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Wellstar Health System has hired Le Joyce Naylor as senior vice president and chief diversity, equity, & inclusion officer. Naylor began her role on August 2 to provide systemwide thought leadership, strategic planning, and implementation of DE&I initiatives at Wellstar. 

“Wellstar is committed to sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that honors and values the voice of each patient and team member,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System. “Le Joyce will work with leaders across our organization to advance Wellstar’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) and cultural competence programs to positively impact patients, team members and the communities we serve – both today and into the future.”

Naylor has nearly 20 years of diversity and inclusion experience and an exceptional track record of setting strategy, engaging stakeholders and driving results, including leadership of DE&I initiatives in a healthcare setting. Most recently, she served as the executive director diversity & inclusion officer at the Cleveland Clinic. She was responsible for driving the diversity and inclusion strategy and execution for more than 66,000 employees and oversaw the system’s 21 Diversity Councils and 13 Employee Resource Groups. Under Naylor’s leadership, the Cleveland Clinic received National recognition for their employee resource groups, along with being recognized by DiversityInc. as a Top 10 Health System for twelve consecutive years, most notably ranking #1 in 2019. 

Nurturing diversity, equity and inclusion inside and outside the walls of Wellstar

Wellstar is dedicated to nurturing a diverse workplace that mirrors its communities. Approximately 81% of the company’s employees are women, and just over half (51%) of the workforce is comprised of minorities. When it comes to ascension, 47% of Wellstar’s executives and 77% of frontline managers are women, while minority executives make up 21% of the workforce, with minorities in 38% of the frontline management roles. Also, Wellstar has 7,300 nurses, of which approximately 90.2% of the system’s clinical RNs are women.

In December 2020, Wellstar formally launched the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council to identify opportunities to grow and drive positive change for our communities, patients and team members. As part of her scope, Naylor will lead the council to collaboratively address workforce diversity, a culture of inclusion, cultural competence, health equity, community engagement, and supplier diversity. Wellstar is regularly recognized for diversity excellence, including accolades from Diversity MBA magazine, Diversity Best Practices, Working Mother/Working Father, and National Association for Executive Women (NAFE), among others. Wellstar was also named among Great Place to Work® and Fortune “Best Companies to Work For” and “Best Workplaces for Diversity,” as well as in PEOPLE “Companies that Care,” in part due to the health system’s emphasis on inclusive policies and programs for Wellstar’s workforce and communities. 

In recent years, most cervical cancers have become completely preventable with a vaccine, and there are screening tests to identify it early. However, it’s important for women to understand the warning signs of gynecological cancers which don’t have screening tests, such as:
• Endometrial (uterine) cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Other rare types

Lower your risk for gynecological cancer

At your annual women’s health appointment, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your family history and lifestyle choices that can make a positive impact on your health. Here are some ideas to consider lowering your risk for different types of gynecological cancer:

• Share your family history with your healthcare provider. Women with a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other specific cancer types may benefit from a CA 125 test, which can find early signs of ovarian cancer, or genetic risk assessment, which looks for hereditary gene mutations that increase an individual’s risk for ovarian cancer.
• Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Women who are overweight have a higher risk of being diagnosed with the most common type of endometrial (uterine) cancer – and for the cancer to return after treatment. This is a challenge for many people and your health providers want you to feel empowered – not embarrassed – to discuss your BMI, nutrition, weight reduction and wellness.
• Stay tobacco-free or quit tobacco. Again, many health providers can help women with education and resources to quit smoking or vaping for the long haul. Quitting tobacco can reduce your risk for some gynecological cancers and many other health conditions.

Wellstar Health System has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of ten 2021 Top Organizations for Diversity from across the nation. Wellstar is the only health system in Georgia included in the inaugural listing and was honored for demonstrating a commitment to workforce diversity, including leadership positions. 

“Healthcare organizations widely promote their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts when they're first announced. But it's more important to track success and make sure those initiatives deliver on the long-term results the companies and communities they serve expect. This year, we increased the cadence of our diversity recognition program and expanded eligibility to include companies as a whole, as well as individuals,” said Modern Healthcare editor, Aurora Aguilar. “The 2021 class of Top Diversity Leaders lead the pack in healthcare. These are people and companies that exemplify ‘walking the walk.’”

This is the inaugural year for Modern Healthcare’s Top Organizations for Diversity awards, which recognize healthcare companies that are “bolstering the diversity of their workforces” at all levels.  

“Wellstar is committed to fostering an inclusive culture and workforce that mirrors the communities we serve and celebrates our diversity,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and chief executive officer, Wellstar Health System. “Some of our greatest impacts are a direct result of the diversity of our people: the incredible talent we attract, the daily contributions of our team members, the positive effects we create in our communities, and the programs, resources, and initiatives we implement as a leading healthcare provider. Being recognized as one of Modern Healthcare ten Top Organizations for Diversity honors not just what we do, but who we are.”

Inclusion drives positive impact 

Wellstar has a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2020, Wellstar formally launched the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council to identify opportunities to grow and drive positive change for its communities, patients and team members. The Council holds regular listening sessions to ensure the voices of team members across the organization are heard and reflected in a connected cycle of feedback across the system. Every Wellstar facility and department is represented in Wellstar’s diversity efforts.

Nurturing a diverse workplace that mirrors its communities, approximately 81% of Wellstar’s employees are women, and just over half (51%) of the workforce is comprised of minorities. When it comes to ascension, 47% of Wellstar’s executives and 77% of frontline managers are women, while minority executives make up 21% of the workforce, with minorities in 38% of the frontline management roles.  

Wellstar believes every person should have access to safe, high-quality healthcare and offers inclusive medical services across its System. In 2019, Wellstar opened a family medicine practice providing specialized health services to people who identify as LGBTQ+. Additionally, physicians are trained to talk about specific issues that the LGBTQ+ community may encounter and support patients through transition goals with gender-affirming care. Wellstar also employs native-language interpreters across the System to serve patients and their families, including a team of full-time Spanish interpreters, a Mandarin Chinese interpreter, as well as full-time Nationally Certified American Sign Language interpreters to support Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients and their families.

Health system acknowledged as employer of choice and diversity advocate 

Wellstar is regularly recognized for diversity excellence, including accolades from Diversity MBA magazine, Diversity Best Practices, Working Mother/Working Father, and National Association for Executive Women (NAFE), among others. Wellstar recently received two awards exemplifying excellence that include Great Place to Work® and PEOPLE magazine’s 2021 PEOPLE Companies that Care®, and Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2021 Healthiest Employers. Wellstar has been recognized for outstanding diversity efforts and named in Fortune’s “Best Companies to Work For” and “Best Workplaces for Diversity.”

The more you know about your health, the more empowered you are to take control of it. There’s no greater example of the power you have to protect your future when it comes to preventative health visits and cervical cancer. While cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers, it doesn’t have to be.

With the guidance of their physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner, women and teens can learn important education and take action that could potentially save their lives. That’s because most types of cervical cancer are now completely preventable.

“Education is queen,” said Dr. Jeffrey Hines, Chief of the Division of Wellstar Gynecologic Oncology, citing better health outcomes for women who have regular visits with their health providers.

It’s not too late to vaccinate

Cervical cancer typically affects women between 30 and 50 years of age. Younger women are also at risk.

Of course, prevention works best when it starts early. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents cervical cancer and can be given to children as early as 11 years of age by their pediatrician.

If not previously vaccinated, the HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone through the age of 26 and can be administered by a primary care provider or gynecologist.

Even some adults in their 30s and 40s who were previously unvaccinated benefit from getting an HPV vaccination.

How well does it work?

The HPV vaccine has been found to provide close to 100% protection against infections and pre-cancers caused by HPV.

According to the CDC, HPV infections and cervical precancers (abnormal cells on the cervix that can lead to cancer) have dropped significantly since the vaccine has been in use in the United States. Among teen girls, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 86 percent. There has been a 71% decrease for young adult women.

Identify cervical cancer earlier for better outcomes

Women can also be screened for cervical cancer at regular intervals. There are two tests that can help:

• The more traditional is a Pap smear, which looks for precancers, or cell changes on the cervix.
• The newer HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause the cells to become cancerous.

Most health plans cover preventative care services — like vaccines and screening tests — at no additional cost. For people without insurance, Wellstar Medical Group practices have low-cost annual exams that include evaluation for cervical cancer and a Pap test if it is medically appropriate.

To find a primary care provider, gynecologist or pediatrician, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page.

Learn more about gynecological cancer

Take control of your health and read how to lower your risk and recognize the signs gynecological cancer. Also, learn more about what's being done about health inequities in women's healthcare.

Wellstar’s expert cardiac care specialists partner with patients at every step, from preventative care to high-tech treatments and supportive life-changing advice. 

For Mike Clements, the innovative care he received at Wellstar has empowered him to meet his goals and be there for life’s special moments — including walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding and meeting his first grandchild.

Life-saving LVAD implants 

In October 2020, Mike received a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implant to support his heart. An LVAD is a battery-powered pump that is surgically implanted and does the job of the heart, pumping blood throughout the body. The external rechargeable battery pack can provide up to 17 hours of power, and most patients with LVAD implants are able to return to work and other routine activities. 

For patients whose hearts cannot effectively pump blood on their own, an LVAD is life-saving technology. The device can either keep the patient healthy until they can receive a transplant or serve as an alternative to a heart transplant.

Your Wellstar cardiologist or heart failure specialist can help you determine if an LVAD is the right option for your heart care.

Mike’s decades-long Wellstar partnership

Mike has been a Wellstar patient for decades, beginning when he began experiencing heart issues and was referred to Dr. David Caras for a consultation. As a Wellstar heart patient, he was ready to receive life-saving care right when he needed it, years later.

After Mike received his LVAD implant, an interdisciplinary team of Wellstar providers helped him recover. After Dr. Richard Myung and Dr. Theresa Luu performed the surgery, he spent three weeks in inpatient rehabilitation at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, guided by an expert team who helped him adjust to life with the implant.

Mike had been on vasopressors to elevate his blood pressure, and when he lost circulation in his toes and developed gangrene, Wellstar Podiatrist Dr. Ashish Kapila performed an amputation of the toes to control the infection, which could have been particularly dangerous with the LVAD. 

And when Mike was determined to walk his daughter down the aisle for her June 2021 wedding, Wellstar helped make it happen. He began cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy at Wellstar Vinings Health Park. He knew the aisle at the church was 40 feet long, so his physical therapy team measured the distance and practiced with him. 

In June, he was able to walk with his daughter at her wedding, with the support of his LVAD implant keeping his heart beating with every step. Then in August, he was able to enjoy another family milestone — the birth of his first grandchild.

Mike said Wellstar made his care personal and helped him feel supported on his heart health journey. The LVAD coordinators and nursing team in the critical care unit and cardiovascular ICU and on the blue floor at Kennestone became like family as he began his life with the LVAD, Mike said.

“I can’t say enough great things about Wellstar Health System. They truly deliver ‘PeopleCare,’ from the physicians to the clinical staff to the maintenance team that cleans the rooms,” Mike said. “Rather than taking a cookie-cutter approach, they take the time to know me and my healthcare needs and coordinate care seamlessly. I feel like we’re a team in this journey together.”

Mike walking his daughter down the aisle

There’s no question that David Moffett is a tough guy.

Having served as a Marine and law enforcement officer, he’s been a pillar of strength, both for his family and within the greater community. But after conquering prostate cancer with the help of Wellstar, David has found a new calling: supporting other men going through the same difficult diagnosis.

Since his recovery, David’s been on a mission to break barriers in men’s health. He has started a prostate cancer support group to teach a new meaning of “strength” and help men feel empowered to take charge of their health.

“Being a husband, father and grandfather, people have always looked to me as a leader. I am used to being the protector and being strong,” David said.

“Through my experience with prostate cancer, I’ve learned a man’s greatest strength is vulnerability. You don’t have to be Superman — being yourself and becoming your best advocate are enough,” he said.

With expert care and support from Wellstar, David redefined his role as a protector and learned to prioritize his own well-being too. Now, he’s spreading the message for other men to do the same.

Early detection is key

Unlike a lot of men, David never misses his annual wellness exam. Working as an Operations Coordinator at Wellstar, he knows the important role preventative care plays in overall wellness.

During his routine check-up with Wellstar Family Medicine Physician Dr. Thomas Gearhard in 2019, David’s prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was taken.

With just a simple blood draw, a PSA test can reveal the presence of prostate cancer or other health conditions, such as an enlarged prostate. When David’s test results revealed an elevated PSA level, Dr. Gearhard referred him to a urologist right away.

There, a nodule was discovered in David’s prostate. Following a biopsy, he was diagnosed with Stage II prostate cancer.

“Finding out that I had prostate cancer was devastating,” he said.

But David didn’t have to go through the battle alone. It wasn’t long before he found a trusted health partner in Wellstar Urologist Dr. Paymon Nourparvar. The pair formed a lasting bond as they both worked together to fight prostate cancer.

“Dr. Nourparvar was a blessing. He became like family to me,” David shared. “There was no question he wouldn’t answer, and no question we couldn’t ask. He made me feel like I could open up and talk about the journey I was on.”

Having an open dialogue with patients is a key part of Dr. Nourparvar’s care philosophy. Because he knows not one person is exactly alike, he always takes a personalized approach with every patient.

“There are a wide variety of treatments for people with prostate cancer, and there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to it,” Dr. Nourparvar explained. “I treat all my patients how I would like my family to be treated. I tailor all of my recommendations and treatments through that lens.”

Based on David’s age, physical health and lifestyle, Dr. Nourparvar felt surgery was the right path forward to treat prostate cancer. However, Dr. Nourparvar wanted to arm him with a breadth of knowledge to make the right choice for his body.

That’s why Dr. Nourparvar encouraged him to get a second opinion with a radiation oncologist — so David could know all the facts before committing to a care plan.

After hearing both treatment plans, David felt empowered to make an informed decision to treat the prostate cancer.

“Dr. Nourparvar was very transparent and made sure he had all the information to choose the right treatment path for me,” David shared. “Then, when my wife and I made the decision that surgery was our best option, I felt like I could make the right choice for my situation.”

The highly contagious Delta variant has caused a surge in COVID-19 cases and, along with it, a sharp rise in the demand for COVID-19 testing. To help meet the community’s needs, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is now conducting drive-through COVID-19 testing at Wellstar Paulding Urgent Care.

Hours of Operation

The DPH provides COVID-19 testing for people of all ages, and no appointment is necessary. The DPH drive-through site at Wellstar Paulding Urgent Care is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please note, this testing site is closed for holidays and in cases of inclement weather.

Directions for DPH Testing

Use the parking lot map below to find the right route for DPH testing:

By Dr. Asif Saberi, Medical Director of Critical Care and ECMO at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center & Associate Professor of Medicine at Medical College of Georgia at Augusta State University

This wave of the pandemic is unique. We have learned a lot about COVID-19 as a disease, and we have more therapeutic options today than we did in the spring and summer of 2020. But the disease continues to humble us with its tenacity and increased deadliness with each new iteration or surge, and now with its onslaught on the young and the healthy, it is hitting us where it hurts the most.

As a system, we continue to struggle with limited human resources. There are not as many healthcare workers as we need and the steadfast warriors who have stayed at their posts through about 18 months of the pandemic are weary and burnout is high.

This is an important rate-limiting step in our ability to provide one specific therapy, viz., ECMO, which, for a significant number of young people in the extreme manifestation of the disease, is possibly the difference between life and death. At my institution, the phones have not stopped ringing and we maintain a long list of patients who need ECMO. The most heart-wrenching task for us is the daily sorting of our list, moving someone down and eventually off the list as their likelihood of benefit from ECMO and ultimately survival recedes with time.

This is a call to my colleagues in ECMO. Physicians, ECMO specialists, perfusionists, ethicists, and thinkers. As a breed, we are constantly thinking about solutions that are not in any book. Can we solve this problem?

Steve Shelton, a retired middle school principal who lives in Villa Rica, is living life to his fullest years after having a robotic prostatectomy in December of 2014. The procedure was performed by Dr. Justin Watson at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

Robotic prostate cancer surgery has several key advantages over the more traditional approach. It shortens the time spent in a facility following a surgery. It also reduces surgery site blood loss, scarring and pain, and speeds up recovery. This method also has the potential to preserve nerves.

Steve remembered he was in his fourteenth year serving as the principal of Mount Paran Christian School Middle School when his urologist, Dr. Thomas Emerson, broke the news that he had cancer.

“I had to lean up against the wall for a minute,” Steve said. “Dr. Emerson drew out diagrams and presented us with all of our options. My wife, Brenda, and I made the decision right then that I was going to do the robotic surgery. I wanted to be decisive and take action and I wanted the cancer gone.”

Robotic prostate cancer surgery reduces surgery site blood loss, scarring and pain, and speeds up recovery.

“The robot allows us to see the prostate better and spare the nerves, which can preserve sexual function,” said Dr. Watson.

Wellstar Health System has received two prestigious awards that exemplify excellence: Great Place to Work^® and PEOPLE magazine’s 2021 PEOPLE Companies that Care^®, and Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2021 Healthiest Employers.

The two accolades underscore Wellstar’s focus on “More than healthcare. PeopleCare.”—putting people first both inside and outside the walls of Wellstar across the many communities and regions served by the health system.

“People are at the center of everything we do at Wellstar, and these awards underscore our dedication to compassionate care and wellness for everyone we serve,” said David A. Jones, chief human resources officer, Wellstar Health System. “We are honored and humbled by this recognition, and commit to continuing to nurture our culture of caring and excellence.”

National recognition in PEOPLE magazine for putting people first

Great Place to Work^® and PEOPLE magazine have honored Wellstar as one of the 2021 PEOPLE Companies that Care^®. This is Wellstar’s first time being named to this prestigious list, this year coming in at 50th place of the 100 companies recognized. Earning a spot means that Wellstar is one of the best companies to work for in the country. Wellstar is one of only four Georgia-based companies and one of only six health systems included in the ranking.

Wellstar was highlighted for its LGBTQ+ primary care family practice in Atlanta and for the more than $900 million invested last year in charity care, unreimbursed care and community programs as a leading non-profit health system.

“These companies show up for humanity in a variety of ways—from showing compassion for their employees to giving back to their communities to putting diversity, equity and inclusion in the forefront,” says Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work^®. “They are paving the way for more socially responsible business and are fostering high-trust workplaces for all. Congratulations to the winners of the PEOPLE's Companies that Care list!”

The PEOPLE Companies that Care award is highly competitive and based on analysis of survey responses from more than five million current employees across all industries and U.S. geographies. Companies were only considered if they are a Great Place to Work-Certified^™ organization.

Prioritizing health and wellness for team members

Wellstar was recognized on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2021 Healthiest Employers list in the “Extra Large Company” category as one of only two health systems included. Healthiest Employers recognizes the innovative organizations that have created robust healthy workplace programs and companies that go “above and beyond to create a culture of wellness.”

Wellstar was included in this prestigious list as an organization that takes proactive measures to “better the lives of employees through innovative programs and leadership commitment.”

The assessment measures wellness programming in six categories: leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analytics.

In addition to serving its mission to enhance the health and well-being of everyone in the communities it serves, Wellstar invests significantly in its more than 24,000 team members across Georgia, with broad and innovative resources, programs, and initiatives. From wellness rooms, concierge services, fitness facilities and services, and childcare support, to paternity leave, wellness apps, and mental health services and hotlines, Wellstar is committed to putting people first and caring for those who provide care for Georgians each and every day.

When Vera McAdoo was experiencing bleeding in her brain, Wellstar didn’t give up and stayed by her side for every step of recovery.

In September 2019, Vera was at work as an inventory analyst. Then, she suddenly woke up in the emergency department at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. 

She had a bleeding arteriovenous fistula, an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain. She had been exhibiting some worrying signs.  She was not talking, she couldn’t open her eyes, and her pupils were not responding.

But Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. William Humphries saw hope, and Wellstar was there when seconds mattered. 

Vera was taken to the angiography suite for a catheter-based treatment to control the source of the bleeding before going to the operating room. She underwent an emergent surgery to remove the fistula and treat the swelling in her brain by removing part of her skull. 

She was in a coma in the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit for 30 days, but her care team never gave up. Then, as she started healing, Kennestone’s inpatient rehabilitation program stepped in, ensuring she had the tools and support she needed to return to routine.

Kennestone is home to a specialized Neuro-Intensive Care Unit staffed with a multidisciplinary team of neurocritical care physicians, neurologists and nurses experienced in treating the most complex stroke and aneurysm cases. 

“It was a blessing that Dr. Humphries was there and saved my life,” Vera said. “My care at Kennestone was great.”

To learn more about how Wellstar treats conditions involving the brain, visit our neuro care site.

The month of September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. The term “gynecological cancer” describes a group of cancers including endometrial (uterine) cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer, among other rare types.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be more important than ever for women to brush up on their health IQ to help stay ahead of gynecological health issues. The more you know could potentially save your life one day.

The pandemic vs. women’s health

Dr. Jeffrey Hines, Chief of the Division of Wellstar Gynecologic Oncology, said the pandemic caused many women to skip important cervical cancer and breast cancer screenings.

The Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI), an independent, non-profit research institute found women’s health services were significantly affected in 2020 compared with 2019:

• HPV vaccines that prevent cervical cancer were down by 75%
• Mammograms and Pap smears that identify breast and cervical cancer in earlier, more treatable stages were down by nearly 80%

Unfortunately, women are already experiencing the consequences.

“There’s an uptick in cancer diagnoses with more advanced disease,” Dr. Hines said. “It’s so important that women realize that it’s safe to go to their providers to get their mammograms and Paps.”

In Lataye Jordan’s world, “family comes first” is more than a mantra. It’s a way of life, as a wife and mother raising four fearless daughters.

While living in New York, Lataye learned how to be strong, determined and face challenges head-on — lessons she now instills in her own children. These traits proved useful when the Jordans resettled in the South at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But between the big move and preparing the girls for virtual school, Lataye found it difficult to squeeze in any ‘me time.’ Caring for her little ones often led to putting her own health last.

However, with two different heart conditions — a murmur and high blood pressure — the mother needed tailored care to live her fullest life.

With the help of Wellstar, Lataye got expert care to stay heart healthy, right in her new neighborhood. But beyond that, she found a trusted healthcare family that had her covered when it came to her well-being.

The breast milk donation program at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital has reached a major milestone — 104 mothers in the community have helped other families by donating 50,000 ounces of breast milk to keep the most vulnerable babies fed and healthy.

Kennestone’s lactation team is dedicated to making sure every baby has the resources they need to stay healthy from the day they’re born, and the hospital’s breast milk donation program gets babies off to the right start.

If, for any reason, a mother is unable to provide breast milk, or enough breast milk for her baby in the NICU, donor milk from a Human Milk Banking Association of North America milk bank can help fill the gap. “For many babies in our NICU, this is life-saving medicine,” said Roxanne Graham, supervisor of maternal and infant support services at Kennestone.

Through Kennestone’s partnership with the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin, mothers and their babies throughout the country have the option of using donated breast milk, giving babies a head start on all the benefits of breastfeeding.

Breast milk provides babies with infection-fighting antibodies that lower their chances of getting sick. It also offers protection against developing allergies and is easier for babies to digest. Donated breast milk is pasteurized and screened to ensure safety.

“It improves the quality of human life, especially for babies that are medically fragile,” Graham said. Kennestone’s milk depot opened in 2018. The NICU there has been using donor milk since 2012.

“It has significantly decreased the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, which is a serious and life-threatening condition associated with premature infants,” said Marie Black, the assistant nurse manager for Kennestone’s NICU. “We highly encourage our moms to pump for their babies but in instances where there is not enough supply, we have our donor milk for those babies.”

To celebrate reaching 50,000 donated ounces, Kennestone’s “Liquid Gold” display showcases the amount received using 390 gallon containers.

If you are interested in donating breast milk, the process is convenient. Donating mothers are asked to become vetted with the milk bank and provide at least 100 ounces for the first donation. After that, smaller donations can make a difference — 5.5 ounces feeds a premature baby for 24 hours, according to the Mother’s Milk Bank of Austin.

Once you have collected and stored your milk, drop it off at a collection site. In addition to Kennestone, Wellstar Douglas Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital also partner with the milk bank.

Call (770) 793-8087 to learn more about donating life-saving breast milk to Kennestone’s milk depot.

Surgery for prostate cancer has evolved, offering men with aggressive prostate cancer more treatment choices. One high-tech treatment is a robotic prostatectomy, where the prostate is removed robotically by a surgeon with specialized training.

Robotic prostate cancer surgery has several key advantages over the more traditional approach. It shortens the time spent in a facility following a surgery. This method also reduces surgery site blood loss, scarring and pain, and speeds up recovery as well as having the potential to preserve nerves.

“The robot allows us to see the prostate better and spare the nerves, which can preserve sexual function,” said Dr. Justin Watson, a urologist who performs robotic prostatectomies at Wellstar Kennestone Advanced Outpatient Center for Surgery in Marietta. Dr. Watson typically meets with patients in the Prostate Cancer STAT Clinic. This clinic allows men an opportunity to meet with multiple prostate cancer specialists on one day in one place so they can benefit from the most comprehensive care.

Read Steve Shelton's story, a man who had a robotic prostatectomy at Wellstar and is living life to his fullest today.

Georgia summers are no joke when it comes to high temperatures and humidity, with 90-degree-plus days very common in our summer months. When you’re out and about — and certainly when exercising — it’s important to pay close attention to how hot weather affects your body.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can have serious health consequences, but the good news is that you can help prevent these conditions by keeping close tabs on how you’re feeling and taking a few smart steps.

Your body’s temperature regulation system

Your body works hard to maintain a healthy temperature, and it knows how to regulate your internal temperature, for instance, by making you sweat to cool your skin. Health concerns can come up, however, when weather conditions overcome your body’s internal monitoring system and your core temperature gets too high.

Keep your cool

Here are some of the things you can do to keep your core temperature in a healthy range on a hot day.

• Drink plenty of water when you exercise outdoors. Proper hydration is key to your body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
• Take frequent breaks in shady areas. This will also help regulate your body’s overall temperature.
• Don’t push yourself too hard, especially on very hot days. Moderation is smart in these conditions.
• Avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks when outside in hot weather. Beverages like these dehydrate the body, making temperature regulation even harder. 

Watch for warning signs

It’s important when outside in the summer heat to know your body and be aware of its limits, especially when exercising. 

Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion like:

• Heavy sweating with goose-bump-like skin
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Experiencing muscle cramps, nausea, headache
• Your pulse rates goes up and stays elevated

If you experience symptoms, take steps to cool yourself down.

• Go to a cooler place, such as an air-conditioned space indoors
• Drink water or a beverage fortified with electrolytes
• Rest

Get medical care when you need it

Seek medical assistance if:

• You are vomiting
• You can’t seem to cool down, especially after an hour 
• You feel worse, rather than better, after taking steps to get cooler
• You have a temperature of 104°F, or higher

Expert physicians at your nearby Wellstar Urgent Care location are experienced and able to assist with conditions like heat exhaustion. Your doctor will evaluate and monitor your condition, recommending the appropriate treatment to help balance your body temperature. 

If you or a loved one cannot safely reach one of our 17 convenient locations, please call 911 for emergency assistance.

To best inform our communities about the state of the COVID-19 surge throughout our 11 hospitals, Wellstar Health System is providing daily updates on our website and social media channels regarding the current status of COVID-19 patients we are treating system-wide.

Additionally, we are sharing our localized COVID patient data on each hospital’s specific Facebook page. 

In efforts to keep our communities up-to-date and answer any inquiries regarding this data, we’ve answered frequently asked questions below:

• Are people without the second dose counted as unvaccinated?

Based on FDA and CDC guidelines, Wellstar considers a “fully vaccinated” person to have had either one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines with peak immunity achieved two weeks after the second dose. 

• Why are vaccinated people still getting positive tests?

While no vaccine prevents someone 100% from getting sick, the COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and effective at preventing severe illness and death. Because a vaccinated person can still contract the virus and may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, it’s advised that even vaccinated people still wear a mask and follow safety precautions.

• Why can’t vaccinated caregivers be allowed into the hospital?

Due to the highly contagious nature of the Delta Variant of COVID-19, the level of community spread and to protect our patients and clinical staff, Wellstar is not allowing visitors at this time. You can learn more about our visitation guidelines here.

• Are all your nurses and doctors vaccinated and is that verifiable?

Wellstar Health System has mandated that all team members be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 effective October 1, 2021. 

• What are the ages of the patients being reported?

While we cannot share data regarding the ages of our COVID-19 patients, we can confirm that the widespread Delta Variant is infecting young people at a higher rate than we have seen with previous variants.  

• How many of these patients have previously had COVID?

Just as we are seeing vaccinated people become infected with COVID-19, we are also seeing reinfection in those who have had a case of COVID-19 in the past. 

• How many patients have died from COVID?

This information is available via the Georgia Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Daily Status Report which provides a detailed analysis of cases, hospitalizations and deaths by county, as well as other demographics.

• How many of these patients have pre-existing conditions?

Out of respect for our patients, we are unable to provide details of patients’ medical information. However, the Delta variant of COVID-19 can cause severe illness in those who are not immunocompromised and have no pre-existing conditions. 

• Are all these people on ventilators at the same time?

Wellstar is reporting the number of patients currently on ventilators system-wide on both our website and social media channels.

• Are these numbers since the beginning of the pandemic or just today?

Wellstar is reporting the current number of COVID patients in our care, daily. 

• Are we testing for other respiratory illnesses such as flu, or are we assuming everything is COVID?

All COVID-19 patients have been confirmed to be COVID positive with a COVID-19 test. 

• Do you administer monoclonal antibodies?

Yes, Wellstar Health System does administer monoclonal antibodies for outpatient treatment of COVID-19 patients who qualify based on emergency use authorization (EUA). If you have COVID-19, contact your Wellstar medical provider to see if you are eligible for this treatment.   

Learn more about the Delta Variant of COVID-19 and what you can do to protect yourself and others. To find a vaccination site near you, visit vaccines.gov. Get updates and information on COVID-19 at Wellstar by visiting wellstar.org/COVID19.

The highly contagious Delta variant has caused a surge in COVID-19 cases and, along with it, a sharp rise in the demand for COVID-19 testing. To help meet the community’s needs, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is now conducting drive-through COVID-19 testing at Wellstar East Cobb Health Park.

Hours of Operation

The DPH provides COVID-19 testing for people of all ages, and no appointment is necessary. The DPH drive-through site at Wellstar East Cobb Health Park is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note, this testing site is closed for holidays and in cases of inclement weather.

Directions for DPH Testing

The DPH testing site is located in a parking lot adjacent to Wellstar East Cobb Health Park. Enter from Roswell Road and turn right on the side street entrance before Health Park Drive. Continue straight, take the first right and look for DPH testing signs.

Use the parking lot map below to find the right route for DPH testing:

For more information, visit our COVID-19 testing page.

The highly contagious Delta variant has caused a surge in COVID-19 cases and, along with it, a sharp rise in the demand for COVID-19 testing. To help meet the community’s needs, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is now conducting drive-through COVID-19 testing at Wellstar Acworth Health Park.

Hours of Operation

The DPH provides COVID-19 testing for people of all ages, and no appointment is necessary. The DPH drive-through site at Wellstar Acworth Health Park is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please note, this testing site is closed for holidays and in cases of inclement weather.

Directions for DPH Testing

The DPH testing site is located in the back parking lot of Wellstar Acworth Health Park. When exiting off of Cobb Parkway, please enter from Awtrey Church Road and turn left just past the Citgo gas station. Continue straight and look for DPH testing signs.

Use the parking lot map below to find the right route for DPH testing:

For more information, visit our COVID-19 testing page.

As the more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads, our communities are seeing a surge in cases, especially among the unvaccinated and in children not yet eligible for the vaccines.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus, it is recommended you get tested so you can take action for your health and to help stop the spread. Wellstar is offering rapid and PCR tests at all 17 of our urgent care locations, keeping care convenient and close to home. Testing is also available at retail pharmacies such as Walgreens or CVS, as well as through your local health department.

How do I get tested?

If you require COVID-19 testing, we encourage you to book an appointment online in advance whether you have symptoms or not. At this time, all online appointments are reserved for COVID-19 testing due to high demand.

While we also offer walk-in COVID-19 evaluations and testing, reserving a time online is often easier for busy schedules and may potentially help save time in the waiting room.

We are still providing walk-in care for other non-emergent medical issues, such as colds, sprains, strains, minor cuts and burns.

What if my child needs a COVID-19 test?

While our urgent care centers will perform COVID-19 testing on children 12 and older, Wellstar recommends choosing a testing location based on your child’s medical circumstance. If your child requires a COVID-19 test and is:

• Asymptomatic (showing no symptoms): Find a local COVID-19 testing site near you.
• Showing mild to moderate symptoms: Contact your Wellstar pediatrician’s office directly to book a COVID-19 testing appointment.
• Experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, unable to keep liquids down, lethargy, or severe gastrointestinal symptoms: Seek immediate medical care at the nearest pediatric emergency department.

For more information, visit our Pediatric Care During COVID-19 resource page.

Which tests are available?

Wellstar offers rapid and PCR tests. Both tests involve a provider inserting a swab into your nose to collect nasal secretions from the back of the nose and throat.

PCR tests look for viral genetic material in the sample. Test results are usually available within 24 hours. A lab processes the sample. Same-day results are available at the urgent care centers located at Wellstar health parks when testing is completed by noon.

Rapid COVID-19 tests detect specific protein in the sample, which may indicate a COVID-19 infection. The sample is then processed at the testing location. Results are also available at the testing location, normally in 15 to 30 minutes.

Can I still be treated at an urgent care location if my health issue is unrelated to COVID-19?

We are still offering walk-in urgent care for non-emergent medical issues, such as:

• Cold/flu
• Cough
• Cuts
• Minor burns
• Sore throat
• Sprains

How can I prevent COVID-19?

The best defense against COVID-19 is vaccination. Everyone 12 and older is eligible to get vaccinated, and the shots are very effective at preventing COVID-19. Visit your local retail pharmacy to stick it to COVID and get your vaccine. 

However, our youngest community members under the age of 12 are especially vulnerable because they can’t get their shots yet. As schools are back in session, it is especially crucial that we step up to protect ourselves and our communities. Follow the 3Ws — wear your mask, wash your hands and watch your distance from others — and get a check-up with your Wellstar primary care provider to stay healthy. 

It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and at Wellstar Health System, we understand many people may feel frustrated. For a moment, life seemed to be getting back to normal, but now it feels as though we’re back at the start.

However, we can’t give up the fight. As the Delta variant and other strains of the virus emerge and spread, it’s time to take action.

We have to rise up and take COVID-19 down. It’s up to all of us to make well happen.

That’s because just as much as saving lives and fighting illness happens every day at Wellstar, creating a healthy world starts with you. And right now, we have hope through new, life-saving tools to defeat the virus.

Here’s how to do your part to make well happen:

• Get the COVID-19 vaccine to stick it to COVID and help stop the spread of the virus.
• Schedule a wellness exam with your Wellstar primary care provider to stay on top of your health.
• Wear a mask to help protect yourself and others. Keep in mind, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and highly transmissible through the air. Wearing a mask can help reduce community spread, even if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds to rid your hands of viruses, bacteria and other harmful germs that are easily spread by touching.
• Watch your distance around other to avoid community spread of COVID-19.

While these actions may seem small, they have a huge impact when it comes to keeping Georgia safe and healthy.

Right now, people who are unvaccinated and children under the age of 12 who aren’t eligible to receive the vaccine are at risk. Vulnerable members of the community are counting on us to step up and get vaccinated.

Together, we can help save lives and keep each other safe.

How Wellstar is helping to make well happen:

As you dedicate yourself to doing your part, Wellstar continues to keep the people and communities we serve safe every day. We have been working hard to make well happen, across all of our hospitals, health parks, urgent care centers and hundreds of medical offices.

From suiting up in PPE to keeping our facilities sparkling clean, our team has put additional measures in place to protect our patients and ensure people can receive safe, expert care.

To learn more, visit our COVID-19 resource page.

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital performed its first robotic neurovascular case — a diagnostic cerebral angiogram, which is a procedure used to evaluate blood vessels in the brain. The ability to complete these high-level procedures is now possible using the CorPath System, a robotic-assisted technology. Neurosurgeons Dr. Ahmad Khaldi and Dr. William Humphries performed the procedure.

“The first case with the CorPath System was very successful. Sitting away from the patient in a radiation-protected cockpit, I was able to use a joystick to advance the catheter, millimeter by millimeter,” Dr. Khaldi said. “Additionally, the enhanced visualization of the technology provided me with great control of the catheter. In my opinion, the enhanced control, visualization, and measurement of the CorPath System will transform the way we perform neurovascular procedures and ultimately improve patient care.”

“An aging baby boomer population is driving demand for new innovative technologies to treat strokes,” added Dr. Humphries. “Robotics offers physicians and patients a minimally-invasive technology that may improve the ability to provide rapid endovascular care to patients in the future.”

The CorPath System allows interventional neurosurgeons to perform the procedure remotely, away from the patient bedside. Seated in a radiation-protected cockpit, the physician uses a joystick to robotize catheters and wires to access the neck and brain blood vessels. Additionally, the technology provides neurosurgeons with the ability to accurately measure blockages and precisely position stents. The hope is that this technology will eventually be used for additional stroke treatments to restore blood flow to the brain and treat other complex diseases such as brain aneurysms.

“We are proud to be one of the first medical centers in Georgia to adopt the CorPath System,” said Wellstar Senior Vice President and Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Chief Operating Officer Callie Andrews. “The adoption of the CorPath System at Wellstar Kennestone truly emphasizes our continuous commitment to delivering state-of-the-art technology to our patients and clinical community.”

Whether it’s your first time on campus or you’re a seasoned college student, the start of a new school semester can be exciting, stressful and a little scary all at the same time.

Between finding classes on campus and fitting in with new friends, you may be feeling anxious about the upcoming semester. Keep in mind, new-school-year nerves are normal and there are resources to help you — including your Wellstar primary care physician as well as on-campus counselors.

While the COVID-19 pandemic may make your college experience look different this year, you can use your independence on campus to take control of your well-being.

“As you head back to college, your new freedom also means making important decisions about your health,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “With new variants of COVID-19 on the rise, getting the vaccine is your best defense against the virus.”

“Be sure to follow other safety protocols on campus like the 3W’s — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance — to keep yourself safe,” Dr. Doyle shared.

To help you start the semester off right, here are some wellness tips so you can take on the new year and live your best, healthiest life.

Study guide to stay healthy

From medical appointments to personal safety, follow our tips to prepare for college and prioritize your health.

• Take control of your health. Book your annual physical with your primary care physician at the start of the semester.
• Keep yourself safe. Get the COVID-19 vaccine and follow your school’s guidelines about the virus, such as social distancing and mask protocol.
• Lead by example. It can be hard to do the right thing and mask up — especially when your college peers may not be — but it’s important to follow safety precautions to make well happen.
• Make mental health a priority. Bring up any questions or concerns with your primary care provider and learn about mental health resources at your college.
• Stay organized. Use a planner or calendar to schedule classes, exams and study time to keep yourself on track.
• Set roommate rules. If you’re living with roommates, create clear rules for your space like noise levels, chores and when other friends are allowed over.
• Know your surroundings. Get familiar with the campus layout and where the security station or emergency phones are located.
• Use the buddy system. Stay alert on campus and walk with a friend when possible, especially at night.
• Protect yourself at parties. Never leave drinks unattended, whether you’re hanging out at a bar, party or other gathering with friends.
• Schedule in self-care. College can be intense. Make time for yourself to do things you enjoy for your mental and physical well-being.

Get ready for campus life

Heading to college can be a big transition, and you may feel anxiety about the upcoming changes, especially during a pandemic. But don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need help getting ready or adjusting.

Talking to your Wellstar is a great place to start, whether your concerns are about physical, emotional or mental health. Our health partners are here to support you and can connect you with specialists to keep you feeling well.

Book your appointment today, and be sure to bring up any questions or concerns you have with your doctor.

As children prepare for the new school year, one step families can take to stay healthy is to head to the pediatrician for an annual check-up.

Regular pediatric check-ups are beneficial for the whole family. Together, you can discuss your child’s development, behavior, eating habits, sleep schedule and any other concerns you may have about their health. Because you and your child share the same goal — staying healthy and happy — your Wellstar pediatrician will partner with you both.

The largest emergency department (ED) in Georgia just passed a huge milestone. Wellstar Kennestone Hospital’s new, state-of-the-art ED has now been serving Cobb County and the surrounding community for one year.

From saving lives with advanced medical care to fighting COVID-19 on the frontlines, our expert emergency team has truly risen to the challenge over the last year — and we’re just getting started.

At 263,000 sq. ft., our Level II Trauma Center is more than double the size of the hospital’s prior ED. However, it’s not just the impressive size of the building that sets it apart.

With cutting-edge technology, leading treatments and expert providers always at the ready, the Wellstar Kennestone ED delivers better, faster care when it matters most.

PeopleCare when it counts

When it comes to emergency care, every second matters.

From top to bottom, the new ED is built to save lives. The innovative layout includes separate care zones based on medical service, level of care and age, allowing us to treat patients faster. We even have a full-service pediatric area so our littlest patients can receive specialized, kid-friendly care.

Since its opening on July 23, 2020, the Wellstar Kennestone ED has:

• Served 104,980 of our family, friends and neighbors in the community.
• Treated 10,759 pediatric patients, who can get back to being kids again.
• Performed 319 emergency surgeries with advanced, life-saving technology.
• Landed 244 helicopters, which flew patients in for fast, expert treatment.

While those may be a lot of statistics, Wellstar never treats people like a number. With the ED’s high-tech capabilities and smart design, our medical experts can still personalize care even amid a life-threatening situation.

So, whether you or a family member experiences a traumatic injury or sudden medical emergency like a heart attack or stroke, the Wellstar Kennestone ED offers quick, effective emergency care close to home.

Care during COVID-19 & moving forward

Emergencies don’t stop — even during a pandemic. When the Wellstar Kennestone ED opened during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, Georgians still needed to find safe emergency care.

We’ve added new infection prevention protocols into our already thorough safety routines, ensuring our medical experts can provide safe, life-saving care every day. In uncertain times, people count on Wellstar for expert trauma and emergency care.

Today, the Wellstar Kennestone ED is continuing to protect the people and communities we serve. From emergency surgery to expert trauma care to behavioral health services, we make sure people can get the emergency care they need without going far.

Learn more about the Wellstar Kennestone ED and how we are making a difference in Georgia.

While the Delta variant has contributed to a sharp increase in new COVID cases, there are still steps we can take to protect ourselves and others.

"The Delta variant is extremely contagious and responsible for the recent summer spike in COVID cases seen all over the world, including here in Georgia," said Dr. Danny Branstetter, medical director of infection prevention for Wellstar Health System. "The best protection against COVID is prevention, and now is the time to prioritize getting vaccinated, practicing safety measures, and getting tested if you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed." 

A new school year is right around the corner. While kids may be the ones returning to the classroom, parents still have their own homework to do too: making sure their child has a healthy start.

Before heading back to school, Wellstar health experts say it’s more important than ever prioritize your child’s physical and emotional well-being.

“Parents can help their children be prepared for school by starting early,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “Be sure to speak to your children and address any anxieties they may have now about the new school year.”

“Also, getting them scheduled to see their pediatrician for important screenings and immunizations will help them be their healthiest,” he shared.

A new cardiac hybrid operating room at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital brings a catheterization lab and surgery suite together in one space, making treatment more efficient and encouraging collaboration between our expert providers.

The operating room, which is projected to treat more than 500 patients a year, is outfitted with the latest technology in heart care. The equipment brings together multiple imaging modalities in one environment allowing for an enhanced view of the patient’s beating heart during procedures. 

With tableside control of multiple applications in the lab, providers have the freedom of movement to focus on exacting their treatment strategy, thus improving outcomes. This technology is also safer because it exposes both patients and providers to less radiation.

“This state-of-the-art space is the most advanced hybrid operating room in the Atlanta area,” said Dr. Amar Patel, interventional cardiologist and co-medical director for the structural heart and valve program at Wellstar. “Bringing several services into one room allows us to provide complex cardiac care for our community efficiently and effectively, using the top tools available to us.”

Structural heart procedures, such as valve repairs or replacements, will be performed in the hybrid operating room, along with cardiac surgery and some electrophysiology procedures that can determine the cause of heart rhythm problems.

To learn more about how Wellstar can keep your heart in top shape, visit wellstar.org/heartcare.

Wellstar East Cobb Health Park now has a new, non-invasive way to get an inside look at your liver health, quickly and painlessly. 

An exam with FibroScan, the first FDA-cleared device for diagnosis and monitoring of liver disease, only takes a few minutes, is painless for the patient and produces immediate results for evaluation by a physician.

Results can be used to rule out the need for an expensive, more painful liver biopsy or other invasive procedure. 

“When it comes to your liver health, it’s best to be proactive and take action to stay healthy before issues develop,” said Dr. Arif Aziz, chief of Wellstar’s digestive health service line. “This cutting-edge device allows us to monitor your liver without a painful or time-consuming procedure, and since it’s conveniently located at Wellstar East Cobb Health Park, our patients don’t have to travel to take advantage of this new technology.”

The exam only takes about five to 10 minutes. You will lie comfortably on an exam table and raise your right arm above your head. Then, the operator will apply a water-based gel to your skin and place the probe on your ribcage. They will take 10 quick, pain-free measurements. The technology not only saves you pain, it speeds up the diagnostic process as well — results are available immediately for your physician to review.

This new technology can be especially useful for diabetic patients. Fatty liver disease makes it more difficult to control diabetes and can worsen outcomes. 

Fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis of liver and associated complications. It is one of the leading reasons for liver transplant in the United States.

To learn more about your liver health and schedule a FibroScan exam, make an appointment with a Wellstar gastroenterologist.

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, the largest hospital in the nationally recognized nonprofit Wellstar Health System, is celebrating its 71st anniversary. In addition, Wellstar Kennestone is marking a year of significant accomplishments and accolades that include national emergency and trauma care designations, as well as community and national recognition for service and care excellence.

“Wellstar Kennestone Hospital has proudly provided lifesaving and compassionate care to Georgians for 71 years,” said Mary Chatman, Wellstar Health System executive vice president and president of Wellstar Kennestone and Windy Hill Hospitals. “We are an integral part of the community we serve, and so grateful for the support we have received over the past year, which has been especially challenging for everyone.”

“Our exceptional and dedicated team members stand ready to serve the community’s healthcare needs with excellence and compassion,” said Marianne Hatfield, chief nursing officer at Kennestone. “As one of the largest and busiest hospitals in the state, recent designations and accolades we have received simply underscore what we are committed to doing every day: providing expert medical care to people, no matter their age or stage in life.” Founded on June 27, 1950, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital marked its 71st anniversary this week by hosting a small reception to thank hardworking and selfless team members, dedicated community members, and key supporters.

A history of recognition for care excellence

Wellstar Kennestone has a rich history of delivering quality care for Georgians, and has received many national and regional accolades and certifications for care excellence over the years. The hospital recently received the highest level of recognition for emergency cardiac care in Georgia and was designated a Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center by the Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of Cardiac Care.

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital was also verified as one of only four Georgia Level II Trauma Centers by the American College of Surgeons. This achievement recognizes the Trauma Center's dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients.

Wellstar operates the largest trauma network in Georgia, with Wellstar Kennestone managing one of the nation's newest and largest emergency departments, with state-of-the-art care for pediatric and adult patients. The new emergency department is connected to the main hospital and is located near the intersection of Church and Cherry Streets at 115 Cherry Street NE, Marietta, Georgia 30060.

Additional accolades

• U.S. News & World Report 2020-2021 Best Regional Hospitals and one of the nation’s High Performing Hospitals.
• America’s 100 Best Critical Care Hospitals and 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, which recognizes hospitals that deliver superior patient outcomes in Critical Care. Wellstar Kennestone was also listed as a best hospital in five service line categories.
• AMSN Prism Award by the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses and the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board for exemplary practice of the medical-surgical unit.
• American Association of Critical Care Nurses’ 2020 Beacon Award of Excellence, recognizing units that distinguish themselves by improving every facet of patient care.
• Atlanta Business Chronicle 2021 Best in Real Estate Awards "Healthcare Deal of the Year" for the Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Emergency Department, which opened in July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Atlanta Magazine 2021 "Best of Atlanta" recognition for “New Emergency Care: Wellstar Kennestone Hospital’s New Emergency Department.”
• Georgia Trend 2021 "Top Doctors," a listing of the state’s top physicians, with many of the 130 doctors on the list serving Wellstar Kennestone across multiple service lines.
• Atlanta magazine 2021 "Top Doctors" list featuring 79 Wellstar physicians, many of whom serve at Wellstar Kennestone.

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital celebrated its 71st anniversary by hosting an ice cream social to thank team members for providing outstanding and compassionate care to the community.

Wellstar Health System has announced that Atlanta magazine recognized 79 Wellstar physicians on its 2021 "Top Doctors" list in the July issue. This list is compiled annually from nominations by physicians whom they consider to be among the top experts in their region for their medical specialty. The number of Wellstar doctors named to the distinguished list increased 14% from 2020 to 2021.

"As a community-based, non-profit health system, Wellstar physicians are focused on providing high-quality patient-centered care to everyone who comes through our doors," said Dr. John Brennan, executive vice president and chief clinical integration officer of Wellstar Health System. "Wellstar is extremely proud of the doctors recognized by this prestigious list published annually by Atlanta magazine, as well as all of our team members, who are committed to delivering outstanding care to every person, every time."

Atlanta magazine's "Top Doctors" list is compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a leading healthcare research and information company founded to help consumers reach America's top doctors and hospitals. Physicians are nominated by their peers and selected after a rigorous screening process that reviews professional, educational, and patient care excellence. The final list with detailed information about the doctors’ education, training, and medical expertise is included in Atlanta magazine's July 2021 issue. Below is the complete list of Wellstar physicians who were honored on the 2021 list.

If you’re a sports fan, you probably know your stats.

Like how NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins remains undefeated in Atlanta Hawks history for PTS (points: 23,292). And that Atlanta Brave Mike Soroka’s career ERA (earned run average) is 2.86. But there are a few, more important numbers you should know off the top of your head: your health stats.

Do you know your BP (blood pressure)? What about your LDL (low-density lipoproteins)? Maybe you can clock an eight-minute mile or bench press 250 pounds, but do you know your BMI (body mass index)?

Statistically speaking, men are less likely than women to see their doctor once a year.

Dr. Randolph Taylor, a Wellstar Sports and Primary Care Physician, said men typically avoid seeing a doctor due to fear of receiving bad news.

“Similar to how athletes look at their stats to improve their performance, we as men need to visit our primary care physicians regularly to know our medical stats in to order to perform as husbands, fathers and sons,” Dr. Taylor said. “Yearly physicals can catch illnesses before they start and prevent health issues from getting worse.”

Getting and staying healthy doesn’t just help us feel better — it ensures we can be there for those we care about, too.

“It’s also for loved ones — spouses, partners, children and parents. We’re not only here for us. We’re here for our friends and family,” said Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller. “The best thing you can do for those you care for is to take care of yourself.”

 

Stats all men should know to stay in the game:

• BMI (body mass index). This metric determines whether you have a healthy body weight and categorizes obesity levels. A normal BMI range is between 18.5 - 25.
• LDL and HDL (low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). This blood test measures cholesterol levels and should be part of your wellness routine starting in your 20s. For men age 20 or older, healthy LDL levels should be under 100 milligrams per deciliter and aim to keep your HDL above 40.
• BP (blood pressure). Your provider will take your blood pressure during your regular visit, but you can also find blood pressure checking stations at many pharmacies or buy your own device to use at home. Blood pressure under 120/80 is considered ideal.
• HgA1c (hemoglobin A1C). This metric measures whether or not you have healthy blood sugar. If you are diabetic, you should check your A1C every three months.
• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen Test). Men who are 50 or older should discuss prostate cancer testing with their provider, according to the American Cancer Society. Men at a higher risk, including African American men and those who had a brother or father diagnosed with cancer before age 65, should ask their provider about testing at age 45. Patients who had more than one close relative with prostate cancer at an early age should have this conversation with their provider when they’re 40.

 

Along with staying up-to-date on those health stats, men should also be getting regular colorectal cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer screening get checked regularly beginning at age 45. Screenings should continue through age 75, and after that patients can discuss their personal risk and history with their provider.

Your Wellstar primary care provider will partner with you in creating a personalized health plan. To find a primary care provider, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule an appointment online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page.

Panel discussion and breakout sessions explore transformative technologies

More than 100 participants attended the virtual roundtable event, which included a panel discussion and breakout sessions focused on leading technologies that have the potential to transform healthcare. The panel was moderated by Julie Teer, senior vice president of Wellstar and president of the Wellstar Foundation. Panelists included:

• Dr. Clifford Goldsmith, chief medical officer and national director, U.S. Providers, Microsoft Health and Life Sciences
• Jeff Arnold, founder, chairman and chief executive officer, Sharecare
• Dr. Hank Capps, executive vice president and chief information & digital officer of Wellstar

“There has never been a time in healthcare when getting the technology strategy right was more imperative than now,” Dr. Goldsmith said. “There is a massive transformation underway in healthcare to significantly increase clinician productivity and enable teamwork across the care continuum, which will be a huge boost to patient satisfaction. Thank you to Wellstar for hosting this important conversation to fuel innovation.”

Digital health is transforming healthcare through integrating innovation and advanced technology into patient care, improving quality of care and expanding access. In addition to the panel, three breakout sessions facilitated conversation about leading-edge, advanced technologies, including:

• Machine learning and artificial intelligence to help provide augmented support for healthcare professionals across a wide range of specialties and operations
• Advanced sensors to enhance diagnostics that simplify the patient experience and foster patient-provider communication and collaboration
• Merged Reality (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality) to enhance business insight, training, and patient partnership

Physician leaders from Wellstar Medical Group provided expert insights in the breakout discussions on the potential applications and impacts of these technologies on the future of healthcare. Physician experts included:

• Dr. Rishi Gupta, vascular neurologist
• Dr. Arthur Reitman, interventional cardiologist
• Dr. Barry Mangel, interventional cardiologist

“The future of healthcare is not a 2025 vision – it is a 2021 reality,” said Sharecare’s Arnold. “Georgia continues to strengthen its position as a global center for public health, information technology, and digital media; and Wellstar is at the center with their focus on partnerships and healthcare innovation. Discussions such as the Wellstar Innovation Series help create momentum around viable solutions that will address gaps in care and a make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of communities throughout the Peach State and beyond.”

The event followed Wellstar’s March 3, 2021 announcement that it will become the country’s first Sharecare-enabled health system, and the May 18, 2021 launch of Catalyst by Wellstar^TM, the first-of-its-kind global digital health and innovation center created and operated within a health system. Catalyst by Wellstar is designed to harness, accelerate, optimize, and scale people-centric solutions that:

• Disrupt how Wellstar delivers care to create better patient and provider experiences
• Maximize quality and safety to improve outcomes while reducing the total cost of care
• Enhance health and well-being for people through access, engagement, and empowerment
• Optimize enterprise performance excellence, efficiencies, and productivity
• Impact communities and the world by designing the future of healthcare

To further fuel healthcare transformation, Wellstar also announced a partnership with Engage, a collaborative innovation and corporate venture platform. Wellstar is the only healthcare company to partner with Engage, alongside other partners Chick-fil-A, Cox Enterprises, Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific, Georgia Power Foundation, Georgia Tech, Goldman Sachs, The Home Depot, Inspire Brands, Intercontinental Exchange, Invesco, Invest Georgia, Tech Square Ventures, and UPS.

Innovation Series convenes thought leaders and changemakers

The Wellstar Foundation’s Innovation Series convenes thought leaders, community partners, and industry experts in a series of roundtable discussions to explore how to transform healthcare to better serve Georgians. The conversations aim to facilitate collaboration that will lead to meaningful action and a pathway to transforming healthcare in Georgia. The series covers topics of health equity, digital health technologies, behavioral health and wellness, women’s health and pediatrics, and workforce planning.

If you’re a sports fan, you’re probably glued to every game, rooting for your team and analyzing every play. But are you as vigilant with your own health?

In addition to knowing your health stats — those important numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar — you should also watch out for health conditions that more commonly impact men.

An annual physical gives you the opportunity to ask your provider questions about your health, and you’ll also get a few quick, crucial health screenings that can catch issues early or put you on track for staying well. 

“See a doctor at a minimum of once a year to prevent issues from occurring,” said Dr. Randolph Taylor, a Wellstar Primary Care and Sports Medicine Physician.

A minimum of a yearly exam will allow the discussion of issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and sex drive, Dr. Taylor said.

That annual checkup isn’t the only thing men need to do to stay healthy. Dr. Taylor also recommended that men get regular exercise and avoid smoking to stay in top shape and prevent illness.

Take action against these illnesses

Some illnesses are more likely to affect men than women, so men should be especially mindful about taking steps to prevent these issues:

• Cardiac issues. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. About 1 in 13 white men, 1 in 14 African American men and 1 in 17 Hispanic men have coronary heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Knowing your stats like blood pressure and cholesterol can help you assess your risk, and your Wellstar provider will collaborate with you on a personalized heart health plan.
• Lung cancer. Men are slightly more likely to get lung cancer — the lifetime risk for men is 1 in 15, while it is 1 in 17 for women, according to the American Cancer Society. African American men are about 15% more likely to develop lung cancer compared to white men. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.
• Parkinson’s disease. Men are more likely than women to have Parkinson’s disease. Wellstar’s neurologists and neurosurgeons are experts in helping patients manage this condition.
• Kidney stones. The lifetime risk of kidney stones is about 19% in men and 9% in women, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Staying hydrated can help prevent kidney stones.
• Prostate cancer. While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, African American men are more likely to get prostate cancer and are more commonly affected at younger ages. Men who are 50 or older should ask their doctor about testing, and African American men should discuss testing with their provider at age 45. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should also consider screenings at a younger age, and your provider will discuss your options with you. 

Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller also said men need to stay active and stay away from smoking. But he also said a few lifestyle changes that are sometimes overlooked can make a difference in how you feel.

“What’s often neglected is a full and consistent night’s sleep,” Dr. Miller said. “And keep stress under control — too much stress can negatively impact our immune systems.” 

To find a primary care provider, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page. 

With dedicated health resources and caring, compassionate providers, Wellstar is making 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. Wellstar Family Medicine Physician Dr. Gabriella Maris addressed the gap in care.

“The LGBTQ+ community has been marginalized by the healthcare system,” Dr. 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.

“I want to be a very vocal advocate and ally for people who identify as LGTBQ+,” said Dr. Jeremy Neuman, family medicine physician at Wellstar Vinings Health Park. “I want them to know this is a safe place. I am here to support them in their health and life goals.”

Our family medicine practice in Atlanta also offers specialized health services to people who are LGBTQ+, making it easier to get care close to home.

“My goal with this practice is to address the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community,” Dr. Maris said, who is a physician at the convenient Atlanta location.

Across Wellstar Health System, we’re committed to providing inclusive medical services in a safe, comfortable space to make LGBTQ+ care more available.

When a stroke or heart attack strikes, every second matters. Saving time could mean saving a life, and it’s crucial that medical treatment starts right away. That’s why in the case of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately — don’t drive yourself or another person to the hospital. 

Emergency Medical Service crews are trained to start life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital, minimizing damage to your heart or brain. They can also conduct and interpret electrocardiograms to diagnose a heart attack in the ambulance. 

You also don’t want to drive if you are experiencing a heart attack or stroke yourself because your condition could worsen on the way to the emergency department and impact your ability to stay safe on the road. 

“If you're having an emergency, which could be severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness that you can't really explain, you've got to call 911,” said Dr. Ed Malcom, an emergency medicine physician at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital. “The ambulance and the EMS services will get you to the emergency department in a safe way, and we will get you taken care of.” 

When a patient has a heart attack, ambulance crews communicate with our cardiac team on the way to the hospital, bypassing the emergency department and diverting directly to the cardiac catheterization lab, where our team is ready to restore blood flow to your heart. Calling 911 means reopening the heart artery sooner. And when someone has a stroke, it’s also crucial to take action right away — the sooner you seek treatment, the more brainpower can be saved. 

To learn more about how Wellstar treats heart attacks and strokes, visit our heart care and neuro care pages. 

Wellstar’s cancer care team follows patients through every step of their cancer treatment, from screening to becoming a survivor. Cancer care is about more than a chemotherapy or radiation appointment — and our providers get to know their patients, rejoice in every milestone and support them even after they’re cancer-free.  

This year for National Cancer Survivors Day, we’d like to join our patients in reflecting on their cancer journeys and celebrating their victories. Survivors Day is not only a joyful occasion for survivors and their loved ones but serves to inspire those undergoing treatment, assuring them that their providers and communities are on their side cheering them on. 

“It’s a planned moment in time that everyone stops, looks and listens and really cherishes that very moment where we can look back at the cancer journey and see how far we’ve come — and then have hope as we look into the future for quality of life and more time with our loved ones,” said Marsha Suber, assistant vice president for hospital operations at Wellstar Cobb Hospital. 

Events at several of our locations, including precautions such as wearing a mask and social distancing, will bring together survivors and their support systems to celebrate victory over cancer. Just like defeating cancer is collaborative — uniting expert providers, resilient patients and caring loved ones and supporters — Survivors Day will include everyone involved in a patient’s cancer treatment. 

“Cancer doesn’t just impact the patient. It impacts everyone around them, so including everyone in the education, therapy management and support of the cancer patient is critical for not only the patient’s mental health but for the family’s,” Suber said. 

Several Wellstar facilities will host Survivors Day events. RSVP for one of these celebrations by calling (877) 366-6032, then pressing 0. 

• Wellstar Cobb Hospital - Monday, June 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
• Wellstar Acworth Health Park - Saturday, June 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 
• Wellstar Paulding Hospital - Sunday, June 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. 
• Wellstar North Fulton Hospital - Sunday, June 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. 
• Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center - Sunday, June 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. 

Wellstar Health System,  which has the largest trauma network in the state, has announced that the Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Trauma Center has been verified as one of only four Georgia Level II Trauma Centers by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement recognizes the Trauma Center's dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients.

Building on Wellstar’s commitment to healthcare excellence, the system was also named a top-five finalist for the American Hospital Association’s 2021 Quest for Quality Prize and had 130 physicians – representing almost 26% of the total list – named as Georgia Trend “Top Doctors.”

Largest Trauma Network in Georgia Adds LII Trauma Care Verification for Wellstar Kennestone

Wellstar operates the largest trauma network in Georgia, with Wellstar Kennestone’s new state-of-the-art emergency department, which opened in July 2020, being one of the largest and busiest in the nation. Kennestone provides comprehensive trauma care, with 24/7 access to on-site trauma, critical care trained surgeons, and a wide range of surgical subspecialties to consistently meet the needs of the most seriously injured patients following the highest care, quality and safety standards.

Established by the ACS in 1987, the Committee on Trauma’s (COT) Consultation/Verification Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers. Participants provide the hospital resources and level of care necessary to address the needs of all injured patients across the entire trauma continuum of care. Trauma center verification provides a structure for trauma care that can raise the overall level of performance throughout a hospital.

This prestigious verification recognizes the Wellstar Kennestone Trauma Center’s commitment to providing the highest quality of care for injured patients, spanning community outreach and injury prevention efforts, emergency trauma, operative care, critical care, and rehabilitation.

"Receiving this verification further validates the exceptional life-saving care we provide at Wellstar Kennestone for patients who have suffered from all ranges of traumatic injury," said Mary Chatman, Wellstar Health System executive vice president and president of Wellstar Kennestone and Windy Hill Hospitals. "We are so proud of the Trauma Center team's commitment to ensuring that all patients get the appropriate care in a timely and coordinated manner because our communities rely on Wellstar to provide the very best care for every person, every time."

Trauma is the leading cause of death and disability between ages 0-44 and the fourth leading cause of death overall. According to the Georgia Trauma Foundation, nine main causes account for 92.1% of trauma in Georgia. The leading causes of major trauma are motor vehicle crashes (37.7%); falls (22.2%); gunshot wounds (8.0%); motorcycle crashes (5.4%); pedestrian incidents (5.2%); assaults (4.3%); accidents (4.0%); stab wounds (2.9%) and all-terrain vehicle crashes (2.4%).

Top Five Finalist for National Quality Award

As an additional indicator of excellence, Wellstar was one of only five national American Hospital Association 2021 Quest for Quality Prize finalists. The award recognizes healthcare leadership and innovation in providing, improving, and advancing health in communities.

Nominees are highlighted for partnering with community organizations to improve health outcomes, developing new models of care, and collaborating with patients to design the patient care experience. One way that Wellstar addresses vital community needs to enhance health and wellness is via the Wellstar Center for Health Equity (WCHE). Over the past year, the WCHE orchestrated multiple, high-impact initiatives, including free pop-up COVID-19 testing, mobile food markets, and anchoring vulnerable patients with resources, benefiting thousands of Georgians. Wellstar was also honored for pandemic response efforts, including quickly leveraging telehealth to serve patients, creating team member mental wellness programs, and allocating and redeveloping resources across the system.

Georgia Trend Highlights Wellstar Physicians as Top Doctors

The May issue of Georgia Trend included the 2021 “Top Doctors,” the second annual listing of the state’s top physicians. Close to 26% of the physicians on the list were part of the Wellstar Health System enterprise, totaling 130 doctors across the majority of categories.

Physicians deemed by Georgia Trend as “outstanding” span Wellstar’s service areas, facilities, and service lines, including cardiology, neurology, gynecologic oncology, pulmonology, internal medicine, family medicine, emergency medicine, radiology, endocrinology, pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, and sports medicine, among others. The physicians are selected via peer voting and review of government information sources. Inclusion on this list of the top medical experts in the state further validates Wellstar’s commitment to world-class healthcare.

No one expects to have a stroke — much less one that is rare or complicated to treat. However, these life-threatening medical events can happen to anyone, at any time.

That’s why Wellstar now offers the highest level of stroke care at two key locations: Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar North Fulton Hospital. Here, patients have access to cutting-edge treatments, advanced technology and an expert neuro team, ready to treat even the most complex strokes.

Our primary stroke centers — including Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center, Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center-South, Wellstar Cobb Hospital and Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital — are also poised to deliver high-quality stroke care where it’s needed most.

“Wellstar has nine hospitals that provide stroke care in our network,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke and neurocritical care with Wellstar Health System. “Each of these locations is in communities that have high stroke rates in metro Atlanta.”

With the largest Joint Commission Stroke Certified hospital network in the Southeast, Wellstar is saving more lives with the stroke capabilities.

When you’re struggling to lose weight with diet and exercise, watching the number on the scale continue to go up can get frustrating. If you aren’t seeing results, it may be time to consider a new solution.

Bariatric surgery — commonly known as weight loss surgery — could be the answer to help you slim down when healthy lifestyle changes aren’t enough. At Wellstar, people who take the next step don’t have to do it alone.

Wellstar Cobb Hospital has a comprehensive weight loss surgery program so you can become a healthier version of yourself. Led by Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Dr. Suraj Menachery, the team is dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness goals.

“Wellstar Cobb has built such a caring and impressive team,” Dr. Menachery said. “We’ve created an outstanding community of support.”

From consultation to surgery to recovery, Dr. Menachery and his experienced team will make sure you get the care you need.

When people plan outside activities or a trip to the tanning salon, skin cancer may be the last thing on their minds. However, prolonged or intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays — either from the sun or tanning beds — is harmful to your skin.

Skin cancer can be sneaky when it starts. The disease often begins as just a mole and, if left untreated, can develop into a bigger skin problem. Melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, is a growing concern for many health experts.

“Of all skin cancers, melanoma is the most serious and it is becoming increasingly more common worldwide,” said Dr. Dean Kirkel, oncologist with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers. “The disease can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, and even be potentially fatal.”

Since hiding away from the sun isn’t an option, you can make better choices for your skin health, such as wearing sunscreen, skipping the tanning bed and avoiding sunburns.

In addition to protecting your skin, you can take charge of your health with simple steps to catch skin cancer earlier.

Building on a rich history of innovation and impact in healthcare delivery, Wellstar Health System has launched Catalyst by Wellstar^TM, a global digital health and innovation center.

As part of the center’s work, Wellstar has partnered with corporate innovation and venture platform Engage to connect and collaborate with industry-leading corporations, enterprise startups, and universities to fuel innovation. To foster meaningful discussion, action, and philanthropy around healthcare innovation, the Catalyst by Wellstar leadership team will participate in a Wellstar Foundation-hosted Innovation Series virtual event on June 15.

Catalyst by Wellstar designed to drive disruptive innovation

Catalyst by Wellstar is the first-of-its-kind global digital health and innovation center created and operated within a health system to holistically address healthcare disruption by harnessing problems, solutions, investments, and partnerships across industries. The center defines and drives leading-edge, transformative solutions that enhance the health and well-being of people and communities with world-class results and impact.

As technology continues to advance and consumers become more empowered by digital solutions and information access, innovation to solve problems and seize opportunities will evolve and impact how healthcare is delivered and used. Wellstar is committed to transforming healthcare through problem sourcing from patients, community members, physicians and team members, and partners to lead mission-driven innovation. Catalyst by Wellstar is designed to harness, accelerate, optimize, and scale people-centric solutions that:

• Disrupt how Wellstar delivers care to create better patient and provider experiences.
• Maximize quality and safety to improve outcomes while reducing the total cost of care.
• Enhance health and well-being for people through access, engagement, and empowerment.
• Optimize enterprise performance excellence, efficiencies, and productivity.
• Impact communities and the world by designing the future of healthcare.

“Innovation is vital to our mission of enhancing the health and well-being of every person we serve, today and into the future,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO, Wellstar Health System. “Catalyst by Wellstar positions us to lead change across our system, communities, and the healthcare industry.”

Catalyst by Wellstar convenes and activates best-in-class entrepreneurs, philanthropists, innovation ecosystems, research and development experts, corporate partners, academicians and scientists, and thought leaders inside and outside of the healthcare industry. The center will encompass innovation that drives positive impact related to:

• Sustainability
• Aging and children
• Health equity

“There is endless opportunity to transform healthcare in positive and meaningful ways,” said Dr. Hank Capps, executive vice president and chief information and digital officer, Wellstar Health System. “With Catalyst by Wellstar, our system is poised to purposefully drive innovation faster than the speed of change through thought leadership and collaboration. Our global digital health and innovation center will equip Wellstar to transform the way healthcare is delivered for years to come.”

Wellstar invests in Engage corporate venture platform to fuel innovation

The first Catalyst by Wellstar partnership is an investment in Atlanta-based Engage, a first-of-its-kind collaborative innovation and corporate venture platform. Engage brings together industry-leading corporations, enterprise startups, and universities with the shared mission of elevating Atlanta and the Southeast as a leading technology and innovation hub. Wellstar is the only healthcare company to partner with Engage. Saunders has joined Engage’s board of directors and Capps has been named to the Engage Advisory Board.

“As a regional and national healthcare leader, Wellstar brings critical industry perspective to the Engage platform,” said Daley Ervin, managing director of Engage. “Our corporate partners are facing challenges posed by large-scale digital transformation and rapidly evolving customer expectations. Through this partnership, Wellstar will benefit from the expertise of a broad network of industry-leading companies while also leveraging the startup and university research ecosystem on their journey to design the future of healthcare.”

As a result of Wellstar’s investment in Engage, the system will have the opportunity to collaborate with startup technology companies as part of the innovation process, alongside other Engage partners: Chick-fil-A, Cox Enterprises, Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific, Georgia Power Foundation, Georgia Tech, Goldman Sachs, The Home Depot, Inspire Brands, Intercontinental Exchange, Invesco, Invest Georgia, Tech Square Ventures, and UPS. The Engage Fund is managed by Tech Square Ventures. Engage’s exclusive partnership with Georgia Tech, one of the country’s top research and technology commercialization universities, provides unique access to its startup, innovation, and research initiatives.

“Healthcare is one of the strategic areas of focus for UPS and I am thrilled to welcome Wellstar to the Engage partnership," said Matt Guffey, president of Global Strategy and Transformation at UPS and Engage Advisory Board member.

Wellstar Foundation Healthcare Innovation Series to foster discussion about the future of healthcare

The second Wellstar Foundation Healthcare Innovation Series virtual roundtable will take place on June 15, 2021 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The event will focus on “Designing the Future of Healthcare,” with emphasis on the role of technology and innovation. The Series convenes community, philanthropic, and thought leaders to facilitate conversation and collaboration to propel the transformation of healthcare. More than 100 participants attended the inaugural event and engaged in discussion about how to enhance health equity. For more information, contact give@wellstar.org.

Wellstar Health System wrapped up a weeklong celebration of its healthcare heroes during National Healthcare Week and National Nurses Week honoring team members for their selfless service, sacrifices, and dedication amid the pandemic. Wellstar team members were also recognized by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Atlanta Business Chronicle for outstanding work and serving their communities with compassion and excellence.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s 16th Annual Celebrating Nurses Awards honored four Wellstar nurses, including selecting Vicky Hogue, chief nursing officer at Wellstar Paulding Hospital, as the Nurse Leadership Award recipient. Hogue will celebrate 41 years with Wellstar in August and her background includes working as a critical care and ICU nurse. When the pandemic began, she said that the crisis was exactly what she and her fellow nurses have trained for — answering the call to care for the community. In addition to nursing leadership, Hogue was highlighted for serving as a nurse advocate at the local, state, and national levels, volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccinations and providing unwavering support for team members. Given annually to an outstanding nurse director, Hogue was chosen from 47 nominees to receive the Nurse Leadership Award.

Additional honorees included:

• Clayton Fowler, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital: A registered nurse for 11 years, Fowler helped to care for some of Wellstar’s sickest ICU patients during the height of the pandemic. In March 2020, Wellstar Kennestone was converted to take care of critical COVID-19 patients, and Fowler served on the frontlines providing life-saving therapies, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment.

• Laurie Pazda, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital: A veteran nurse with more than 20 years of service, Pazda works in the cardiac intensive care unit and helped provide care for intubated COVID-19 patients designated to negative pressure rooms.

• Laura Moss, Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital: Moss became a registered nurse in 2019 and immediately started a career of service by providing compassionate care to Wellstar patients. During the pandemic, Moss served as an extended family member to many COVID patients and helped the family of one intubated COVID-19 patient communicate with distant family members by setting up nightly FaceTime visits.

Wellstar held systemwide Nurses Week award celebrations, events, and activities to congratulate honorees and thank Wellstar team members for their dedication and resiliency throughout the pandemic. The Wellstar Nursing Excellence Awards spotlighted nurses at each hospital nominated by their peers for elevating the field of nursing and enhancing the health and well-being of patients. Employees also shared “Videos of Gratitude” showing appreciation for fellow team members.

Three Wellstar team members were also announced as finalists in Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2021 “Healthcare Heroes” Awards, including two in the Nurse category and one in the Community Outreach category. The finalists are Vicky Hogue (chief nursing officer, Wellstar Paulding Hospital), Nadine Lynch (ICU unit manager, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital) and Dr. Shara Wesley (assistant vice president, Community Health and Wellstar Center for Health Equity). The awards acknowledge “the outstanding work on the frontlines” of the COVID-19 pandemic during an “exceptional year,” and winners will be announced on May 28.

During National Nurses Week, Wellstar Health System is celebrating three finalists in Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2021 “Healthcare Heroes” Awards, including two in the Nurse category and one in the Community Outreach category. The awards acknowledge “the outstanding work on the frontlines” of the COVID-19 pandemic during an “exceptional year,” and highlight some of the many healthcare professionals who have created positive impact through their leadership.

Nursing professionals are instrumental in providing expert, compassionate care, no matter the medical circumstance. The 7,300 nurses at Wellstar are valued and vital caregivers for patients, communities, families, and each other, which has been pivotal to navigating the pandemic.

Two of the three finalists in the Nurse category are Wellstar nursing professionals:

• Vicky Hogue, chief nursing officer, Wellstar Paulding Hospital. Hogue’s background as a critical care and ICU nurse has been instrumental in serving as a leader throughout the pandemic and across her 41-year career. Her leadership is noteworthy and marked by Wellstar Paulding Hospital’s recent recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Award for performance excellence. 

• Nadine Lynch, ICU unit manager, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. Lynch cares for some of the sickest patients who need extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for vital blood oxygenation, along with many of the facility’s COVID-19 patients. She knows it’s important to focus on more than just the medical care they need, which is why she is always considering ways to ignite her patients’ passions to meet their mental and emotional needs, which aids the healing process.

Both of these nurse leaders have emphasized that close teamwork and collaboration have helped them to achieve positive impact at Wellstar, with people at the center of everything they do.

The Wellstar finalist in the Community Outreach category is:

• Dr. Shara Wesley, assistant vice president, Community Health and Wellstar Center for Health Equity (WCHE). As a convener of thought leaders, community advocates, and action drivers, Wesley has demonstrated over a distinguished career her commitment to public and community health in nearly every facet of the industry.

The WCHE – an extension of Wellstar’s long history of community engagement and allyship to provide people-centric care – was formed under her leadership to drive lasting change at a grassroots level through activating strategic partnerships with government agencies, businesses, philanthropies, non-profit organizations, academia, and citizens.

Qualifications for the awards are that “the nominee must be: employed in the healthcare industry; based in metro Atlanta; and have at least one year in the nominated position or role, and with the same company.” Finalists were selected from nominations for healthcare professionals across Metro Atlanta that highlighted stories of outstanding work with “passion, expertise, and patient care” over the past year. Entries were judged by a panel of editorial staff members from Atlanta Business Chronicle. Winners of the “Health Care Heroes” awards will be announced and featured in a special section of Atlanta Business Chronicle on May 28.

Last month, Great Place to Work® and Fortune honored Wellstar Health System as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For®, Wellstar’s fourth time on this prestigious list of the best companies to work for in the nation. Wellstar is the only Georgia-based healthcare company included in the 2021 ranking; only two other companies headquartered in Georgia were included in this year’s list.

When it comes to strokes, seconds can mean the difference between life, death and lasting damage. That’s why Wellstar Health System is dedicated to developing faster, more effective stroke treatments not just for Georgians, but people across the nation.

Recently, Wellstar Director of Stroke & Neurocritical Care Dr. Rishi Gupta helped test a groundbreaking device to treat complex ischemic strokes, working alongside UCLA’s Dr. Jeffrey Saver and device manufacturer Rapid Medical.

During a two-year period, patients in 16 medical centers across the country were enrolled in a clinical trial to develop the state-of-the-art stroke treatment, with Wellstar registering the highest number of participants.

Dr. Gupta’s efforts will have a profound impact on stroke treatment moving forward, as Wellstar continues to lead the pack when it comes to neuro care.

“Wellstar is on the cutting-edge of many new stroke technologies and therapies, through our participation in groundbreaking clinical trials,” Dr. Gupta explained. “Our research not only brings patients in Georgia the most advanced stroke treatments close to home, but can help save more lives across the country.”

Now, neurointerventionalists nationwide will have access to the new, FDA-approved technology called TIGERTRIEVER™ to help stop strokes faster and improve patient outcomes.

For many people, the warning signs of a stroke — like numbness in the arm, confusion, loss of balance or trouble speaking and seeing — are unmistakable. But often, the underlying cause of these life-threatening medical events can be harder to uncover.

“Strokes are complicated because there’s no pain associated with it,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke and neurocritical care with Wellstar Health System. “Many people think they can sleep it off and they’ll be better in the morning.”

“However, if you are experiencing the signs of a stroke, the faster you get to the emergency room, the more likely it is that we can reverse disability.”

While the telltale symptoms may be similar to one another, all strokes are not alike.

At Wellstar, we know each and every stroke is different. That’s why our neuro team provides tailored care along with fast, life-saving treatment for all types of strokes, even the most complex cases.

Fight back against strokes and learn the difference between the three main types: ischemic, hemorrhagic and transient ischemic attack.

When a patient has a pulmonary embolism, it’s crucial that they receive the right care, right away. A new team of experts at Wellstar brings together specialists from several disciplines to collaborate on care, quickly and accurately assessing patients and formalizing a personalized treatment plan.

The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT), implemented systemwide at Wellstar, ensures that all our patients receive timely treatment for this serious condition. Pulmonary embolisms, or blood clots in the lung’s arteries, are the third leading cause of death among hospitalized people and the third most common cardiovascular cause of death. With this new initiative, patients have an entire care team dedicated to fighting those statistics. 

The PERT includes interventional cardiologists, critical care specialists, pulmonary experts, emergency medicine physicians and hematologists, who look at the patient’s case from multiple perspectives.

“In emergencies like pulmonary embolism, time is of the essence in treating this potentially fatal condition,” said Dr. Salvatore Mannino, Medical Director of Invasive and Interventional Cardiology for Wellstar. “With our new multi-disciplinary, multi-hospital team, several specialists can weigh in at once, speeding up treatment and making sure the patient receives the treatment that will lead to the best outcome.” 

If a patient needs to be transferred to another facility for treatment, Wellstar makes that transition seamless, with providers efficiently communicating between hospitals about the patient’s personalized care plan.  

Learn more about how Wellstar’s cardiovascular providers can keep you healthy at wellstar.org/heartcare. To make an appointment, call (770) 956-STAR.

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 and neurocritical 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 Wellstar’s brain, spine and nerve health services, visit our neuro care page or call (770) 956-STAR (7827). 

These days, people can connect with friends online or join a virtual business meeting with just a click of a button. So, why not make your next doctor’s appointment just as easy?

With Wellstar Virtual Care, you can visit your Wellstar physician, remotely – from the comfort and convenience of home. All you need is a smartphone, computer or tablet to stay connected with your provider.

From getting wellness exams to managing chronic conditions, Wellstar Virtual Care gives you the flexibility to find safe, expert care anywhere.

The system continues to build on its legacy and commitment to serving communities by actively listening to best understand and respond to what consumers want, need, and expect from their healthcare provider.

“As a leader in healthcare, we must take action to meet the evolving needs of people and communities. Health equity connects to everything we do, and recognizing hardships, disparities, and inequities is just the first step,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System. “Through strategic partnerships and programs, Wellstar is committed to supporting people and communities to make a tangible and lasting difference, enhancing the health and well-being of everyone we serve.”

Wellstar Center for Health Equity addresses community needs at a grassroots level

The Wellstar Center for Health Equity (WCHE) – an extension of Wellstar’s long history of community engagement and allyship to provide people-centric care – was formed to drive lasting change at a grassroots level. The six areas of focus were informed by Wellstar’s triennial Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) of 2019: Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Food Insecurity, Suicide, Cancer, Women’s Health.

Each of these strategic domains connects to Wellstar medical service lines to bring to bear the deep expertise and broad bench of resources needed to identify pertinent needs, relevant partnerships, and viable programs.

To create meaningful impact, Wellstar has forged strategic partnerships with government agencies, businesses, philanthropies, non-profit organizations, academia, and citizens. Examples of how WCHE has activated resources in the community include:

Walk-up, pop-up family COVID-19 testing: With the support of community partners, Wellstar conducts free walk-up, pop-up family testing at churches and school lunch pick-up sites and distributes safety kits in English and Spanish. To-date, WCHE has orchestrated 29 pop-up testing sites, administered over 3,000 COVID tests, and distributed more than 51,000 wellness kits with culturally and linguistically appropriate safety information.

Reaching faith-based congregants with vital information and vaccines: WCHE is hosting a series of community town halls to debunk myths about COVID-19 and vaccines in partnership with the Wellstar Congregational Health Network. In April, WCHE hosted a Hispanic town hall to address community questions and launched a series of equity-centric and language-proficient vaccination clinics for congregants at faith-based organizations.

Providing nutritious meals to food-insecure communities: In partnership with Goodr, an organization that provides food resources for people in need, and funded in part by Wellstar Foundation donations, the WCHE “Mobile Market” hosts “pop-up” farmers’ markets in seven communities, feeding over 700 families monthly.

Enabling technology-driven community health transformation: WCHE launched a year-long initiative to enhance access to medical care via technology with leading community partners. Supported by contributions to the Wellstar Foundation, the “Community Health Transformation” program enables the following community organizations to reach, engage, and support at-risk individuals with measurable results: Bethesda Community Clinic; Empowerment Resource Center; Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia; Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb; and MUST Ministries.

Anchoring vulnerable patients with vital healthcare resources: When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 80% of COVID-19 patients in eight Georgia areas were Black people, WCHE developed “Anchoring Vulnerable Patients,” a project in Clayton County to assess and address the medical and social needs of Black patients with co-morbidities that put them at risk for contracting COVID-19.

For more than a year, our communities have done their part to fight COVID-19.  

We have stayed home, worn masks when we’ve gone out, been extra careful with washing our hands and avoided large gatherings. That’s meant that holidays and birthdays have looked a little different, all so we can stay safe and healthy. 

The separation and fear have been draining, and many of us have dealt with loneliness and stress as we worry about our health and our loved ones. 

But now we have something to celebrate. Hope has arrived in the form of the COVID-19 vaccine. All Georgians age 12 or older are now eligible to get their shots. 

At Wellstar, we've chosen to lead by example. Across our health system, frontline healthcare workers and leadership have "stuck it to COVID." Whether they want to gather with friends and family, travel to a new destination or help protect vulnerable members of the community, our Wellstar team members all have their #MyWhy — the reason they chose to get vaccinated. 

For Dr. Jeffrey Hines, chief of gynecologic oncology for Wellstar, getting the shot was about a sense of responsibility. As medical director of the Wellstar Center for Health Equity, Dr. Hines works to ensure our underserved populations have access to the care they need to stay safe and healthy. He got the COVID-19 vaccine to protect those around him. 

“I’m a father, I’m a husband, I’m a brother and I’m a grandfather, and it’s important for me to protect my family,” Dr. Hines said. “I understand the science, and the science is important, but equally important to me is I want to be a trusted voice to people in the community who are most at risk for this and perhaps may have the most questions.” 

Dr. Sophia McIntyre, senior vice president of Wellstar Medical Group, also said she got her shot to stop the spread, noting that COVID-19 has disproportionately affected minority communities.  

“The reason why I got the COVID-19 vaccine is to ensure that I’m doing my part to bend the curve,” Dr. McIntyre said. “We know that African Americans and Latino Americans are dying at a higher proportion.” 

Dr. Danny Branstetter, Wellstar’s medical director for infection prevention, has been at the forefront of Wellstar’s work to fight COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. Now, he wants to see life return to normal, because health isn’t just about your body. It’s also about your personal connections and overall well-being. 

“I’m tired of being separated from my friends and family. I’m tired of seeing small businesses fold,” Dr. Branstetter said. “I’m tired of seeing the increased burden this places on those without resources. I’m tired of the loneliness this puts on those who are isolated and the elderly. My question is, aren’t you tired, too?” 

All of us play a part in ending this pandemic. 

“We’re in this together, and we can end this together through vaccination,” Dr. Branstetter said. 

To find a vaccination site near you, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website or local retail pharmacy.

She had a herniated disc on her sciatic nerve, along with degenerative disease, which is one of the most common causes of back and neck pain. She had tried epidurals and other treatments without much improvement, and it got to the point where she couldn’t walk without taking heavy pain medication.

But Barbara was determined to stay mobile. She turned to Dr. Marcus Gates, a neurosurgeon at Wellstar Cobb Hospital, about her next steps. Barbara was a little hesitant about surgery, but after getting to know Dr. Gates and discussing her treatment options, she felt confident about conquering her pain.

“Dr. Gates made me feel comfortable,” Barbara said. “He explained all the details of the surgery, such as how long the incision would be and how long it would take. He has a great bedside manner.”

For Dr. Gates, surgery is about more than the procedure — it’s about the person and how he can help them live a fulfilling life.

“Everything is tailored to the patient. It's customized care,” Dr. Gates said. “So what I'm trying to do is listen to the patient, figure out what exactly they need and try to provide that care as efficiently as possible.”

Barbara said Dr. Gates helped ease her fears about surgery and envision her life without pain.

“Dr. Gates told me I would walk out of the hospital after surgery,” she said. “He inspired me, and I believed him.”Barbara was back to doing her usual activities the same day of the minimally invasive surgery.

To learn more about how you can find success through spine surgery and find a solution for your pain, make an appointment with Dr. Gates in Austell or Smyrna at (470) 956-4410.

Barbara Deans

A stroke can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. In fact, every four minutes someone in the United States experiences a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

During Stroke Awareness Month this May, Wellstar health experts are spreading the word about how they’re helping Georgians can stay ahead of these life-threatening medical events.

“Because we live in the stroke belt here in Georgia, it is imperative we provide cutting-edge care for stroke victims,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke and neurocritical care with Wellstar Health System. “Wellstar’s ability to leverage our hospitals to work as one, cohesive unit and provide the same quality of care across the board really sets our health system apart.”

With the largest Joint Commission stroke-certified network in Georgia and access to advanced stroke care, Wellstar is dedicated to treating strokes faster and more effectively. But while we’re always ready to jump into action with life-saving treatments, stopping a stroke starts with you.

Do your part to lower the risk of a stroke and learn the warning signs that may help save a life.

At Wellstar, every cancer patient’s care plan is tailored just for 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.

“The concepts are the same, but every case is different,” said Dr. Justin Hart, a Wellstar radiation oncologist. “Every patient’s situation is unique, so we need to fully understand the location and extent of their disease and then customize their treatment plan. This is why our multidisciplinary Head and Neck STAT Clinic is so critical for these patients.  Only in a STAT Clinic can a head and neck surgeon and a radiation oncologist evaluate patients simultaneously.”

The Head and Neck Cancer Specialty Teams and Treatments (STAT) Clinic involves multiple specialists at once, giving patients and their loved ones the opportunity to get their questions answered in fewer visits. Patients and their families are involved in every decision, and their providers are right by their side. 

“We work together as an interdisciplinary care team, and the patient sees that they have multiple specialists invested in their care,” Dr. Hart said. “It shows them that their doctors are thinking of them together, even if we may be interacting with them separately after seeing them as a team in the STAT Clinic.”

The STAT Clinic also speeds up diagnosis, staging and treatment.  “We get answers faster, so we can help tailor that care plan much earlier. Then, the patient can start treatment sooner and get healthy,” said Dr. Timothy Ryan, a Wellstar Ear Nose & Throat physician. “We know that earlier treatment improves outcomes for patients.”

Head and neck cancers, like many forms of cancer, are much more treatable if caught early, so it is important patients pay attention and contact their provider right away if they experience any symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

Head and neck cancers can present in many different ways. If you experience any of these signs, be proactive and reach out to your Wellstar provider so you can address the issue and find the cause. 

In the mouth

• A white or red sore that does not heal on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
• Swelling in the jaw
• Unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth
• A lump or thickening
• Problems with dentures

At the back of the mouth (pharynx)

• Trouble breathing or speaking
• A lump or thickening
• Trouble chewing or swallowing food
• A feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Pain in the throat that won’t go away
• Pain or ringing in the ears or trouble hearing

In the voice box (larynx)

• Pain when swallowing
• Ear pain

In the sinuses and nasal cavity

• Blocked sinuses that don’t clear
• Sinus infections that do not respond to treatment with antibiotics
• Bleeding through the nose
• Headaches
• Pain and swelling around the eyes
• Pain in the upper teeth
• Problems with dentures

Dr. Ryan also recommends that if you’re a smoker and you have hoarseness for more than six weeks, you should see a Wellstar Ear Nose & Throat physician.

About twice as many men as women get head and neck cancers, and they are more common in people over the age of 50.

Although Wellstar’s expert providers are well-equipped to help you fight head and neck cancer, there are several 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. To learn more about head and neck cancer, see Wellstar’s guide to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care. Call (770) 956-STAR for more information.

You can schedule an appointment with a Wellstar provider by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of the page. Learn more at wellstar.org/cancercare. 

A cancer diagnosis can be unexpected and scary for both patients and their loved ones. But at Wellstar, we know the key to fighting cancer lies in a collaborative team approach.  

That’s why we’ve partnered with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers (NGOC) to bring the highest level of expert cancer care to Georgia. Here, you will have a multidisciplinary team by your side — an entire group of experts who will take the time to get to know you and will help you face cancer with confidence. 

“We’re there for our patients, to come up with their cancer plan, to get them through that, but we also follow them, oftentimes for 5 years or 10 years, to make sure that their cancer doesn’t come back,” said Dr. Michael Andrews, chief cancer officer at Wellstar. “It can be a very rewarding and close relationship.” 

NGOC is a team of board-certified medical oncologists and hematologists passionate about fighting for each patient. They are leaders and innovators in community-based cancer care and focus on creating the best outcomes for each patient.  

And with convenient locations all throughout metro Atlanta, you can get the care you need without the added stress of travel. 

Wellstar Health System, one of the largest healthcare systems in Georgia, announces multiple accolades, including national, regional and local recognition for facilities, service lines and leaders. Awards and accreditations for quality, safety, performance excellence and community service exemplify Wellstar’s commitment to world-class healthcare. 

“Dedication to excellence is a hallmark of Wellstar,” said David Jones, executive vice president and chief human resources officer of Wellstar. “People are at the center of everything we do. Achieving these accolades is a testament to our team’s hard work to enhance the health and well-being of every person, every time. It is not only our mission—it is our calling and our honor to offer tailored, compassionate healthcare to the people we serve.” 

National and regional organizations recognize Wellstar for quality, safety and performance excellence

• Healthgrades, which evaluates, recognizes and ranks hospitals that deliver superior care, recently named both Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital in the top 5% in the nation for overall clinical excellence and ranked both in the 2021 “Top 250 Best Hospitals.”   

• Wellstar Kennestone Hospital was also recognized for: 

• America’s 100 Best Critical Care 
• America’s 100 Best Gastrointestinal Care 
• America’s 100 Best Pulmonary Care 
• General Surgery Excellence Award 
• Joint Replacement Excellence Award 
• Vascular Surgery Excellence Award 

• Wellstar Cobb Hospital was also recognized for: 

• America’s 100 Best Gastrointestinal Care
• America’s 100 Best General Surgery
• America’s 100 Best Pulmonary Care
• America’s 100 Best Stroke Care
• Vascular Surgery Excellence Award    

• Wellstar Douglas Hospital and Wellstar Paulding Hospital both earned the highest possible grade of A from Leapfrog, the only hospital rating focused exclusively on hospital safety.   
• Newsweek published “The World’s Best Hospitals 2021,” which included Wellstar Paulding Hospital as one of the top hospitals worldwide. The research conducted spans 25 countries and rates and ranks those that stand out for consistent excellence. This accolade follows Wellstar Paulding Hospital’s November 2020 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award—the nation’s highest performance excellence recognition. Wellstar is the first healthcare entity in Georgia and second company in the state to receive the award.    
• Georgia Hospital Association Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) recognized Wellstar Health System with the Circle of Excellence award and third place overall in the Hospitals and Health Systems category. Wellstar Douglas Hospital received two PHA awards in the Hospitals with 100-299 Beds category: second place for “Reductions of Both Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) & Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) Within the Intensive Care Unit" and third place for “The Clinical Nurse Leader: Improving Heart Failure Patient Outcomes.”              
• Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) recognized Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center with the WarnerMedia Community Leadership Award: Downtown Atlanta as part of a tribute to healthcare workers across Atlanta during the 2021 Annual Meeting. The award “pays tribute to leaders and institutions that have had an indelible impact on Downtown Atlanta.” 
• Cobb Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting April 12, where Wellstar unveiled that it has been named one of the 2021 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® in the nation. Fortune also named Wellstar one of the 2021 Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma™. At the event, the Chamber recognized healthcare workers for the Citizen of the Year award, including Wellstar Health System. Nadine Lynch, ICU manager at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, accepted the award on behalf of Wellstar healthcare workers. 
• Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center South recently obtained American Diabetes Association recognition as a site offering education, training and support for individuals with type 1, type 2, gestational and pre-diabetes. 
• Wellstar West Georgia Women's Health Center received accreditation as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. This “designation is awarded to breast imaging centers that achieve excellence,” offering world-class, quality breast care for people served by Wellstar West Georgia.       

Wellstar leaders achieve industry and community recognition for ongoing contributions 

• John Kueven, SVP and president of Wellstar Paulding Hospital and interim president of Wellstar Cobb Hospital, was named a 2021 International Hospital Federation Young Executive Leader. This program identifies and recognizes emerging hospital leaders from around the world and creates opportunities for “impactful international conversations” that help shape healthcare leadership.
• Callie Andrews, SVP and president, Wellstar Cobb Hospital, was named SVP and chief operating officer for Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, one of the largest and busiest hospitals in the state of Georgia. In this role, Andrews will serve as an on-site designated leader to bridge the daily corporate and local operations of Wellstar Kennestone and Windy Hill Hospitals, affiliated Health Parks, and Hospital Outpatient Departments.
• Dr. Chirag Patel, medical director of Population Health, Wellstar Health System, was selected as an American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) 2021 Thomas C. Dolan Executive Diversity Program Scholar. The “new generation of top-level healthcare leaders” participate in an advanced leadership program that fosters diverse and responsive healthcare organizations.
• Vicky Hogue, vice president of Patient Services and chief nursing officer for Wellstar Paulding Hospital, received the Nikki T. Randall Servant Leadership Award from the Georgia Women's Legislative Caucus. She was selected by Representative Kimberly Alexander of District 66 for exceptional leadership and service.
• David Jones, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Wellstar Health System, was listed on the inaugural Human Resources Director (HRD) Global 100. This list features leaders across a variety of sectors, specialties, and regions worldwide, celebrating “the very best” in human resources.

Thanks to high precision instruments and tiny incisions, robotic-assisted surgeons give people a chance to have better outcomes—such as less recovery pain, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays, or for some outpatient procedures, no hospital stay at all.

World-class robotic services close to home

“We offer patients the best-in-class robotic surgical services, spanning from cancer and cardiothoracic procedures to highly coordinated bariatric robotic surgery—and everything in between,” said Dr. Scott Miller, a Wellstar urologist in North Fulton.

Wellstar has grown to house 13 state-of-the-art da Vinci robotic surgical systems at several of our hospitals and two outpatient surgery centers.

Because of the remarkable demand for robotics and the comprehensive offerings of the program, Wellstar recently named Dr. Miller the Director of Robotic Surgical Services. In his role, he ensures best practices are followed to deliver consistent, high-quality robotic procedures across all Wellstar locations.

Tiny instruments, big benefits

“One of the great things about robotic surgery is that we can do bigger operations through smaller incisions,” said Dr. Harry Lightfoot, a general surgeon at Wellstar Cobb Hospital and Wellstar Vinings Health Park. “Ultimately, that has a better impact on patients. Robotic surgery allows me to do complex work with less pain, less risk of infection—and it helps the patients get back to their lives faster.”

Dr. Lightfoot compared the length-of-stay in the hospital for a patient who has a robotic colon resection versus an open procedure. The majority of his patients go home within 1 ½ to 2 ½ days but a patient who has an open procedure stays in the hospital around a week.

“The idea is to have the least amount of tissue manipulation,” he explained. “By limiting the how much we alter the tissues, body processes go uninterrupted, and patients have quicker recoveries.”

As the weather starts to warm and flowers bloom, spring is in the air – and so is pollen.

If you deal with frustrating symptoms like a stuffy nose, sneezing or watery eyes, you’re not alone. Each year, more than 50 million people in the United States have allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Wellstar knows every Achoo! can impact your daily life, making it difficult to enjoy outside activities with family and friends. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, you can use simple strategies to take control of your seasonal allergies.

Tips to Relieve Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are your immune system’s response to certain environmental triggers, such as pollen from trees, grass or flowers. Your body’s reaction to these allergens can include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, red or itchy eyes, throat irritation and post-nasal drip.

By playing it smart and planning ahead, you can take steps to relieve your allergy symptoms. Follow the helpful tips below to say goodbye to seasonal allergies:

• Masks make a cool accessory. Wearing a mask can not only keep others safe from COVID-19, but also prevent you from breathing in pollen and other allergens.
• Try over-the-counter medications. Consult your Wellstar provider about common allergy remedies like antihistamines and nasal spray.
• Check the weather report. Avoid outside activities on days that are dry, windy or have a high pollen count of 1,000 or more.
• Don’t invite allergens inside. Keep windows and doors shut to prevent pollen from blowing into your home and contaminating surfaces.
• Stay on top of spring cleaning. Dust and vacuum often to remove potential allergens, such as dust, dander and pollen.
• Don’t forget your four-legged friends. Be sure to wash or brush your pets more often to remove loose fur and dander.

Expert Care for Allergies

When at-home remedies aren’t enough, Wellstar Allergy & Immunology is ready to care for you. If your symptoms are severe, you may need specialized treatment for allergies or be dealing with a chronic condition, such as asthma.

At Wellstar, we diagnose and treat a full range of adult and pediatric allergy conditions. Our allergists will partner with you to create a personalized care plan, which may include allergy shots, prescription medication or other therapies.

Don’t sneeze or sniffle through another season. Wellstar provides the world-class, tailored allergy care you need at convenient locations across metro Atlanta.

Click the “Book Now” button at the top of any page to schedule an appointment.

Wellstar Health System is recognized as one of the best companies to work for in the country for the fourth time; People-centric programs, benefits, and culture foster an inclusive, team-based workplace 

Great Place to Work® and Fortune have honored Wellstar Health System, one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia, as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For®. This is Wellstar’s fourth time on this prestigious, national list. Wellstar is the only Georgia-based healthcare company included in the 2021 ranking; only two other companies headquartered in Georgia were included in this year’s list.

“In a year of immeasurable challenges, our Wellstar team members and caregivers have remained focused on our mission to enhance the health and well-being of everyone we serve,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO, Wellstar Health System. “Earning the 100 Best Companies to Work For award is a testament to their bravery and unwavering commitment to providing people-centric care for millions of Georgians.”

The Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® award is based on analysis of survey responses from more than half a million current employees across the U.S. In that survey, 79% of Wellstar’s employees said Wellstar is a great place to work. By comparison, the average percentage of employees in the U.S. who say their company is a great place to work is only 59%.

"Offering the resources, support, and workplace culture team members need to be their best benefits everyone and everything we do,” said David Jones, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Wellstar Health System. “We care for our employees so they can care for our community. We are grateful for the recognition from Fortune and, especially, for the all the people who make Wellstar a great place to work.”

While Wellstar’s expert cancer specialists are well-equipped to help their patients fight cancer, they’re also dedicated to stopping cancer before it starts.

Part of preventing cancer is knowing your risk and taking action early. Wellstar’s Genetic Risk Assessment Program helps patients determine whether they may be at higher risk for some cancers.

At Wellstar, our focus is PeopleCare—personalized healthcare tailored just for you. For cancer care, that means taking a close look at what makes you unique—your distinct genetic makeup that sets you apart. Genetic counselors use a compassionate approach to guide patients and their families so they can make informed healthcare decisions.

“We are the busiest genetic counseling program in Georgia,” said Wellstar's Chief Cancer Officer, Dr. Michael Andrews. “Cancer care now is very genetically-based, and the specialists in our program can look for certain abnormalities and adapt treatments based on what they find.”

Halting Hereditary Cancers

Genetic mutations play a major role in about 5–10% of cancers. A patient with a family history of cancer who learns they have specific genetic mutations can partner with their provider to be more proactive, whether that involves screening, lifestyle changes or medical treatments. Taking a few proactive steps could prevent cancer, even if the patient’s genetics may put them at a higher risk.

Genetic testing can also benefit cancer patients and empower their whole families with important information. If a cancer patient learns they carry a mutation, it can help relatives decide if they could benefit from genetic testing. Also, people who have certain cancers and also have specific DNA sequences may benefit from targeted therapies.

Some possible signs of hereditary cancer include:

• Unusually early age of cancer onset
• Multiple primary cancers in a single patient
• Cancer in paired organs (such as in cancer in both breasts)
• Multi-generational cancers
• Rare tumors
• An unusual presentation, such as male breast cancer
• Belonging to an ethnic group known to be at high risk for hereditary cancers
• No environmental explanation for the cancer

Some gene mutations can increase your cancer risk, so if your provider finds that you are affected, they may recommend increased screenings and other precautions to monitor your health.

• TP53: This gene produces a protein that slows down tumor growth. Mutations in this gene can cause Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which puts patients at an increased risk for developing some cancers.
• BRCA1 and BRCA2: Mutations in these genes increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and male breast cancer.
• PTEN: This gene also stops tumor growth. Mutations in this gene are associated with Cowden syndrome, a disorder that increases the risk of breast, thyroid, endometrial and other forms of cancer.

Take charge of your health—and maybe help out a family member, too—by learning more about how your genetics could affect your cancer risk. Call (470) 793-7472 to book an appointment with a Wellstar Genetic Counselor. Both in-person and virtual visits are available. Learn more at wellstar.org/cancercare.

Wellstar and Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., the largest African American women's organization in the world with more than 350,000 college-educated members, have united to reach vaccine-reticent populations in Georgia by sharing personal “My Why” stories and reasons for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Who: Beverly E. Smith, national president and CEO of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., joined Wellstar team members in sharing a personal reflection about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. A recent poll found that Black voters in Georgia are less sure about vaccine safety than another racial or ethnic group, with 36 percent reporting that they are unsure if the vaccine is safe or not. The video aims to tackle these concerns and offer hope for the future as more Georgians become fully vaccinated. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. national president and CEO, Beverly E. Smith, joins Wellstar team members in sharing a personal reflection about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

To say Cindy Mejia is “busy” is an understatement. 

She’s constantly crunching numbers as an accounting manager for a large research institute, trying out new recipes in her kitchen at her Roswell home, or trying to keep up with her little granddaughter (who just discovered how much fun it is to run).

But one Wednesday in September, Cindy woke up and reached for her computer, trying to get an early start to her workday. She felt a little groggy and couldn’t remember her password but didn’t immediately realize something was wrong.

Then she stood up. Her right arm and leg weren’t functioning, and that’s when Cindy knew what was happening — she was having a stroke.

“The first thing I thought was, ‘I need to get to Wellstar North Fulton right away,’” Cindy said. “I knew the hospital was nearby and has a good reputation.”

That decision ultimately saved her brain and life.

For Cindy, the critical care she needed was close to home, too — she lives four miles from Wellstar North Fulton Hospital. There, her care team sprang into action, bringing her the treatment and peace of mind in a moment of crisis.

“From then on, I felt well taken care of,” Cindy said. “I was relieved, and I knew I was going to be OK.”

Cindy's close-to-home 'pit crew'

When a patient has a stroke, every second matters. Each minute that ticks by could be the difference between a permanent stroke and a return to routine. So at North Fulton, Cindy’s care team assembled quickly to save her brainpower.

“We’re like the pit crew on a NASCAR team,” said Dr. Ed Malcom, a Wellstar emergency medicine physician. “We have our emergency stroke care response down to a science. Everyone knows their role and works together to act quickly.”

Cindy was one of the first patients at North Fulton to benefit from the hospital’s newest addition to its stroke program. While North Fulton has been a primary stroke center for years, the introduction of thrombectomies at the hospital gives patients a close-to-home, life-saving option for stroke care — saving them both time and brainpower.

A thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to unclog an artery, restoring blood flow to the brain and preventing further damage. It does not involve cutting of the brain but instead starts with the insertion of a catheter through the patient’s groin.

“Recently, we’ve developed our own capability right here in the North Fulton area to pull the clot out of the brain. That’s a giant leap forward,” Dr. Malcom explained. “It's good for the whole state because there's only a handful of hospitals that do that, and it's good for the residents that live in that North Fulton area to have a hospital so close. They don't have to take a helicopter ride somewhere to get that procedure done. It saves time.”

For Cindy, having that procedure just a few miles from her home, right when she needed it, helped save her brain function.

“If Cindy would have gone to a different hospital that didn't provide this care, then it would have been a long time before she was able to have blood flow restored to the brain,” Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman said, explaining how critical each section was when it came to Cindy’s care. “The delay could have been 30 minutes or even an hour, and it's possible that she would have had permanent stroke, permanent damage to her brain instead of making the recovery she did.”

Offering thrombectomies at North Fulton has brought long-needed stroke services to the area north of Atlanta, so patients like Cindy don’t have to travel into the city through busy traffic to get the treatment they need.

“In a city like Chicago or New York, there are almost eight or nine stroke centers that provide thrombectomy in a city,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of the stroke and neurocritical care program at Wellstar. “Here in metro Atlanta, we have only had three for a long, long time. So, being able to provide care for patients in the northeast corner of our city is crucial because almost 2 million people live in that quadrant.”

Proximity to care is especially important for critical situations like strokes, Dr. Gupta said.

“Any disease that is time-sensitive where patients need to get to the hospital quickly, get treated quickly — the geography is everything, particularly in bad weather when helicopters cannot fly,” he said, explaining how logistics can impact life-saving stroke care. “We need to be able to provide services in the communities the patients reside and the North Fulton program is uniquely positioned to do that.”

Signs of a stroke can include a loss of balance, dizziness, blurry vision or sudden vision loss, drooping in the face, arm or leg weakness, and difficulty speaking. Patients who experience any of those symptoms should call 911 and seek medical care right away. 

Cindy said she is glad she got to the hospital as soon as she could — “I am so thankful that I took quick action and that I had Wellstar so close.” At North Fulton, she not only received the highest level of stroke care. Wellstar takes a multidisciplinary approach to stroke care, including specialists such as critical care specialists, neurologists, neurointerventionalists and physical therapists on the care team. 

“When you're feeling pretty healthy, you don't think a stroke can happen to you. It happens so quickly. You don't necessarily get a warning,” Cindy said, sharing the importance of listening to your body’s signals when it comes to health. “You can feel one way one day or one minute, and the next minute, it changes.”

Responding to vital needs among vulnerable communities during the pandemic, Wellstar is the first Georgia-based health system to become a national partner in new initiative

Wellstar Health System has joined Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM)’s National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (NCRN) of partners to further inform community-driven response, recovery, and resiliency strategies for addressing the impact of COVID-19 on communities.

In response to the needs of at-risk communities across the health system’s service areas, Wellstar has partnered with the MSM-NCRN and its 40 network partners across the U.S. to collaborate on offering COVID-19-related services to disproportionately impacted communities. As a not-for-profit system dedicated to providing “More than Healthcare. PeopleCare.” Wellstar is committed to addressing inequities that impact the health and well-being of people and communities through more than 450 community partnerships, Wellstar Community Health initiatives, and activities led by the Wellstar Center for Health Equity (WCHE).

One of the most critical barriers to health during the pandemic has been consumer access to reliable, science-based, culturally appropriate, and native language information resources, which the partnership will facilitate. Wellstar is the first Georgia-based health system to become a national partner in this important, new initiative.

“Wellstar is pleased to partner with Morehouse School of Medicine to provide vital information and resources for at-risk communities,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO, Wellstar Health System. “The NCRN is a strong complement to the important work that our Wellstar Center for Health Equity is doing, and we are thankful for the collaboration.”

Morehouse School of Medicine’s National COVID-19 Resiliency Network Builds Community Resiliency

The MSM-NCRN coordinates a strategic and structured national network of national, state/territorial/tribal and local public and community-based organizations that, together, will work to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minority and rural populations. The network helps to provide awareness of culturally appropriate health education information and linkage to care, helping organizations and families recover from pandemic difficulties. In addition to educational and informational resources in at least 10 languages to accommodate cultural competency, initiatives will include COVID-19 testing, vaccinations following phases directed by DPH, training opportunities for community leaders.

“Our national network connects individuals, families, community organizations and clinical providers to timely and relevant COVID-19 information and services in their neighborhood,” says Dominic Mack, MD, MBA, professor of family medicine and director of the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network in the National Center for Primary Care at MSM.

“Morehouse School of Medicine’s National COVID-19 Resiliency Network is designed to not only provide structure to the resources that are on the ground-level fighting this pandemic but is an important resource for our partners in serving the underserved and getting people the healthcare they need,” said Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD., MSM president and dean. “Organizations such as Wellstar here in Georgia, its Wellstar Center for Health Equity, and the partnerships we cultivate, are critically important to the mission of health equity and in fighting and defeating COVID-19.”

Wellstar Center for Health Equity Addresses Health Inequities across Georgia

The WCHE addresses health inequities across Georgia to enhance the health and well-being of the people and communities served by Wellstar. Through partnerships such as the one with MSM-NCRN, the WCHE implements multi-disciplinary approaches to address deeply entrenched social disparities and healthcare gaps. Programs led by the WCHE over the past year include walk-up, pop-up COVID-19 family testing; distribution of masks and safety kits to at-risk communities; Congregational Health Network communications, collaboration, information, and support; Spanish-language educational information for Latinx communities; a technology-driven Community Transformation initiative for local non-profits; joint Webinars on health equity topics in collaboration with Partnership for Southern Equity, Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement (ARCHI), and Georgia Health Policy Center; and a series of “Mobile Market” free farmer’s market-style grocery shopping experiences for hundreds of families with Goodr.

The partnership between Wellstar and MSM-NCRN will extend the organizations’ reach and resources to enhance information access and drive positive impact.

The NCRN launch follows a $40 million award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health to coordinate a strategic network focused on delivering COVID-19-related information to communities hardest hit by the pandemic. The launch of the NCRN occurs alongside the release of new digital technology accessible through the NCRN website. It provides location-based recommendations on where community members can get a COVID-19 test or receive a COVID-19 vaccine when distribution increases in the coming months.

Learn more about our COVID-19 vaccine updates. To access MSM-NCRN COVID-19 resources, visit www.msm.edu/ncrn. 

Valerie Orff was done with excruciating pain.

After suffering with severe back aches for 30 years, the Roswell resident had tried everything. Massage therapy, chiropractic care and even dry needling. But nothing provided permanent relief — until she went to Wellstar.

When Valerie’s pain, which had been steadily worsening over the past eight years, got to the point where she couldn’t play soccer with her grandchild, dance or sit on a motorcycle (one of her favorite past times), she told her primary care physician she needed a true solution. That’s when Wellstar stepped in.

Personalized Spine Care

Dr. Basheer Shakir, a neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, carefully and thoroughly examined Valerie and discovered what had been bringing her discomfort and slowing her down — a disc in her back was degenerating, and one of her vertebrae was moving back and forth on another one, instead of staying in place.

“This was causing back and leg pain that affected her daily activities and quality of life,” Dr. Shakir said.

Dr. Shakir knew Valerie was hesitant about getting surgery. But after spending time getting to know Valerie, and learning about her busy, active lifestyle, the two decided on a minimally invasive surgery that could quickly get her back to her routine.

Minimal procedure. Maximum results.

Valerie’s Wellstar team was able to perform a fusion operation by accessing the disc through her side, without traumatizing the muscles in her back. This shortened her hospital stay, minimized her pain after surgery and accelerated her recovery.

Although she had initially been nervous about spine surgery, Valerie said Dr. Shakir listened to her concerns, presented all her options and explained everything in detail so she knew what to expect. In short, he treated her as much more than just a “neuro patient,” but as a person.

Now, 12 weeks after surgery, Valerie is pain-free for the first time in three decades.

“I put my faith and trust in him, and now I can’t even tell you how good it is to get up every day and go to bed with no back aches. I sleep through the night, go to the gym and lost 15 pounds,” she said.

If you are struggling with back pain, Wellstar’s expert neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons can help you decide if spine surgery is right for you. 

Physician leader and digital healthcare strategist Hank Capps, MD, to drive next-generation healthcare delivery strategy for leading health system.

Wellstar has hired Hank Capps, MD, as executive vice president and chief information and digital officer. In his role, Dr. Capps will be responsible for advancing the system’s digital strategy to reimagine and enhance the consumer healthcare journey and experience, while evolving and optimizing the not-for-profit company’s operational technology-based platforms, processes, and partnerships.

Dr. Capps joins Wellstar after more than 18 years with Novant Health in North Carolina, where he held a series of clinical and administrative roles as an executive leader. His proven skills and expertise as an accomplished operator and digital healthcare strategist will further equip Wellstar to leverage advanced technology to transform healthcare with deeper patient engagement and consumer control.

“At Wellstar, we put people at the center of everything we do, and that includes our digital strategy,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO, Wellstar Health System. “As both healthcare delivery and technology continue to evolve at a rapid pace, Wellstar is focused on how to accelerate and leverage the intersection of these two industries to improve patient care and outcomes. Dr. Capps is the experienced and visionary leader we need to define the path forward for our system and the communities we serve.”

The global COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented shift in the healthcare industry, resulting in consumer and provider demand for next-generation care and tools. Dr. Capps will head a team of technology and digital healthcare experts to identify gaps and opportunities in healthcare delivery and consumer engagement to create innovative, world-class solutions that fulfill this expectation.

“Wellstar’s industry leadership in healthcare excellence is grounded in continually and intentionally enhancing both the patient and provider experience,” said Dr. Capps. “The pandemic has impacted the dynamic of that consumer journey, accelerating technology adoption and exacerbating the need for creative solutions that enable access to quality care. I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Wellstar team as we leverage emerging technology and innovative thinking to transform the future of healthcare.”

The Wellstar Center for Health Equity will host a Virtual Town Hall this Thursday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. to address community questions about COVID-19 and vaccines. To register, visit wellstar.org/townhall

Marietta, Ga. (MARCH 2, 2021) — Wellstar Health System, one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated healthcare systems, is hosting a Wellstar Center for Health Equity Virtual Town Hall with its Congregational Health Network this week.

What: The event, held in collaboration with the Wellstar Congregational Health Network, Morehouse School of Medicine National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (MSM-NCRN), and Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement (ARCHI), will address pertinent questions about COVID-19 and vaccines with faith communities across Georgia. The 90-minute event will feature a panel of healthcare experts, including Wellstar and Morehouse School of Medicine physicians, who will address questions provided by the community in advance of and during the event, including the latest information and resources to combat COVID-19.

When: The Virtual Town Hall will be held via Zoom on Thursday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. and will offer participants the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from healthcare experts who are dedicated to community education and outreach. Faith leaders and congregation members are invited to register at wellstar.org/townhall.

Panel: The panel of experts will include Dr. Tabia Henry Akintobi, Morehouse School of Medicine; Dr. Je­ffrey Hines, Wellstar Center for Health Equity; and Dr. Zandraetta Tims-Cook, Wellstar Medical Group.

ABOUT WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM

At Wellstar, people are at the center of everything we do. By listening actively to what people want, need and expect from their healthcare, Wellstar is able to provide “More than Healthcare. PeopleCare.” — at every age and stage. Nationally ranked and locally recognized for our personal, high-quality care, inclusive culture, and exceptional doctors and team members, Wellstar provides access to compassionate, high-quality care through our: 11 hospitals; 300+ medical office locations; 9 cancer centers; 74 rehabilitation centers; 3 hospice facilities; 1 retirement village; 29 imaging centers; 16 urgent care locations; and 5 health parks. As one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia, Wellstar is growing our services, footprint, capabilities, and ability to meet evolving patient needs. Our passion for people extends into the communities we serve. As a not-for-profit health system, we thoughtfully reinvest annually in prevention and wellness programs, as well as charity care for eligible patients. Our Wellstar Foundation also supports our mission to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve with funding for equipment, services, and programs that provide more than healthcare.

Wellstar Health System, one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated healthcare systems, and Sharecare, the digital health company that helps people manage all their health in one place, announced a strategic partnership to collaborate on unique, market-leading innovations in personalized care delivery, population health, and consumer engagement.

“People are at the center of everything we do,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO, Wellstar Health System. “Our partnership with Sharecare was forged to deliver an innovative experience that will engage and empower people in improving their health and wellness in unprecedented ways. Together, we are building on our vision for the healthcare system of the future that empowers the consumer.”

Wellstar will leverage Sharecare’s digital engagement platform and expertise to equip its team members with enhanced resources and health information to take control of their day-to-day well-being. Through this partnership, Wellstar also will become the first “Sharecare-enabled” health system in the country, utilizing Sharecare’s solutions to accelerate the transformation to value-based care and applying resulting insights to optimize, expand, and, ultimately, re-imagine the overall consumer healthcare experience.

Platform Supports Team Members with Wellness Resources

Sharecare delivers each person a customized digital experience where they can easily access extensive information, engagement resources, and clinically validated tools to improve their individual health and well-being, no matter where they are in their health journey. In Summer 2021, Wellstar will roll out Sharecare’s award-winning virtual care platform to its 24,000 team members to help them manage their overall physical and mental well-being and navigate related employee benefits, all in one place. In addition to the comprehensive content and resources already available through Sharecare, the two organizations will focus on innovating incentives and rewards administration that tie to engagement and outcomes and capitalize on existing Wellstar workplace well-being strategies and programs, such as employee fitness centers and biometric screening programs.

“Our team members are dedicated to caring for Georgians each and every day,” said Saunders. “That’s why it’s important that we care for them with world-class solutions that equip them to be at their best.”

Closing Gaps in Care by Enhancing and Personalizing the Consumer Experience

As the country’s first Sharecare-enabled health system, Wellstar will work with Sharecare to co-develop consumer-facing offerings—available in Georgia through Wellstar exclusively through 2023—to achieve better health outcomes. To accomplish this, Wellstar will integrate its electronic medical record system with the Sharecare platform and utilize the digital health company’s robust portfolio of provider solutions, data management tools, and artificial intelligence capabilities to better identify and close gaps in care. Once a condition or potential care gap is identified, Wellstar providers can “prescribe” patients with additional information, digital therapeutics, and clinical programs through the secure, unified Sharecare platform, where in turn people can access those resources, monitor their progress, and, ultimately, become more engaged in their overall health and well-being.

“In addition to supporting our client partners throughout the pandemic, we have also continued to innovate and make strategic acquisitions—the collective impact of which has yielded new strategic opportunities, including accelerating our ability to bring our vision for the Sharecare-enabled health system to life,” said Jeff Arnold, founder, chairman, and CEO of Sharecare. “The key, however, was finding the right health system partner—one who shared our commitment to not only compassionate, community-driven care but also digital innovation and optimizing patient-clinician encounters through data. As a Georgian, I take pride in the fact that the ideal partner to help us realize this vision is Wellstar.”

Strategic Investment Fuels Innovation and Custom Development

To support the definition and development of the consumer-facing offerings, Wellstar has made a $10 million strategic investment in Sharecare, joining several investors who also are customers. The firms will collaborate on platform deployment, integration, and content strategy to drive value for all audiences, with a focus on the consumerization of healthcare and evolving the consumer healthcare experience. As Sharecare’s newest strategic partner, Wellstar is joining the company’s already impressive roster of investors, whose reach extends from the living room to doctors’ exam rooms and into the workplace. Select Sharecare strategic partners include hospitals, healthcare investment firms, and health plans, in particular HCA, Trinity Health, the Heritage Healthcare Innovation Fund and CareFirst; media companies Discovery Communications, Harpo Productions, and Sony Pictures Television; high-growth technology investment firms such as Claritas Capital; noted institutional investment funds such as Wellington Management; and other major reputable corporations such as Aflac Corporate Ventures, Quest Diagnostics, Wells Fargo, and Swiss Re. The partnership between Sharecare and Wellstar is the first of its kind for the two organizations.

The closing date of the strategic investment from Wellstar preceded the February 12, 2021 announcement that Sharecare has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Falcon Capital Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: FCAC), a special purpose acquisition company.

About Wellstar Health System

At Wellstar, people are at the center of everything we do. By listening actively to what people want, need and expect from their healthcare, Wellstar is able to provide “More than Healthcare. PeopleCare.”—at every age and stage. Nationally ranked and locally recognized for our personal, high-quality care, inclusive culture, and exceptional doctors and team members, Wellstar provides access to compassionate, high-quality care through our: 11 hospitals; 300+ medical office locations; 9 cancer centers; 74 rehabilitation centers; 3 hospice facilities; 1 retirement village; 29 imaging centers; 16 urgent care locations; and 5 health parks. As one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia, Wellstar is growing our services, footprint, capabilities, and ability to meet evolving patient needs. Our passion for people extends into the communities we serve. As a not-for-profit health system, we thoughtfully reinvest annually in prevention and wellness programs, as well as charity care for eligible patients. Our Wellstar Foundation also supports our mission to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve with funding for equipment, services, and programs that provide more than healthcare.

About Sharecare

Sharecare is the leading digital health company that helps people—no matter where they are in their health journey—unify and manage all their health in one place. Our comprehensive and data-driven virtual health platform is designed to help people, providers, employers, health plans, government organizations, and communities optimize individual and population-wide well-being by driving positive behavior change. Driven by our philosophy that we are all together better, at Sharecare, we are committed to supporting each individual through the lens of their personal health and making high-quality care more accessible and affordable for everyone. To learn more, visit sharecare.com.

About Falcon Capital Acquisition Corp.

Falcon Capital Acquisition Corp. is a newly incorporated blank check company whose business purpose is to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. While the Company may pursue on initial business combination opportunity in any industry or sector, it intends to focus on business in the media, digital media/consumer technology, mobile gaming, interactive entertainment, health wellness/lifestyle and related industries which capitalize on its management team's expertise. The Company's management team is led by Alan G. Mnuchin, the founder and chief executive officer of Ariliam Group. The Company has formed an investment partnership with Eagle Equity Partners, which is a founding investor in the Company's sponsor. For more information about Falcon Capital Acquisition Corp., please visit falconequityinvestors.com.

Additional Information About the Business Combination and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination, FCAC has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which includes a proxy statement/prospectus, and certain other related documents, to be used at the meeting of FCAC stockholders to approve the proposed business combination. Investors and security holders of FCAC are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus, any amendments thereto and other relevant documents that will be filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about Sharecare, FCAC and the proposed business combination. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of FCAC as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed business combination. Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement and other documents containing important information about the business combination and the parties to the business combination once such documents are filed with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Falcon Capital Acquisition Corp., 660 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10065, Attention: Saif Rahman, Chief Financial Officer.

Participants in the Solicitation

FCAC and its directors and executive officers, under SEC rules, may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from FCAC's stockholders with respect to the proposed business combination. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in FCAC is contained in the final prospectus for FCAC's initial public offering, which was filed with the SEC on September 23, 2020, and is available free of charge at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Falcon Capital Acquisition Corp., 660 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10065, Attention: Saif Rahman, Chief Financial Officer. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed business combination when available. Each of Sharecare and its directors, executive officers and other members of its management and employees, under SEC rules, may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of FCAC in connection with the proposed business combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the business combination will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed business combination when available.

At Wellstar, people are at the center of everything we do, from compassionate medical care in hundreds of locations across Georgia to your online experience of accessing that care. That's why we've redesigned our website with you in mind.

Our new website is crafted to enhance your healthcare experience and features a clean, modern layout that will make it even easier for you to access physicians, make appointments, find services and locations nearby, and so much more.

PeopleCare at Your Fingertips

The new and improved wellstar.org is part of the ongoing evolution of the Wellstar brand and yet another example of PeopleCare. We want to make sure that you get the information and resources you need as quickly as possible.

The updated, mobile-friendly online presence will help you find critical resources in just a few taps. You can easily locate helpful features like “Find a Doctor” and “Pay Your Bill” directly on the homepage. If you are visiting another page on the website, simply click the “For Patients and Families” tab on the top left of the menu bar.

Some key resources on Wellstar's new website include:

• Find a Doctor—Getting convenient care close to home just got easier. Click on the "Find a Doctor," search by your location, pick a specialty that best fits your personal care, and you will be paired with world-class physicians immediately.
• Our Services—At Wellstar, we know that every health journey is different. When you use the "Our Services" button located on the homepage, it will help guide you to your personal healthcare destination. Once you're on the page, you'll be able to pick the service that best suits you and your care.
• Find a Location—Find a convenient Wellstar location near you. Simply click on the "Find a Location" button on the homepage or click the "Book Now" button at the top of any page.
• Pay Your Bill—View your medical bills online, safely and securely. Click the "Pay Your Bill" button on the homepage or visit your MyChart account on the top right corner of any page.

COVID-19 Resource Center

Get the most up-to-date information from our health experts by heading to the COVID-19 Resource Center. You'll receive the latest news on the COVID-19 vaccine, testing and other helpful tips like how to care for a sick loved one and managing your mental health during the pandemic.

Moving Forward & the Future of Wellstar.org

In addition to the user-friendly design and up-to-date information, our new modern platform provides enhanced stability and security. That means you can always feel safe when browsing our website or paying your bill online.

This launch is just the beginning for wellstar.org, as we continue to address the ever-changing healthcare needs of the community. We hope you like our new digital home!

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact us at online@wellstar.org.

John Petrick loves the simple things in life. He revels in time spent with family, reeling in a big catch and feeling the crisp wind in his face during a morning bike ride.

However, for a man that enjoys such simple pleasures, John’s heart health is quite complicated. For a long time, his well-being felt like a puzzle that no one could quite figure out.

John’s complex heart issues first began over two decades ago, when he nearly died after his heart suddenly went into an abnormal rhythm.

After the life-threatening heart episode, specialists in California diagnosed him with ventricular tachycardia (VT), a severe heart condition in which abnormal electrical signals cause the heart to beat faster. Then later, he was also diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular and rapid heart rhythm that can cause heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

From defibrillators to heart surgeries, John and his Californian care team worked hard to manage the ups and downs of his heart conditions. But after spending years in the Golden State, John was ready to take on a new adventure: moving over 2,000 miles away to Georgia.

“The decision to move to Georgia was difficult because of my heart conditions,” John shared. “I needed a doctor who would really take the time to sort everything out.”

Luckily, it wasn’t long before John was connected with an entire team of Wellstar heart experts delivering comprehensive care all within the same health system.

Finding the Right Rhythm

Before being referred for specialty care by his Wellstar primary care provider, John briefly received heart care from another health system in Georgia. However, he had some reservations about his treatment.

“Honestly, it wasn’t the level of care – especially in terms of empathy – that I was used to,” he admitted. “And that’s a scary situation when you have a condition like mine.”

That was never a problem at Wellstar. As soon as he met with Wellstar Health System Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology Dr. Narendra Kanuru, John knew the physician was in his corner.

“I could tell Dr. Kanuru really took the time to study my case,” John said, remembering his first visit with the specialist. “He recited my medical history from the last 20 years, without having to look at any papers.”

Since then, they have developed a great healthcare partnership, always keeping an open line of communication.

“I feel so comfortable expressing any fears or apprehensions about my conditions or treatment with Dr. Kanuru. He’s always very receptive,” John shared. “His level of empathy, professional expertise and ability to communicate and understand me is just as valuable as his technical, medical skills.”

Along with Dr. Kanuru’s expertise, Wellstar Cardiologist Dr. David Caras provides an essential complement to John’s cardiovascular care. While a cardiac electrophysiologist hones in on the functional and rhythmic areas of the heart, a cardiologist offers a broad spectrum of heart care.

While each focusing on their areas of expertise, the two heart specialists collaborate to create the best treatment plan for John, and adjust it along the way.

“Dr. Kanuru and Dr. Caras work together as a team,” John said. “It’s truly remarkable and beautiful. Often, I’ll go to see one of the doctors and they’ll mention a conversation they had about me with the other recently.”

If “adventure” were a gene, John Petrick surely passed it on to his daughter, Janin.

The father-daughter duo has always wanted to experience everything life has to offer. Together, the pair has survived an avalanche in the Alaskan wilderness, spent the night stranded on a cliff and even made a cross-country move from California to Georgia.

But one thing they never expected to have in common was a rare heart condition.

Instead of putting their shared adventures on pause, John and Janin teamed up with Wellstar in different ways to manage their heart conditions. With an entire team of heart specialists working seamlessly together, the pair found the expert, specialized cardiac care they needed – and it never skipped a beat.

Discovering the “Janin Genome”

For more than two decades, John managed the ups and downs of atrial fibrillation (Afib) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) with specialists in California. But after moving cross-country to Georgia, he had to start over from scratch.

With such complex heart conditions and a more recent diagnosis of congestive heart failure, John knew he couldn’t trust his care to just anyone. At Wellstar, he soon found an expansive, multidisciplinary team – including cardiologists, electrophysiologists and surgeons.

Similarly, Wellstar would also end up helping John’s daughter, Janin, following her treatment for a severe heart episode – one that was strikingly similar to her father’s. After several spells of faintness, Janin was equipped with a Holter monitor, a wearable device that records heart rhythms.

“After just 18 hours, I got a call from my doctor’s office. My electrophysiologist was gravely concerned about the readings,” Janin recalled. “Apparently, the night before, my heart had completely stopped for five seconds. And, at that very moment, I was in a dangerous arrhythmia.”

Just like her father, Janin was diagnosed with VT and an atrioventricular block, which occurs when the electrical signals traveling from the upper chambers of the heart to the lowers chambers is blocked.

She soon got a defibrillator implanted to help keep her heart in regular rhythm. As Janin started to get back on track after the surgery, her doctor felt more answers could be uncovered. At her electrophysiologist’s suggestion, she participated in genetic testing.

At Wellstar, John underwent the same genetic testing to see if any clues about their heart conditions could be uncovered in their DNA. With just a simple blood draw, the Wellstar Genetics team can get an inside look at the hereditary markers for certain genetic conditions.

After sharing so many adventures and similar personality traits, it was no surprise when the results revealed the same exact abnormality in both of their genes.

However, the genetic discovery – playfully nicknamed the “Janin Genome” by John and his daughter – was a first for the heart specialists. While genetic tests for other heart conditions like cardiac disease may be more commonplace, testing for arrhythmic heart disorders like VT is rare.

“When we got the results, they told us, ‘We've never seen this before – such an identical test result, regarding the same gene and the same anomaly affecting heart rhythm,’” John said. “The doctors concluded there may be a genetic connection to our heart problems, and it was worth paying attention to and exploring further.”

The Petricks are now in the process of getting the genetic testing done for the whole family, so all of their loved ones can take charge of their own wellness.

“After we had our testing, it was a starting point for our family,” Janin said, explaining how the genetic testing had a positive ripple effect for her family members. “We encouraged every single one of our blood relatives to go through genetic testing.”

As you prepare to welcome a new little one to your family, you are faced with so many decisions about childbirth and parenting, which have been complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this exciting but possibly stressful time, your Wellstar provider can guide you through these difficult choices, taking into account your personal medical history and your unique pregnancy situation.

Now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for emergency use against COVID-19, many patients have questions about how getting the vaccine could affect pregnancy and breastfeeding.

As vaccine supplies become more plentiful and eligibility expands to more age groups, OB/GYN experts recommend that vaccines be offered to those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Here is their guidance for new mothers considering the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are pregnant and you get infected with COVID-19, you are at higher risk of severe complications.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women are more likely than people who are not pregnant to experience severe illness, be admitted to the ICU and need to use a ventilator for breathing. There is also a higher risk of death from COVID-19.

The vaccines will not change your or your baby’s DNA.

Don’t worry about the vaccines altering you or your baby’s genetic material—that’s not how the mRNA vaccines currently available work. The CDC and ACOG agree that the vaccine cannot cause any genetic changes in you or your baby because they do not enter the nucleus of cells, where DNA is housed. The vaccines trigger a protein response in your body that helps build immunity. For more information on how the vaccines work, check out Wellstar’s COVID-19 Community Toolkit.

You and your baby will not get COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine.

The Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine confirms these vaccines cannot give you or your baby COVID-19. The vaccines currently available contain mRNA, not any form of the COVID-19 virus.

There is no data to suggest vaccination impacts future fertility.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine and ACOG both recommend that those trying to become pregnant or considering a future pregnancy still get vaccinated. You will not have to delay or avoid pregnancy after getting both doses of the vaccine. There is also no reason to delay pregnancy attempts because you got the vaccine.

You can still breastfeed.

ACOG recommends that COVID-19 vaccines be offered to lactating women. The Association of Breastfeeding Medicine agrees and says there is no need to avoid starting or to stop breastfeeding if you get the shot.

If you have any questions about the vaccine’s effect on pregnancy or fertility, a discussion with your women’s health provider could help you make an informed decision together. A phone call or virtual visit with your caregiver is a safe and easy way to get more answers about the COVID-19 vaccine.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is the foremost professional membership organization for obstetricians and gynecologists. It is comprised of over 60,000 members (board-certified OBGYNs) spanning the entire career lifecycle.

Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) is the professional society made up of OBGYNs with advanced training and focus on high-risk pregnancies and conditions.

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is the professional society made up of OBGYNs with advanced training and focus on infertility.

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) is a global community of medical doctors with diverse backgrounds and specialties creating a network of experts and advocates to drive breastfeeding medicine forward.

You may be wondering why Valentine’s Day has become such a big deal for a healthcare system like Wellstar. It’s because we aren’t sending our heartfelt thanks and virtual hugs to just anyone. This year, we believe our healthcare heroes deserve all the love and appreciation.

At Wellstar, people are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve, and nothing would be possible without the continued commitment of our team members.

Whether they are fighting the virus on the frontlines or working behind the scenes to keep our facilities sparkling clean, each and every team member plays a vital role at Wellstar Health System.

From February 10-14th, we want to honor Wellstar healthcare heroes as “Vital Valentines”—those dedicated to delivering world-class care to Georgia. Our team members always put the health and safety of our patients and communities first, even through the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of backing down from the challenges over the past year, our team members have rolled up their sleeves, taken on new responsibilities and shown fearless leadership to continue the life-saving work we do every day.

Please join us in celebrating the selfless commitment of Wellstar’s “Vital Valentines” as we continue to move forward into a new era of hope and healing.

Show Your Support on Social Media

Have you had a standout experience with a Wellstar team member? Tell us how our team has gone above and beyond. Simply write a sweet social post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtags #WellstarHealthSystem and #VitalValentine.

For more feel-good stories about our “Vital Valentines,” follow Wellstar Health System on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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 doctor each time they need a check-up or just whenever they feel sick. Similarly, many patients use the walk-in convenient 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 physician – and specialty medicine providers within the same health system – give 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 Wellstar Health System’s robust network of medical experts, such as cardiologists, oncologists, neurologists and more.
• 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 physician 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 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.

At Wellstar, we treat more than patients. We treat people—friends, family, neighbors—who are wholly unique. That’s why our cancer specialists never use a “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to your care.

As soon as you are diagnosed with cancer, we provide expert and tailored care that can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery. Our multidisciplinary oncology teams rely on the latest research, innovative treatments and world-class technology to target tumors with precision.

No matter your diagnosis or stage of disease, our cancer experts can create the best and most effective treatment plan for you.

Expert, Personalized Cancer Care

Our dedicated oncology team includes board-certified oncology physicians and surgeons, nurse navigators, registered dietitians and genetic specialists, who are ready to fight alongside you at the first signs of cancer.

Whether you live in the metro Atlanta or West Georgia area, Wellstar makes it easy to find expert care. We have specialized cancer treatment centers close to home, including the newly-renovated Enoch Callaway Cancer Center at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center and Specialty Teams and Treatment (STAT) Clinics at Wellstar Cobb Hospital, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar North Fulton Hospital.

Here, patients get a customized care plan for their unique cancer diagnosis quickly, instead of waiting weeks or months for treatment.

At the STAT Clinics, each patient has a face-to-face meeting with their oncology team on one day, at one appointment. This multidisciplinary approach helps you get the right treatment for your unique diagnosis as soon as possible.

Access to cutting-edge care

Wellstar offers a wide range of advanced and minimally-invasive treatment options, such as:

• Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): During this procedure, a one-time, concentrated dosage of radiation is administered during surgery. That means patients like Nan Harman-Dempsey can finish their radiation in mere minutes, instead of weeks of follow-up appointments.
• Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR): Using targeted beams of radiation, radiation oncologists can virtually cut out tumors without ever making an incision. This treatment can be crucial for people like John Cashen, who have cancer in more complicated areas in the body like the lungs.
• CyberKnife robotic surgery: This state-of-the-art treatment delivers precise, high-dose radiation to tumors, while also protecting healthy tissues in the body.
• Integrated therapies: Alongside conventional treatment methods, physicians may suggest other therapies—including acupuncture, yoga and meditation—to promote relaxation and improve quality of life.

As part of the Mayo Clinic Care network, your trusted Wellstar doctors can combine their understanding of your unique medical needs with Mayo Clinic expertise so that you get exactly the care you need, close to home.

Whether you have just been diagnosed with cancer or are looking for a second opinion, Wellstar’s expert oncology team can help you get back to life faster.

Wellstar believes not one cancer diagnosis is ever the same.

That’s because each and every person is unique, from their body, genetic makeup, medical history and lifestyle. No matter your cancer diagnosis or stage of disease, our oncology experts create a care plan that is custom-fit for you.

From metro Atlanta to West Georgia, our comprehensive cancer network provides patients with world-class technology, leading expertise and multidisciplinary care through every stage of their cancer treatment.

Screenings & preventative care

Wellstar health experts aim to catch cancer early, so you can have the best outcome possible. An annual visit with your primary care provider (PCP) can help you stay ahead of many major diseases, including cancer.

During a wellness exam, our PCPs use preventative health screenings—such as mammograms, colonoscopies and prostate exams—to spot cancer or other potential diseases faster, often before symptoms even appear. Screenings for lung cancer are also available, often ordered for those who have a history of smoking or may have been exposed to carcinogens.

That means we can save more patients’ lives like Frank Ryan, who defeated cancer twice, and Phyliss Davis, who beat breast cancer after being diagnosed during a routine mammogram.

If your family has a history of cancer, a genetic risk assessment can help determine the possibility of you developing the disease and the likelihood of passing the genes to children.

Diagnosis & treatment

Wellstar invests in state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat cancer quickly and effectively. Our patients have access to a wide range of minimally-invasive and cutting-edge cancer treatments, including intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) and CyberKnife robotic surgery.

At Wellstar, we understand no person with cancer is exactly alike. That’s why our multidisciplinary team of experts will develop the right treatment for you, considering your unique diagnosis as well as your medical history, health concerns, lifestyle and personal beliefs.

At select Wellstar locations, patients have access to our Specialty Teams and Treatment (STAT) Clinics. Here, people with cancer receive personalized, world-class care while being fast-tracked from diagnosis to treatment in record time.

As part of the Mayo Clinic Care network, your trusted Wellstar doctors can combine their understanding of your unique medical needs with Mayo Clinic expertise so that you get exactly the care you need, close to home.

Any time your doctor wants to confirm a treatment plan or request a second opinion, they can consult directly with Mayo Clinic's top specialists on your condition.

Recovery & continued support

People with cancer can find support from the Wellstar oncology team, including nurse navigators, oncology registered dietitians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and financial counselors.

Cancer and certain treatments can often have physical, psychological or cognitive side effects that may impact your daily life. Cancer rehabilitation and integrated therapies—including acupuncture, yoga and meditation—can help you live your fullest, healthiest life by lessening the side effects of cancer and treatment.

Whether have recently been diagnosed with cancer or are entering remission, education and support are essential. Wellstar offers cancer-related support groups and educational opportunities, such as nutrition and fitness classes, to help you cope.

At Wellstar, you never have to brave cancer alone. Our dedicated oncology team will provide continued, compassionate care for every step of your diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

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 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
• 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.

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 Appointment’ button at the top of any webpage.

No stroke is ever the same. That’s because people—their brains, their nervous systems, their genetics—are all different. At Wellstar, we provide world-class stroke care for each and every patient when they need it most.

During a life-threatening stroke, parts of the brain may become damaged, causing long-term disability, permanent injury or even death. Our trained team understands how getting fast, expert stroke care can mean the difference between life, death or lasting damage.

From metro Atlanta to West Georgia, Wellstar has the largest Joint Commission stroke-certified network in Georgia, so you’ll receive high-quality care wherever you go. Count on our medical experts to treat your stroke as quickly and safely as possible.

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. That’s exactly what happened for Nan Harman-Dempsey and Frank Ryan.

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 an Appointment” button at the top of the page.

As the matriarch of her family, Phyliss Davis has always taken care of everyone before herself. Between a busy schedule and devoting time to her granddaughter Wynter, Phyliss made a habit of putting her own health on the back-burner.

Hoping to check another job off her to-do list, she finally squeezed a routine wellness appointment onto her calendar. But when Phyliss’ medical chart showed no recent mammogram, her primary care physician grew concerned.

"When my doctor asked how long it had been since my last mammogram, I didn’t want to admit that I hadn’t had one in years," Phyliss said, remembering how the medical professional urged her to get a breast exam as soon as possible.

Because I didn’t have a family history of breast cancer, I thought I didn’t have to worry.

Luckily, Phyliss came in at just the right time. Her mammogram caught a concerning lump that couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. Following a biopsy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Throughout her cancer journey, the grandmother would learn the importance of taking care of her own health and body. And soon, she would truly understand the words her mother told her as a child: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

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.

Wellstar Health System, one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated healthcare systems, announced that the Wellstar Cancer Network was recently recognized nationally as a cancer treatment leader. Honored with an Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and designated as a Care Continuum Center of Excellence by the GO₂ Foundation for Lung Cancer, the Wellstar Cancer Network continues to pioneer innovative cancer treatments and technologies to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients.

“Wellstar Health System is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality of compassionate and personalized care,” said Dr. Michael Andrews, Chief Cancer Officer of the Wellstar Cancer Network. “We are extremely proud of the Wellstar Cancer Network and our team of highly skilled physicians, nurses and oncology support services who excel at treating the spectrum of cancer illnesses with the most advanced, patient-centric technologies and treatments. We are focused on enhancing the health and well-being of everyone we serve, with a commitment to delivering world-class cancer care.”

Wellstar earned an Outstanding Achievement Award for the third consecutive cycle from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). The highest honor in the United States awarded to a cancer program, the Wellstar Cancer Network was recognized for achieving excellence in providing care to cancer patients. Award recipients must have received commendation ratings in all seven commendation standards and receive a compliance rating for each of the 27 remaining cancer program standards.

At Wellstar, we believe prevention is the best way to protect yourself from a potential flu infection. That’s why it’s important for you and your family to get a flu shot every year.

This year, your loved ones age 12 and older may also choose to get the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect their health.

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic,  we know it may be confusing to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19. If you are unsure if you are experiencing flu or COVID-19 symptoms, please see the comparison section below.

Flu vs COVID-19

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both viral respiratory illnesses and share many common signs and symptoms. Both illnesses are contagious and can be spread through person-to-person contact, although COVID-19 can spread to other people more easily and quickly than the flu. New variants of COVID-19, such as the Delta variant, are more contagious and spreading quickly across the U.S.

Since the flu and COVID-19 have many similar symptoms and traits, it may be difficult to determine which respiratory illness you may be experiencing. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are key differences between the two illnesses:

Similarities

• Fever* or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Headaches
• Vomiting and diarrhea, most common in children
• People 65 years of age and older and those with underlying health conditions may be at higher risk of contracting the flu and COVID-19.*
• Serious medical complications may occur, including pneumonia, respiratory failure, cardiac injury, worsening health conditions and bacterial infections.

*Note: Not everyone with the flu will have a fever. Children under the age of 5 may also be at higher risk of contracting the flu.

Differences

Seasonal flu shots are widely available to the public. With the COVID-19 vaccine now available for people age 12 and older, you and many of your loved ones can choose to be vaccinated to help keep our community safe. Find a location near you through the DPH website or at a local retail pharmacy. 

Compared to the flu, people with COVID-19 may often:

• Experience sudden change or loss in taste or smell

• Experience additional complications in severe cases, including blood clots in the veins and arteries of the lungs, heart, legs or brain
• Take longer to develop symptoms (up to 14 days after infection)
• Stay contagious longer (at least 10 days after symptoms appear)

Diagnostic testing may be the best way to determine if you are currently infected with COVID-19 or may have had a past infection of the virus.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, click here.

Is It the Flu, Common Cold or COVID-19?

Compared to COVID-19 and even the flu, people with common colds usually experience milder than the other infections. Typically, colds do not result in serious health problems or complications, such as pneumonia or bacterial infections.

People with colds are more likely to have stuffy or runny noses. In general, experiencing fever, chills and headaches are uncommon.

For more detailed information, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or visit our COVID-19 resource page.

Belinda Momon has been making music her whole life, encouraging elementary students to build good character, serving as band director, playing percussion and traveling with her church choir. There’s little that can stop this lifelong teacher and Douglas resident.

When Belinda was diagnosed with breast cancer, she knew she could fight it with the same passion she always applied to music. And her victory over the disease became her most important composition.

It all began as a pact between two sisters. After losing their mother to cancer, Belinda and her sister vowed to get mammograms every year. In 2017, everything looked normal until Belinda found a lump.

It was a Friday evening, and Belinda wasted no time and saw her physician.

At Wellstar Douglas Hospital’s Imaging Center, the new mammogram confirmed she had cancer, underscoring the importance of paying attention to your body and discussing any changes with your doctor.

“My sister battled with breast cancer twice. She said ‘if I can get through this, you can get through this,’” Belinda remembers. “I felt encouraged.”

Personal care at every step

Belinda, who had just wrapped up her 30th year teaching, now had to draw up the same courage she had always instilled in her students.

“There’s so much life that I still need to live,” she said. “I’m not allowing breast cancer to stop me.”

As Belinda started her cancer journey, she met Diane Austin, a nurse navigator at Douglas Hospital who survived breast cancer herself. Diane helped her make connections and appointments with cancer specialists.

The connection with the nurse navigator was immediate. As a cancer survivor herself, Diane understood what it meant to face cancer and all the uncertainty surrounding it.

“When I came across the nurse navigator position at Wellstar Douglas Hospital, it sprung off the page,” she recalled. “I immediately thought ‘this is something I can identify with.’ I just felt like I was called to do this job.”

At Wellstar, this personal connection is at the core of every physician, nurse and team member, extending beyond the walls of our hospitals.

“Sometimes, we have a patient who has to have a biopsy and is going to it alone. We’ll go there with them,” she said. “I think about my patients when I go home. I make sure I call back and keep up with them to let them know I am still here for them if they need me.”

Belinda began chemotherapy treatment to shrink the tumor before surgery. She went to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for a mastectomy—a full removal of the breast tissue and lymph nodes. Here, all her previous exams were readily available thanks to Wellstar’s electronic medical record, allowing for a seamless transition between facilities.

In the months following her surgery, Belinda underwent a daily schedule of radiation on the Wellstar Cobb Hospital campus in Austell. The treatment drained her energy, but not her determination to live life to the fullest.

Llen Ryan has been the rock of her family’s household for more than 50 years, from raising children alongside her husband Frank and watching her grandchildren grow up.

When she started feeling constant back pain six years ago, she knew she wouldn’t give up her independence and exercise routine without a fight. The thought of stopping her daily walks around Kennesaw Mountain bothered her as much as the physical pain itself.

“I couldn’t walk. I was on the couch for a long time, months, because that would help ease the pain somewhat,” Llen said, expressing her frustration with the debilitating back pain. “I couldn’t stand using a cane or a walker anymore.”

That’s when she met Dr. Franklin Lin, a board-certified neurosurgeon and spine surgeon who helped her take the first steps toward better health.

“When I first met Llen, her chronic back pain had begun interfering with her everyday life. She was starting to have difficulty doing the activities she enjoyed,” Dr. Lin recalled.

“After evaluating her condition, it became clear she was suffering from spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces between the spine,” Dr. Lin said, explaining how the condition can be caused by wear and tear over time. “Patients with spinal stenosis can often feel tingling, numbness and a ‘pinching’ sensation in the spine, which can be very painful.”

Looking at Zac DiGiorgio today, you wouldn't know he almost lost his life—twice.

Like any typical guy in his early 20’s, Zac was always on the move. He liked to keep himself busy and lead an active lifestyle.

So naturally, when his parents needed their shutters replaced, Zac was the first to volunteer. With a drill in hand, he climbed up the ladder to replace the old hardware and change out the shutters.

Moments later, everything changed in the blink of an eye.

A terrifying crash sounded from outside the home. Zac’s father, Chris DiGiorgio, rushed out the front door to see a parent’s worst nightmare: his 23-year-old son face down in the driveway, having a seizure.

After shouting to his wife to call 911, Chris was at his son’s side. He cradled Zac on the concrete driveway, trying to steady his body from the convulsions.

“I really didn't know what was happening,” Chris recalled. “I knew he was having a seizure, but I didn't know if he had any other injuries or anything else going on.”

But one thing was clear: Zac had plummeted to the ground from the top of the ladder, smacking the right side of his head hard on the concrete.

The severity of the fall triggered a seizure, often characterized by body spasms or unconsciousness. However, these episodes can also have cognitive and emotional effects, such as fear or anxiety.

In Zac’s case, he became extremely agitated. After waking from the initial seizure, he argued with his dad and fought against his hold. Even when the first responders arrived, he refused to get on the stretcher and instead walked himself to the ambulance.

With lights flashing and sirens blaring, the ambulance raced towards Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. On the way, Zac complained of pain in his shoulder from a broken collar bone. But after experiencing another seizure on the short eight-minute drive, it was clear much more was going on inside his body.

After being admitted, it would be weeks before Zac awoke again in the hospital—with no memory of the accident.

September hasn't always been Ashley Irwin’s favorite month. Years ago, that time of year when the leaves changed into bright, warm colors held some of the darkest moments of her life.

In 2011, a 28-year-old Ashley was battling a particularly bad bout of Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory illness that can cause painful and often debilitating abdominal and bowel issues.

After the intense flare-up, Ashley was settling in at home again with the assistance of her mother. She was determined to regain her independence and get back on track.

But it wasn’t long before the sharp sensation of a migraine hit her full force. Pushing through the pain, she tried to check her email for any new messages, though it was nearly impossible to type in her username and password.

“As I sat in front of the computer, I couldn’t even remember my last name to log in to my email account—no matter how hard I tried,” Ashley recalled the terrifying moment.

Almost immediately, Ashley’s mother noticed her confusion, and stepped in to assess the situation and double-check her daughter’s cognitive abilities.

“My mom asked me, ‘Who am I? What’s my name?’ In my head, I knew she was my mother, but I just couldn’t connect the dots and express it,” Ashley said, describing her confusion and difficulty thinking. “At that moment, I couldn’t tell you her name or her relationship to me.”

Worried, the mother and daughter rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital’s Emergency Department for immediate medical treatment. After being evaluated, it was clear that Ashley was dealing with much more than just a bad headache—she was having a stroke.

At Wellstar, we know not one person’s life has gone untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Across Georgia — and throughout the world — we’ve had to continue to fight the virus as new variants emerge. But through every challenge and triumph, we’ve all been in this together.

However, hearing the same news reports and safety information over and over can become tiresome. It’s possible to forget what our community has been working towards… but now is not the time to tune out.

Wellness is a two-way street, and it’s up to all of us to make well happen.

That’s because just as much as saving lives and fighting illness happens every day at our Wellstar healthcare facilities, staying well starts with you. When you focus on the wellness of your world — yourself, family and friends — you have a profound impact on people everywhere.

When you join the movement to make well happen, you become a wellness warrior.

Here's how to do your part to make well happen:

• Stick it to COVID and get the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect your health and prevent the spread of the virus.
• Wear a mask to keep yourself healthy and the most vulnerable members of our community safe.
• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds to rid your hands of viruses, bacteria and other harmful germs that are easily spread by touching.
• Watch your distance around others to avoid community spread of COVID-19.

As you dedicate yourself to doing your part, Wellstar continues to keep the people and communities we serve safe every day. We have been working hard to make well happen, across all of our hospitals, health parks, urgent care centers and hundreds of medical offices.

How Wellstar is helping to make well happen:

Wellstar is ready to protect your health amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We’re dedicated to delivering safe, expert care to our patients, no matter what their medical concerns may be.

From suiting up in PPE to ensuring our facilities stay sparkling clean, our team members have put additional measures in place to protect you from infection. To learn more, visit our COVID-19 resource page.

As we fight on the frontlines to keep Georgia well, we also look to you. You are a change-maker. When you do your part, we all work together to make well happen.

For years, Alpharetta attorney Nan Harman-Dempsey dealt with high-pressure situations in the courtroom. But after receiving the results from her biopsy, there was a new challenge on the docket: breast cancer.

Nan’s fiery personality wouldn’t let her back down from taking on this new opponent.

“I was never afraid even when I heard ‘cancer,’” Nan said of her diagnosis. “I’ve always been the type of person to look ahead and stay positive. With the Wellstar team behind me, I knew I was in good hands.”

For cancer patients like Nan, every minute counts. When Nan visited the Wellstar Specialty Teams and Treatment (STAT) Clinic, she started a treatment plan right away.

“We don’t want our patients or their families to be scared and waiting for answers,” added Dr. Laura Pearson, Wellstar breast surgeon. “That’s why we offer patients appointment times as soon as possible at the STAT Clinic.”

Even after treating thousands of patients with breast cancer, the Wellstar cancer team knows no person, situation or care plan is ever the same.

“Breast cancer treatment is very individualized,” explained Dr. Pearson. “Not one person gets the same treatment. Every patient in our cancer program has a care plan tailored to fit exactly what, where and how their cancer needs to be treated.”

This same principle would hold true for Nan, as she was selected to be the first Wellstar North Fulton Hospital patient to receive a new treatment called intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT).

Nan Harman-Dempsey has never been afraid of a challenge.

After all, that’s what led her to become an attorney and start practicing law in the heart of Alpharetta. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was Wellstar who came to her defense.

For years, Nan put her time and energy into representing clients in the courtroom, always brushing off her annual exam. Before she knew it, nearly a decade had passed since her last mammogram. It was only due to her primary care physician’s persistence that Nan decided to schedule an appointment.

“My doctor had been begging me for a long time to get a mammogram,” Nan reflected. “I finally caved in and went. Turns out, I hadn’t had a mammogram in over eight years.”

Even after her mammogram, Nan wasn’t worried.

“The staff said, ‘We’ll see you next year’ as I was heading out,” Nan recounted, noting she was in and out of the appointment in record time. “I left without a second thought. It was back to business as usual for me.”

But the next day, Nan received a phone call requesting she return for follow-up testing. At her appointment, Nan studied the black and white images captured from the mammogram on the screen, perplexed.

“On my X-ray, there were four tiny white spots lined up like little soldiers,” Nan said, describing the intensity of the situation. “I wasn’t quite sure what I was looking at, but that’s when the physician explained, ‘This is your body telling us to look further.’”

Following a biopsy, Nan was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Johnny “Bow” Matthews was preparing for bed when he felt a tightness in his chest he just couldn’t shake.

He tried to sleep, but chest pains wouldn’t let him drift off. He attempted to wake his wife, Deidra, but she wouldn’t budge.

The mother of two had been up and about all day, from preparing breakfast early in the morning to putting the kids in bed after dinner.

“I told her, ‘Hey, something’s wrong,’ but she was sleeping too deeply and wasn’t comprehending.”

Bow couldn’t afford to wait. As the pain and discomfort worsened, he dressed and drove to the emergency department at Wellstar Cobb Hospital.

Most people can’t wait to leave the hospital. Deidra and Bow Matthews, however, weren’t quite ready on their discharge day.

Deidra had just delivered Chase, a beautiful girl. Holding that tiny, fragile baby in their arms, both new parents felt nervous about what to do next. But the nursing staff at Wellstar Cobb Hospital surrounded them with unfailing support and helped the Matthews family gain more confidence in holding, feeding and swaddling their new bundle of joy.

As the tuba player in his band, Frank sets the bass tone for every other instrument, for every song.

“I enjoy being in the New Horizons Band at Kennesaw State University. There, I’m part of a community who loves and supports one another,” Frank said. “I love playing the tuba because I can visualize the people who played before me. And it constantly reminds me that being part of a community makes life worthwhile.” So, when his heart lost its pace, skipping beats and banging against his chest, he knew there was something wrong with the most important instrument in his body.

“I was working out on the elliptical at Wellstar Health Place, and the heart rate monitor on the machine was jumping to 200 beats per minute. I knew something was wrong,” Frank said. “I was already a patient of Dr. Paul Simonoff’s, so I called his office and he took me in right away.”

“Frank’s heart was racing,” said Dr. Simonoff. “He was also experiencing heart palpitations, fatigue and shortness of breath. That’s when I discovered his heart was out of rhythm.” Dr. Simonoff diagnosed him with atrial fibrillation (AFib), which occurs when the upper chambers of the heart—known as atria—beat irregularly and fail to pump blood efficiently to the rest of the body.

The symptoms of AFib are sporadic. You might notice a skipped heartbeat, and then feel a thud or thump, followed by your heart racing for an extended period. You might feel fluttering or jumping, mimicking the effects of a heart attack.

“Dr. Simonoff had to do other diagnoses and perform more tests before I could receive electrical cardioversion shock treatment,” Frank said. Electrical cardioversion shock treatment is a procedure that restores a normal heart rhythm in people with certain types of abnormal heartbeats, Dr. Simonoff explained.

“It often takes only one shock to restore the heart to a regular rhythm,” Dr. Simonoff said, noting that the patient is under general anesthesia during the procedure. “They’re asleep and don’t feel a thing. They’ll wake up from the procedure and ask, ‘So, when are we getting started?,’ and it’s all done. Their heart is already back in rhythm.”

“I haven’t had a problem ever since then, and I’ve been taking my medication to prevent it from happening,” Frank announced. “It’s fully under control.” Dr. Simonoff sees these symptoms frequently and knew that the AFib Clinic at Kennestone Hospital could help Frank. This highly-specialized team provides a thorough clinical evaluation of patients with AFib.

To this day, this is still the only comprehensive and dedicated atrial fibrillation clinic in Georgia. Frank now manages his AFib with medication, regular exercise and checkups. “Frank is doing great,” Dr. Simonoff smiled. “I see him on regularly and his heart has remained a steady rhythm. Our goal is to have patients like Frank be as healthy as possible so they can get back to their lives.”

Thankfully, Frank resumed his place in the New Horizons Band without skipping a beat.

“I don't think we are thankful enough to our doctors or to people who work in healthcare. We are here because they're there,” said Frank. “We’re here because they've done their job and they're dedicated.”

At Wellstar, we are here to support your children’s health and safety this school season.

In the wake of COVID-19, returning to school has posed new challenges. For many students, in-person education means scoring A’s while also learning how to stay safe. Some schools have opted for virtual learning, with parents taking on the dual role of caretaker and teacher.

This year, protecting your child’s health is more important than ever. To help them head back to school feeling their best, be sure to schedule a wellness exam with their pediatrician and follow our other helpful tips.

Whether your child is attending school in-person or online, it’s important to teach them the proper steps to protect their health. That’s why Wellstar has created a simple, back-to-school song to make safety easy and fun.

It’s almost too cool for school. Check out the song here and you can even join in on the fun by sharing the video of your child’s rendition on social media.

At Wellstar, we know many people — especially teens and young adults in their 20s and 30s — may be experiencing ‘COVID fatigue’ after more than a year of the pandemic. However, as COVID-19 cases and new variants of the virus emerge, we must work together to keep the community safe.

During this time, protecting your health means protecting your personal freedom in the future. If you would like to hang out with friends or go on vacation when it’s safe, then it’s important to follow preventative health measures now.

If we all work together now, we can help slow the spread of COVID-19 and get back to normal activities, safely.

Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick

Use these helpful tips to keep yourself and others in the community safe:

• Stick it to COVID. Get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect your health and help keep your friends and family safe.
• Make masks a priority. Wear a mask or cloth face covering when in close proximity to others. Check mask policies for local businesses before you go, and follow their protocols to protect yourself and others around you.
• Keep your circle small. Although it may be tempting to attend a large gathering with your friends and family, be sure to avoid groups of more than ten people.
• Practice social distancing. Maintain a safe distance of six feet between yourself and others in public. Remember, wearing a mask or cloth face covering is not a substitute for social distancing.
• Follow best practices for better health. Practice preventative health measures like frequent hand-washing (for at least 20 seconds) and covering coughs and sneezes.
• Stay social while you stay at home. Connect with friends virtually over the phone or video chat, instead of having an in-person meeting.Avoid drugs and alcohol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), substances can weaken your body’s ability to fight infections such as COVID-19.
• Be smart about your plans. When possible, visit shared spaces during slower times to avoid crowds and limit contact with others.
• Consider postponing unnecessary travel. Taking trips and traveling may put yourself or others at a higher risk of infection.
• Stay home if you feel sick. If you aren’t feeling well, stay home to help keep others in the community healthy. However, if you are experiencing an immediate medical emergency, get help right away.

For more resources and information about how to protect your health during the pandemic, visit our COVID-19 resource page.

At Wellstar, not one patient, symptom or treatment plan is the same—even in an emergency. Now, the new, state-of-the-art emergency department (ED) at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center delivers quality and compassionate care to every patient, every time.

Located just north of metro Atlanta, this 263,000 sq. ft. medical facility is one of the largest and busiest EDs in the nation and:

• It is one of only three Level II trauma centers in metro Atlanta.
• Increased its bed-count from 84 to 166 beds (130 universal beds and 36 transition beds).
• It is one of four Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Georgia.
• It is the only Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Cardiac Center in the state and seventh in the nation.
• Can treat more than 600 patients a day—nearly doubling its previous capacity—with up to 220,000 patient visits per year.
• It has 170 parking spaces for patients on the street level, accessible from Cherokee Street.

When you first glance at Frank and Ellenora "Llen" Ryan, the word "fighter" likely isn't the top quality that pops into mind.

Between the two of them, they have defeated cancer twice, overcome debilitating spine pain and triumphed over a cardiology episode. Now, they’re fighting Parkinson’s disease with the same energy, confidence and heart.

In the wake of the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, many people may feel anxiety or stress. Handling strong emotions is a normal response, according to Wellstar health experts.

“Things are changing very rapidly,” says Dr. Chirag Patel, Wellstar Medical Director of Population Health. “This virus is new, and Wellstar has been preparing and taking care of the communities we serve. We also encourage people to take care of themselves physically and mentally.”

According to the CDC, reactions during the outbreak can include:

• Fear and worry about your health status and that of your loved ones who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
• Worsening of chronic health problems. Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Figuring out ways to cope with anxiety and stress can help you, your loved ones and your community. If stress begins to interfere with your daily life, reach out to your healthcare provider.

Here are some helpful coping tips:

• Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do some other activities you enjoy to return to your healthy life.
• Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships.
• Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking.

For more information, please see the CDC's website on managing stress in children, adults and medical caregivers.

At Wellstar, we are committed to keeping you and your family safe every day. As we transition to the summer months, it’s important to continue health precautions to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

With new variants of COVID-19 on the rise, it’s important to be smart when venturing into public businesses and shared spaces, such as hiking trails, parks and pools. According to Wellstar health experts, the increased activity and contact with others could lead to a rise in COVID-19 cases.

“Although summer can be a relaxing time for us all, it’s not time to become lax with preventative health measures,” said Dr. Chirag Patel, Wellstar Medical Director of Population Health. “Unfortunately, many of our favorite summertime activities, such as visiting the beach or park, can bring large groups of people together and put you or your loved ones at a higher risk for infection.”

“While enjoying the sunshine and fresh air this summer, it’s important to use common sense when venturing into public spaces,” Dr. Patel explained. “People should continue taking extra safety precautions such as social distancing and frequent handwashing. If we’re not careful, the community could see a spike in COVID-19 cases.”

Summer Safety Tips

Protect your health and have fun this summer season. Start by getting the COVID-19 vaccine to keep yourself, your loved ones and the community safe.
Here is an easy way to remember how to stay safe:

• Small Groups – Keep your circle small. Don’t attend large gatherings and avoid large groups of people if possible.
• Big Spaces – Play it safe. When visiting public places, maintain a safe distance of six feet between yourself and others.
• Short Times – Limit your time in shared spaces. When possible, schedule outings during slow periods to minimize contact with others.
• Quiet Places – Find quiet environments and use your inside voice. When speaking in a lower volume, it can help reduce the potential risk of saliva droplets contaminating the air.

Before you leave for an outing, don’t forget to take a personal summer safety “go” bag for each member of your family that includes:

• Cloth face coverings
• Disinfecting wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Personal utensils for dining — like a fork, plate, or cup — to avoid using shared items.

For more resources and information about how to protect your health during the pandemic, visit our COVID-19 resource page.

Wellstar Health System, one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated healthcare systems, today announced Wellstar Kennestone Hospital was named the recipient of the prestigious Georgia Oglethorpe Award for 2020, Georgia’s highest level of recognition for organizational performance excellence. Presented by the Florida Sterling Council, the award recognizes organizations and businesses “that have successfully achieved performance excellence within their management and operations.” This award announcement falls on the 70th anniversary of the hospital—a significant milestone in community care.

Award Recipients Are Role Models for Excellence

Due to its high standard for excellence, the Georgia Oglethorpe Award represents one of the most significant levels of recognition an organization can receive. Recipients of the Georgia Oglethorpe Award are examples for excellence for other organizations.

This award is presented after rigorous evaluation to recognize organizations that have achieved management and operations performance excellence. Only 89 organizations have earned awards since 1992 from the Florida Sterling Council—the organization that orchestrates the Georgia Oglethorpe Award. The awards are “presented annually to high performing, role-model organizations, both private and public, that demonstrate superior management approaches and role model results,” according to the Florida Sterling Council.

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Makes an Impact

Founded in 1950, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital is a 633-bed hospital, anchoring the regional medical center located in Marietta, Georgia, and is part of the nationally recognized non-profit Wellstar Health System. The hospital serves hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and consistently demonstrates high performance levels across all metrics, including quality, safety, satisfaction, and operations.

Wellstar invests consistently in new innovations that help address vital healthcare needs, such as Georgia’s first CyberKnife^®, TomoTherapy^® and da Vinci^® robotic surgical systems.

As one of only three Level II trauma centers in Metro Atlanta, and part of the state’s largest trauma network, Wellstar Kennestone operates the second busiest emergency department (ED) in Georgia and the eighth busiest ED in the U.S., caring for more than 138,000 patients per year. The new ED is slated to open late June 2020 and will be one of the top two largest and busiest EDs in the nation, serving up to 600 patients per day and 220,000 patients each year at full capacity, doubling the current trauma and emergency capacity. The 263,000-square-foot facility will include dedicated isolation and decontamination rooms that can be used for patients who present with infectious disease, behavioral health, or chemical contamination issues and multiple entrances for different levels of patient severity. Offering a dedicated pediatric ED and many industry-leading features and processes, the new ED dramatically enhances access for Georgians to vital healthcare needs and will be a model for best practices in emergency services, both for the region and nationally.

Celebrating 70 Years of Compassionate Care

Today, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital is honored to celebrate its 70th anniversary. The hospital was founded in 1950 to serve the needs of the rapidly growing Cobb County community, which had tripled in the ten years prior. The May 21, 1950 edition of the Marietta Daily Journal stated the facilities “are said to be among the best available in hospital circles in the Southeast”—a fact that stands true today. For the last 70 years, the hospital has been a pinnacle in the Marietta community and is a destination hospital for North Georgia and neighboring states.

“Every birthday that we celebrate not only signifies our maturity in age but also our advancement in serving our community,” said Mary Chatman, executive vice president of Wellstar Health System and president of Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital. “We, the more than 5,000 employees of Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, are proud to be the healthcare choice for many patients, from the beginning of life, when we celebrate birth, to the end of life, when we demonstrate dignity.”

The hospital’s longest-tenured team member and unofficial historian, Joyce McMurrain, has worked at Kennestone for almost 55 years. Joyce began her career as a staff nurse in the maternity unit and has served in many roles. McMurrain is currently the nurse manager for professional practice and helps to guide rising senior nursing students. “One of my proudest accomplishments is helping Wellstar to re-shape and re-structure women's health services,” said McMurrain. “The hospital moved from a traditional maternity model to a modern family-centered approach that provides women greater access, support, decision-making in the delivery process, childbirth, and care.” She credits her longevity to her credo of believing that we are all connected and that service makes a significant difference in people's lives.

Chatman and McMurrain join Wellstar Kennestone Hospital team members in celebrating this significant milestone 70th anniversary, knowing that the hospital will continue to provide compassionate care for the communities it serves for years to come.

Wellstar is committed to providing the best and safest care possible to children. Across our health parks, pediatric offices, pediatric emergency departments and dedicated pediatric center, we’ve put extra precautions in place to prevent the spread of infections such as COVID-19 so children can thrive.

When it comes to pediatric surgery, we are committed to providing safe care. Therefore, each child will receive a pre-op COVID-19 test, and we’ve developed this helpful resource for parents so they know what they and their child can expect.

Keeping Kids Calm & Engaged

We understand many children may be going through a difficult time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many may experience anxiety and stress—especially if they can’t visit a loved one in the hospital. Wellstar has created some talking points for parents to help them explain to children why they must not visit at this time.

Additionally, if parents are struggling to keep kids feeling connected during the pandemic, our pediatric experts have developed these great ideas for engaging kids at home.

Kids & COVID-19

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most COVID-19 cases in children are mild and mirror adult symptoms, such as fever, runny nose and cough. However, some children—especially those with underlying medical conditions—may get severely ill from COVID-19 and may require hospitalization.

The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to limit contact as much as possible. While adults make up the majority of COVID-19 cases, children may be asymptomatic and may pass the virus to others. Children should have limited interaction with higher-risk individuals, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.

If your children may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and keep your children at home and away from others as much as possible.

Wellstar is committed to keeping our communities safe and healthy amid COVID-19 and beyond.

At this time, it’s important to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you can to help protect yourself and others. Be sure to continue following the 3Ws — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. The most commonly reported symptoms are:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fever

Other symptoms can include:

• Body aches
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Postnasal drainage
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea

“We are finding that 80 percent of COVID-19 cases are mild and can be handled at home,” says Dr. Danny Branstetter, Wellstar Infectious Disease Specialist. “It’s when symptoms worsen and become unmanageable that people will need clinical medical attention. You can also speak with your healthcare provider about potential outpatient treatment, especially if you are a high-risk individual.”

If symptoms get worse, call an emergency department, urgent care, primary care provider or your local health department ahead of time to receive guidance on coming in for testing and treatment.

What happens if you or a loved one gets sick?

The CDC advises that caregivers who have had close contact with a confirmed case or someone under investigation for COVID-19 should closely monitor their own health. If you develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away.

Caring for someone at home who is sick

“It’s important to care for a loved one, but do it safely,” says Dr. Branstetter. “While symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of the flu or common cold, we have to remember that this is a new virus and we are still learning about it. The highest levels of research are being conducted to combat this disease, so caregivers at home must exercise caution to protect themselves and others.”

When caring for someone at home, the CDC recommends:

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitizer, if available, that contains 60-95% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Viruses can be transmitted easily through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, and bedding with the patient. After the patient uses these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water.
• Clean all frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, bedside tables, counters and tabletops every day. Also, clean any surfaces that may have body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions.
• Wash laundry thoroughly using a normal laundry detergent according to washing machine instructions and dry thoroughly using the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label.
• Help the patient follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for medication.
• Provide support for getting groceries, prescriptions and other personal needs, and help with basic household needs.
• Try to stay separated from the patient as much as possible. Stay in another room and use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if available.
• Prohibit visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home.
• Care for any pets in the home. The person who is sick should not handle pets or other animals while sick.

What to do if you become sick:

Your healthcare provider and public health staff will evaluate whether you can be cared for at home. If it is determined that you can be isolated at home, you will be monitored by staff from your local or state health department. You should follow these steps until a healthcare provider or local or state health department says you can return to your normal activities.

• Stay home except to get medical care. Restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
  • If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19 to help to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.
• You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day.
• Monitor your symptoms, including tracking your oxygen levels at home. Patients should seek immediate medical care if their oxygen level is 94 or less, according to Dr. Branstetter.
• When resting, it is helpful to sleep on your stomach.
• Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.

Discontinuing home isolation

• Stay at home until instructed to leave. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low.
• Talk to your healthcare provider. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

For more information, visit the CDC.gov.

Adults age 65 and older are at a higher risk of contracting severe illnesses, including coronavirus (COVID-19). That’s why it’s especially important for older adults to take preventative health measures during a pandemic.

At this time, it’s important for seniors to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect their health. Be sure to continue to follow the 3Ws — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

Under normal circumstances, older adults may experience loneliness and depression. But with the cancellation of many community events and disruption of everyday activities due to COVID-19, the senior population can feel even more isolated.

“Typically, when we reach retirement, we tend to form daily and weekly routines that become very important to us and ensure we are socializing with others and living a fulfilling life,” said Dr. Jeffrey L. Tharp, Wellstar Health System Chief of Primary Care and Medicine Service Line.

“Now that our elderly are practicing social distancing, they no longer have these outlets. This may lead to further downstream effects, such as exercise limitation, nutritional deficiencies and lack of compliance with medical appointments and treatments,” Dr. Tharp explained.

As stress and anxiety about the outbreak increases, seniors may also experience changes in sleep patterns and worsening signs of depression and dementia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several ways seniors can stay happy and healthy during this difficult time:

• Breakaway from news coverage. Watching, reading, or listening to constant news and social media stories about COVID-19 can increase stress and anxiety.
• Care for your physical health. Try to maintain your personal hygiene, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.Make time to rest and relax. Every day, set aside time for fun activities you enjoy.
• Stay connected with friends and family. Reach out to your trusted loved ones to share your concerns and feelings.
• Call your healthcare provider for support. If you are feeling overwhelmed several days in a row, ask for help from your healthcare team.
• Take action if strong emotions persist or worsen. If you, or a loved one, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or feel like you may harm yourself or others, call 911 for immediate assistance.

For more information, please visit our article about taking care of your mental health.

Offering Hope to Elderly Loved Ones

During this challenging time, friends and family can be an important support system for seniors. Even while social distancing to keep elderly loved ones safe, people can still find ways to connect with them.

Here are some easy ways to help older adults cope with the stress:

• Make a virtual visit. Setting up a video chat, making a phone call or sending a quick text message can go a long way in helping older adults feel connected.
• Send snail mail. Take the time to write a physical letter or send pictures of your favorite memories together. This small act of kindness can bring older adults comfort and hope.
• Brighten their space. Help seniors feel upbeat and positive by keeping their living spaces well-lit. Gift a flower arrangement to add a cheerful pop of color to their home.
• Encourage proper hygiene. Send little reminders to your loved ones to wash their hands often and bathe daily.
• Be mindful of mental health. Remind older adults to think positively and relax with fun activities like puzzles and other games.
• Take a walk down memory lane. Reminiscing about happier times can help improve memory function and bring older adults hope, even while they’re staying inside their homes.
• Keep news to a minimum. The constant media coverage about COVID-19 can be overwhelming for older adults. Suggest they only check one or two reputable news sources a day for the latest information.
• Lend a helping hand. Offer your care and support during this challenging time. Let your loved one know you’re just one phone call away if they need anything. 

Finding ways to help elderly loved ones cope with anxiety and stress can help them stay healthy and hopeful. If you notice stress beginning to interfere with your loved one’s daily life, encourage them to reach out to their healthcare provider.

For more information, please visit the CDC’s website on keeping older adults safe both physically and mentally.

After working in construction for over 20 years, Brett Faucett knows all about the right building blocks. Piece by piece, a building comes together, but if one brick falls out of line, the whole system can crumble.

That’s why Brett knew something was wrong when the numbness started in his left arm. It came and went several times before he ended up behind the wheel of his car.

Sitting at an intersection, Brett was at a crossroads. He could turn right, attend his out-of-town business meeting, and ignore the sinking feeling inside. Or he could turn left and drive straight to the emergency department at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

“It’s really hard when you plan on going to work and you know people are counting on you. It’s hard to make that left turn and listen to your body.”

Brett took a deep breath and turned the wheel toward the hospital, forever changing the course of his life.

Wellstar Health System, one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated healthcare systems, today announced that the organization is expanding its discussion and engagement process for potential partners in working with the Atlanta Medical Center (AMC). The not-for-profit health system will seek interested partners to address a long-term, sustainable solution that meets the critical healthcare needs of the AMC communities.

Through a comprehensive review of the operating model at AMC, which is primarily reactive, acute care and emergency medicine, Wellstar determined that the care delivery model must be transformed to better meet community needs and reach long-term sustainability. This transformation will be centered on three fundamental areas, including making additional investment in AMC physicians and team members, reimagining the development and implementation of a more proactive care model, and addressing the limitations of aging facilities. Wellstar plans to explore a variety of strategic options and will be inviting select organizations that meet its partnership criteria to submit proposals to further support Wellstar AMC.

“For the past four years, we’ve been on this journey with the Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center teams and physicians to understand the individual needs of the AMC communities, to extend our mission, and increase the standard of care, said Candice Saunders, FACHE, president and CEO, Wellstar Health System. “As an invested community partner, we believe these communities need a long-term, sustainable solution—one that works to improve overall health and well-being. Our priority is finding the right solution for the community and our current investments are not enough to fulfill these critical needs.”

Wellstar has made significant investments including hiring top talent, offering a broader set of services and updating aging facilities and infrastructure—over $126 million across both Wellstar AMC campuses. In just a few short years, the health system has vastly improved the quality of care provided at these facilities. Wellstar has also expanded primary care in Camp Creek, nine miles from Wellstar AMC’s south campus, and developed a family medicine and imaging center—Wellstar Primary Care which is scheduled to open on February 24, 2020. In fiscal year 2019, AMC provided more than $113 million in uncompensated care—second only to Grady Health System.

“At AMC, we are people taking care of people and are extremely proud of our progress in serving these communities. However, a long-term, sustainable solution will require a substantial, additional investment that we, as a not-for-profit, cannot fund alone while maintaining access to care for everyone we serve,” said Kem Mullins, executive vice president of Ambulatory and Business Development, Wellstar Health System. “As a result, we’re expanding our discussions to include others who believe there is a better, more sustainable way to meet the healthcare needs of our Atlanta communities.”

As the health system explores a variety of strategic options, it will be engaging with elected officials, community leaders, potential partners, and those who may be willing to invest in the right solution for serving the AMC communities. Wellstar acknowledged that how this process transpires in the months ahead remains unknown. It is committed to keeping everyone informed and will continue listening to everyone, including team members, physicians and the community, to inform the path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Is AMC closing?

No, AMC is not closing. We believe the AMC communities need a long-term, sustainable solution—one that works to improve overall health and well-being. we want to be clear that our efforts to find a long-term solution will not affect AMC’s daily operations or our on-going commitment to AMC. We are here to support the AMC teams in the delivery of safe, high-quality, personalized care for everyone.

What will happen to my medical records? Can I still see my doctor?

Our efforts to find a long-term solution will not affect AMC’s daily operations.

Why is Wellstar seeking proposals and broader input?

We believe there is a better way to meet the short and long-term healthcare needs of our Atlanta communities and our priority is finding the right solution for the community.

How will the community be involved in this process?

We have decided to explore a variety of strategic options and will be inviting select organizations that meet our partnership criteria to submit proposals. We are also engaging with elected officials, community leaders, potential partners, and those who may be willing to invest in the right solution for serving the AMC communities.

Wellstar Health System announces the opening of its first integrated primary care office on the Atlanta BeltLine. Designed to provide easy accessibility to Atlantans who live, work, and play on and around the BeltLine, Wellstar Primary Care offers health care for all ages, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory services by appointment and on a walk-in basis. Having a highly accessible primary care facility in this vibrant area of Atlanta underscores Wellstar's commitment to understanding and investing in the present and future healthcare needs of patients, families and communities throughout the state.

"For the past four years, Wellstar has been focused on understanding and meeting the needs of this community. We have invested $4.3 million in Wellstar Primary Care on the Atlanta BeltLine, which will serve residents and visitors to that area, as well as surrounding neighborhoods, such as Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park," said Joe Brywczynski, senior vice president of health parks development at Wellstar Health System. "The new Wellstar Primary Care practice will help reduce barriers to healthcare and is designed to provide convenient world-class, personalized care."

The 7,500 square foot facility features:

• X-ray and CT scanning
• 3D mammogram, ultrasound and laboratory services
• Six patient exam rooms and a procedure room

“We value Wellstar’s sponsorship and longstanding support of the Atlanta BeltLine, and we are thrilled that they are opening this location,” said Rob Brawner, Executive Director of the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership. “Having excellent primary care directly on the BeltLine - where many Atlantans work, live, and play - is reassuring and an asset to the entire community.”

Wellstar Primary Care is located on the ground floor of Edge on the BeltLine, a multi-use complex with apartments, restaurants and other retail, located on the Atlanta BeltLine between Edgewood and Dekalb avenues.

Dr. Randolph Taylor II will serve as the primary care physician at Wellstar Primary Care and Terrica Rumph, DNP, as nurse practitioner. The practice is now accepting appointments for primary care, imaging and lab.

The address for the new facility is 670 DeKalb Avenue SE, Suite 106, Atlanta, GA 30312. Patients can schedule appointments, and walk-ins will be accepted. The primary care practice will be open every day from 8 AM – 6 PM.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (470) 267-0570 for primary care and (678) 581-5900 for imaging.

The healthcare landscape and the needs of patients and communities, both throughout Georgia and across the country, are ever changing. Wellstar Health System—nationally ranked and locally recognized for its high-quality care, inclusive culture, and exceptional doctors and team members—actively listens to the people in the communities it serves to best understand and respond to what they want, need, and expect from their healthcare provider.

Actively and regularly listening ensures that Wellstar is evolving alongside its patients and communities, providing not only responsive care to emergent needs, but also ongoing, quality, and personalized care at every age and stage of life. Wellstar spent the last 18 months on a renewed listening journey, interviewing more than 8,000 Georgians, including team members, community partners, patients, and consumers, with the objective of informing strategy and taking action to best serve the healthcare needs of the people they serve.

“Enhancing the health and well-being of people requires pausing—and listening—to what consumers and communities tell us they want, need, and expect for their healthcare journey,” said Candice Saunders, FACHE, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System. “Much of what we hear and learn from our ongoing research is exactly what we strive to deliver to every patient, every time: compassionate, quality care. Over the last year and a half, we heard directly from people across the state that they want to feel valued as a unique person and in control of their healthcare decisions—in partnership with their providers. This insight not only validates our approach to patient care, it guided us to take action and renew our commitment to excellence with a personalized and integrated approach that is more than healthcare."

”Combining these research insights with patient feedback, as well as critical regional insights from its 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment with the Georgia Health Policy Center, Wellstar refined its mission, vision, and values and launched a new brand identity. Today, the not-for-profit announced the launch of its new system-wide brand campaign—“More Than Healthcare. PeopleCare.”

“Many people are asking ‘why now?’, and the answer is that our focus over the past few years has been fully integrating our healthcare service offerings across our entire system to ensure that our patients and communities have access to the care they need and deserve across the entire Wellstar footprint,” said Saunders. “Now, we want to make it clear to everyone we serve that being one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia equips us to provide a full spectrum of world-class health services from birth to end of life. This approach also applies to our team members. We are people taking care of people, and we want to ensure that everyone considers Wellstar a place where individuals can advance their careers and feel appreciated.”

Wellstar now has 11 hospitals; 250+ medical office locations; 9 cancer centers; 55 rehabilitation centers; 3 hospice facilities; 1 retirement village; 21 imaging centers; 15 urgent care locations; and 5 health parks. By doubling in size—growing its services, footprint and capabilities—Wellstar has grown its ability to meet the evolving healthcare needs of patients and communities across Georgia.

By taking the time to listen and understand the individual needs of the communities they serve throughout Georgia, Wellstar is recreating the standard for Georgia healthcare by:

• Providing personalized care that compassionately takes each person’s unique life story into account—never taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Partnering with patients and communities to identify the best solutions for their needs with the highest quality, expert care by top-rated physicians and team members.
• Providing care that treats the whole person to promote overall health and well-being.
• Ensuring that each person has choice and control in their healthcare decisions.
• Leading and collaborating on community programs and services that provide more than healthcare.

Every Age and Stage

“When you’re 39 years old, you never think you’ll be dealing with something like a heart attack,” said Brett Faucett, a husband and father of two, who drove himself to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital after his arm went numb in the shower. Upon arrival, he was rushed to the operating room for a 99-percent blocked artery. A few years later, it happened again, and he was treated at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center.

“When you’re in a situation like that, your world is flipped upside down. My family has a dad and a husband because of Wellstar—they saved my life,” said Faucett.

The new brand campaign “More Than Healthcare. PeopleCare.” is centered on real Wellstar patient stories that demonstrate the health system’s commitment to providing personal care that takes each person’s unique life story into account across the continuum of his or her personal healthcare journey – from inpatient to outpatient, pediatric to adult, birth to end of life. For more PeopleCare stories, visit wellstar.org/peoplecare.

Wellstar puts patients and communities in the driver’s seat by listening and providing an extensive choice of facilities and a wide breadth of services so that patients have access to all the options they need to make the best, most informed healthcare decisions. Each Wellstar hospital and healthcare facility offers an access point to a compassionate care team and a wide range of service lines that work in concert to provide personalized care for each patient’s needs.

“There’s no better time than the beginning of the year to reflect, refocus, and rebrand so that patients and communities know who we are and what we do,” said Dave Preston, senior vice president of Brand Experience and Communications at Wellstar. “Our new brand campaign, ‘More Than Healthcare. PeopleCare.’ features real-life patient stories that illustrate Wellstar’s commitment to providing high-quality, tailored care that meets their individual needs at every age and stage of life.”

Stronger Together, Growing Together

Wellstar isn’t growing just for growth’s sake. The system has served one out of six Georgians, and patients in 148 out of 159 counties across the state. Wellstar is the only health system in Georgia with a network of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 trauma centers located in metro Atlanta to serve the most critical patients with a range of emergency care options. Today, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital operates the busiest emergency department in all of Georgia. The new emergency department will open this year, serving as a beacon for access to emergency care for Georgians. The 263,000 square foot building will connect directly to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and will hold 166 exam rooms. Upon its completion, it will be the second largest emergency department in the nation.

In addition to its new emergency department, the health system recently opened Wellstar Avalon Health Park, the fifth of its kind, giving patients in greater Atlanta easier access to a variety of high-quality, personalized healthcare services available at one convenient location. The Wellstar health park model gives patients access to primary care physicians and specialist appointments, outpatient procedures, urgent care, physical therapy and imaging in a single building.

The health priorities of the communities Wellstar serves are reflected in the 12 service lines that set the strategy of delivering effective, evidence-based care to their patients. All service lines are led by physician and nurse leaders who work with their team members to develop and deliver tailored care plans that tap the expertise of clinicians in an integrated and personalized manner, depending on specific patient needs.

Wellstar has been able to successfully evolve because of its unwavering commitment to listening to its patients. Truly personal, quality care means its patients have choices and access to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

More Than Healthcare

Wellstar’s passion for people extends far beyond its system and into the communities it serves. The health system collaborates with more than 450 community partners to bring important initiatives into its service areas across Georgia.

Being a not-for-profit health system enables Wellstar to offer care when and where it matters most. In 2019, Wellstar provided more than $784 million in charity care, unreimbursed care, and community programs. In 2019, the Community Health Needs Assessment Wellstar conducted in partnership with the Georgia Health Policy Center identified six specific care gaps within the community: food insecurity, opioids and behavioral health, women’s health, cancer, suicide and access to primary care. To address and help fill these gaps, Wellstar convened a group of system-wide experts and community partners to provide services, equipment, prevention and wellness programs such as free mammograms, school health programs, hospital chapels, healing gardens, and more. For example, Wellstar partnered with local organizations to provide first books to every baby born in 2020 at Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Douglas Hospitals.

“We have been a partner with Wellstar Health System for more than 20 years,” said Dr. Dwight "Ike" Reighard, president/CEO MUST Ministries and senior pastor of Piedmont Church. “From supporting our 41 food pantries through food drives, including MUST in their annual Day of Service to address food inequities, and supporting the various health needs of our clients, to sponsoring programs like the annual Gobble Jog and the MUST annual Giving Gala, Wellstar has been a steadfast partner, helping us to be a beacon of hope and place of refuge for our neighbors in need with compassion and love. This wouldn’t be possible without community support from partners like Wellstar.

”By taking the time to actively listen, Wellstar’s knowledge has grown, its collaborations have grown, and its capacity to provide integrated, quality care where and when its patients need it most has grown. “More Than Healthcare. PeopleCare.” reflects Wellstar’s commitment to always listening and being there for patients in their hour of need and beyond; understanding the underlying factors that may affect their overall health; and creating processes, programs, and initiatives that promote the personalized care and well-being of every person they serve.

Not one health journey is the same. That's because people—their health, their bodies, their stories—are all different.

At Wellstar, we know the most important factor in every health decision—you. That’s why we provide personalized care for everyone, whether that’s discussing with your primary care provider daily changes you can make to improve your wellness, navigating a difficult diagnosis with an effective treatment plan or emergency surgery to save your life.

We're here for everyone; for Frank and Llen Ryan, who have received comprehensive, multi-specialty care through all the ups and downs so they can live longer and stronger.

We're here alongside Johnny "Bow" Matthews, who improved his health through diet and exercise after having a heart attack, and for his wife Deidra who delivered two healthy babies. We lead the charge for a two-time heart attack survivor Brett Faucett and his whole family.

Two-time breast cancer survivor Heidi Bohlmann was accustomed to successfully facing health challenges. But when stomach pain brought the Roswell resident to Wellstar North Fulton Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED), she faced her ultimate challenge: a torn small intestine, which led to a life-threatening infection.

“I remember being in the ED, then waking up in a hospital room 11 days later with machines all around me,” said Bohlmann, 58. “My family from Wisconsin was there. No one was sure I would pull through.”

Bohlmann underwent surgery to repair her perforated bowel, which included creating a hole in her abdomen so the contents of her small intestine could empty into an external pouch. Called an ileostomy, the procedure allows the intestine to heal.

Healthcare is always changing, always evolving. For over 25 years, we’ve made moving forward our mission, whether that’s investing in the most advanced treatments, bringing on only the best and brightest physicians, or giving back to the community we serve.

Now, Wellstar is offering the quality healthcare you’ve come to depend on with a fresh look and feel. Updating our visual identity is the next step in our journey of providing world-class healthcare to every person, every time.

Together, we are one health system over 24,000 members strong, from 11 hospitals, more than 250 medical offices, 9 cancer centers, 21 imaging centers, 5 health parks, and 15 urgent care centers. As the largest healthcare system in Georgia, Wellstar’s new branding represents all these moving parts seamlessly working together.

People are at the center of everything we do and every decision we make. We’re committed to pursuing better care for everyone, whether you’re just starting a family, fighting a chronic illness or staying healthy for retirement. To reflect this, the stylized, medical cross in our new logo embodies the human life cycle. Strong and steady, it moves with confidence and clear direction.

While our outward expression may be changing, we pride ourselves on delivering the same quality of care to you and your family. With our trademark purple, we continue our promise to be there for the biggest moments of your life. This color shows the respect and humility we have for serving the members of our community and staying attuned to the needs of others.

As always, we want to be the most valued and trusted partner in your health journey. In times of hardship, the community often turns to healthcare systems for shelter, care, and support. With the addition of a cool shade of blue to our color palette, it brings balance and new life to Wellstar. Deeply reassuring, this represents stability and calmness in moments of uncertainty.

At Wellstar, we know our patients come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. We provide personalized care for everyone, making an impact on the lives of real people every day.

We are Wellstar—and we are here every step of the way—for you.

The MyChart Patient Portal is easy to use, can be accessed from anywhere and puts all your health records—and your family’s health records—at your fingertips. Mary Hyde, a Radiation/Oncology Care Coordinator at Wellstar Paulding Hospital, is constantly using MyChart to manage all her family’s healthcare needs.

She reaches out to doctors, pays bills, makes appointments and tracks their medical history. Mary can even see lab reports, request prescription refills, and review doctor’s notes.

“I use MyChart two or three times a week at least, sometimes more! I love the text and email updates, and that it lets me know when there are test results and bills to be paid,” Mary said. “Well, I don't love getting the bills, but it is a nice feature.”

Every member of Mary’s immediate family uses MyChart. She has her records, as well as proxy access for her two boys, and her husband has his own account. One of their boys has special medical needs that they are monitoring closely, so MyChart is convenient.

“Being able to look in MyChart to monitor his weight and labs, and reference these without having to carry around a notebook to different specialists who may not be on Epic (or in the Wellstar system) has been very helpful,” Mary explained. “I can pull up MyChart via the app in the exam room to show the doctor his growth or illness, so we can treat him effectively. It's literally been a lifesaver at times.”

Thanks to MyChart, Mary was able to identify her son’s unusual weight pattern. Before his seventh birthday, she noticed he was becoming very skinny. She looked back at his MyChart and discovered he had not gained any weight since his 6-year check-up. Mary used this information to consult with their pediatrician and other specialists to determine the cause and work towards a solution.

“MyChart just makes sense. It is so user-friendly, easy to use and helpful when you need to reference a previous doctor visit or the last time you took an antibiotic,” Mary said. “Let's face it: we are all busy and need an app to help us remember stuff like this!”

If you haven’t already signed up for access to the MyChart Patient Portal, it’s free, easy and you can do it today at wellstar.org/mychart. Just fill in the information, click “Sign up, I Don’t Have a Code,” and you will receive an email with access information in the coming days.

Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital has begun replacing their emergency medical services (EMS) trucks with innovatively designed trucks to better serve residents in Spalding County. Easily recognizable, the first two of the bright red and white trucks with large purple lettering are now on the streets providing the latest in life-saving technologies for Spalding County, and backup emergency response care for Henry, Lamar, Butts and Pike counties.

The larger of the two EMS trucks is a tall, diesel-driven critical care vehicle equipped with advanced cardiac equipment. The truck also has the capacity to transport up to three patients at one time and is outfitted for neonatal transport. Additionally, it could be used to transport air flight crews to and from the scene and the hospital.

Both trucks feature innovative monitors and mobile hotspots to advance EMS’ use of telemedicine, linking the paramedic, physician and patient while en route to the hospital. Wellstar Spalding Regional EMS was the first to launch this webcam capacity in Georgia.

Each truck is also part of an Infectious Disease Transport Network, the only one between Atlanta and Macon. As members of this network, Wellstar Spalding Regional’s award-winning team of EMS paramedics and EMTs are specially trained and can turn either truck into an “isopod” isolation unit for emerging infectious diseases.

To reduce the number of paramedic back injuries caused by heavy lifting, the trucks incorporate new automated stretchers. These units provide support for emergency personnel by removing the need to lift a 75-pound stretcher along with the weight of the patient. This equipment is well-positioned to save EMS personnel from debilitating back injuries and lengthy rehabilitations, the number one cause of career ending disability in the EMS industry. Considered the safest in the industry, the stretchers also incorporate safety lockdowns from front to back, ensuring the patient is secure while in the truck.

Spalding Regional’s EMS paramedics and EMT’s provided input on the unique internal design to maximize efficiency and safety. For example, the trucks have been fitted with an automated lift to load and unload the large, extremely heavy, oxygen tanks that assist patients experiencing difficulty breathing. Jonathon Johnson, Director of Wellstar Spalding Regional’s EMS is proud of his team.

“Paramedics and EMT’s play a vital role in any system of care, often the first line of medical care for critical patients. This new equipment expands the safety for our patients and our personnel, and continues our long history of dedication and commitment to improvement of patient care in this community.”

Wellstar EMS is available 24/7 and responds to more than 16,500 calls annually with each truck in the fleet running between 200 and 250 hours each month. Each new truck costs the hospital between $150k and $180k. This first new critical care vehicle was purchased and outfitted through a gift from the Dundee Community Association to the Wellstar Foundation.

To keep up with the community’s high-demand, Spalding Regional has plans to replace seven additional trucks and add one more Critical Care truck to its fleet. Donations to the Foundation help. Every dollar designated to Spalding Regional funds much-needed projects that support the health and well-being of the local community. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit wellstar.org/give or call (770) 956-GIVE (4483).

The new Wellstar Paulding Hospital is turning five this September. It was our first opportunity to design a hospital from the ground up, and it became one of the first hospitals in the country to use a geothermal energy system, which uses the heat from below the Earth’s surface to heat and cool the facility.

Paulding Hospital features 112 private inpatient rooms, 40 emergency exam and pediatric emergency exam rooms, seven surgical suites, two GI-specific surgical suites, a bronchoscopy suite and decentralized nursing stations.

The hospital recently celebrated an extraordinary accomplishment when it received the coveted Florida Sterling Georgia Oglethorpe Award, which recognizes the hospital’s exceedingly high performance in patient safety, workforce engagement, and financial stewardship.

Over the years, Paulding kept expanding its list of services, bringing much-needed care close to home. One of these offerings is a state-of-the-art catheterization lab, where patients can get treatment for heart attacks and coronary artery disease. The lab opened in 2017, providing care to patients who previously had to travel to either Cobb or Douglas counties for this same life-saving treatment.

“Wellstar’s philosophy has been to deliver high-quality care to the community,” said Harvey Sacks, MD, who served as Paulding County’s sole cardiologist for several decades. “Bringing interventional cardiology here allows people to be treated near home, and makes it easier for their families to be with them at the hospital. Having family with the patient is an important part of healing.”

That same year Wellstar Paulding was also recognized for innovation and excellence in clinical care for patients with COPD and diabetes. The hospital won second place for its focus on diabetes care, which led to better controlling blood sugar for patients with diabetes while in the hospital. Wellstar Paulding Hospital also won third place for lowering readmission rates for patients with COPD.

Wellstar Paulding Hospital’s ICU staff recently celebrated their success at improving patient safety by eliminating catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). They have been five years without a CAUTI in the ICU.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common types of healthcare-associated infections, accounting for more than 12 percent of infections reported by acute care hospitals, according to the CDC. Paulding’s ICU and infection control staff joined efforts to decrease the number of CAUTIs.

Some of the interventions were simple policy and process changes, while others required equipment changes. But it was the engagement of the front-line nursing staff that proved crucial to the efforts, which included:

• Performing CHG product use and bathing practices


• Eliminating/reducing indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) placement


• Education on appropriate indications for IUC placement


• Daily assessment of catheter necessity


• Reminding staff about the nurse-driven IUC removal protocol to improve awareness among staff


• Use of external catheter systems

Wellstar Paulding Hospital also celebrated another accomplishment recently. It won the Florida Sterling Georgia Oglethorpe Award, which recognizes the hospital’s exceedingly high performance in patient safety, workforce engagement, and financial stewardship.

No one wants surgery. But when it’s necessary, it makes sense to choose the least invasive, most highly advanced type, if possible. And for a wide variety of surgeries, it is possible. At Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, a team of highly skilled robotic surgeons is using the most advanced technology available to help patients get back to their lives sooner than ever.

“Our team of robotic physicians has collectively performed more than 6,000 surgeries,” said Scott Miller, MD, North Fulton Hospital’s medical director of robotic surgery. “And our specially trained anesthesia team has also provided care to thousands of patients. At North Fulton, we offer the highest level of robotic surgery expertise.”

Robotic surgery specialties at North Fulton Hospital include colorectal, general, gynecologic (oncologic and benign), thoracic, trauma and urologic. And the surgeries are performed by clinical leaders. Dr. Miller, a urologist, was the first surgeon in Georgia to robotically remove a prostate. Named to Atlanta Magazine’s list of Top Doctors for 10 consecutive years, he has also been recognized for the past decade as a “National Top Doctor” by established research firm Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. The list aims to identify the top one percent of specialists and sub-specialists in the US.

Dr. Miller explains that with robot-assisted surgery, the surgical system is operated by a physician sitting a few feet away from the patient. Using a high-powered camera, the surgeon guides the arms of the robot that holds surgical tools, which are inserted into the patient through small incisions. With robotic surgery, the surgeon’s movements are more precise, according to Dr. Miller.

“Robotics allow greater range of motion, and thanks to the magnified, three-dimensional image of the surgical field, we can see the patient’s anatomy in better detail,” he said. “It’s the difference between looking through a window and actually walking into a room.“

With the smaller incisions we make during robotic surgery, there’s less blood loss, less post-operative pain, less scarring, quicker recovery and a lower risk of complications,” adds Dr. Miller, who emphasizes another benefit unique to Wellstar North Fulton Hospital: personal, compassionate care.

“The surgeon you first meet with will be the physician who performs your surgery, and sees you postoperatively. We each personally care for our patients, from start to finish.”

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital's Robotic Surgeons

Gregory Coffman, MD General, Trauma and Colorectal
Shelley Dunson-Allen, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Caroline Gibbons, MD Gynecology
Scott Miller, MD Urology
Ryan Mullins, MD Urology
Theolyn Price, MD Thoracic
Evelyn Reynolds, MD Gynecologic Oncology

Wellstar Health System has entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement with The Kennesaw State University Department of Athletics. Wellstar’s investment will provide significant support to KSU’s Department of Athletics and its student-athletes.

Wellstar and Kennesaw State University have a long and active history of collaboration. On Jan. 7, Wellstar also announced that the Wellstar Medical Group will operate the university’s Student Health Services. With a new focus on the health of KSU students and our community, Wellstar is proud to become the “Official Health System Partner of Kennesaw State Athletics.” Through this relationship, we will further Wellstar’s vision—to deliver world-class healthcare, and our mission to improve community health.

In addition to becoming the “Official Heath System Partner of Kennesaw State Athletics,” the sponsorship includes sponsorship signage at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, KSU Convocation Center, Bailey Park and Stillwell Stadium, advertising in game programs, during television and radio broadcasts and on KSUOwls.com, the Department of Athletics’ official website.