We started our screening program 15 years ago as part of I-ELCAP—the International Early Lung Cancer Action Project—and then we broke off of the study because the results were so positive. We decided we’re just going to do this as a standalone program in our community.

As a result, over the last 15 years, we become one of the three largest lung cancer screening programs in the U.S. We have about 15,000 people in our program currently.

The problem is, we serve a community of 1.7 million in 15 counties. Knowing that 40% of those are smokers or former smokers, we should be scanning a million people a year.

Why aren’t we screening more people? We’re a part of the Georgia Lung Cancer Roundtable and the National Lung Cancer Roundtable trying to solve that problem. I think it’s going to take a national awareness campaign.

When that happens, we need to prepare our screening centers for high volumes. That will drive us from discovering more stage 3 and 4 lung cancers when people are dying, to finding more stage 1 and 2 lung cancers. Those earlier-stage cancers are much less expensive to treat from a policy and population health level and are easier to treat, giving more patients good long-term outcomes.

Rubinger: But we wouldn’t be screening non-smokers at this point.

Dr. Mayfield: There’s not enough data yet to guide us to any other risk factor than tobacco use.

What employers should know about cancer

Rubinger: Let’s talk about the business community for a second.

When it comes to the employee, when you see patients who are in full-time jobs, what role do you see the employer playing when you’re caring for cancer patients? What can employers do to help them in their battles?

Dr. Mayfield: I have a pretty strong opinion on two items. One is that employers should promote age-appropriate screenings for all cancers among their employees. Give them that half a day off if they need to go somewhere for a doctor’s appointment to get that screening exam. And as callous as it may seem, that half a day off to find cancer in earlier stages is much less expensive than treating an advanced cancer years later, from extended time off to the insurance costs associated with advanced cancer.

The CEO of the corporation, the vice president, the chief medical officer, the chief operating officer—they assume that if they or any of their employees get cancer care, they’re going to get the best care available. But unfortunately, the best care available today in most places is going to take them 60 to 90 days to get through the initial doctors’ visits and tests that at the STAT Clinic, we manage in 14 days.

My challenge to the business community is to ask their insurers and their healthcare providers a very difficult question, “How long will it take to get our employee from an abnormal finding to starting treatment?” When insurers and healthcare providers have to start answering hard questions, then we’ll move the ball.

Dr. French: I would add, when a corporation buys health insurance, it needs to make sure institutions that perform research and clinical trials are covered.

I had a patient who had stage 4 prostate cancer and there is a clinical trial using novel bispecific immunotherapeutics. The guy is young; he’s eligible for the trial. The patient signed the trial consent only to find out that his insurance doesn’t cover the medical facility that’s offering it, so therefore he’s not eligible for the clinical trial. Now he’s going to have to get the standard of care, which is good. But he could have gotten something new on a trial if it was covered by his company’s health plan.

So, companies should first make sure that employees are covered for good quality healthcare and at top facilities that perform research.

Number two is, if you’re an executive, consider supporting on-site screening. I’ve seen a lot of patients in the STAT Clinic who get executive physicals, they get a day off and they do this comprehensive testing. Lo and behold it shows something. That early detection gets them to treatment at an earlier stage when the cancer is less advanced and they have a higher chance for better outcomes.

So consider offering a half-day, a health fair or on-site health screenings as part of your company’s health offerings.

I think a healthy employee, one that feels valued and respected, will be a hard worker. If I feel that my business cares about me, my health, my life and my family, that sounds like a company I’d want to work for.

Learn more about cancer care at Wellstar. 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the 2022 results for the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) and Wellstar Clinical Partners (WCP) Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) helped CMS save over $16 million for the entire performance year. 
 
“These latest results from CMS clearly demonstrate how Wellstar is committed to providing world-class care for every person, every time. Our teams never waiver from that commitment – even during some of the most challenging times in healthcare,” said Dr. Alan Muster, senior vice president, Specialty Division for Wellstar Medical Group. Dr. Larry Hornsby, chairman of the board for WCP added, “At Wellstar, we all work together to keep our communities healthy. We provide the highest-quality care, at an appropriate cost, and ensure each patient has an exceptional experience while maintaining a laser focus on our caregiver well-being.”
 
Even after CMS revised its methodology for calculating the annual Quality score, Wellstar maintained a competitive rating compared to other Georgia systems that participate in the Medicare ACO. The System also saw an increase in patient satisfaction compared to 2021. The WCP Medicare ACO performed in the top 16 percent of ACOs for 2022 based on generated savings, out of more than 480 other ACOs.
 
“The health and well-being of every patient remain our top priority,” said Barbara Corey, president of the Wellstar Clinical Partners Medicare ACO. “The hard work and dedication of our WCP physicians is clearly reflected in our latest accomplishments, and we are proud of the compassionate care we consistently provide for the communities we serve.”
 
As one of the largest and most experienced ACOs in Georgia, the WCP Medicare ACO is consistently named one of the top ACOs in the country. Additionally, the ACO is the only one in Georgia to help Medicare bend the healthcare cost curve for nine of the last ten years. Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACOs are groups of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who come together voluntarily to provide coordinated high-quality care to their Medicare patients.
 
The WCP Medicare ACO leverages its internal resources, infrastructure, and partnerships with employed and affiliated physicians to deliver high quality, cost-effective healthcare to the communities it serves. Since 2012, the WCP Medicare ACO has been a consistent, high-quality, top performing ACO and it is among the top MSSP ACOs when measured by cumulative savings to Medicare of nearly $150 Million.

Little superheroes, princesses and witches who spent their Halloween at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia did not miss out on the fun. Wearing costumes donated by the community, patients enjoyed trick-or-treating by visiting units along the halls of the children’s hospital. Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center employees dressed up as well and handed out goodies from their decorated stations.

A few members of the Child Life Specialists team who were dressed as crayons—including facility dogs Casey and Nugget—pulled wagons filled with treat bags to trick-or-treat for patients who were too ill to walk the halls themselves.

Child Life Specialists work hard to ensure that pediatric patients can still be kids, even in the hospital. But they can’t do it alone. Each community member who donated costumes and each employee who participated and provided treats made the holiday a little brighter for these patients.

Ralph Turner stepped out the front door of his new apartment in North Augusta and ran into his neighbor, who had a Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center badge.

“I work there too,” he said. “Oh, what do you do there?” she asked.

He held out his badge that read “president,” and she looked up in shock.

“There are so many medical students and Wellstar employees in my complex,” he said. “The hospital is such a large part of the community.”

Turner, who has lived out of a hotel in Augusta until last week, still considers Powder Springs his permanent base. He drives to Augusta on Sunday afternoon and back to Atlanta on Thursday night to spend Friday at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center. Saturday is his rest day to enjoy with his wife of 31 years, Ann.

The new leader started his career in 1986 with the U.S. Army, giving him the chance to live around the world—Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Cavazos, Texas (formerly Fort Hood); Fort Belvoir, Va.; Fort Johnson, La. (formerly Fort Polk); Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Co.; Germany; Alaska; Washington, D.C.; and Seoul, South Korea.

From the start, he knew he wanted to work in healthcare.

“It’s rewarding to help people when they are at their most vulnerable state,” he said. “To me, there is honor in that.”

After graduating from high school in Valdosta, Ga., he joined the Army and took a job repairing hospital equipment. After eight years, he became a warrant officer—a highly respected position for subject matter experts who make up less than 3% of the Army—and began managing clinical engineering departments in hospitals.

At the same time, Turner was taking classes. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1995, going on to earn a master’s in public administration and then a master’s in healthcare administration.

“My mindset is be all you can be,” he said.

The more senior he became, the more departments he managed. His last assignment for the Army was at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he ran support services departments such as property management, environmental services and clinical engineering for facilities. After more than two decades in the Army, he retired in 2008 as a Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4) and earned an executive position with MedStar Washington Hospital Center as an assistant vice president of facilities and support services.

Turner departed Washington, D.C., for Wisconsin to work at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics and thought he was finished with school after three degrees. But when his oldest son began to talk about going to medical school, his competitive side came out. He returned to school at the University of Wisconsin and earned his doctorate in business administration.

“I thought, ‘He’s not going to be the first one in the family to be called a doctor,'” he said in good humor.

From there, he moved his family to Cleveland, where he joined the Cleveland Clinic for two years. He then transferred to Florida for three years for his role as chief operating officer, overseeing a merger between the Cleveland Clinic and Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach.

Turner’s journey with Wellstar began in May 2022 when he became president of Wellstar Paulding Medical Center in Hiram, Ga. He is now the first president of Wellstar MCG Health in Augusta.

We sat down with Turner last week, and he answered some questions to help the staff and community get to know him and his vision for the future of Wellstar MCG Health.

What’s your day-to-day like right now at Wellstar MCG Health?
Right now, I’m usually at the gym between 5 and 5:30 AM, and then in the office between 7 and 7:30 AM. My day usually ends between 7 and 7:30 PM. If I am not in a meeting, my door is always open. I have an open-door policy. I usually have anywhere from 80 to 100 emails at the end of the day, and I make sure to go through all of them before I leave at night.

What made you want to go into hospital management?
I have always liked helping people, and I knew going into healthcare, you’re doing just that. In high school in Valdosta, we had the South Georgia Medical Center and my plan was to end up there. My father passed when I was 4 so my mother, my grandmother and my godmother raised me. Those three women always told me to treat people the way that I wanted to be treated, and if I got caught not doing that, they always reminded me with a stick, broom or whatever they got their hands on. Needless to say, I quickly learned the Golden Rule and apply that to every area of my life—professional and personal.

What’s the biggest area of improvement you’re working on here?
First, ensuring people are paid fairly. Our Human Resources at the main campus is focused on putting together a comprehensive plan that will start to bring our caregivers to a market-compatible salary. You must make sure you do the right thing for your staff, because that’s the most important resource you have. Second, ensuring that our facility looks like it’s a place of healing. Third, ensuring physicians are supported and strengthening our medical services lines in the market. Smart and efficient growth of our physician staff and service lines lead to market domination, which leads to a stronger training center at our medical school. Fourth, community initiatives—getting out into the community and meeting community leaders to let them know we are here to support them. Fifth, ensuring a good relationship with leadership at Augusta University. And, lastly, protecting our assets. When I say our assets, this includes students in their didactic phase of learning and students in their residency or fellowship. We want to be our students’ first choice when it comes to choosing an employer. We want them to stay with Wellstar, be it here in Augusta or in the Atlanta area. We have a lot of students who come from other universities in and out of the state. My thought is, let’s feed ourselves first and go to outside resources for talent second.

Can you talk more about what improvements you’re planning in regard to facilities?
In our Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia lobby, the only realistic lobby entrance we have, there are a few issues to address. There’s an old water fountain that hasn’t had water in it in 15 years; there’s furniture that was supposed to be antimicrobial and is no longer antimicrobial; there are cracks in the floors near the Chick-fil-A; windows haven’t been washed in eight years; and the bottom is coming off the reception station. It’s not that the team didn’t want to address the issues; it’s that they just didn’t have the capital. Our facility professionals managed a budget of $250,000 to take care of a 2.9-million-gross-square-foot facility. If you have one HVAC go out, there goes all of it. So it’s empowering people. People want to do their job, but they’ve been handcuffed with a budget. I told them, “Just do it.”

What’s the biggest threat to the industry?
A lack of human resources and the cost of healthcare. We have to figure out how to close the gap between the amount that healthcare organizations pay to provide care versus what we get reimbursed for providing the care because we pass a lot of that cost onto the patient.

How is the difficult labor market impacting Wellstar?
Certain hospitals are better than others. I think across our system, our vacancy rate for nurses is about 18%, but at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center, our vacancy rate is about 7.8%. At some of our other hospitals, I think they average anywhere from 18% to 24% vacancy.

What do you anticipate being the biggest challenge of Wellstar partnering with an academic medical center?
Academia focuses on the teaching mission, which may lack the urgency to maximize volumes in our ambulatory clinics, which could lead to low volumes/clinic appointments on a daily basis, in comparison to the amount of staff and available exam rooms. I need to ensure academia understands our mission, “To enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve.” This means we must ensure we are utilizing every opportunity to maximize our ability to see patients by filling schedules and ensuring we have enough support and operational staff to facilitate safe and efficient operations of our inpatient units and ambulatory clinics. We want to earn as much revenue as possible so we can reinvest it back into our organization by providing better salaries, improving our equipment and improving our facilities.

Where is Wellstar MCG Health now and where do you want it to be?
According to U.S. News & World Report, the Medical College of Georgia ranks 79th nationally in the best medical schools for research. I want us to be ranked in the top 50 in five years, and the top 15 in 10 years. I want to make sure that we become the premier medical school not only in the state of Georgia but also in the U.S. I want us to be able to compete with medical schools like Duke and Emory. I want us to be in the top two to three schools in our region.

What are our strengths and weaknesses? I think one of our biggest strengths is our people. Our team members have true care and concern for people. This is demonstrated daily. A weakness would be the time we have to invest to become fully integrated into Wellstar. It’s a weakness because we can’t come out of the starting blocks moving at a fast speed, driving changes immediately. We are looking at three to five years before we are fully integrated into Wellstar. It takes time to implement the new IT programs and systems that will tie us into Wellstar, which will provide us the opportunity to be more nimble and agile in implementing changes.

Is there anything you want the work-family to know? We feel the most important resource we have is our human resources. I want every leader we have to engage with their staff and to understand what they need to do their job because I will ask every leader. As president, it’s my job to make sure our team members come to work in an environment that’s safe, free from coercion and free from harassment. It’s also my job to make sure they have what they need to do their job, so they don’t feel like they’re handicapped. And if anyone ever feels like they don’t have what they need to do their job or that they are being coerced, harassed or feel unsafe, please let me know directly. Remember, I have an open-door policy. Final thought: Always put the patient first. That’s what we’re here for, to take care of people who cannot take care of themselves at a specific moment in time. If our team members are making decisions with the mindset of putting the patient first, I always have their back.

Do you have a quote you live by? Just do it (Nike). Eighty percent solution is better than 100% analysis paralysis at any time. When you have 80% of the solution figured out, go ahead and start moving the needle. Just do it.

It all started with a gift and a special note.

April Sather had just undergone surgery for her breast cancer and was struggling to sleep at night. She would spend the night tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable. “I’m a side sleeper, so that is kind of an issue,” she said when describing her sleeping troubles.

One day she received a gift from a friend: a heart-shaped pillow made with soft flannel that was light pink with beautiful clouds across it. Sather was able to tuck it under her arm and sleep comfortably throughout the night. This gift, combined with a lovely note from one of her nurses after surgery, inspired Sather to want to do the same for others.

“I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if we could make heart-shaped pillows for other breast cancer patients so that after they get out of surgery, they could feel that same love that I received?’” Sather said. “I shared the idea with a few ladies at church, and the rest is history.”

Healing Hearts Ministry at Warren Belvedere Church now meets once a month to sew, stuff, pray, write notes and package up the hearts to be delivered to patients with breast cancer across the CSRA. There is no commitment, and volunteers are welcome to take the materials with them if they prefer to work in the comfort of their own homes.

“It makes me feel like I’ve done something that’s worthy of helping someone else go through a hard time in their life,” volunteer Susan Elliot shared about each time the group finishes a pillow to be delivered to a patient.

Elliot is one of the women who answered Sather’s call for help with her idea. While she has no personal experience with breast cancer, she is a seamstress and was more than happy to use her knowledge and experience with sewing for the program.

Healing Hearts provides the sewing pattern, fabric and fluff needed to create the pillows, so all that volunteers have to bring are their hands and good spirits. Sometimes the group welcomes speakers during the meetings; in fact, they celebrated their first anniversary by inviting a Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center patient and breast team nurse navigator to come and share their story.

If you would like more information or to make a donation to assist the program, visit the church’s website, select the Belvedere campus, then make the message out to April Sather or Susan Elliot. You can also get in touch through the church’s Facebook page.

Tameka Pearson experienced the best and the worst of women’s health in a decade. When she overcame her first health challenges, a new breast cancer diagnosis tested her again. As Tameka conquered cancer with the support of her family and her Wellstar cancer care team, she only grew fiercer in her dedication to self care.

Overcoming health challenges

Look back a decade and you’ll see Tameka, a mom of three, teaching middle school students. She started out as a special education teacher, then became an English and language arts teacher. She said, “I truly loved trying to figure out how to help the students learn the curriculum in a different way and to help them cope with their disabilities.”

She was also coping with her own issues at the same time—fibroids, heavy bleeding and pain. After five years, she had a hysterectomy and went through menopause at 36 years old. It took a year to recover, and she gained 60 pounds, high blood pressure, anxiety and depression.

“The heaviest I could lift was my clothes basket,” she remembered. “When I got clearance to exercise, I changed my eating habits, my mindset and my life for the better.”

A new focus on building strength shaped her into a new woman—inside and out. She rose at 4 AM daily, lifted weights, taught students and returned home for time with her family.

A second diagnosis

In peak physical condition at 43 years, Tameka scheduled her routine annual mammogram. She got called back for a second mammogram due to dense breast tissue.

“Getting a call back after a screening mammogram means that the doctor wants to look at something more closely,” said Diane Harris, RN, a certified oncology nurse navigator at Wellstar Douglas Medical Center. “It does not mean you have cancer, but if you do, finding it earlier could save your life.”

But for Tameka, further imaging led to more tests and finally, a needle-guided biopsy. Two days later, she got a call confirming she had triple negative breast cancer. She said, “I felt like this little bump can pretty much dictate the rest of my life. When I heard the term ‘breast cancer,’ my world stopped. I cried for about two weeks straight.”

Halloween is right around the corner, and while many Georgians are planning to celebrate this year, many may have questions about how to do so safely.

Wellstar’s very own Dr. Branstetter recently shared his recommendations to minimize the risk from the triple-demic and to keep family and friends safe while celebrating holiday occasions such as Halloween by ensuring you are up to date with the latest vaccines that help prepare our immune systems to prevent illnesses. 

"Some of my patients have already elected to get both their COVID and influenza shots. I don't think there is a perfect way that we need to go through and get these vaccines. The important thing is, if they're indicated for you and you're due for a vaccine, go ahead and get those done." - Dr. Danny Branstetter, Medical Director for Infection Prevention at Wellstar Health System in the Marietta Daily Journal

Millions of people in the U.S. and around the globe, including children of all ages, look forward to the festivities of Halloween. But–lest we forget–it's virus season, and RSV, flu, and COVID-19 are still lurking in the shadows. How can we celebrate while keeping our families, friends, and neighbors safe from the community spread of these viruses, which is essential to everyone's health and well-being? Get creative and think about safety. Think "TREAT!"

Let's Trick-or-TREAT

Wellstar has created these tips for a healthy Halloween celebration while keeping in mind it's a holiday full of tricks and TREATS!

• T – TRUST YOUR JUDGMENT - Take safety precautions during the holidays, like washing your hands, spending time outdoors to help minimize close contact with others, and staying home if anyone in your family has flu-like symptoms. Making good and healthy decisions is the key to reducing exposure to viruses. 
• R – ROADWAYS - Remember to watch the roadways on Halloween! Lack of visibility from dusk into the evening while children and families are trick-or-treating can be dangerous. Watch for children in dark clothing on roadways, medians, curbs, driveways, and alleys. Consider adding reflective tape to children's costumes and never assume the right of way; just because you can see a car doesn't mean they can see you. Let's keep everyone safe this spooky season!
• E – EAT- Halloween is an opportunity to avoid being tricked by treats. Make sure children wait to return home before consuming candy, helping prevent any reactions to food allergens. Allow time for inspecting potentially tampered-with goodies, only consume factory-wrapped treats, and toss any spoiled or suspicious items. Examine treats like stickers and candy wrappers for choking hazards and monitor the amount of sugar consumed. 
• A – AVOID - Trick-or-treating alone can be a hazard; ensure a trusted, responsible adult accompanies children on their adventure. You can walk in groups or implement the buddy system in the neighborhood. Steer clear of distracted walking by staying off our phones while trick-or-treating. Avoid spooky situations and only approach homes with the porch light on!
• T – TECHNOLOGY - Whether you are looking to plan the best trick-or-treating route, watching movies, or connecting with family and friends across the miles, technology can help unite us this holiday season. If you have a household with immunocompromised members, think about hosting a virtual pumpkin-carving contest or FaceTime a kid's costume fashion show to help families have holiday fun while staying safe.

Wellstar is committed to providing high-quality, tailored and compassionate care. For more information and the latest updates on COVID-19, visit wellstar.org/COVID-19.

Over the years, advice about breast self-exams and breast cancer screenings has changed. So what exactly should you be doing to make sure you’re staying your healthiest? We brought together a panel of women’s health experts to discuss the best strategies to keep tabs on your breast health—and who to talk to if you’re diagnosed with breast cancer.

I do breast self-checks every month. Why do I need a mammogram too?

Dr. Paula Greaves, MD, OBGYN, Wellstar chief Women's Health officer: Unfortunately, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, so early detection is key. We have shown over the years that the sooner we detect breast cancer, the more successfully it can be treated. Survival has increased significantly since we started finding breast cancer earlier—before there are symptoms, such as feeling a lump during a self-exam.

Mammograms are essential for early detection. It’s recommended that women start getting mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your gynecologist or primary care provider may recommend starting earlier and will help you create a personalized screening plan. There are some risk factors that women cannot change, such as genetics, but there are some ways women can lower their risk, like quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Wellstar offers 16 mammography locations, and our patients have state-of-the-art technology on their side. We offer high-resolution breast screening, including 3D mammograms.

Women should continue not only getting annual mammograms, but also seeing their gynecologist or primary care provider for regular breast exams. Women should also be aware of physical changes within their bodies, including breast changes. Changes in the texture of the skin or a lump or pain in the breast should always be checked out by their healthcare provider.

Margie Apacible-Mancao, MSN, RN, CBCN, nurse navigator: I am so passionate about breast cancer screening—every opportunity I have I tell patients to get a screening mammogram when they’re of age. Tell someone in your circle that you’re going, then they’ll tell someone in their circle and the circle gets wider so more people will get screened.

Does it mean I have cancer if the doctor recommends a biopsy?

Dr. Sujatha Hariharan, MD, medical oncologist: When a mammogram detects an abnormality, a biopsy might be indicated. Many breast biopsies will be non-cancerous such as fibroadenomas.  

If cancer is found on a breast biopsy, there are several parts of the pathology result that the care team will utilize to make a treatment plan. For example, the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity allows the potential for hormone therapy as part of the treatment plan. The HER-2 gene is also tested for and if that is present and positive, it allows for medication directed at the HER-2 gene to be given along with chemotherapy.  

Sequencing of the various treatments for breast cancer—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy—will be determined as a collaborative effort between the breast surgeon and medical oncologist.

If I’m diagnosed, who should I talk to next?

Margie: The anxiety of not knowing their diagnosis or what’s next is one of the hardest parts. At Wellstar, patients have access to a nurse navigator on the day they are recommended to have a biopsy. We make an appointment with the specialists as quickly as possible because just knowing that someone is helping them get to the next step and get that appointment fast dials down their stress level. 

Dr. Karen Xu, MD, radiation oncologist: If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you will need to see a breast surgeon first to discuss your surgery options—lumpectomy or mastectomy; a radiation oncologist to discuss the duration of radiation treatment and whether lymph nodes should be included in the target; and a medical oncologist about whether endocrine therapy or chemotherapy is indicated and the timing of systemic therapy. Patients who desire reconstruction after mastectomy will discuss with a plastic surgeon the type and timing of reconstruction they want.

Schedule a mammogram

Find a breast imaging location near you online or call (678) 581-5900.

Picture a big swath of land out in West Georgia. It’s a little wild and a little cultivated, but it’s well cared for thanks to the Rodgers.

“My wife and I are blessed to live on this land,” Greg Rodgers said. “God instructs us to be good stewards of the land and we are dedicated to doing just that. We’re always mowing, planting and tending to fallen trees.”



Much like their acreage, Greg sees his body as something that deserves to be maintained with care. And he’s an advocate that other men do the same. Seeing a doctor regularly and getting screened can help identify conditions earlier so they’re more treatable. Greg learned that from his personal experience with prostate cancer, and the team at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center who helped him overcome it.

“It’s not so much my story as the story of the professionals at Wellstar—they’re tremendous people,” he said.

The right tests for an accurate diagnosis

Prostate health is not something to ignore. Greg understands this now after a routine PSA test—a simple blood test—came back abnormal in 2020. When PSA levels are checked regularly and rise over time, they can be a sign of prostate cancer.

Because of his elevated PSA, Greg began monitoring his prostate health and eventually, connected with Wellstar Urologist Dr. Richard Jadick in LaGrange. Dr. Jadick performed a UroNav fusion biopsy to investigate his climbing PSA. During the procedure, an MRI helps accurately target the biopsy location. This biopsy has a low false negative rate, meaning the results are more trustworthy than in the past. Greg’s results came back positive for prostate cancer.

Pursuing personalized, expert care

Because every case of prostate cancer is different, there are a range of options for treating it, from active surveillance (monitoring with imaging) to advanced treatments like robotic surgery and targeted radiation therapy that have fewer side effects than traditional treatments. 

Greg and Dr. Jadick discussed several options, but before Greg made any decisions, Dr. Jadick recommended he see Dr. Robert Taylor, a Wellstar radiation oncologist. 

Greg remembers having reservations about radiation therapy. But once he arrived for the appointment, he felt immediately at ease. “Dr. Taylor is a quiet, confident person with a kind smile,” he said. “He was really good at explaining everything, going through studies and the different procedures. He’s so methodical, so good at answering questions and so patient.”

The option they settled on was a high dose of targeted radiation aimed at the prostate during a shorter treatment course (20 days versus 44). A newer technology called SpaceOAR Hydrogel would separate the rectum from the prostate during treatment, preventing unnecessary radiation exposure—and side effects.

“When it comes to choosing the right treatment, everything is a balance between the risk level and a variety of other personal factors,” Dr. Taylor said. “We want to provide treatment that is the least disruptive and most effective.”

To be sure this was the best plan for Greg, Dr. Taylor requested a second opinion from Mayo Clinic. Wellstar experts have a direct connection to Mayo Clinic specialists through its Mayo Clinic Care Network membership. Wellstar physicians and patients can access eConsults—virtual second opinions—at no additional cost to patients.

Some additional imaging was recommended, which validated Dr. Taylor’s treatment plan. Greg moved forward with his cancer treatment with pure confidence.

To live life to the fullest, men need to keep a pulse on their health stats, including their prostate numbers. Regular well checks and prostate cancer screenings with a primary care physician or urologist can identify prostate conditions—like prostate cancer—early, leading to better outcomes and higher long-term survival.

Partnering with a Wellstar doctor now means that if you are diagnosed later, you’ll have a team of prostate specialists in your court who are ready to support you faster.

For example, if you have prostate-related symptoms or an elevated prostate-specific antigen test, our Prostate Health Program offers patients access to the least invasive and most advanced testing and treatment options. Plus, patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will have a multidisciplinary team to provide treatment options. If needed, men can have non-invasive monitoring, minimally invasive robotic surgery or highly targeted radiation therapy at Wellstar—all of which minimize side effects compared to traditional treatments.

A better approach to prostate health

Wellstar created the Prostate Health Program to offer men a safe place to discuss sensitive health topics with less anxiety. 

One benefit of seeking care at Wellstar is that the team will minimize uncomfortable testing while giving you a best-in-class evaluation that delivers clear results. And you’ll have access to advanced genetic testing. If diagnosed with prostate cancer, patients have immediate access to a team of specialists working together to create the most personalized treatment plan.

“One great benefit of the Wellstar Prostate Program is our multidisciplinary approach to prostate care,” said Wellstar Urologist Dr. Adarsh Manjunath. “We work closely with radiation and medical oncologists to provide holistic care to our patients. The collective expertise and communication between everyone involved optimizes patient well-being.”

At the first appointment, patients meet with a urologist and a nurse navigator. Navigators help bridge the gap between office visits and medical tests. They’ll facilitate scheduling any appointments that are needed, help patients prepare and arrange any follow-up care that may be needed.

Wellstar West Georgia Hospice in LaGrange has provided dedicated, compassionate care for patients for more than thirty years. This year, the facility hosts its 35th Annual Poinsettia Sale to share the beauty of the holiday season, while also collecting contributions that directly benefit its mission.

Once again you can continue the tradition when you purchase beautiful poinsettias through this program to share with your family, friends and business associates. The cost is $15 per plant.

Each plant is hand-delivered (free local delivery) by a hospice volunteer with a personalized card recognizing you and your recipient. Delivery dates for the flowers are Monday through Thursday, December 2 - 5, 2024, in plenty of time to enjoy their beauty all throughout the holiday season.

Please visit the Poinsettia Sale Order Form page to start your order. If you have questions, please call Sandy Melton at 706-803-7335 for assistance. Note that orders more than $75 will be acknowledged showing your tax-deductible contribution.

Funds raised will be used for patient care services for hospice patients at Wellstar West Georgia Hospice, as well as those being served in their own homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. West Georgia Hospice provides services to all regardless of their ability to pay.

Thank you very much for supporting the ongoing care efforts of West Georgia Hospice in our community. And don't delay: the deadline to place your order is November 1, 2024.

Wellstar Health System and Augusta University Health System (AUHS) are pleased to announce that today is our first day as a unified system. AUHS will now be known locally as Wellstar MCG Health. Together, Wellstar and Wellstar MCG Health will revolutionize healthcare and enhance the well-being of communities across Georgia. This transformative partnership is set to make a significant impact on the lives of people throughout the state.

Through this partnership, we are committed to investing in cutting-edge medical facilities and infrastructure, strengthening collaborations with rural hospitals, and providing greater access to digital health services and top-notch clinical care, such as the exceptional pediatric care offered by Wellstar and Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Most importantly, we’re focused on addressing the unique needs of each person and community we serve as effectively and compassionately as possible.

Our vision doesn’t stop there. This partnership also represents a powerful alliance between Wellstar Health System, the University System of Georgia, Wellstar MCG Health and one of the nation’s best public medical schools, Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia (MCG), to propel medical education and research forward. By continuing to build on the rich legacy of MCG and creating new opportunities for more physicians to be trained in a modern clinical environment, we are addressing physician shortages in our local communities and contributing to solving this challenge nationwide.

The possibilities that lie ahead are extraordinary, and we can’t wait to expand our shared commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of the people we serve across our great state. We are forging a path toward a brighter, healthier future for Georgia and beyond.

This statement is issued jointly by:

Sonny Perdue, chancellor, the University System of Georgia

Candice L. Saunders, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Wellstar Health System

Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D., acting chief executive officer of Augusta University Health System and president of Augusta University

Click, call or come in—easy online booking helps students take the first step toward taking charge of their health. Visit any of our student health locations on Campus Loop Road in Kennesaw, in University Village in Kennesaw or in University Courtyard in Marietta.

While physical health is an important part of overall wellness, it’s crucial that students look out for their mental well-being too. We offer compassionate, confidential care for mental health concerns with conveniently located offices on the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses. Call (470) 578-6644 to make an appointment. Learn more or book online at ksu-health.wellstar.org. 

When a family member receives a cancer diagnosis, you want the absolute best cancer care for them. Having multiple family members impacted by cancer and neurological conditions inspired Dr. Gerald Wallace to pursue neuro-oncology and to create the Leptomeningeal Disease Clinic at Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center. The goal of the clinic is to diagnose, treat and raise awareness of the life-threatening disease.

“Neurology and cancer have deeply impacted my life for as long as I can remember,” said Wallace, an assistant professor in the division of Hematology/Oncology at the Medical College of Georgia. “I love doing this job; everything about it is just fascinating to me.”

Leptomeningeal disease is a type of metastatic cancer. The leptomeninges are two layers of tissue within the meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord. They are the innermost layers, which line the surface of the brain, blood vessels and surround the cerebrospinal fluid. Researchers estimate that 5% to 8% of people with cancer will develop leptomeningeal disease. It is also estimated that of the nearly 54,000 Georgians diagnosed each year with invasive cancer, as many as 4,000 are at risk of developing leptomeningeal disease. While there is still much that is unknown about the disease, experts do know that it is life-threatening. Without treatment, most patients will only live another six to eight weeks. With treatment, people can live well for months and, in some cases, years.

“That six to 12 months is the next graduation, the next wedding, the next birth of a child… at the end of the day I think we are all just fighting for time to spend with our loved ones. So, we should do something. Treatment is not that bad; it is quite tolerable,” said Wallace.

Possible symptoms that are associated with leptomeningeal disease are visual changes, stiff neck, trouble walking, headache that worsens when lying down, urinary/bowel incontinence, and memory issues. Wallace is concerned when he sees a patient with neuropathies or new neurological symptoms that do not connect to a patient’s known disease. When he hears or sees these sorts of symptoms, he sends patients to get tested. He thinks leptomeningeal disease is easily missed because most patients will already have had cancer for months or years. For these patients, symptoms may be attributed to treatment rather than cancer in the leptomeningeal space.

“If you have problems with one nerve here and one nerve over there, and I cannot connect the two… that really makes me nervous. Something is going on in a more global space than would otherwise be indicated in, say, a tumor that was sitting in the visual cortex and you cannot see well,” he said.

There are treatment options for patients diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease. The first step is to confirm the diagnosis. Contrasted MRI of the brain and spinal cord is used to see if there is anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. MRI is followed by two lumbar punctures to see if there is cancer in the cerebrospinal fluid. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is radiation of the brain and possibly the spinal cord. Finally, patients meet with a neurosurgeon to discuss placement of an Ommaya reservoir. An Ommaya reservoir is a special port that allows access to the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. It sits under the hairline on the scalp and is an easier way to give chemotherapy, evaluate spinal fluid and decrease intracranial pressure.

Wallace uses a variety of medications that are given through the Ommaya reservoir to treat leptomeningeal disease. The choice of medication depends on the type of cancer, specific mutations in the cancer and, most importantly, the ability of the patient to tolerate therapy. Patients start off going weekly for treatment for a few months. If they see good results, they can start going every other week, then monthly.

In recent years there have been major breakthroughs for drugs that may be able to treat leptomeningeal disease. Wallace is excited about their potential and is working to create clinical trials at the Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center to assess that potential. As people live longer with cancer, the likelihood of a cancer survivor being diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease also increases.

“I think there is great potential to make big strides in survival and quality of life for patients with leptomeningeal disease,” he said.

If you are concerned about leptomeningeal disease, you can schedule an appointment with Wallace and his team by calling (706) 721-2505.

“This community is where we live, and when we care for our patients, we’re caring for our neighbors and friends—that’s why pursuing excellence is such a high priority,” said Steve Cermak, executive director of Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care & Hospital Operations at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. “We feel it’s our duty to provide the highest level of care possible.”

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on July 14, 2023.

The key to avoiding health problems is prevention, and the keys to prevention are annual checkups, regular screenings and vaccinations. With the start of the next school year looming in late summer, healthcare experts in Atlanta say it’s a good time for families to get back into the routine of scheduling and keeping these important appointments—not just for children, but for parents too, especially that one parent who tends to be the primary scheduler, often the mother.

In an Atlanta Business Chronicle panel discussion in partnership with Wellstar, physicians from Wellstar and Cobb & Douglas Health District discuss why checkups are important and how families can overcome obstacles to stay on track with preventative care.

Taking care of the family and the family’s No. 1 manager

David Rubinger, Atlanta Business Chronicle market president and publisher: When we think about family wellness and how it intersects with our daily work routines, it can get very complicated, given how busy working professionals are. We’re trying to figure out a way to manage not only our children’s health, and maybe our parents’ health if we’re in the sandwich generation, but our own health. The checklist is longer and longer every day. Let’s start with the basics. We’re a few weeks away from the start of school. Dr. Stinson, what are you telling your parents of kids of school age right now?

Dr. Carrie Stinson, Chief, Pediatric Service Line, Wellstar: The summer is a great time to get caught up on all the things that fall through the cracks during the busy school year. Our lives are very hectic, and when school starts back, things get even busier.

One big thing is the annual well-child exam. Every child should have a well-child exam every single year. When you have babies and toddlers, it’s routine — you’re scheduling these frequently. When kids get older and busier, these visits may feel less important and fall off your radar.

Well visits are important every year. They focus on the comprehensive health and well-being of your child. Pediatricians focus on physical health, development, emotional, social, and even behavioral health. During these visits, the care team collects information on patient and family history, talks about developmental milestones and how your child is doing in school socially. We also assess sleep habits and nutrition. As they become adolescents, well-child exams become even more important as we ask questions about your child’s mental and sexual health.

Those are important conversations to start having and your pediatrician can be a great facilitator. Sometimes parents are uncomfortable talking about those topics with their children even at an early, pre-adolescent stage, so those well checkups are really great places to get insight on how to approach sensitive topics.

Rubinger: Dr. Stinson, since COVID, tell me what you’re seeing that’s different in terms of talking to both parents and children. I am sure the pandemic took some families off their schedules for well checkups. How has the doctor-patient pediatric conversation changed over the past couple of years?

Dr. Stinson: What we’re hearing from our pediatricians since COVID is also what we’re hearing in the news. The behavioral and mental health crisis that we’re experiencing in this country has been really impactful on children, especially teenagers. During COVID, the social isolation of being out of school for periods of time had a significant impact on adolescents. The rise in social media popularity during that time also had a negative impact on pediatric mental health.

Our pediatricians are really seeing that impact now. They’re feeling the strain our teenagers are experiencing. We’re seeing many more cases of depression and anxiety, and cases that escalate to dangerous proportions such as suicidal thoughts and actions.

We’re trying to respond to it by increasing the resources in our communities, but it’s hard to move fast enough to keep up with the demand. At Wellstar, we are developing an integrative model for behavioral health into our pediatric offices. Five of our pediatric practices will have embedded behavioral health professionals, so pediatricians can make direct referrals and patients have immediate access to behavioral health providers in their pediatric office setting.

Rubinger: Dr. Greaves, the mother might be the caretaker who takes care of the child. Most mothers would put their kid’s health ahead of their own health. Tell me what you are experiencing in terms of women’s health as it relates to those people who are the caretakers. What are the issues that they’re having to face to address their own needs?

Dr. Paula Greaves, Chief, Women’s Health Service Line, Wellstar: Women are usually considered the CEOs of their households and the drivers of healthcare in the community. Most women are the care bridge between several generations. They take care of their children, their parents, their partners and at times their communities.

Unfortunately, they sometimes forget to take care of themselves. As physicians, it is our duty to ensure that women are made aware of the warning signs their bodies may be sending them and encourage them to seek help earlier to improve health outcomes.

There are nine signs that I tell my patients to watch out for:

1. Fatigue: Most women think, “Oh, I’m tired. It’s because I’m doing too much or I’m not getting enough sleep.” But fatigue can be a sign of something more than simply lack of sleep. It could be thyroid dysfunction. It could be menstrual irregularities causing them to be anemic and thus feeling fatigued. It could be heart disease. Fatigue could also be a sign of depression or menopausal symptoms. Every household should own a blood pressure monitor, and women should know their numbers (blood pressure, weight, and last menstrual period).
2. Women should be aware of physical changes within their bodies, including breast changes. Changes in the texture of the skin or a lump or pain in the breast should always be checked out.
3. Bloating is another subtle symptom to be aware of. Most women feel bloated and think, “Oh, it’s time for my menstrual cycle, so that’s why I am bloated.” But bloating can be a sign of a gastrointestinal problem or an enlarged pelvic organ. If you have bloating that doesn’t resolve after one or two cycles, let your doctor know.
4. Chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, shoulder, or arm are also red flags. Heart attack signs and symptoms can be completely different in women than the typical ones seen in men. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, so it is very important that these signs are not ignored.
5. Lung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease. If you notice an unusual cough or wheezing, have it checked out.
6. Weight changes: Either too much weight gain or unexpected weight loss should be mentioned to your physician. Fluid retention can also affect weight gain.
7. Blood in the urine or stool should be reported.
8. Irregular or heavy periods—heavy enough to change pads every hour or soil through clothes.
9. Skin changes such as discolorations, new moles or growths are definitely worth having a professional take a look.

Rubinger:  Is there ever a situation, Dr. Stinson, where you are treating a child and you see a mother whom you can tell is having health issues, even without an exam? As a pediatrician, do you ever say, “Hey, I think you need to get that checked out?”

Dr. Stinson: As pediatricians, we really focus on the whole family. While we’re seeing the child, we’re also interacting with the parents, guardians, grandparents, or whoever’s bringing the child in to see us on a routine basis.

I think we often get questions from family members about their own health because of exactly what Dr. Greaves mentioned. People think, “I am in a doctor’s office. I don’t have time to go to my own doctor. Let me just see if I can get this question answered.

While being careful not to give medical advice to a patient who is not ours or who is outside of our scope of practice as pediatricians, we are very willing to give recommendations on where that person should seek care. One benefit of our health system is we have the expertise to take care of patients from before they’re born until they need end-of-life care. We have a scope of providers within our system who can help with pretty much any problem that might come up. I would not hesitate to refer a patient to Dr. Greaves and say, “This mom is really worried about her own health. Can you please help? She’s very busy, but her symptoms sound concerning. Can you maybe work her into your schedule?

I practice in the hospital, and we have sent several parents to the emergency room in our hospital for their own health while we’re taking care of their child in the pediatric unit.

How providers are addressing rising mental health needs

Rubinger: Dr. Memark, you get to look at this from the standpoint of two counties that are in great need of public health support. What are the trends that you’re seeing at a 30,000-foot view? What do you see within your communities that your organization tries to address?

Dr. Janet Memark, District Health Director, Cobb & Douglas Health District: From my point of view, one of the big things that we do at Cobb & Douglas Public Health is a large community health assessment. Dr. Greaves is actually a member of our board. We just finished a 2016-2020 five-year assessment. This was at the beginning of the pandemic, so keep that in mind. Our next assessment will capture 2021-2025. One of the things that was surprising to me was looking at causes of death in our communities. The assessment showed that in older people, it’s what you’d expect. For example, in Cobb County for those age 75 and older, the leading causes of death are things like vascular disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s. For ages 65 to 74, it’s heart disease and cancer. But when we started looking at the lower age groups, I was very surprised at what I saw:

• For people in their 30s and 40s, the leading cause of death was accidental poisonings, and that includes drug abuse and drug overdoses. Number two was suicide.
• For ages 25 to 34, number one was overdoses and poisonings and number two was suicide.
• For ages 20 to 24, motor vehicle accidents were number one. Suicide was also number two for this group.
• For 15 to 19, suicide took the number one spot. Number two was motor vehicle accidents.
• For 10 to 14, number one was motor vehicle accidents followed by suicide.

After the timeframe studied in the assessment, we went through two more years of the pandemic, which affected almost everyone’s mental health in one way or another. We’ve heard on the news how pediatricians in medical school are now being trained on how to provide more extensive mental healthcare because there just aren’t enough mental health experts.

It’s wonderful to hear Dr. Stinson say they are really trying to bolster up mental health screenings for our young people during their pediatric visits. I’d also like to add that we have high rates of maternal mortality in Georgia. The state Department of Public Health did a deep dive and found that mental health is a huge component of maternal mortality. You see these same themes of mental health running through several different medical specialties.

If you had to guess which cancer took the most lives in America, what would your guess be?

“Lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer in the U.S. for both women and men since 1986,” said Dr. Daniel Miller. Miller is the chief of thoracic surgery and the director of the Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center lung cancer screening program.

About 80% of lung cancer cases are associated with cigarette smoking, including secondhand smoke. Unfortunately, when symptoms begin showing, the cancer has already spread, making treatment very time-sensitive. When a patient is diagnosed, their care team typically includes not just one, but four doctors: a thoracic surgeon, an interventional pulmonologist, a medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist. There are many benefits to having a large care team, but a huge drawback can be the wait time between appointments with each doctor.

“When you have cancer, you want to be seen now and be treated now,” said Miller.

The speed of treatment time for patients is what inspired the creation of the Thoracic-Oncology NOW (New Oncology Workgroup) Clinic at Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center. The multidisciplinary clinic is staffed by specialized physicians in the treatment of thoracic malignancies. The staff includes Miller and Dr. John Kuckleman as the thoracic surgeons, Dr. Rabih Bechara as the interventional pulmonologist, Dr. Girindra Raval as the medical oncologist, and Dr. William Grubb as the radiation oncologist.

The clinic has seen 50 patients since opening in October 2022 and treats not just lung cancer, but also esophageal cancer, metastatic disease to the lungs and malignant pleural effusions.

“You’re cutting back on treatment time, waiting time, travel time and, more importantly, you have a group of doctors, rather than a doctor, who are talking about your care,” said Raval.

The clinic operates on Wednesdays and acts as a one-stop shop for patients, saving their time and the time of their loved ones who join them for treatments. Patients also have access to Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center’s registered dietitians and social workers, along with a scheduler, financial personnel and medical assistants, creating one large care team ready to help them on their treatment journey.

“There is a degree of reassurance for the patient that there is a team who are all engrossed in caring for that patient,” said Raval.

To learn more about the Thoracic-Oncology NOW Clinic or make an appointment, call (706) 721-6744 for more information.

Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center recently earned Primary Stroke Certification from The Joint Commission.

Offered in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, achieving Primary Stroke Center (PSC) Certification means the hospital is making exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes. It’s a signal to the community that quality of care provided meets the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.

Joint Commission-certified PSCs adhere to a set of standardized performance measures. Organizations collect monthly data for each measure in the set, and the data is then submitted quarterly to The Joint Commission.

“This important certification as a primary stroke center demonstrates our team’s commitment to a higher standard of clinical service,” says Coleman Foss, Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center President. “Stroke patients can be confident in the quality and safety of care, treatment and services delivered at West Georgia Medical Center.”

West Georgia Medical Center joins Wellstar's network of other stroke-certified hospitals, including Comprehensive Stroke Centers Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar North Fulton, other Primary Stroke Centers Wellstar Cobb and Wellstar Spalding, and Remote Stroke Treatment Centers Wellstar Douglas and Wellstar Paulding.

Wellstar, affiliated with Medical College of Georgia, has added Bacon County Hospital and Health System to its Rural Hospital Virtual Care Network, which comprises 16 hospitals across Georgia and allows patients in rural areas to receive Wellstar’s world-class care closer to home.

Through this network, rural health systems have access to teleconferencing equipment, software and portable point-of-care equipment like ultrasound machines and airway devices, allowing physicians and specialists at Wellstar and the Medical College of Georgia to guide local physicians through diagnostic tests and procedures. This enables patients to remain in their local hospitals while receiving the same level of specialized care they would receive in a larger hospital. Not only is this more comfortable for the patient, but it is more affordable than transferring to a hospital in a larger city. 

“For Bacon County, this partnership means we can take care of local patients in our organization and have a network of specialists readily available,” said Kyle Lott, chief operating officer of Bacon County Hospital and Health System. “I’m excited for this partnership and look forward to the opportunities it brings.”

The Rural Hospital Virtual Care Network currently partners with 16 hospitals across Georgia. It has helped more than 2,000 patients be treated in their home communities and increased viability for their local hospitals. For rural hospitals this means increased revenue, which helps them provide high-quality care.

“Bacon was a great location because they are a critical access hospital that has OB/GYN services, which is very unique for a rural community hospital. What we have been trying to do is create the clinical affiliations with sites to help strengthen the relationship and provide opportunities to put residents or medical students onsite to learn in rural Georgia, to hopefully retain those students in rural Georgia,” said Lauren Hopkins, associate vice president of virtual care and community engagement at Wellstar, affiliated with Medical College of Georgia.

The Rural Hospital Virtual Care Network at Wellstar, affiliated with Medical College of Georgia, is part of its telehealth initiative, which also includes Virtual Care at Home.

Wellstar Paulding Medical Center is the first hospital in North America to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. Adopted by the hospital’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Council, the initiative aims to help people who have disabilities that are not immediately obvious, such as visual or hearing impairments, autism, chronic pain, dementia or anxiety.

“We want to foster a sense of belonging and respect for every patient, family member and team member,” said Rev. Dr. Rhonda James-Jones, manager of Spiritual Health at Wellstar Paulding Medial Center & Nursing Rehabilitation Center. “Paired with education and other care initiatives, the Sunflower will enable every member of our team to provide the highest quality, most personal care for patients with invisible disabilities.

At the hospital, the official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower logo — a yellow sunflower on a green background — is placed on the door of a patient with a disability. The Sunflower symbol discreetly indicates to patient-facing team members that the wearer needs additional support or a little more time when a diagnosis or procedure is explained. 
“The Sunflower will help us in our efforts to honor every voice at Wellstar,” said Tricia Everitte, a Wellstar registered respiratory therapist and Sunflower program initiative lead.

Everitt introduced the effort to the hospital because she cares for people with hidden disabilities both professionally and personally.

She added, “Several nurses and other team members have shared that they have people with hidden disabilities in their lives and are proud to work at a hospital that will go the extra mile to meet their needs.”

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has been adopted globally across all public sectors including major airports, supermarkets, entertainment and sports venues, government programs, public safety services and an increasing number of businesses, large and small.

“Our aim is to help make the invisible, visible,” said Paul White, CEO, The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. “We’re thrilled to welcome Wellstar Paulding Medical Center to the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. As the first hospital in North America to join the Sunflower, we champion and share their drive to support people with non-visible disabilities within the healthcare sector.”

The Sunflower is another layer of support as the team at Wellstar Paulding seeks to provide high-quality healthcare to every person, every time. Patients at Wellstar Paulding also have access to whole person-centered care provided by clinically trained chaplains and pet therapists, as well as through technology such as adaptive phones and interpretation services.

Learn more about Wellstar Paulding Medical Center.

The national nonprofit CureSearch for Children’s Cancer presented a check Wednesday, June 14, 2023 for $1.2 million to help fund promising pediatric cancer research at the Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center and Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

CureSearch awarded Dr. David Munn and Dr. Theodore Johnson at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University with this funding in conjunction with the Catapult Award, which identifies and helps propel high-potential research from the lab into the clinic and, ultimately, to the kids who need it most.

Munn and Johnson have been hard at work for several years developing anti-tumor therapies for patients with brain cancers that are actively progressing. Initially, these patients may have benefited from the groundbreaking therapy of indoximod, the first-in-class drug developed by Munn and his team in 2015 that inhibits the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). However, for those children who have become resistant to such treatment, the introduction of ibrutinib may prove successful.

Currently, the focus is on malignant brain tumors—which, unfortunately, is an underserved area of pediatric cancer research and treatment, and there is seldom a pathway of treatment that can offer a cure. The CureSearch funding will help support a Phase 1 trial of ibrutinib/indoximod for patients at Wellstar Children’s. If successful, the novel treatment could improve the quality of life for patients at Wellstar Children’s and beyond.

CureSearch is a national nonprofit organization that only funds translational research projects with the strongest potential of becoming a new treatment and quickly reaching pediatric patients. CureSearch’s mission is to end childhood cancer by driving targeted and innovative research with measurable results in an accelerated time frame. To learn more visit curesearch.org.

The Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research and Fisher Phillips are contributors to CureSearch and helped fund this award.

Wellstar CEO Candice Saunders visits Small TALK program

Many patients have family and friends who surround them during their final moments of life. Others—due to any number of circumstances—find themselves alone, without the support and emotional comfort needed during this difficult time.

To ensure that all patients have companionship and compassionate care at the end of their lives, the Office of Spiritual Care at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center is launching an initiative called No One Dies Alone (NODA). The program is based on the premise that dying patients should not be left alone during their final moments.

“For patients without families, this means having a peaceful transition,” said Rev. Stephen Hughes, associate director of Spiritual Care. “Somebody is constantly with them, holding their hand, letting them know it’s OK, you’re not alone. I love you. All those things.”

At the heart of the program are caring volunteers. Hughes said the department is looking for six volunteers to begin the program. They will go through training together, form a team to support each other, and take turns sitting with patients who are alone and close to the end of life.

Potential volunteers will go through a drug screen, a background check and a rigorous screening process to ensure they truly want to provide compassionate care. Hughes said he wants to ensure that the volunteers are committed to serving and not just looking for something good to do.

Training includes learning about the dying process, how to provide the care the patient needs, how to be inclusive and how to use inclusive language.

“Training would include what to do to provide that compassionate presence—what tools are available, what to do and not to do in the room,” Hughes said.

If a family is unable to be with a loved one, it can be a comfort for them as well to know that the patient will not be alone in their final moments. Chaplains work together as a team to be with patients at the end of life, and NODA volunteers will partner with them to provide this meaningful care.