MARIETTA, Ga., (June 23, 2025) – Wellstar Health System has filed its Certificate of Need (CON) application to build a 230-bed medical center that will address a critical need for hospital beds and emergency services in Acworth and nearby counties. The proposed Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center at Acworth would be conveniently located across from Wellstar’s busiest health park and would significantly reduce travel time for patients requiring emergency care.

Wellstar today shared new details on the proposed hospital, which would be an eight-story, 675,000-square-foot facility with 70 emergency department bays and 8 operating rooms. Wellstar’s filing included extensive information on the critical need for a new hospital in the area, and why Wellstar is uniquely able to provide that care.

The community response since the proposed hospital was first announced last month has been highly positive, with dozens of business and community leaders throughout Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee and Bartow counties expressing their support through letters. Wellstar will partner with community members throughout the application and development process and engage a community advisory council.

“Caring for the communities we serve is always our top priority when we look for opportunities to grow,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System. “Over the past few years, we have been able to increase access to healthcare across Georgia and into our rural communities by partnering with local leaders, businesses and organizations to identify and meet the rapidly expanding needs of our patients and their families.”

If approved, the proposed Acworth hospital would provide several benefits for the health and well-being of the region:

• Easier access to emergency care. The proposed $1 billion hospital’s primary service area has more than 340,000 residents today and is expected to grow to 365,000 by 2030. The area’s population over 65 is projected to grow even more rapidly, which is significant because the need for inpatient and emergency services increases with age.
• Expanded access to care for patients regardless of their ability to pay. The proposed hospital, like all Wellstar facilities, would care for all who need help regardless of their ability to pay. It is estimated that 50% of patients served by the hospital would use Medicare, Medicaid or lack insurance. The Wellstar system as a whole provides more than $1 billion annually in charity care and other community benefits.
• Enhanced healthcare throughout the region. The proposed hospital would relieve pressure on Wellstar Kennestone, which currently has an occupancy rate of 98.5%. It would improve Wellstar Kennestone’s capacity to treat the most critical patients and accept transfers with fewer delays by allowing less serious patients to be cared for at Acworth.
• Jobs and economic development. The proposed hospital would create more than 1,500 healthcare and related jobs with competitive wages that would help bolster the economy in surrounding areas. Wellstar is listed among the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.
• Provide broader access to Wellstar’s integrated care network. This includes Georgia’s largest integrated trauma network, urgent care sites, specialists and primary care physicians, imaging, pharmacy and lab services.

“Wellstar has a proven history of delivering exceptional care with long-term benefits for Georgia families, and this new hospital will bring greater access to trusted, exceptional, quality care close to home,” said Sharon Mason, president and CEO, Cobb Chamber of Commerce. 

The proposed hospital at Acworth is one of many ways Wellstar is improving access to care for communities across Georgia. The health system is expanding Wellstar Kennestone with a new 192-bed tower for additional specialty care; expanding Wellstar Paulding Medical Center with a new 56-bed tower and parking deck to meet growing community need; adding a new oncology center to Wellstar Spalding Medical Center to help keep cancer care local; upgrading and expanding facilities in the Augusta area, including building a new 100-bed hospital and medical office building in Columbia County; and, in affiliation with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, providing a Digital Care Network that supports rural hospitals across Georgia.

ABOUT WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM

Wellstar personalizes the patient experience. We call it PeopleCare and it's only possible thanks to our 33,000 team members who provide compassionate care for every stage of life. PeopleCare also means we serve our communities as a non-profit health system, providing more than $1 billion annually in charity care and other community benefits, and operating the largest integrated trauma network in the State of Georgia. We embrace innovation and technology, nurture early-stage companies through our venture firm Catalyst by Wellstar, and train future generations of caregivers with academic institutions including the Medical College of Georgia. Wellstar honors every voice, earning Newsweek's recognition as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. To learn more, visit Wellstar.org.

Behind every successful patient interaction is a supply chain that works quietly but powerfully in the background. The Wellstar supply chain team uncovered critical gaps in our supply room processes—from expired products and unused inventory to time-consuming manual counts and inconsistent practices across departments. These challenges not only impacted efficiency and cost, but also posed risks to patient safety and regulatory compliance if left unaddressed.

The WellBin story

Managing medical supplies across a health system the size of Wellstar is a complex task. Led by Michael McCullough, senior vice president of supply chain at Wellstar, the supply chain team completed an internal analysis revealing that inefficiencies drove up labor and distribution costs due to rush orders, excess handling and overall waste. These challenges increased the risk of stockouts and overstocking, frustrated clinicians who had to compensate for supply gaps and raised the potential for canceled surgical cases.

One major issue was expired products caused by poor inventory rotation, which posed risks to both compliance and patient care. The team also found that 30% of items in supply rooms were “no-move”—sitting unused on shelves and resulting in wasted space and unnecessary costs.

Additionally, supplies ordered in bulk arrived in boxes, causing overstocks and failing to meet the Joint Commission’s guidelines for avoiding corrugated cardboard on patient floors. Manual supply counting consumed hours of team member time, often leading to inaccuracies and delays. The lack of standardized processes across departments created imbalanced stock levels, while reliance on “tribal knowledge” made it difficult to consistently manage supplies and train new team members. Addressing these pain points became a critical priority for the team as they looked to improve supply chain management across the system.

Streamlining supplies with WellBin

To tackle these problems, Wellstar rolled out an innovative medical supply system called WellBin—Wellstar’s version of the BlueBin system—which was tailored to our supply chain workflows and patient care standards. This two-bin Kanban system is customized and designed around our clinicians’ needs, ensuring they have the right amount of supplies, exactly when they need them. To achieve this, clinicians follow three simple steps:

1. Pull supplies from the front bin.
2. Pull the full bin from the back to the front when the front bin is empty.
3. Put the empty bin in the designated area on top of the rack.

By following this simple process every time, our supply rooms remain organized, efficient and consistently stocked with everything clinicians need. Supplies rarely expire, stockouts are uncommon and waste is significantly reduced.

Wellstar and BlueBin worked hand-in-hand to tailor WellBin with key customizations that support the unique needs of our teams. These include:

Optimized inventory levels

While BlueBin recommends three to five days of inventory, Wellstar increased on-hand stock levels to eight days. This ensures clinical teams always have what they need and reduces costs related to frequent reordering.

Silver cart supply delivery

Supplies from our Consolidated Service Center (CSC) are grouped by supply room and delivered on carts rather than pallets. This eliminates the need for team members to spend up to 90 minutes per day breaking down pallets and reduces cardboard waste on patient floors—supporting Joint Commission compliance.

In-room staging

Instead of using a centralized staging area for replenishment, Wellstar processes replenishment directly within supply rooms—reducing lost bins, excess handling and space constraints.

Dedicated implementation team

Rather than relying on external teams for setup, Wellstar worked with BlueBin to train our own teams to manage builds and maintenance. This approach ensures long-term sustainability, enables faster issue resolution and cuts implementation costs by 50%.

“WellBin transformed our supply chain from a reactive, inefficient process to a proactive and clinician-friendly system,” said Jeremy Stewart, supply chain lean manager at Wellstar.

WellBin makes a difference

Since implementing the WellBin system, Wellstar has seen significant improvements across the supply chain. Expired products have been reduced significantly, boosting patient safety and ensuring better compliance. The system has eliminated time-consuming manual counts, freeing up team member hours and increasing overall efficiency. By standardizing processes across departments, WellBin has minimized reliance on tribal knowledge. This makes it easier for contract and float nurses to find the supplies they need quickly.

Clinician satisfaction has improved, and fewer stockouts mean smoother patient care without interruptions. The reduction in waste has also led to cost savings and stronger regulatory compliance.

“Before WellBin, we were constantly scrambling for supplies,” said Kori Rippet, radiology manager at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. “Now, everything is where it should be, and our team can focus on patient care instead of inventory.”

Lessons learned

Implementing WellBin has taught us valuable lessons about improving supply chain management at Wellstar. Clinician involvement proved critical to the smooth adoption of new processes. Customizing BlueBin’s system into WellBin allowed us to better meet Wellstar’s unique needs and boosted team member engagement. Using actionable data and analytics helped the team make informed adjustments and drive continuous improvement. Ongoing training for on-site teams has supported compliance and proper system use. Proactive Gemba walks—on-site observations of workflow in action—by the supply chain team have enabled real-time problem solving right where it matters most.

"WellBin didn’t just optimize our inventory—it empowered our teams to deliver better care,” said Wellstar CSC Executive Director Adam Flood. “By reducing waste, improving efficiency and enhancing team member satisfaction, WellBin has become a cornerstone of Wellstar’s operational excellence.”

WellBin has been installed at Wellstar Kennestone, Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Paulding, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Spalding and Wellstar Sylvan Grove Medical Centers. Installation is underway at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, Wellstar Roosevelt, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia and Wellstar Windy Hill. Wellstar Health Parks are slated for WellBin in 2026.

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. (June 13, 2025) — Wellstar Health System, in partnership with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, celebrated a major milestone Friday with the ceremonial groundbreaking of its new medical oncology and infusion facility in Cartersville.

Held at the future site at 65 Cloverleaf Drive, the event marks a significant step forward in expanding access to advanced, patient-centered cancer care for residents of Bartow County and the surrounding communities.

“This new facility represents our commitment to delivering world-class cancer care close to home,” said Dr. Michael Andrews, Wellstar’s chief cancer officer. “We’re investing in the health of this community with a space designed to provide advanced treatment options with compassionate, personalized support.”

The 15,000-square-foot facility—slated to open in early spring 2026—will double Wellstar’s infusion capacity in the region. It will feature:

• 28 infusion chairs
• 15 patient exam rooms
• 3 triage rooms
• 8 blood draw stations
• A dedicated lab and compounding pharmacy
• Onsite support services, including genetic counseling and financial navigation

Patients will benefit from a full spectrum of services, including medical oncology, hematology, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and outpatient infusion therapy. The facility will also house an onsite infusion pharmacy with a dedicated clinical pharmacist.

“Our goal is to make cancer care more accessible and less overwhelming,” said Rebeccah George, executive director of operations for outpatient oncology and infusion. “This facility will allow patients to receive cutting-edge treatment in a supportive environment, right here in their own community.”

Dr. Michelle Ojemuyiwa, hematologist and oncologist with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, emphasized the importance of local access to care.

“Cancer is a journey no one should have to travel far to face,” she said. “This new facility will allow us to deliver the latest treatments with the compassion our patients deserve—right here in Cartersville.”

The new facility underscores Wellstar’s mission to deliver innovative, high-quality care tailored to each person’s needs. A dedicated team of five oncology providers—including two medical oncologists and three nurse practitioners—will lead care at the location.

At Wellstar, we deliver personalized care to every patient, every time. That’s because we know you are more than a number, diagnosis or medical chart. Our dedicated experts support you through every stage of your wellness journey, providing care that is as unique as you.

That’s what PeopleCare is all about.

Because we know preventative care plays a major role in staying healthy, our primary care providers (PCPs) will build a PeopleCare plan just for you.

Your PeopleCare plan is your unique blueprint for better health. It doesn’t look like anyone else’s. PCPs create tailored treatment plans for each patient, based on your health concerns, family medical history and results from routine wellness exams.

Using these building blocks, PCPs can form an action plan and often get ahead of major health problems like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Four tests for better health

Wellness exams arm you with knowledge, so you can take control of your health.

No matter your age or medical history, it is recommended to get a medical check-up at least once a year. At your next doctor’s visit, make sure to “know your numbers” for:

1. Blood Pressure: A blood pressure test uses an arm cuff and pressure gauge to measure the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps. This simple test can help diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.
2. Blood Glucose Level: With just a drop of blood, your doctor can analyze the amount of sugar, or glucose, in your blood. Elevated levels can indicate the onset of diabetes and an increased risk for heart disease, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease or stroke.
3. Blood Cholesterol: A lipid panel is a simple blood test that shows your cholesterol levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) often called “bad” cholesterol. Abnormal cholesterol levels can indicate clogged arteries which may lead to heart disease, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease or stroke.
4. Body Mass Index (BMI): The body mass index (BMI) estimates human body fat, using a person’s weight and height. People with high BMIs may be at an increased risk for health problems, including heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and more.

Wellness for everyone

For both men and women, basic wellness exams are an important step in staying healthy.

• Men: For men, colonoscopies and prostate exams are key to catching major diseases early. In addition to a digital rectal exam (DRE), a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a quick way to screen for prostate cancer. Using a blood sample, specialists analyze the levels of PSA. Higher than normal readings may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
• Women: For women, an annual well-woman exam can help keep your reproductive health in check. Typically, these screenings include a mammogram, pelvic exam and pap smear to spot potential breast or gynecologic cancers.

To schedule a primary care appointment, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or click the “Book Now” button at the top of the page.

Marietta, GA— Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has achieved a rare milestone in cardiac care, earning the highest possible rating—three stars—in four categories evaluated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). This distinction places Wellstar Kennestone among the elite cardiac surgery programs in the U.S. and Canada.

The STS Star rating system is one of the most rigorous, verified and respected measures of quality in healthcare, based entirely on objective patient outcomes and implemented medical care processes. The latest analysis evaluates performance during a three-year period, from January 2022 to December 2024. Wellstar Kennestone earned the coveted three-star rating in the following key areas: isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries.

“This extraordinary recognition reflects the world-class quality of care offered by Wellstar,” said Lorrie Liang, senior vice president and hospital president of Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Windy Hill. “To achieve this gold standard, a health system must demonstrate both clinical excellence and rigorous standards for follow-up care. At Wellstar, we provide all of this, along with a warm, people-centered experience. It’s what we call ‘PeopleCare.’”

Previously, Wellstar Kennestone had earned three-star ratings in two categories. This latest achievement marks a significant advancement, solidifying its position as a national leader in cardiothoracic surgery.

“This new accomplishment speaks volumes about the skill, precision, and teamwork of our cardiothoracic team,” said Dr. Richard Myung, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery at Wellstar Kennestone. “We’re proud to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients from across the Southeast who have some of the most complex heart conditions.”

“This amazing recognition is about the great lengths we go to care for our patients, and why people travel from across the region to receive their care at Kennestone,” added Karrie Davis, Director of Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgery Services and the Structural Heart and Valve Program. “We care for every patient like they’re a family member or close friend. That’s why we hold ourselves to the highest standards.”

STS ratings reflect not only surgical excellence, but also the quality of care patients receive in the critical 30-day period following surgery. These results highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach—one that includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, cardiologists, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation specialists, critical care specialists, hospitalists, advanced practice providers and many others.

“This achievement is a testament to the entire care continuum,” said Cindy Holcomb, Wellstar executive director of cardiovascular nursing at Wellstar Kennestone. “From the operating room to recovery and rehabilitation, every team member plays a vital role in delivering outstanding outcomes.”

With a team of more than 110 cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons, the Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care is home to one of Georgia’s most comprehensive cardiovascular programs. Its flagship, Wellstar Kennestone, was the first hospital in the state to earn the prestigious Comprehensive Cardiac Care Certification—the highest distinction awarded by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association.

For more information about Heart Care at Wellstar, visit wellstar.org/heartcare.

Augusta, Ga. (June 11, 2025) -- Small and rural hospitals across the country too often struggle to survive, faced with the monumental challenges of providing specialized care to sparsely populated communities. Wellstar, in affiliation with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia (MCG) Center for Digital Health, is working to change that. Through the Wellstar Digital Care Network, Georgians in rural communities are accessing crucial resources more quickly and conveniently than they could just a few years ago.

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on May 19, 2023.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. The Georgia Department of Public Health reports the state had the 12th highest stroke death rate in the country. Georgia is also part of the “stroke belt,” an area of the southeastern United States with stroke death rates 30% higher than the rest of the nation.

As the leading — but preventable — cause of disability, stroke can happen at any age.

Stroke is a medical emergency, meaning the blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, brain cells start to die and abilities controlled by that area of the brain, such as speech or muscle control, are lost.

New drugs and new advanced treatments — such as the Tigertriever and Artemis — are helping reduce the death and disability impact of stroke, as well as comprehensive care programs and innovative hospital partnerships that expand stroke services into rural areas.

Physicians from Wellstar Health System and the CEO of a hospital in northeast Georgia joined Atlanta Business Chronicle to discuss stroke prevention and the future of stroke care.

Panelists & moderator

• Dr. Rishi Gupta, Endovascular Neurologist and Co-Medical Director of Neuro Care
• Dr. Ashis Tayal, Vascular Neurologist, Wellstar, Director of Neuro Care Network
• Van Loskoski, CEO, Stephens County Hospital
• David Rubinger, Market President & Publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle; Moderator

What is stroke, screening and secondary prevention

David Rubinger: Dr. Tayal, set the stage for us about the definition of stroke.

Dr. Ashis Tayal: A stroke is a sudden injury of the brain due to blockage or rupture of an artery in the brain. Injuries to the brain and disability can vary significantly.

The most common, ischemic stroke injury, is due to obstruction of an artery that causes a loss of blood flow to a critical part of the brain which damages the brain rapidly.

The other type of stroke is hemorrhagic stroke, where there’s a rupture of an artery, bleeding into the brain, or the surfaces of the brain, and that is called an intracerebral hemorrhage or a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Rubinger: I think Americans have become a little better educated as to who’s at risk for stroke, but why don’t you walk us through that. Who would be a potential stroke candidate?

Tayal: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. High blood pressure is an extremely common but controllable condition. Almost 80% of people have hypertension as they’re getting older.

Other risk factors include diabetes associated with elevated blood sugars causing accelerated blockage of arteries and high cholesterol, which can be related to diet and genetics.

Atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia that occurs as people get older, also places people at risk for the most severe and disabling types of strokes. And plaque buildup in specific arteries of the neck and brain also leads to an increased risk of stroke.

Smoking is another risk factor. Many adults still smoke despite a lot of progress in stroke treatment, and smoking puts people at risk for different types of stroke.

Rubinger: What about atmospheric things like stress and other areas like that? How does that play into it? Or do those things manifest themselves because of the other underlying physical conditions?

Tayal: I don’t view stress, in and of itself, as a risk factor for stroke. I think that’s more related to people’s environments and their own personalities and how they respond to stress. I do think people who are under undue stress can have poor lifestyle habits, and those poor lifestyle habits, whether poor eating habits, smoking, weight gain or lack of exercise, can lead to conditions that increase the risk for stroke.

Rubinger: So how is the healthcare system doing treating strokes? Do you believe that what’s going on at the primary care provider’s office is helping or do we have a way to go?

Tayal: In the United States, preventive care has improved the treatment of risk factors that lead to stroke, but communities must maintain routine checkups as many of the risk factors are silent.

There are improved treatments for hypertension, more aggressive treatment for diabetes, and more efforts at smoking cessation. Just the fact that we treat hypertension better than we did a generation ago has had a great impact on lowering the prevalence of stroke.

That being said, some of the most exciting work on stroke has often been done in the area of acute treatment of stroke with clot-busting drugs, catheter-based treatments and medications to protect the brain during an acute injury.

Rubinger: Has pharmacology gotten better in terms of the hypertension medicines that are out there? Have anti-cholesterol medicines improved in recent years?

Tayal: In the past, healthcare providers were often undertreating people with hyperlipidemia — high cholesterol — and not fully appreciating the benefits of significant reductions in cholesterol levels. For example, we’ve learned that driving cholesterol down into much lower ranges under 55 mg/dL can benefit our patients who have vascular disease as a cause for their stroke.

In the fight against high cholesterol, newer medications that prevent the absorption of cholesterol are now available. Recent developments have led to the discovery of a new underutilized class of drugs called PCSK-9 inhibitors that are highly effective.

To address the growing need for hospital beds in Acworth and the surrounding areas, Wellstar Health System is proposing to build a new 230-bed hospital, filing its Letter of Intent with the Georgia Department of Community Health. A Letter of Intent is the first step in the process to obtain a Certificate of Need for a new hospital.

The new hospital would be located on Cobb Parkway across from the Wellstar Acworth Health Park. Wellstar’s long history of service to this community makes it the ideal partner to continue to meet the area's growing healthcare needs. The project will be supported by Wellstar Health System resources, including Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar Paulding Medical Center, and numerous primary, urgent and specialty care locations, which will further enable the project to provide high-quality care in an integrated, coordinated and efficient manner.

Wellstar will file a detailed Certificate of Need application on or before June 23, 2025, that will include architectural renderings and how the hospital would address the community’s health and wellness needs.

“Wellstar is improving access to care, and this new hospital is the latest in a series of projects that do just that,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System. “The area is growing so much that even when our new tower at Wellstar Kennestone opens next year, the region will need more hospital beds. A new hospital in Acworth would fill a crucial need for the region’s medical care.”

Wellstar is improving access to care for communities across Georgia through more than $1.4 billion in major projects, including:

• Expanding Wellstar Kennestone with a new 200-plus bed tower for additional specialty care,
• Expanding Wellstar Paulding with a new 56-bed tower and parking deck to meet growing community need,
• Adding a new oncology center to Wellstar Spalding Medical Center to help keep cancer care local,
• Committing to upgrading and expanding facilities in the Augusta area, including building a new 100-bed hospital and medical office building in Columbia County for the largest county in Georgia without its own hospital,
• Adding primary care, pediatric, urgent care and specialty services in the communities Wellstar serves, and
• Partnering with the Augusta University Medical College of Georgia Center for Digital Health to provide rural hospitals with access to specialty care.

The new hospital would be part of a Wellstar system that provides more than $1 billion each year in charity and uncompensated care—more than any health system in Georgia. Wellstar is also a leader in medical education through its partnerships with academic institutions, accelerates healthcare technology and innovation, and is recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Places to Work in America.

“Access to healthcare has been expanding throughout Cobb County, but we still have an unmet need for hospital beds in the northern portion of our county,” said Lisa Cupid, chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. “Wellstar is deeply committed to our region, and we’re grateful that they recognized this need and are stepping forward with a solution.”

“Acworth’s population grew fivefold in ten years, and we continue to attract people who want to live and work in our area,” said Tommy Allegood, mayor for the City of Acworth. “The City of Acworth has been expanding our critical infrastructure and creating a place where families will want to stay for generations. A hospital would be extremely beneficial to our community, and we appreciate Wellstar’s willingness to meet our need.”

Wellstar is headquartered in Cobb County and is deeply involved in the area, tracing its heritage to 1950 when Kennestone Hospital opened. In keeping with its community roots, Wellstar will establish a community advisory council to honor every voice throughout the Certificate of Need process.

“My patients are from all walks of life, but they share a desire for a hospital that’s closer to home, especially those who have chronic conditions or are elderly,” said Dr. Michaele Brown, a Wellstar primary care doctor in Acworth. “We live in a vibrant, growing area. Our patients’ access to all levels of healthcare should be just as vibrant and that includes a hospital where they can quickly get the level of care they need when they need it.”

“We will involve the community in every step of this process, and make sure this hospital meets the community’s needs for generations to come,” said Saunders.

In addition to providing care for generations of families, Wellstar actively supports community health and well-being through partnerships with nonprofit, civic and business organizations, as well as academic institutions. Through these partnerships, Wellstar serves all of its neighbors’ needs, ranging from access to healthcare to food and housing insecurity to educational support and career development.

New radiation technology and refreshed waiting and treatment areas are expanding world-class cancer treatment at Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center.

Cancer care in forward motion

Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center recently installed its second TrueBeam linear accelerator, which treats various cancers, including brain, head and neck, prostate, breast, lung, skin and gastrointestinal tumors. With the linear accelerator, clinicians can adjust the size and shape of beams to a tumor’s shape and spare healthy tissue.

With the second linear accelerator, Wellstar Cobb can offer patients more flexible and convenient scheduling. “An additional linear accelerator can lead to timely treatment starts and shorter wait times,” said Dr. Nasarachi Onyeuku, a radiation oncologist at Wellstar. “It expands our ability to treat more patients with cutting-edge care, continuing our commitment to bringing world-class cancer treatment closer to home.”

In addition to state-of-the-art external beam radiotherapy, TrueBeam delivers precise, high-dose stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) targeting tumors in the body. It also provides stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain or spine cancer treatment. Patients will typically receive one to five treatments.

Patient-centered care at Wellstar Cobb

Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center recently renovated its treatment areas, front desk and waiting room, making it more welcoming and comforting for patients and their families. Within the treatment areas, the suite where patients receive high-dose radiation brachytherapy, a targeted treatment that involves placing radioactive material directly into tumors or near them, also underwent renovations.

“The beautifully designed space enhances patient comfort, offering a calm, supportive environment,” Dr. Onyeuku said. “We’re currently treating breast, cervical, uterine and skin cancers, with plans to expand to other cancer types. It’s advanced, efficient care—delivered close to home and with compassion.”

Early detection and support services

Cancer care begins with prevention and early detection. Wellstar Cobb is home to a lung cancer STAT Clinic, where specialists collaborate to diagnose and begin treatment within as little as 14 days. According to research by the Cleveland Clinic, patients can spend up to eight weeks on average visiting different specialists before starting a treatment plan. Earlier treatment can lead to the best possible outcomes.

Patients at Wellstar Cobb receive support at every stage of their treatment. These services include:

• Emotional support from a social worker
• Lymphedema therapy for patients with excess fluid and swelling
• Meal planning with a dietitian
• Monthly support group
• Pain management
• Physical therapy
• Transportation assistance

“We have a superb team and state-of-the-art treatment here at Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center. And we’re backed by the resources of a nationally recognized health system,” Dr. Onyeuku said. “We are thrilled that our technology enhancements allow us to serve more people with exceptional cancer treatment.”

Learn more about cancer care in Cobb.

For Phyllis Burgess, staying on top of her health made all the difference. When lung cancer showed up on a routine screening, she was ready—and so was her Wellstar care team.

Proactive primary care

When Phyllis retired after nearly 50 years as a bookkeeper, she looked forward to a slower pace and more time for herself. A breast cancer survivor and former smoker, she also wanted to be proactive about her health.

Encouraged by her Wellstar primary care physician, Dr. David Gose, Phyllis committed to regular lung cancer screening at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center —staying one step ahead of a disease that usually goes unnoticed until it's too late. Wellstar’s lung cancer screening program is a national leader in early detection, offering low-dose CT scans that help detect early-stage lung cancer before clinical signs or symptoms become evident.

Her first three CT scans came back clear. But on her fourth screening, doctors spotted something suspicious.

Quick answers with the STAT Clinic

Phyllis was quickly referred to the Wellstar Specialty Teams and Treatments (STAT) Clinic for Lung Cancer at Wellstar Paulding. The program quickly moves patients through screening to diagnosis and treatment with a multidisciplinary team of experts. Patients with lung and other chest cancers meet with multiple specialists in one place, often on the same day, to reduce delays and improve outcomes.

"Most of the time you don’t get two or three or four or five people on your case from the get-go,” said Phyllis. "But knowing that I had this group of qualified professionals looking at my tests, discussing what we need to do, how best to do it, when to do it—it’s very comforting."

At the Wellstar STAT Clinic, Phyllis’ care team included a thoracic surgeon, medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologist and nurse navigators, who bring a highly personalized level of guidance and support to each patient and their family members.

"The support staff was just fabulous,” Phyllis said. "They’re like best friends. They’re there for you."

Behind the scenes, her care team was already working in sync to coordinate fast care.

“We plan patients’ appointments ahead of time, ordering multiple tests that will be necessary for the treatment decision-making. These can include PET scans, CT scans, MRIs and/or a pulmonary function test,” said Dr. Daniel Fortes, Wellstar chief of thoracic surgery. "We’re always gaining time in the patient’s overall treatment because we are anticipating and creating a plan as a team."

Dr. Fortes emphasized that timing matters when treating lung cancer. "We have data to show that if we delay treatment, even in early-stage cancers, we do decrease the chance of a cure,” he said. “The goal of the STAT Clinic is to get them the quickest we can into their final treatment plan."

Expert diagnosis and advanced surgery

To diagnose her cancer, Phyllis underwent a robotic bronchoscopy at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. The advanced procedure allowed the pulmonary team to examine her lungs and collect tissue samples.

The biopsy confirmed lung cancer. Having already caught one cancer early, Phyllis was grateful she had remained vigilant—keeping up with annual screenings and following through on care every step of the way.

"I am sort of a walking advertisement for early detection," she said. "My mammogram showed up with stage zero breast cancer. And I think they described the lung cancer as 1.1—very early, no metastasis. I’ve been very fortunate. These processes that are there for people to take advantage of saved my life.”

Phyllis returned to the STAT Clinic, where the same team who had evaluated her case before came together again to review her results and finalize her treatment plan.

"Every single patient who comes through our clinic is discussed collaboratively by a group of lung cancer specialists so we can make a fast, informed decision as a team," Dr. Fortes explained. "Because Phyllis had good overall health and an early-stage diagnosis, she was an excellent candidate for surgery.”

Soon after, Phyllis had a lobectomy at Wellstar Kennestone. Dr. Fortes performed the robotic-assisted surgery using the  da Vinci Surgical System to remove the affected part of her lung.

"They told me what they would do, what kind of incisions they’d be making and what I could expect in the way of healing," Phyllis said. “So, I went in feeling like this is not some strange, scary process.”

Dr. Fortes noted that complex cancer surgeries are best performed at major centers like Wellstar Kennestone. "Complex cancer care demands a comprehensive structure of care around the patient that includes more than just physicians and technology," he explained. "At the same time, we are continuing to expand our STAT Clinics to bring them closer to people's homes and with the aim of improving access for patients.”

Ongoing care, close to home

Phyllis’ lung cancer surgery took place the day before a snowstorm was forecasted to hit the metro Atlanta area. However, thanks to Dr. Fortes’ minimally invasive techniques—which resulted in less pain, less scarring and less blood loss—she was able to be discharged from the hospital that evening and avoid being stuck at the hospital for several days due to poor road conditions.

Phyllis described her recovery as “easy” and now feels great. She continues her follow-up care for both lung and breast cancer at the Wellstar Women’s Imaging Services at Wellstar Paulding, close to home.

“Wellstar Paulding feels like home, even when I’m dealing with someone who I haven’t met before,” she shared. “Whether it’s the receptionist or the admissions nurse—they’re always very, very friendly and helpful. There’s a family feel to it."

Hope, health and staying vigilant

As she settles into retirement, Phyllis is sharing her story to encourage others to set aside any fear or guilt and talk to their healthcare provider about lung cancer screening.

"Cancers are so insidious. You’re not going to just go, 'Gee, I don’t feel good; it must be cancer,'" she said. "There’s no big warning signs until it’s serious. Early detection is absolutely our best weapon. It’s our best defense.”

Dr. Fortes echoed the importance of early detection. "We can only cure lung cancers if we pick them up in an early stage. That’s why lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer in the world,” he said. “The only way we can change that is by diagnosing early. And then they are truly curable.”

Phyllis is thankful for Wellstar’s STAT Clinics that are designed to move quickly when it matters most.

Her advice to others considering treatment at a STAT Clinic? "Please do it. It’s the difference between life and death,” she urged. “At the same time, it’s in an environment where you don’t feel like you’re a sample in a petri dish. These are people, and they’re warm, and they care."

Learn more about who is eligible for lung cancer screening, find a location near you or schedule your lung cancer screening at Wellstar.

Learn more about STAT Clinics at Wellstar.

Wellstar is at the forefront of providing comprehensive head and neck cancer care, offering advanced treatments like transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Head and neck cancer specialist Dr. Kia Jones said the minimally invasive surgical approach is primarily used for tumors in the oropharynx—the area of the throat which includes the tonsil and the root of the tongue, also known as the tongue base.

“In this procedure, the surgeon accesses the cancer by passing tools through the mouth to the area of concern without external incisions,” said Dr. Jones, an expert in head and neck cancer surgery and microvascular reconstructive surgery.

She explained TORS is performed with the aid of the da Vinci robotic surgical system.

“The surgeon sits at a console, controlling the robot and instruments under high-definition camera visualization to remove tumors completely in areas that are inaccessible to the surgeon's hands,” she said.

The benefits of TORS

People who undergo TORS often experience shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain and quicker return to normal activities compared to traditional surgical methods. After surgery, these patients can generally eat within a day and are discharged within one to three days, with no need for neck breathing or stomach feeding tubes.

Who may consider TORS

TORS is particularly beneficial for patients with early-stage oropharyngeal tumors, especially HPV-driven squamous cell cancers, which tend to occur in younger individuals. TORS offers an additional treatment option that may be a better fit for some patients than primary radiation, which has been the standard of care standard of care for oropharyngeal cancers as traditional surgical approaches with large open incisions fell out of favor.

Mental health is an essential part of whole-person care. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or want to build resilience, small steps can make a big impact.

At Wellstar, we’re here to support your mental well-being and help you thrive. Our Behavioral Health team offers specialized care close to home, so you can feel your best both physically and mentally.

Here are five expert-backed strategies to help protect your mental health and strengthen your overall wellness.

Pay attention to early signs of stress.

Recognizing stress early is key to managing it effectively. When stress becomes chronic, it can affect both your mental and physical health. Learning to identify warning signs can help you take action before it escalates.

This is true across all areas of life, including the workplace, where job stress can quietly build over time and lead to more serious mental health concerns if left unaddressed.

“Paying attention to feelings of emotional exhaustion and general cynicism is important,” said Dr. Ryan Breshears, a board-certified clinical health psychologist and chief behavioral health officer at Wellstar. “Those are the foundational signs of occupational burnout, which certainly affects our well-being in the workplace, but when unchecked, can also spill over into our personal lives.”

That spillover can show up as irritability, mood changes, social withdrawal or insomnia. “Any of those could point to a problem that warrants intervention,” Dr. Breshears said.

Treat your whole health to support your mental well-being.

Mental and physical health are deeply interconnected—and we shouldn’t treat them in silos. At Wellstar, integrated care is a key part of our approach.

“I think the days of talking about problems that are physical problems versus mental problems are over,” said Dr. Breshears. “We have a body of research now and decades of science that show the interplay between the physical and the emotional.”

He explained that changes in thinking patterns can trigger physiological shifts in heart rate, stress hormone levels and more. Recognizing these mind-body connections can help you take a more proactive approach to your mental health.

“Wellstar is making a concerted effort to deconstruct old ideas about mental health and remove barriers to access,” Dr. Breshears added. “For example, we’re bringing behavioral health into primary care, cardiac care, pediatrics and women’s health. We want to strategically integrate behavioral health services wherever patients are receiving care.”

By treating the whole person and bringing behavioral health into every corner of healthcare, Wellstar is helping people take charge of their well-being in a way that’s compassionate, connected and convenient.

Prioritize recovery.

Stress is inevitable, and recovery is essential. Without it, your mind and body stay in overdrive, increasing your risk for burnout and long-term health issues. Taking time to recover is not a sign of weakness—it’s a strategy for resilience.

“Our bodies are designed to return to baseline, what we call homeostasis, after high-stress periods,” Dr. Breshears said. “Research suggests it's often the failure to prioritize recovery, not the stress itself, that actually contributes to the most lasting problems.”

Dr. Breshears shared a study comparing elite marathon runners to non-elite runners. The surprising finding? Elite runners were better at identifying stress early and adjusting their pace to recover, ultimately helping them perform better.

That same principle can apply to your mental health. If you notice signs of stress—like fatigue, irritability or changes in focus—take time to reset. That might mean getting more sleep, going for a walk, reaching out to a friend or seeking professional support.

Being intentional about recovery helps you maintain balance, build resilience and continue showing up for what matters most.

Nurture relationships and workplace well-being.

Meaningful relationships are a powerful buffer against stress. For many people, the workplace is a central source of community—and a critical place to nurture mental health.

“We’re social creatures,” said Dr. Breshears. "Having environments where people come in and feel good about their day-to-day interactions is really important.”

Dr. Breshears said it starts with employers being committed to understanding the inadvertent threats to their team’s well-being and removing barriers to care.

“First, I think we have to pay attention to the occupational drivers of stress on our employees and commit to resolving those issues,” he explained. “All of the human resources and benefits in the world will fail if we’re not also working upstream to eliminate the root causes. Secondly, we need to establish clear pathways so people can easily access support without all the stumbling blocks and delays they often run into.”

Employers who lead with empathy—and prioritize flexibility, compassion and connection alongside performance—help create cultures where people feel empowered to seek help when needed.

“We have to ensure that we have accessible resources,” Dr. Breshears said. “People bring their personal struggles into the workplace, and take their struggles in the workplace home. The lines have certainly blurred.”

Know when to seek help.

While self-care and support systems can go a long way, there are times when professional help is essential. Mental health conditions are common—and treatable. The sooner you seek help, the better.

This is especially true for men, who often face cultural and emotional barriers when it comes to seeking support.

“Men on average tend to delay help-seeking more than women,” Dr. Breshears said. “And this is especially true when men are suffering. Frankly, it's a mortality issue.” He noted that men are more likely to die by suicide and experience substance abuse disorders, which makes early intervention even more critical.

Dr. Breshears also emphasized the need to remove barriers and promote action: “We have to create environments in which people feel safe to talk about the struggles that they’re having.”

If you’re struggling, don’t wait. Explore Wellstar Behavioral Health services and find the support you need today.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Millennials across social media are finding that their generation has something in common: a mole in the same spot on their forearms. Dubbed the “millennial mole,” it is a small mole on the left forearm a couple of inches below the elbow. Millennials—people born between about 1981 and 1996—are taking to social media to show them off.

Dr. Kathryn Potter, a dermatologist at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, said she had not seen the social media trend but was intrigued.

“Of course, I had to look for myself and I have several on my left arm. I don’t know if that counts,” she said with a laugh.

If people are paying attention to moles, though, that’s a good thing. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and while most moles are harmless, it’s good to notice them from time to time to make sure they aren’t changing, which could be an indicator of skin cancer.

But what exactly are they?

Moles are caused by melanocytes—cells that contain a dark pigment that protects your skin from UV radiation—that cluster together. But it can be confusing sometimes.

“Not all brown things are moles,” Potter said. “There can be freckles, sunspots or benign lesions called seborrheic keratosis.”

Whichever it is, if it is growing, changing shape or color, or developing irregular borders, it should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

“As far as skin cancer goes, we worry that a mole can become a melanoma—although most melanomas arise de novo, meaning they come up on their own and not through existing moles,” Potter said. “But for moles, we watch to see if they start to evolve or change.”

Potter also said most people who develop true moles will develop them before the age of 40. Moles that arise later in adulthood should be checked by a dermatologist.

You should also perform skin checks at home periodically. There are no hard and fast rules for when you should perform a skin check, but taking a few minutes to scan them is always a good idea.

Prevention is always best. Whenever you’re out in the sun, wear sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and apply it about every two hours. Wear hats with broad rims and protective clothing and seek shade whenever possible.

To celebrate Women’s Health Month, more than 150 executives gathered Thursday at The Studio Theatre in Sandy Springs for insightful discussions on advancing women’s health in Atlanta and throughout Georgia.

The Women's Health Summit, presented by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Wellstar Health System, featured two panels of experts and a keynote address by renowned health and wellness expert Emma Lovewell.

Cheryl Preheim, anchor at 11Alive (WXIA), welcomed attendees and served as a moderator.

There’s an undesirable side to Georgia’s natural beauty. Just ask any allergy sufferer.

In the state’s warm climate, pollen from grasses, trees and ragweed causes itching, sneezing and wheezing almost year-round.

Dr. Timothy Ryan, a board-certified ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist at Wellstar, has tips for preventing and managing symptoms. On 95.5 WSB’s The Weekly Check-Up with host Bruce Feinberg, DO, Dr. Ryan shared his allergy tricks, as well as information on allergens lurking in the home, how to tell if allergy symptoms are from colds or sinus infections, and explained “antibiotic resistance” and why it’s a concern.

Seasonal allergies in Georgia

Dr. Ryan treats children and adults for various head and throat conditions, and allergies are a chief complaint.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the 100 most challenging places for allergy sufferers. In 2025, Augusta ranked 12th and metro Atlanta 40th.

“When you talk about allergies and how they lead to sinus issues, this area is one of the hotbeds in the entire country,” Dr. Ryan said.

Common-sense ways to prevent and treat seasonal allergy symptoms

Dr. Ryan recommends that if you have allergies, start preventive medicines two to four weeks before the season when pollen kicks up, using:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal steroids, such as Flonase (fluticasone) and Nasonex (mometasone furoate)
• Oral antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine HCl) and Allegra (fexofenadine)

“Being consistent with these things is most important,” Dr. Ryan said. “You need to do them every day for the maximum benefit.”

Even then, allergy symptoms can break through. In those cases, Dr. Ryan recommends adding:

• Antihistamine eyedrops such as Pataday
• Saline sprays and rinses to wash irritants from your nose and sinuses

Aside from medications, Dr. Ryan described extra steps allergy sufferers can take to reduce their discomfort:

• Check pollen counts daily and limit your time outside when they are high.
• Use HEPA air filters in every room inside your home.
• Service heating and air-conditioning units and change out filters regularly.
• Take off your shoes and possibly change clothing when coming indoors from outside.
• Shower before bedtime to prevent pollen from getting into your bed.

Indoor allergens also stir up symptoms

Another culprit causing allergy symptoms is dust mites. These microscopic, insect-like pests feed on flakes of dead skin or dander shed by humans or pets. A caller on The Weekly Check-Up described having itchy ears at night, which Dr. Ryan said could be caused by an allergy to dust mites.

“We call these year-long or perennial allergies,” he said. “And patients need year-round treatment. Changing your pillows, wrapping your mattress, washing bedding frequently and putting HEPA filters in the room can help.”

Even Dr. Ryan has a routine to prevent discomfort from particles or pollutants that might have crept into his nose. “Before bed, I spray my nose with normal saline to get a moisturizing coating. You can also flush out your nose using a neti pot or other irrigation system,” he said.

“As soon as you lie flat (in bed), all the blood flows to your head, and you’ll get a little more swelling in your nose. We call that nasal cycling. If you’ve already picked up all those irritants over the day, you’re just putting gasoline on a fire.”

Is it allergies, a virus or a bacterial infection?

In peak allergy season, Dr. Ryan’s schedule is full of patients with nasal congestion, runny noses and facial pain and pressure. But not all are suffering from allergies. Some may have a cold or another virus. In rarer cases, they may have a bacterial sinus infection.

“The thing that separates viral infections from allergies is usually fevers and a feeling of malaise,” he said. “Typically, a patient with a bacterial sinus infection has those symptoms plus a heavy yellow or brown nasal drainage.”

Dr. Ryan noted that even in the last case, a provider won’t jump quickly to prescribe antibiotics. “Those symptoms need to last for seven straight days, or you need to get worse over those five to seven days before we start to worry that you need an antibiotic.”

OTC medicines for congestion, cough and pain usually relieve symptoms of viral and bacterial infections. Patients should also drink plenty of fluids and use a saline spray to prevent infection from the buildup of fluids caused by a cold or allergies.

“We have to be very smart about when we give antibiotics,” Dr. Ryan said. Healthcare experts have concerns about the mounting evidence that overuse of antibiotics is breeding “antibiotic resistance.” Bacteria can adapt and evolve, becoming immune to antibiotics. That can become life-threatening if someone has an infection that antibiotics can’t treat.

Find a Wellstar ENT specialist

Allergies are just one of many ear, nose and throat conditions that Dr. Ryan diagnoses and treats. Others include:

• Acid reflux
• Cancers of the head and neck
• Hearing loss
• Sleep apnea

Learn about our ENT services and find a Wellstar doctor near you.

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers in Cartersville
June 5, 2025
10 AM to 3 PM
100 Market Place Blvd., Cartersville
Contact Mary Ellen Smither at [email protected] or (678) 858-1146.

Wellstar Cobb Medical Center
May 30, 2025
12 to 2 PM     
4040 Hospital West Drive, Austell
Behind the building in the garden and parking lot area
Contact Ashley Dapremont at [email protected] or (470) 732-4523.

Wellstar Douglas Medical Center
June 7, 2025
11 AM to 2 PM
8954 Hospital Drive, Douglasville
Surgical services lobby
Contact Diane Harris at [email protected] or (470) 644-5411.

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
June 7, 2025
11 AM to 2 PM
320 Kennestone Hospital Blvd., Marietta
First floor
Required RSVP, contact Nancy Page at [email protected] or (470) 793-7470.

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center
June 1, 2025
2 to 4 PM
3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell
Main lobby in hospital
Contact Sarah Bentley at [email protected] or (770) 751-2556.

Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
June 1, 2025
144 Bill Carruth Parkway, Hiram
Second floor auditorium
Contact Kellie Mitchell at [email protected] or (470) 644-8106.

Wellstar Spalding Medical Center
May 28, 2025
12 to 2 PM
Drive-thru event
608 South 8th St., Griffin
Women’s Center
Contact Sherry Connell at [email protected] or (470) 935-5526.

Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
June 6, 2025
10 AM to 12 PM
111 Medical Drive, LaGrange
Enoch Callaway Cancer Center
Contact Stephanie Hand at [email protected].

Learn more about cancer care at Wellstar.

Art Pharmacy, which connects people to arts and culture events to support health and well-being, is partnering with Wellstar Health System to address the isolation and loneliness epidemic. This new program enables participants in the Wellstar Live to the Beat heart health program to further improve their overall health with opportunities to engage in fun, non-clinical community events that boost mental health and reduce loneliness.

“We are grateful to Wellstar and the Community Health team,” Art Pharmacy CEO Chris Appleton said. “Working with individuals in hypertension control and stress management is important to our work as an organization and aligned with our mission to improve the health and well-being of our members through social prescribing.”

Art Pharmacy’s solution uniquely combines decades of research in the field of arts and health with the care model of social prescribing to address some of the nation’s most challenging health problems.

Social prescribing is a model of care delivery that enables health professionals to formally prescribe non-clinical community activities—including the arts, movement, nature and service—to improve patient health.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Surgeon General, poor social relationships, social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of heart disease by 29 percent and risk of stroke by 32 percent. Additionally, people with strong perceptions of community belongingness are 2.6 times more likely to report good or excellent health than people with a low sense of belongingness. In addition to Georgia, Art Pharmacy’s social prescribing model has been adopted in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

“Our nation has an epidemic of loneliness that can contribute to people suffering from heart disease, stroke and premature death,” said Dr. Earl Stewart Jr., medical director of health equity for Wellstar. “Meaningful social engagement can help people overcome isolation and improve their behavioral health. We’ve found great success with our Live to the Beat heart health program, and we’re now working with Art Pharmacy to further improve participants' overall health.”

Art Pharmacy drives clinical and quality outcomes with its healthcare partners through its tech-enabled, human-powered social prescribing solution. Art Pharmacy will connect participants to community-based activities with protective and therapeutic benefits to their mental health and well-being. To increase adherence and utilization, patients will have access to a broad range of activities and care navigation services. Arts-based social prescribing is an effective, evidence-based way to support patients with mental health needs, reduce social isolation and loneliness, and promote adherence to co-morbid treatment plans.

As a non-profit health system, Wellstar works to ensure every person has access to personalized care that helps them spend more time being a person, rather than a patient. The Live to the Beat program is a community outreach program offered through the Wellstar Congregational Health Network, which partners with local faith communities to connect congregants with community health resources.

To learn more, contact Art Pharmacy at [email protected] or visit artpharmacy.co.

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 Medical Center. 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, an emergency medicine physician at Wellstar North Fulton. “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 Wellstar North Fulton to benefit from the hospital’s new addition to its stroke program. While the hospital 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 Wellstar 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. 

Proximity to care is especially important for critical situations like strokes, said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke care at Wellstar.

“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 Wellstar 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.”

Dramatic weight loss stories from people taking new obesity and diabetes drugs have many patients asking their healthcare providers, “Could these be right for me?”

Dr. Alicia Shelly, an internal and obesity medicine physician at Wellstar, joined host Bruce Feinberg, DO, on 95.5 WSB’s The Weekly Check-Up to talk about it all, including:

• What to expect from obesity treatment today
• Medication options and costs
• How lifestyle coaching fits into treatment
• When bariatric surgery may be appropriate

“Obesity is a chronic disease,” said Dr. Shelly. “There are multiple reasons why people gain weight and why it's harder for them to lose weight. But know that you don’t have to do it alone.”

What to expect at your obesity appointment

Your first visit to Wellstar Center for Best Health will typically last 30 to 45 minutes, and you’ll be asked about your:

• Medical history
• Past experiences trying to lose weight
• Lifestyle, including exercise, sleep and eating habits
• Stress and mental health

“If you’re struggling with obesity, this is probably not your first time trying to lose weight,” said Dr. Shelly. “We want to understand your journey with weight loss.”

The physical exam includes measuring a body’s composition of fat, muscle and water. She explained that a healthcare professional wants to know where you carry fat. Patients with a high proportion of stomach fat or visceral fat have a greater risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions.

Obesity medications take center stage

If you’re like many who come to Wellstar, you’ve heard about injectable medications like Wegovy and others. Similar medicines that can be taken by mouth are in clinical trials.

The drugs are called GLP-1s, which is short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. They act like a natural hormone that regulates appetite, slows stomach emptying and decreases insulin levels. As a result, many patients feel full longer, eat less and have better blood sugar control.

“The medications help turn off cravings and your appetite,” Dr. Shelly said. Patients also report less mental “noise” about food, such as musing after breakfast, “What am I going to eat for lunch?"

Without insurance coverage, GLP-1s can cost around $1,000 a month. If you have insurance that covers some or all of the drugs’ costs, you may need your insurance plan’s approval in advance. Wellstar nurse navigators can help you with this process.

If you can’t afford newer medications, there are additional options among older and less costly medications approved for weight loss.

Dr. Shelly noted that if cost and insurance weren’t barriers, she’d probably recommend medication for 75% of her patients. “Many people have already done a lot of diets and exercises in the past to lose weight, but the weight keeps coming back. And that’s because obesity is a chronic disease.”

Nutrition, exercise and behavioral healthcare are all part of obesity treatment

Healthy weight loss takes a combination of approaches, not just prescriptions, according to Dr. Shelly. If you are treated for obesity at Wellstar you’ll likely visit several clinicians, including:

• A registered dietitian for personalized nutrition and meal planning
• An exercise physiologist who develops routines that meet your physical condition
• A psychologist who can help you with motivation, handling cravings and other behavioral factors in weight loss

A dietitian can help you understand the effects of food choices. Dr. Shelly referenced studies showing that eating high amounts of processed food, even with low calories, can hinder weight loss. She recommends cooking at home with fresh food and avoiding vending machines and fast food.

Lack of sleep is another overlooked issue in weight management. “Studies show that when you're sleeping under five hours, your hunger hormone increases, then your weight also increases,” she said. A behavioral health specialist can help you work on improving your sleep health if needed.

Have weight loss drugs eclipsed bariatric surgery?

For years, bariatric surgery on the stomach or intestines has been used to induce weight loss.

Bariatric surgery patients can lose an average of 30 to 35% of their body weight. This is higher than the average loss of patients taking the latest medications. Insurance plans often cover surgery because of the costly and serious medical complications of obesity.

Dr. Shelly stressed that care teams work with you to create treatment plans that fit your conditions, medical histories and personal situations. Then, your care team sticks by you throughout treatment.

She also encourages you to visit your doctors and learn more about new ways to treat obesity. “At Wellstar Centers of Best Health, we’re ready and able to help you,” she said.

To hear more from Dr. Shelly, you can listen to her podcast, “Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss.”

Faith communities are a vital presence in the neighborhoods we serve. They bring people together for worship, teaching and spiritual enrichment. They serve as a gathering place for study and prayer. And they care for people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs in myriad ways.

Wellstar Center for Health Equity partners with local faith communities to support their health and wellness programs. This year the center made grants to five congregations that demonstrate a passion for mental wellness and a proven track record of community outreach. The grants of up to $4,000 will help fund new and existing programs that expand access to behavioral health resources. Recipients include:

• Greater Young Zion Baptist Church in Augusta—The church will offer online and in-person workshops and a mental health awareness community event.
• Impact Church in East Point—Impact Church plans to expand its current behavioral health offerings to include individual counseling and mental health workshops for volunteers and staff.
• Renovation Church Atlanta—This church will offer pastoral and secular support groups and an online mental health training seminar.
• Seekers of His Face International Prayer Center in Augusta—This congregation plans to host community outreach and initiatives, including an online panel promoting suicide prevention awareness.
• The Gathering in Griffin—This congregation will host quarterly mental health workshops, pastoral counseling and education sessions.

Our commitment to Soul Support

The grants build on the Soul Support program, which provides congregations with behavioral health education and resources including the Question, Persuade, Refer suicide prevention workshop. This workshop trains faith leaders and members to recognize signs of suicide and navigate mental health emergencies. Soul Support has trained more than 500 individuals to respond to mental health concerns.

“We are excited to partner with faith communities that have a heart for people who are in a mental health crisis,” said Julie Wallace, community impact specialist at Wellstar Center for Health Equity. “Research shows that many people struggling with their mental health reach out to their faith leaders for guidance and support. The grants will improve access to mental healthcare and help these churches serve the community more effectively and confidently. They’ll also support programs that raise awareness about mental illness. This will, in turn, reduce the stigma that may prevent people from seeking help.”

Soul Support is part of the Wellstar Congregational Health Network, which assists faith organizations that want to develop a volunteer health program. Such programs focus on lifestyle changes, personal habits, attitudes, faith and well-being.

Learn more about the Center for Health Equity and Congregational Health Network and how we’re engaging and supporting our communities.

In a collaborative effort to combat hypertension, Wellstar, the Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement (ARCHI) and the Atlanta Hypertension Initiative hosted an interactive community event at Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta’s Vine City neighborhood.

The morning-long session raised awareness about the prevalence of high blood pressure, particularly within minority communities, and offered practical steps to reduce hypertension and improve overall health. More than 100 community members attended the discussion, underscoring the importance of the topic.

For the first time, Wellstar Douglas Medical Center has earned the prestigious Georgia Oglethorpe Award, the highest level of recognition for organizational performance excellence in the state.

Each year, the Sterling Council presents the award to organizations and businesses that demonstrate performance excellence in their management and operations. Wellstar Douglas is the first business in Douglas County to receive the award.

Founded in 1974, the hospital recently celebrated its 50th year in the community. The non-profit 108-bed community hospital in Douglasville delivers an extensive array of inpatient and outpatient services, including interventional cardiology, maternity care with a level II neonatal intensive care unit, hyperbaric wound care, rehabilitation therapy and robotic surgery, including total joint orthopedics.

Wellstar Douglas President Heath King said hospital leaders use tiered safety huddles, visual management boards, department-based huddles and "A3 Thinking," a problem-solving and decision-making methodology that helps teams identify the root causes of problems and develop solutions that promote a high-reliability organization.

"These leadership methods have created a strong system of two-way communication that links our hospital's senior-most leaders with frontline team members," King said. "We're thrilled that the Sterling Council recognizes our approach for achieving industry-leading financial, quality, marketplace, consumer engagement and workforce results."

At Wellstar Spalding Medical Center, we are your dedicated healthcare partner—putting you at the center of your cancer care and helping you navigate with clarity, hope and compassion. That’s why we’re proud to expand our medical oncology and infusion services to better serve our community.

The state-of-the-art cancer care facility promises greater access to advanced cancer treatments and improved convenience for patients in the Spalding community and surrounding areas.

(GRIFFIN, Ga.) – Excitement was in the air Tuesday as Wellstar began another expansion project, this time starting construction on a new cancer treatment center for the people who live in and around Spalding County.

Construction of the Wellstar Spalding Cancer Center comes after the healthcare system opened new primary care and neurology clinics in 2024 and previously opened or expanded clinics for cardiology, orthopedics, and gastroenterology.

The $6 million facility will provide outpatient care for cancer patients in partnership with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers. Services will include the latest targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy to fight various types of cancer. The center will accommodate outpatient infusion and support services. And to avoid treatment delays, the facility will also include an on-site compound pharmacy with a dedicated clinical pharmacist.

Kevin Smith, president of Wellstar Spalding Medical Center, joined city and county leaders and other Wellstar Health System executives for the ceremonial groundbreaking on Griffin’s hospital campus.

“Wellstar is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care close to home,” Smith said. “Our oncology nurse navigators are registered nurses specially trained in cancer care who bring a highly personalized level of guidance to each patient and their family. Together, our team works alongside our patients to build the right care plan for them and offer support at every step of their cancer care journey.”

“This investment in the future of Wellstar Spalding allows people to face cancer with confidence,” said Candice L. Saunders, Wellstar’s president and CEO. “The new facility will provide them access to advanced cancer treatments and infusion therapy in their own community.”

Scheduled to open this winter, the 6,500-square-foot addition will double Wellstar’s ability to serve cancer patients in Spalding County and the surrounding areas while ensuring every person receives the high-quality cancer care they deserve. The facility, which will be built by Parrish Construction, will include eight patient exam rooms, 14 infusion bays, and a dedicated lab.

Stephen Nowlin became unexpectedly paralyzed one day when preparing for a Fourth of July celebration with friends. A flight EMS team was called to transport him when the flight nurse on call, Hannah Carr, recognized the address of the accident—her childhood home. She flew her father to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, where he could have the fastest, most comprehensive trauma response—and a chance at full recovery.

When routine yard work went wrong

Preparing for his annual Fourth of July party, Stephen mowed his 13-acre property in Waco, Georgia. The routine chore took a terrifying turn when his mower flipped. Trapped underneath, he realized he was paralyzed. His friend soon discovered him lying there and called 911. 

Meanwhile, Stephen’s daughter, Hannah, was working that day as a flight nurse for a local air ambulance company. When the call came in about a 60-year-old man in a tractor accident, paralyzed, at her parents' address, she instantly knew who it was. Hannah and her air ambulance service partner were on their way. 

In good hands: first responders act fast

The local fire department and EMS arrived quickly, carefully removing the mower without moving Stephen. They transported him to a nearby landing zone where Hannah and her flight partner waited. As Stephen was loaded onto the helicopter, he told his daughter, “I just hope they can fix me.”

Hannah and her partner did a thorough, head-to-toe assessment for life-threatening injuries.

“I knew I was in good hands,” Stephen said. “She's going to take care of me better than anybody else would.”

On the flight to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, Hannah communicated with the hospital ahead of arrival. In emergency situations, it’s important the team is assembled and ready to perform care as fast as possible. Because of their collaboration, not a minute was wasted.

When Dale Crail took the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, he didn’t expect to uncover cancer. But early results led to swift action—and now he’s encouraging others to take charge of their health too.

Neurosurgeons at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center achieved a new surgical approach to treat an aneurysm behind the eye. It’s called endoscopic endonasal clipping of a superior ophthalmic aneurysm. The procedure for an aneurysm in this location is believed to be the first of its kind performed through the nose. This innovative technique offers a promising alternative for patients with complex aneurysms, particularly younger individuals.

Dr. M. Salman Ali, director of Skull Base, Pituitary and Surgical Neuro-oncology and assistant professor of Neurosurgery at Augusta University, led the team in this pioneering procedure performed at Wellstar MCG Health. An aneurysm, as Dr. Ali explains, is a “weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain,” prone to rupture, which can be life-threatening. Located near the eye, the superior ophthalmic aneurysm is a rare and challenging condition.





Image provided by Augusta University Medical College of Georgia Department of Neurosurgery.

“MCG Neurosurgery has been here for many years and we have a long tradition of teaching and research,” said Dr. Fernando L. Vale, neurosurgeon and Department of Neurosurgery chair at Augusta University. “We bring teams together, use advanced technology and pay close attention to the complex details for the better outcome of our patients. Working as a team can create better science.”

The best thing for the patient

Traditionally, superior ophthalmic aneurysms were treated with open brain surgery and significant brain tissue manipulation. While endovascular techniques with the use of stents—tubes that support weak artery walls—are now more common, they carry a recurrence risk and require lifelong medication.

This was a concern for Dr. Ali, whose patient was only 36 years old. Thus, he and his team proposed clipping the aneurysm through the nasal cavity instead. This minimally invasive technique offered a treatment with no incisions or brain tissue manipulation, a significantly lower recurrence rate and no need for long-term medication.

"I thought it was the best thing for the patient," Dr. Ali emphasized, explaining his decision to pursue this approach.

The procedure required a multidisciplinary team including ENT surgeons, interventional vascular surgeons, neuro-anesthesiologists and neuromonitoring specialists—and a carefully executed surgical plan.

“This could not have been possible without this wonderful team,” Dr. Ali said. 

The patient, who found out about her aneurysm from routine imaging after a car accident, was discharged only two days after the surgery and is recovering well. Dr. Ali stressed the importance of offering patients options and empowering them to make informed decisions.

"This prioritizes the patient and surgical excellence,” he continued.

Dr. Ali hopes this procedure will become a treatment option for people with hard-to-reach aneurysms in the future, offering them a better quality of life.

Academic hospital paves way for doctors of the future

This achievement not only benefits patients but also serves as a valuable learning experience for medical residents and fellows who were in the operating room that day. 

“Seeing is believing,” Dr. Ali said, highlighting the importance of academic medicine in advancing surgical techniques. “When students see someone else do it, why can’t they do it? It’s our duty to be better than the surgeons before us. The students now have more technology and better anatomical understanding—their outcomes will be even better than ours.”

Learn more about neurosurgery at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center.

Starting your visit without a Wellstar MyChart account

1. On our Virtual Urgent Care page, select Schedule for yourself or Schedule for someone else.

2. Select your location, then Virtual Urgent Care Video Visit.

3. Follow the prompts to complete scheduling your visit.

Your Virtual Urgent Care clinician will provide you with the same personalized, tailored treatments you’ve come to expect from us. That may include treatment recommendations and prescriptions to manage an immediate health issue, like an antibiotic or cough medicine.

After your Virtual Urgent Care visit, all Wellstar clinicians, including your primary care provider or specialist, can see a record of your appointment. You will also be able to access it through MyChart. Keeping all of your trusted care team members in the know is just one way we provide you with seamless care.

Get started at wellstar.org/virtualcare.

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has earned another three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing personalized, high-quality cancer care close to home for patients in Georgia.

To achieve voluntary NAPRC accreditation, a rectal center must demonstrate compliance with the NAPRC standards addressing program management, clinical services and quality improvement for patients. Centers are required to establish a multidisciplinary rectal cancer team that includes clinical representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology.

At Wellstar, rectal cancer patients have a multidisciplinary team on their side through every step of treatment. Each patient works with a nurse navigator to schedule appointments with specialists. Patients meet with a medical oncologist, as well as a surgical oncologist or colorectal surgeon. Imaging and lab tests are reviewed by a multidisciplinary board of rectal cancer physicians, efficiently providing patients with input from several experts in cancer care. During the course of treatment, that multidisciplinary board will continue to follow the patient and discuss the best next steps, tailoring care to fit each patient’s individual needs.

Additionally, the program at Wellstar Kennestone met standards addressing the clinical services that the rectal cancer program provides, including Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA testing), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT) imaging for cancer staging, which allow patients to start treatment within a defined timeframe. Rectal cancer programs accredited by the NAPRC undergo a site visit every three years and are also accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.  

“Our patients are surrounded by a team of experienced rectal cancer experts who provide the highest level of personalized care,” said Wellstar Surgical Oncologist Dr. Sahir Shroff, who serves as the rectal cancer program chair.  “We are proud to be the first medical center in metro Atlanta to receive this important accreditation. Our pioneering efforts to adhere to the most rigorous standards and combine the latest technologies and techniques help us achieve excellence in rectal cancer care for our patients.”

Accreditation by the NAPRC is granted only to those programs that are committed to providing the best possible care to patients with rectal cancer. The NAPRC provides the structure and resources to develop and operate a high-quality rectal center. Accredited programs follow a model for organizing and managing a rectal center to ensure multidisciplinary, integrated, comprehensive rectal cancer services. Wellstar Kennestone earned its first accreditation in 2022.

Richard Knox isn’t afraid to trust his gut. When the Hiram resident began experiencing abnormal bowel habits, he instantly knew something was off. What happened next involved advocating for his health, finding the right team of specialists to meet his needs and understanding the lifesaving role of a colonoscopy in catching colon cancer early.

Becoming an advocate

Born and raised in Smyrna, Richard spent a fulfilling career with AT&T and called many different cities “home” before his retirement in 1998. He moved back to Georgia and settled in a house by the golf course at Creekside Golf & Country Club.

Richard enjoyed an active lifestyle and managed to stay healthy; in fact, the only time he could remember staying in the hospital was in 1952 when he had his tonsils removed. However, his maternal grandfather died of colon cancer at age 65, so Richard wanted to stay proactive about his colon health, knowing his family history. He had his first routine colonoscopy in his 50s, per his physician’s recommendations—“just trying to be preventative,” he said. (Updated guidelines from the American Cancer Society now recommend that individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer start screening at age 45.)

His third colonoscopy, in 2018, showed no major cause for concern—though a blood test at the time revealed anemia. A few years later, Richard noticed some changes in his bowel habits, including persistent constipation, that made him question his health. He consulted a gastroenterologist, who instructed him to stop taking Tylenol at night to help alleviate his symptoms.

But everything wasn’t fine. “It went on for several months. It wasn’t changing, and it wasn’t getting any better,” said Richard. That’s when he knew it was time to seek a fresh perspective.

Right care, right time

Richard turned to his Wellstar primary care physician, Dr. Roderick Rhyant, whom he and his wife had seen regularly since moving to Hiram. Dr. Rhyant helped coordinate care by referring Richard to a Wellstar specialist, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Benjamin Renelus.

During his first appointment with Dr. Renelus, Richard shared the results of his previous colonoscopies and recounted the recent gastrointestinal issues he’d been having. He described Dr. Renelus as someone who “lights up the whole atmosphere” and made him feel at ease discussing what can be a sensitive or difficult topic for many people.

“Richard was by and large very healthy for his age,” Dr. Renelus explained. But something wasn’t quite adding up: “What I saw in his labs was that his hemoglobin started to trend down, [indicating] there may be a GI bleed going on… but he’s not complaining of any abdominal pain. I thought, ‘This may be a tumor.’”

Like Richard, Dr. Renelus trusted his instincts—and when he didn’t feel confident with his patient’s prior colonoscopy report, he recommended a diagnostic colonoscopy. This screening test would allow him to directly examine the inside of the colon and rectum, and take a biopsy of any abnormal colon tissue.

“[Dr. Renelus] just looked at me and said, ‘You know what I’m going to say,’” Richard recalled with a laugh. “And I said, ‘That’s fine, doc. Whatever we’ve got to do. I’ve got to figure out what’s causing this.”

Knowing Richard was fit and healthy enough to undergo the procedure, Dr. Renelus scheduled the colonoscopy at the Outpatient Surgery Center at Wellstar Vinings Health Park. As it turned out, those gut feelings were right: The screening detected obstructive colon cancer.

Collaborative approach

Dr. Renelus shared the diagnosis with Richard, explaining that he had a malignant tumor originating from his colon.

“Breaking bad news, unfortunately, is something that’s not foreign to us as gastroenterologists,” he said. “But the good news is we have all the people in place at Wellstar.”

The physician promptly referred Richard to two of his Wellstar colleagues: Colorectal Surgeon Dr. Anushka Arumugasaamy, who would remove the tumor; and Hematologist/Oncologist Dr. William Forehand, who would oversee Richard’s colon cancer treatment and management.

“He was able to be seen so quickly,” Dr. Renelus said. “And I saw him in the office in between everything that was going on. He was always in good spirits. He trusted the process; he trusted me. There has to be trust on both sides. He did everything that we laid out for him.”

Richard first met with Dr. Arumugasaamy to assess the tumor. She ordered several imaging tests, including a lower abdominal CT scan and an MRI, to help stage Richard’s colon cancer and determine the most effective surgical approach. She then performed surgery to remove the tumor at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center.

The surgery was a success, and Richard experienced minimal pain afterward. Several months later, he saw Dr. Forehand to discuss next steps. Thankfully, Richard’s cancer levels looked good, so Dr. Forehand said they would continue to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence.

When he returned to Dr. Forehand’s office six months later, the CT scan was “perfectly clear,” said Richard. As a final step, Dr. Renelus performed a post-surgery colonoscopy, where he removed one polyp and confirmed all cancer had been removed.

Richard will continue to see Dr. Forehand annually to ensure he remains cancer-free. “People who develop colon cancer have a 3% risk of developing another cancer within 10 years, so that’s a sizable number considering what they’ve already been through,” explained Dr. Renelus. “Ongoing surveillance is very important.”

Throughout his colon cancer treatment, Richard said he was treated with respect and compassion by every member of his Wellstar care team.

He especially appreciated Dr. Renelus’ expertise and guidance at every step. “He was great,” Richard shared. “The colonoscopy experience with him and the folks at Wellstar Vinings Health Park was fantastic.”

Screening saves lives

As colon cancer continues to rise—it is now the third most common cancer worldwide and ranks second in cancer-related death—regular screenings have become even more important.

“Colonoscopy is unique in the sense that it can prevent colon cancer by removing cancerous polyps,” explained Dr. Renelus. “And if you are diagnosed with colon cancer and we’re able to catch it at an earlier stage, your chance of survival exponentially increases.”

“I want people to trust themselves and if something feels off, go to the doctor,” he continued. “The reality is early detection is best.”

It’s also essential that patients feel comfortable bringing up any concerns with their healthcare providers, as open communication can make a big difference in treatment outcomes. In Richard’s case, Dr. Renelus said that “had he not trusted his gut or not mentioned some of these cue words with me, I don’t know if the colonoscopy would have even been explored with someone like him.”

In sharing his story, Richard hopes he can encourage others to let go of their fears and go get screened.

“If you start noticing something is different—[that] a normal process of your body changes—you need to understand why,” he shared. “That’s what happened to me, and I was fortunate to get my appointment with Dr. Renelus.”

“And if it is colon cancer, don’t give up,” he continued. “It’s very treatable when caught early. The doctors and the facilities are well equipped to do it. So get it taken care of before it gets worse.”

Learn more about colon cancer care at Wellstar and how colorectal cancer screening saves lives.

Goodr, the innovative social impact company dedicated to ending food waste and hunger, and Wellstar Health System are teaming up for a fourth consecutive year to bring free, fresh food directly to communities throughout Metro Atlanta with a series of pop-up grocery markets.

The pop-ups will occur over five months: April, May, June, September and October.

For many Georgia families, accessing healthy food isn’t just a challenge—it’s a crisis. According to an October analysis by the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, 1.6 million Georgians received benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps).

Georgia is home to some of the largest food deserts in the country. Without nearby grocery stores, many residents rely on fast food and convenience stores, increasing their risk for chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. These mobile grocery pop-ups aren’t just about food—they deliver dignity, better health and hope.

“Health and wellness begin with access to nutritious food, which is a struggle for too many people in our community,” said Elise Lockamy-Kassim, assistant vice president for Wellstar Community Health and the Wellstar Center for Health Equity. “At Wellstar, we’ve found an exceptional partnership with Goodr and our network of community organizations to provide wholesome foods and health information.”

Each event will distribute approximately 20,000 pounds of fresh food, helping alleviate food insecurity for thousands of families. In addition to groceries, many events will offer free health screenings, nutrition education and wellness resources, reinforcing the connection between food and long-term health.

“These markets are more than just an opportunity for families to receive free groceries—they are a lifeline,” said Jasmine Crowe-Houston, founder and CEO of Goodr. “I’ve spoken with mothers who skip meals so their children can eat, seniors forced to ration what little they have and workers who spend most of their paycheck just to put food on the table. Thanks to Wellstar’s continued sponsorship, we serve those who need it most and work towards a future where no one must go hungry.”

All Wellstar Mobile Markets will be drive-thru events. Families must pre-register to attend (one registration per household) at wellstarmobilemarket.com or by emailing [email protected].

APRIL WELLSTAR MOBILE MARKET EVENTS:

Roswell
Thursday, April 3, 2025 | 5 – 6 PM
Roswell Organization for Community Development
Location: Zion Missionary Baptist Church
888 Zion Circle, Roswell, GA 30075
Registration now open

LaGrange
Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 10 – 11 AM
First Presbyterian Church - LaGrange
Location: AMC CLASSIC LaGrange 10
201 Main St., LaGrange, GA 30240
Registration now open

Griffin
Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 5 – 6 PM
New Mercy Baptist Church
730 Park Road, Griffin, GA 30224
Registration opens March 31

Douglasville
Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 10 – 11 AM
First Presbyterian Church of Douglasville
9190 Campbellton St., Douglasville, GA 30134
Registration opens April 7

Jackson
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 5 – 6 PM
Butts County Life Enrichment
Location: Jackson United Methodist Church
409 E 3rd St., Jackson, GA 30233
Registration opens April 14

Details on the May, June, September and October events will be released at a later time.

Wellstar and the Wellstar Foundation first partnered with Goodr in 2020 to tackle food insecurity during the pandemic. Initially focused on the pop-up Mobile Markets that provide food and fresh produce to thousands of families each year, the partnership has evolved to also include a Surplus Food Recovery service where unused food from hospitals is donated to community organizations.

At Wellstar, our comprehensive wound care and hyperbaric services are designed to help you heal. We combine advanced technology and a compassionate approach to support your recovery every step of the way.

Our team of experts specializes in managing severe and chronic wounds. Chronic wounds are caused when the body’s healing process is delayed, often as a result of common health problems such as diabetes or poor circulation. We work closely with patients and families to create personalized treatment plans using the most effective therapies.

From diabetic foot ulcers to non-healing surgical incisions, you can count on Wellstar to treat every wound with expertise and care.

Lifesaving wound care close to home

Chronic wounds affect millions of people nationwide. With convenient wound care and hyperbaric centers located throughout Georgia, Wellstar ensures world-class care is never far from home. We offer wound care services at multiple facilities including Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, Wellstar Spalding Medical Center, and also at clinics in LaGrange and Marietta.

Patients come to us with a range of chronic wounds, including:

• Chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis)
• Circulatory problems and vascular ulcers
• Compromised skin grafts/flaps
• Crush injuries
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Injuries from late effects of radiation
• Non-healing surgical incisions
• Pressure ulcers
• Venous stasis ulcers

Unlike normal wounds, chronic or traumatic wounds show no significant signs of healing over a period of several weeks. When wounds are not treated successfully, they can lead to illness, limb loss or life-threatening infection.

“Many wounds require specialized care that general practitioners or urgent care clinics simply cannot provide,” said Dr. Ricardo Duran, medical director of wound care and hyperbaric medicine at Wellstar North Fulton. “Without expert attention, what begins as a small ulcer can spiral into a serious condition requiring hospital admissions—or worse, amputation.”

By partnering with a Wellstar wound specialist, you can take the first step toward healing.

“We’re dedicated to preventing these outcomes by addressing wounds early, thoroughly and with expertise,” Dr. Duran said. “Our goal is to restore not only health, but also hope and quality of life.”

Innovative therapies and techniques

At Wellstar, we use the latest therapies and cutting-edge techniques to promote healing and prevent complications. Our approach is multidisciplinary, meaning that board-certified physicians, nurses and specialists collaborate to design a care plan that works for you.

Your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Advanced wound dressings
• Antibiotic therapy
• Cellular and tissue-based products
• Compression therapy
• Growth factor therapy
• Negative pressure wound therapy
• Ostomy care and support
• Total contact casting
• Wound debridement

Advanced healing with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Your Wellstar physician may recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This state-of-the-art treatment uses pressurized oxygen to enhance the body’s natural healing process. By delivering high levels of oxygen to the tissues, HBOT accelerates recovery, reduces inflammation and combats infection.

“HBOT has been especially effective for patients with diabetic foot ulcers, chronic infections and radiation injuries,” Dr. Duran explained. “Studies show that HBOT can improve healing rates by over 70% and reduce amputation risk by 50%, helping patients recover faster and get back to their lives.”

HBOT is provided in a series of treatments, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. A typical treatment plan is five sessions per week for four to six weeks. HBOT is available at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, Wellstar Spalding Medical Center, and specialized centers including Wellstar Hyperbaric Wound Clinic in LaGrange and HyOx Medical Treatment Center in Marietta.

Commitment to high-quality care

Our wound and hyperbaric services reflect Wellstar’s commitment to innovative care. Every member of our team is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care in a respectful and understanding manner.

If you or a loved one are facing the challenges of a difficult wound or slow healing, we invite you to learn more about our services. Our team is ready to help you navigate your recovery with confidence and clarity.

“Chronic wounds don’t have to control your life,” said Dr. Duran. “With the right care, healing is possible.”

Learn more about Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellstar and find a specialist near you.

No two hearts are alike, as Wellstar Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Frank Corrigan told listeners on 95.5 WSB’s The Weekly Check-up with Bruce Feinberg, DO.

During the show, Drs. Corrigan and Feinberg answered questions about the latest heart diagnostics and treatments, and described how personalized heart health has added benefits for patients.

From checkups with your primary care physician to targeted cardiac testing conducted by cardiac specialists, heart risk assessments are becoming more advanced. Dr. Corrigan discussed how tests like CT angiography and calcium scores provide personalized views of a patient’s risk factors for heart disease, the advances in minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat heart conditions, and the important role of cardiac rehabilitation.

“What fascinates me is how we can understand who’s at risk on a personal level,” said Dr. Corrigan. “We treat those risk factors to try to prevent many of the things that can happen from cardiovascular disease.”

Personalized cardiac risk assessment and diagnosis

Many people are familiar with two basic heart assessments: the electrocardiogram, also called an EKG and ECG, and a stress test.

• An EKG is a painless test that records the heart’s electrical activity.
• A stress test monitors a patient’s blood pressure, breathing and heart rate while the patient walks on a treadmill or rides a stationary bike.

Dr. Corrigan emphasized that while beneficial, these tests are only a few of the cardiac diagnostic and imaging tools available today.

“Stress testing became a standard of practice in the 1950s and 1960s. And for a while cardiologists recommended getting a stress test periodically,” Dr. Corrigan said. But stress tests have limitations.

“For the person who comes to our office for the first time with new symptoms like shortness of breath or chest discomfort, an imaging test called a coronary CT angiogram is often a more effective diagnostic tool than a stress test,” he said. “Many times, patients will have the beginnings of heart disease and narrowing in their heart arteries that we can see on CT scans. If we treat those patients with proactive therapies before they have a heart attack, we can often prevent it.”

Another valuable diagnostic tool is calcium CT scoring. This test measures plaque buildup in the heart’s arteries. The results help determine if patients need medication or further testing to evaluate their heart disease or heart attack risk.

Heart care with minimally invasive treatments

Dr. Corrigan explained that heart care is now subspecialized. Some cardiologists specialize in heart failure, while others focus on heart rhythm management—they’re electrophysiologists, or the “electricians” of cardiology. His specialty, interventional cardiology, or “the plumbers,” cares for people with blockages in their arteries.

In the past, most patients didn’t know they had a heart issue until they had an emergency cardiac event. Now, we have improved risk assessments, medical and family history evaluations and minimally invasive procedures. Physicians can diagnose and treat heart conditions before they advance.

Cardiac catheterization is one procedure that is part of more personalized heart care. A thin tube is inserted into an artery in the wrist or groin. Then, it is threaded through the blood vessel until it reaches the heart. A contrast dye makes blood vessels visible to an X-ray machine, which takes images at several angles. This allows cardiologists to pinpoint blockages.

If needed, an interventional cardiologist can open clogged arteries and insert stents. This keeps the arteries open and blood flowing.

“If someone arrives at the hospital with a heart attack, we most often treat them with a small needle puncture through their wrist,” Dr. Corrigan said. “Most patients are up walking around within hours and many go home the next day.”

For atrial fibrillation, or AFib, treatment, Dr. Corrigan noted, cardiologists now offer minimally invasive ablation procedures, in addition to medication and lifestyle changes to normalize heart rhythms.

“AFib ablations have revolutionized care for many patients. An ablation may offer better symptom control than medication alone,” Dr. Corrigan said. “However, results can vary. There are patients who have AFib ablations that do have recurrent atrial fibrillation.”

Dr. Corrigan cautions about taking supplements advertised to help with cardiac conditions, including AFib. “I’m not aware of any specific evidence of a supplement directly helping an abnormal heart rhythm,” he said. “A heart-healthy diet remains the best option for cardiac health.”

Cardiac rehab educates and empowers patients

As heart diagnostics and treatments become more personalized to patients’ genetics, medical histories and lifestyles, so does the preventive care provided to cardiac patients.

“The heart is a muscle and retraining it after a medical incident is incredibly important,” Dr. Corrigan said.

Cardiac rehab at Wellstar includes:

• Exercise programs tailored to patients’ needs and capacities to improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength
• Lifestyle education to help patients overcome unhealthy habits such as smoking and overeating and adopt proper nutrition and exercise routines
• Emotional support to help patients and their families cope with the stress of illness

Wellstar offers cardiac rehab with specially trained physical therapists and physiologists across our network of care. “The goal is to get people’s hearts and heart conditioning back to a really high level. It’s a fantastic program,” Dr. Corrigan said.

Know your heart health risks

Advances in personalized diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments are changing the future of heart care, improving outcomes and enhancing patients’ lives. Wellstar’s Know Your Heart screening program offers every patient an individualized health report. It also provides actionable recommendations for reducing risk factors and improving and sustaining heart health.

Take control of your heart health today. Learn more about heart care at Wellstar.

Wellstar Health System and Colquitt Regional Medical Center are launching a new residency track to train obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) physicians in Marietta and Moultrie. The program is unique in that it will provide new physicians with the opportunity to train in both suburban and rural areas of Georgia.

Known as Graduate Medical Education (GME), Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center's OB/GYN residency program has been approved for a rural track at Colquitt Regional in Moultrie. This rural track expansion will ultimately grow to a complement of four OB/GYN residents training on-site at Colquitt Regional at one time. Each resident physician in training will spend time at Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta, but the majority of their training will be completed at Colquitt Regional.

“This program will create opportunities for physicians specializing in women’s and maternal health to train and build their careers in rural Georgia,” said Colquitt Regional President and CEO James Matney. “It’s wonderful how Wellstar is reaching out to other health systems to help meet our local needs. Our community is encouraged and appreciative that Wellstar is helping train physicians who will care for people in rural areas across the state.”

Georgia currently ranks among the worst states in the nation for maternal care. According to the March of Dimes, more than one-third (34.6%) of Georgia counties are maternity care deserts and do not have a single obstetric healthcare provider. Additionally, Georgia is higher than the national average for maternal mortality and inadequate prenatal care. However, many maternal deaths are preventable by improving access to care.

Since 2015, 66% of physicians in training at Colquitt Regional have stayed in and near Moultrie to build their careers with residency programs that include Family Medicine, Psychiatry and General Surgery. Wellstar and Colquitt Regional aim to improve access to women’s health and maternal care in South Georgia through the new residency program.

“We have a shared goal of improving the health and wellness of every person in Georgia. This new program is another step toward meeting the critical need for physicians in rural Georgia,” said Wellstar President and CEO Candice L. Saunders. “Doctors are more likely to stay in communities where they train, which makes partnerships among health systems like Wellstar and Colquitt essential to our success.”

Including its partnership with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, Wellstar operates five teaching hospitals in the state—Wellstar Kennestone, Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas and Wellstar Spalding Medical Centers. Wellstar recently announced that its Wellstar Paulding and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Centers are also becoming designated teaching hospitals.

“Becoming a physician is an extremely rewarding experience, and that’s magnified in rural areas,” said Dr. Val Akopov, senior vice president of Wellstar Medical Group. “The physicians who train in this new program will see and feel the joy of working in a rural community.”

“Meeting the needs of people in South Georgia has always been our mission,” said Dr. Daniel York, director for OB/GYN residency at Colquitt Regional. “Our new women’s health program will go a long way to providing our region with qualified physicians in rural areas. We have enjoyed working with Wellstar to get this program approved.”

In the last decade, Wellstar has grown its GME program from 14 trainees in 2016 to nearly 300 today, many of whom have remained with Wellstar and in Georgia. Through Wellstar’s partnership with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, Wellstar MCG Health is the primary clinical training site for more than 500 GME positions. With the new residencies, Wellstar will support more than 860 physicians in training.

As a board-certified gastroenterologist, I am often tasked with the responsibility of breaking bad news in the form of relaying a newfound colorectal (colon) cancer diagnosis. I don’t take this obligation lightly as I know my next discussion with the patient will greatly impact their life.

Colon cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the colon or rectum. Often there are no signs, but colon cancer can present with rectal bleeding, weight loss, abdominal pain, change in bowel patterns and loss of appetite. Unlike many other cancers, however, most colon cancers can be diagnosed early and even prevented with the appropriate screening.

The Problem: Colon Cancer is Common and Rising

Colon cancer is very common. It is the third most common cancer worldwide and ranks second in cancer-related death. The number of cases increases as we get older. Unfortunately, we are also seeing a rise in numbers among younger adults under the age of 50.

This increase cannot be explained through hereditary factors as most early onset colon cancers are sporadic, meaning not linked to passed-down genetics. To add insult to injury, we are seeing an overall trend of rising colon cancer mortality among this younger group.

The Answer: Screening

Colon cancer screening has shown to improve survival from colon cancer by catching it early. Some screening tools can even prevent colon cancer by removing the precursor to cancer. There are multiple screening tests available, including stool-based tests that look for blood or abnormal DNA, and specialized imaging tests that allow doctors to visualize your colon from the outside.

One of the highest recommended screening tools is a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy involves direct examination of the colon with biopsy or removal of abnormal colon tissue. Unlike the other screening tests, a colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer with removal of polyps. Polyps are benign tissue but can develop into cancer over time if left untreated. Studies have shown that colonoscopy and removal of polyps significantly reduce the long-term incidence of colon cancer.

I encourage you to speak with your primary care provider about colon cancer screening. Taking this simple step could save your life.

Learn more about colon cancer prevention at Wellstar by visiting wellstar.org/cleancolons. To make an appointment with Dr. Renelus, call (470) 610-0145.

Pregnancy is a time of excitement and change. But it also puts added strain on the heart. In fact, cardiovascular conditions are one of the leading causes of maternal complications worldwide. Some women can develop heart conditions during pregnancy that can lead to serious complications if not recognized early. Knowing the risks and being proactive about your heart health can help prevent a life-threatening problem.

Here’s what every expectant mom should know about heart health during pregnancy.

1. High blood pressure can be silent—and dangerous.

Some women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, even if they’ve never had it before. High blood pressure can lead to preeclampsia. It’s a condition that can cause organ damage and, in severe cases, seizures. When high blood pressure isn’t treated, it can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure. Checking your blood pressure regularly can help catch problems early.

What to do about high blood pressure

If you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or a family history of cardiovascular issues, tell your care team. Preconception counseling is essential if you have a known heart condition. Your physician may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home and report any sudden swelling, headaches or vision changes immediately.

2. Heart failure can happen—even in healthy moms.

A rare but serious condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) weakens the heart, usually in the last month of pregnancy or the months following delivery. If you have shortness of breath, swelling or often feel extremely tired, don’t ignore those signs.

What to do if you have shortness of breath or a racing heart

Talk to your provider immediately if everyday activities leave you exhausted or struggling to breathe. Other concerning symptoms include persistent coughing, swelling in your legs or feet and dizziness. Don’t ignore symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, severe fatigue or a racing heartbeat. These could signal a serious heart problem—seek help right away.

3. Pre-existing heart conditions and hypertensive disorders require extra care.

If you’ve ever had heart disease, a heart defect or high blood pressure—including hypertension or hypertensive disorders—pregnancy can increase your risks. Even women without symptoms before pregnancy may need extra monitoring.

What to do if you have a pre-existing heart condition

Talk with your provider early about a care plan. High-risk pregnancies may require specialist support, like a maternal-fetal medicine physician or cardiologist. If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition before pregnancy, ask your provider how it may affect labor and delivery. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. You know your body best, and your concerns deserve attention.

4. Blood clots are more common during pregnancy.

Pregnancy increases the risk of thromboembolism, a serious condition where blood clots can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. The risk is even higher for women with a history of clotting disorders, obesity or limited mobility.

What to do to prevent blood clots

To reduce your risk of blood clots, stay active, stay hydrated and watch for warning signs like leg swelling, redness or pain. If you notice these, call your provider right away. If you’re on bed rest, ask your provider about ways to improve circulation. Learn the signs of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

5. A racing heartbeat may be abnormal.

You can expect some changes in heart rhythm during pregnancy, but arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) can be a sign of something more serious. Hormone changes, increased blood volume and underlying conditions like thyroid disorders can all contribute to an irregular heartbeat.

What to do about a racing heart

If your heart races often, feels like it’s skipping beats or you feel dizzy or faint, let your provider know immediately. Keep track of when these symptoms happen and whether they occur at specific times, such as during physical activities or when your stress levels are high.

6. Postpartum recovery still puts stress on the heart.

The risk of heart complications doesn’t end at delivery. Many serious conditions, including heart failure or high blood pressure, can develop in the weeks or months after childbirth. Postpartum heart issues can be life-threatening if you don’t address them.

What to do during the postpartum period

Keep all postpartum checkups, even if you feel fine. Watch for new symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue. If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, continue monitoring it after delivery. Be aware that cardiovascular complications can develop up to a year postpartum, and follow-up care is so important for your long-term health.

7. Your hospital choice matters

For women at high risk, delivering in a hospital with access to specialized prenatal tests, genetic testing like amniocentesis, fetal evaluations and emergency cardiac care can make all the difference. Not all hospitals have the same level of maternal heart care, so it’s important to plan ahead. Choose a hospital that is equipped to handle pregnancy-related cardiac emergencies.

Wellstar provides specialized care for mothers and babies close to home, including:

• Wellstar Acworth Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
• Wellstar Avalon Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
• Wellstar Cherokee Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
• Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia: Level IV NICU
• Wellstar Cobb Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, level III NICU, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
• Wellstar Douglas Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, maternal-fetal medicine
• Wellstar East Cobb Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
• Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, Level III NICU, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
• Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center: Cardio-obstetrics, emergency cardiac care, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics
• Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, medical genetics
• Wellstar Paulding Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
• Wellstar Spalding Medical Center: Maternal-fetal medicine
• Wellstar Vinings Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
• Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care

What to do about your hospital choice

If you are high-risk, consider hospitals with advanced cardiac care and those that have expertise in pregnancy-related heart conditions. Talk to your care team well in advance about your birth plan, especially if you have a heart condition. If possible, tour the hospital beforehand and ask about its capabilities in managing pregnancy-related heart complications.

8. Mental health and stress impact heart health.

Anxiety and stress can affect your heart. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder are common in pregnancy and postpartum, and they can impact heart health.

What to do to keep your mental health in check

Access mental health resources and practice stress management techniques to help you manage your mental health. Simple practices like deep breathing, mindfulness and connecting with loved ones can help lower stress levels. Remember, you are empowered to take control of your health—talk with your provider or a support person and get the help you need.

Take Action for a Healthier Pregnancy.

Eat well, stay active and avoid smoking or alcohol. These efforts can protect your heart and your baby’s health. Small, consistent changes—like reducing salt intake or walking daily—can make a difference.

Regular prenatal visits are just as important. Remember, knowledge is power. Stay informed, speak up when something feels off and choose a hospital that meets your needs. These simple steps can help you take control of your heart health and reduce the risk for you and your baby.

Find an OB/GYN or perinatal cardiologist and learn about labor and delivery at Wellstar.

Hand surgery is a unique and intricate field that combines the precision of microsurgery with the compassion required to treat patients of all ages. My journey into this specialized area of medicine comes from a deep passion for helping individuals regain function and improve their quality of life. This article explores my dedication to pediatric hand surgery and minimally invasive adult hand surgery, including arthroscopy and ultrasound-guided procedures such as carpal tunnel and trigger finger release.

The Beginnings of a Passion

From an early age, I was fascinated by the complexity of machines, computers and tools. Until high school, I was convinced that I should become an engineer. However, in the last month of high school I shadowed an orthopedic surgeon and told myself, “I’ll go to medical school if I can do that!” During my medical training, I was fortunate to be able to help many patients in the emergency department to return to their lives and work by treating their hand injuries. I became enamored with the hand’s intricate network of bones, tendons, nerves and muscles that allow for an incredible range of motion and dexterity. Also, in treating children during residency, I wanted to learn more about the growing hand and how I could help children gain the most function. This fascination led me to direct my career in medicine toward a particular focus on hand surgery and pediatric orthopedics.

Pediatric Hand Surgery: A Delicate Balance

Pediatric hand surgery is a particularly rewarding aspect of my practice. Children with congenital hand differences or traumatic injuries require specialized care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs. The challenge lies in the delicate balance of performing intricate surgeries on tiny, developing hands while ensuring minimal disruption to their growth and development.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of pediatric hand surgery is witnessing the resilience and adaptability of young patients. Their ability to recover and adapt to new circumstances is truly remarkable. Whether it is correcting a congenital anomaly like syndactyly (webbed fingers) or repairing a traumatic injury, the goal is always to restore function and enable these children to lead active, fulfilling lives. My favorite pediatric hand surgery is the index pollicization, in which I convert the index finger into a thumb for children who are born without a thumb.

Minimally Invasive Techniques: The Future of Hand Surgery

In recent years, minimally invasive techniques have revolutionized the field of hand surgery. These approaches offer many benefits, including reduced pain, faster recovery times and smaller scars. My practice has increasingly incorporated these techniques, particularly arthroscopy and ultrasound-guided procedures, to provide the best possible outcomes for my patients.

Arthroscopy: Precision Through Small Incisions

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves the use of a small camera, called an arthroscope, to visualize the inside of a joint. This allows for precise diagnosis and treatment of various hand conditions without the need for large incisions. In my practice, arthroscopy works well for conditions such as wrist ligament injuries, ganglion cysts and early-stage arthritis.

The advantages of arthroscopy are myriad. Patients experience less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities. Additionally, the smaller incisions result in less scarring, which is particularly important for hand surgery, where stiffness can lead to delayed recovery since tissues must stretch to recover.

Ultrasound-Guided Procedures: Real-Time Precision

Ultrasound-guided procedures have also become a cornerstone of my practice. This technique involves using ultrasound imaging to guide the placement of needles or surgical instruments in real-time. It is particularly useful for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger, where precise targeting of the affected area is crucial.

For carpal tunnel syndrome, ultrasound guidance allows for accurate placement of the needle during corticosteroid injections or for the release of the transverse carpal ligament. This results in effective symptom relief with minimal discomfort for the patient. Similarly, for trigger finger, ultrasound guidance ensures precise release of the constricted tendon sheath, leading to improved outcomes and faster recovery.

The Human Connection: Building Trust and Empathy

While the technical aspects of hand surgery are undoubtedly important, the human connection is equally vital. Building trust and empathy with my patients is at the core of my practice. Each patient comes with their own unique story, and understanding their concerns and goals is essential for providing personalized care.

In pediatric hand surgery, this often involves working closely with both the child and their family. Explaining the surgical procedure in a way that is understandable and reassuring helps to alleviate anxiety and build confidence in the treatment plan. For adult patients, particularly those undergoing minimally invasive procedures, clear communication about the benefits and expectations of the surgery is crucial for informed decision-making.

Continuing Education and Innovation

The field of hand surgery is constantly evolving, with new techniques and technologies emerging regularly. Staying at the forefront of these advancements is a priority for me. I am committed to continuous education and regularly attend conferences, workshops and training sessions to refine my skills and learn about the latest developments in hand surgery.

Innovation is also a key aspect of my practice. I actively participate in research studies and collaborate with colleagues to explore innovative approaches and improve existing techniques. This commitment to innovation ensures that my patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Commitment

My passion for pediatric hand surgery and minimally invasive adult hand surgery comes from my desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients. The ability to restore function, alleviate pain and improve quality of life is incredibly rewarding. As I continue this journey, I remain dedicated to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care to all my patients, young and old.

Hand surgery is more than just a profession for me; it is a lifelong commitment to excellence, empathy and innovation. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to gain experience and grow, and I am grateful for the privilege of being able to help my patients achieve their best outcomes.

Wellstar Cobb Medical Center is no stranger to using robotics in surgery yet a new system has catapulted its robotic capabilities to the next level.

Wellstar Cobb is the first hospital in the health system to offer a first-of-its-kind surgical technology through the new Da Vinci 5 robot (DV5), with surgeons Dr. Julie Chang and Dr. Stephen Odom performing the hospital’s inaugural procedures using the DV5 for gynecologic and general surgery.

The DV5 robot allows physicians to sense how much push-or-pull force they apply during surgeries, giving them greater control and data as they delicately maneuver the tips of the instrument. Wellstar Cobb is among the first hospitals in the metro Atlanta area with this innovative technology.

“The ability to sense hard and soft tissue during robotic surgeries is a game changer,” said Dr. Chang, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and the first surgeon to use the new DV5 robot at Wellstar Cobb. “Surgeries will be even more precise and efficient with this tool, which will further reduce post-operative pain and make recovery time faster.”

Surgeons can apply up to 43% less force on tissue by relying on the robot’s Force Feedback technology, according to preclinical data from Intuitive, the maker of the DV5 system. When using DV5, surgeons also benefit from improved dexterity and ergonomics, better 3D images and a wider range of motion compared to prior models.

This increase in precision and flexibility will help patients experience less blood loss and scarring, have lower risks of complications and spend less time in the hospital.

“We are committed to providing the highest standard of care—not only by building strong teams, but also by embracing cutting-edge technology,” said Eliese Bernard, president of Wellstar Cobb. “We are thrilled to offer this latest advancement to our patients and be among the first hospitals in the state to do so.”

The new system will primarily benefit general surgery, urology and gynecology patients. DV5 will assist with procedures ranging from repairing a hernia to more complex surgeries.

Wellstar Cobb has performed over 10,000 robotic surgeries, with 1,500 of those procedures occurring last year alone. With the help of various Da Vinci models, the hospital’s 30 robotic surgeons apply their expertise to general surgery, gynecology, urology, colorectal and bariatrics.

Their skill with robotic technology offers patients better outcomes, including during laparoscopies—during which surgeons insert a camera through a small incision, limiting the procedure's invasiveness. For instance, only 0.2% of Dr. Chang’s laparoscopies for benign hysterectomies have escalated to open surgeries, which require larger incisions and longer recovery times. By committing to high surgical standards, Wellstar Cobb physicians minimize patient complications and readmissions.

“Wellstar Cobb continues to lead the way in robotic surgeries,” said Dr. Jody Hughes, chief medical officer at Wellstar Cobb. “Not only do we offer best-in-class services through technology like the DV5, but we also support other communities by helping train the next generation of elite robotic surgeons.”

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has also acquired its own Da Vinci 5 Robot.

Learn more about robotic surgery at Wellstar.

Maintaining healthy joints is essential for mobility and quality of life. When joint pain arises, whether as the result of an acute injury or natural aging, the discomfort can interfere with daily activities and keep you from living your fullest life.

The good news is that it’s possible to protect your joints with the right preventive strategies. By teaming up with the orthopedic experts at Wellstar, you can overcome joint pain and stay at the top of your game.

Do: Train smart and prioritize recovery.

When it comes to joint health, the way you train matters just as much as how you recover.

“Smart training means warm-ups, cool downs and using ice after activities and heat before activities,” said Wellstar Chief Musculoskeletal Officer Dr. Joseph Burns. It also means understanding your body’s limits—you should avoid pushing too hard, too fast, as this can lead to overuse injuries that compromise long-term joint health.

Additionally, variety of movement is key. “You shouldn’t do one sport or one physical activity all year round,” noted Dr. Burns, who specializes in shoulder surgery and sports medicine. Try to mix up your exercises, incorporating a blend of strength, flexibility and mobility training to build joint resilience. Be mindful of any discomfort, and adjust your routine accordingly.

Finally, it’s important to allow for adequate rest and recovery between intense activities to prevent strain and reduce inflammation.

“There’s a normal soreness after activities,” Dr. Burns said, “but if you don’t give your body the opportunity to fully recover, it gets used to the idea that it’s always in pain, always fighting.”

By training smart and prioritizing recovery, you're not just protecting your joints in the short term—you’re setting the stage for a lifetime of movement and vitality.

Don’t: Ignore joint pain.

It’s important to pay attention to the cues your body gives you. Ignoring pain can lead to further damage. According to Dr. Burns, one of the first steps you can take when joint pain occurs is the R-I-C-E method.

“The acronym R-I-C-E, which is rest, ice, compression and elevation, is a good place to start,” he said. This simple yet effective treatment can greatly reduce pain and swelling, and help you get back to enjoying the things you love.

However, if your pain is debilitating, persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a physician. “In general, we tell people that the severity of the pain matters; sharp, intense pain is your body telling you something,” Dr. Burns explained. “Another sign is how you’re sleeping. If pain is waking you up at night, it’s time to look into it.”

Do: Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.

At Wellstar, our comprehensive total joint care program addresses a variety of joint concerns with both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. We work closely with you to tailor the best treatment plan for your lifestyle.

“Joint pain comes in all shapes and sizes,” Dr. Burns said. Sometimes R-I-C-E is all it takes to reduce your joint pain and promote healing. Other times, a total joint replacement or minimally invasive procedure may be recommended to help you get back to an active lifestyle, whether it’s playing sports or keeping up with your grandkids.

“My job is to help people feel better,” said Dr. Burns, “and sometimes that requires surgery, sometimes it requires medication, sometimes it requires education, and sometimes it requires a pat on the back and encouragement that people are on the right track and doing the right thing.”

In many cases, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications and minimally invasive procedures can provide significant relief before surgery becomes necessary. Whenever possible, Wellstar utilizes state-of-the-art technology to deliver focused care with fewer complications and shorter recovery time.

One example is a treatment called platelet-rich plasma, or PRP. “It harnesses the body’s own healing ability, which is quite amazing,” explained Dr. Burns. “It involves removing a little bit of blood, extracting certain cells—in this case the platelet cells—concentrating them and then injecting them into the body. It’s a great example of the technological advances that can help people avoid surgery.”

If surgery is recommended by your doctor, ensure you understand the risks, benefits and expected recovery timeline. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek a second opinion if something concerns you. A well-informed patient is an empowered patient.

Do: Practice healthy habits.

Taking care of your joints requires a high level of discipline when it comes to health maintenance.

Your daily routine should include “stretching, strength training, proper nutrition, rest, recovery and keeping your mind active and focused,” Dr. Burns recommended. “In combination, this can help significantly reduce not only your risk for injury, but your blood pressure, and stress and anxiety levels.”

Stress can trigger joint pain, making it vital to prioritize your mental health. “The mental resiliency is equally important as the physical work,” Dr. Burns said.

Other preventive care practices, including wearing supportive footwear, focusing on proper form and avoiding overexertion, can help create a solid foundation that supports joint health over time. Neglecting these basics often leads to imbalances and strain that could have been avoided.

“It’s an ongoing, lifelong process of maintaining your health,” said Dr. Burns. “There are no shortcuts.”

Don’t: Navigate joint pain alone.

If you’re dealing with joint pain, don’t be afraid to seek care and guidance. “We can’t do it alone,” said Dr. Burns.

While acute inflammation comes on quickly and can be treated fast and effectively, chronic inflammation “isn’t as easy to fix,” the surgeon said. “Oftentimes it involves a long-term approach that may involve rebalancing muscles, physical therapy or muscle strengthening.” By establishing a trusted team of providers, from orthopedists to rheumatologists to physical therapists, you can feel supported at every step of the process.

“From a physician’s standpoint, it is extremely valuable to know your patient,” Dr. Burns shared. “That’s why a health system like Wellstar, where our patients often see several physicians within the system, can be extremely helpful.”

Achieving optimal joint health requires collaboration among numerous experts. Your doctors, surgeons and specialists may work together to recommend exercises or offer lifestyle adjustments that will protect and strengthen your joints.

Above all, maintain open communication with your care team about your symptoms, goals and any changes you feel. This proactive approach ensures you’re not making decisions alone. By seeking the right help early on, you can prevent further joint pain and get back to enjoying daily activities with confidence and ease.

Find a Wellstar orthopedic specialist near you.

There are more than 1 million hip and knee replacement surgeries performed in the United States each year, primarily for patients experiencing debilitating arthritis pain in those joints. That number is expected to grow considerably as the population ages and looks to maintain an active lifestyle. However, despite being one of the most common elective orthopedic procedures performed today, many patients whose quality of life could benefit from such a surgery are often hesitant because they know friends or family members who have had a total joint replacement with a poor outcome. That is why helping patients understand what to expect during and after surgery, and how to optimize their health prior to the surgery, is crucial to any successful joint replacement procedure.

Before undergoing total joint replacement surgery, it is vital for a patient to be as medically optimized and strong as possible. This means working on range of motion exercises for the affected joint and doing light strengthening exercises on a consistent basis in order to increase joint and muscle movement, reduce stiffness and pain, and maintain flexibility. In addition, encouraging patients to practice good diabetic control, stop the use of nicotine products and optimize their weight by making healthy lifestyle choices also helps to reduce the risk of infection after surgery and improve patient satisfaction and recovery. These are incredibly important factors for patients to discuss with their surgeon when considering joint replacement surgery in order to increase the likelihood of having a complication-free surgery.

Prior to surgery, patients should be able to meet with their surgeon and care team to discuss the procedure in detail and have all their questions answered regarding post-operative complications, mobility, pain management and the impact on their lifestyle and daily activities. Finding a surgeon who prioritizes sitting with patients and taking the time to answer their questions ahead of surgery is imperative. Further, meeting with the anesthesia care team and participating in instructional classes related to hip and knee replacement helps patients feel at ease with undergoing the surgery and managing the recovery process.

Patients are often concerned about the hospital stay, including what will happen the day of surgery and after the surgery. Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, many hip and knee replacement surgeries can now be performed as outpatient procedures. This allows patients to go home on the same day as their surgery, often with the support of home health and physical therapy services. For those who have more complex medical problems, an overnight stay is typically recommended.

Pain control techniques have vastly improved in recent years, and surgeons and anesthesiologists now work together to use a variety of methods to treat patients’ pain. These include nerve blocks, medications infiltrated around the actual hip or knee joint and medications administered after surgery that target multiple pain receptors and help keep pain manageable. At Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we ensure that patients are up and walking within a couple of hours of surgery with an assistive device. Most patients no longer require a blood transfusion due to better anesthesia techniques as well as medications that now slow blood loss during surgery, which also contributes to a faster recovery.

After surgery, patients can expect to need a walker for anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Most patients don’t need an assistive device by three to four weeks after surgery, but this does vary. Patients often return to driving around three to four weeks after surgery. In my practice, we typically close the incision with sutures underneath the skin, eliminating the need for patients to return to the office for suture or staple removal. In addition, the bandages we use are waterproof, making it easy for patients to shower after surgery. The total recovery time following joint replacement surgery is usually two to three months. Most patients benefit from attending weekly physical therapy sessions during this time to assist with regaining full joint range of motion, increasing strength throughout the lower extremity and regaining independence with functional activities such as ascending and descending stairs and getting up from a couch.

For those who are interested in doing their homework prior to surgery, there are excellent resources available to patients on both the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons websites. But the most important step for patients as they prepare for joint replacement surgery is to consider choosing a surgeon who has additional fellowship training in hip and knee replacement, is willing to answer their questions and proactively share what to expect, and who they ultimately trust to perform the surgery. Taking the time to find a surgical team that is committed to enhancing patients’ well-being and helping them achieve the best possible outcome will increase the odds of a successful joint replacement.

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining good heart health has never been more important. The collaboration between the American Heart Association and the Wellstar Congregational Health Network (CHN) is making meaningful progress in empowering four local churches to prioritize heart health. Wellstar CHN identified these partner churches in Metro Atlanta as facing significant gaps in the tools needed to support the well-being of their congregations. This initiative aims to increase awareness about high blood pressure, provide necessary tools for monitoring heart health, and save lives by ensuring these churches have CPR-trained staff and are equipped with devices like automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Collaborating to achieve community well-being

The American Heart Association has long been at the forefront of cardiovascular health education, advocacy and research. By joining forces with Wellstar, which is dedicated to improving health and wellness in Georgia, the organization is expanding its reach into local communities.

The Wellstar CHN, which works closely with churches and faith-based organizations, has been committed to serving congregants’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for over 20 years. This collaboration represents an impactful move toward offering practical solutions to help address heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Making early detection a priority

A key initiative under this collaboration is the establishment of blood pressure monitoring stations within the churches. These stations are designed to provide easy access for community members to check their blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure, often called the "silent killer," can lead to serious health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure if left undiagnosed and untreated.

By placing blood pressure monitoring stations in church spaces, people are encouraged to regularly monitor their health in a familiar, supportive environment. The program also provides educational materials on how to maintain healthy blood pressure levels, empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to act early.

These stations serve as a gateway to better health, helping people detect high blood pressure and seek medical advice sooner.

Providing access to lifesaving tools in churches

Another vital part of this collaboration is the provision of AEDs to participating churches. An AED is a portable device that can deliver an electric shock to someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which can be fatal without prompt intervention.

Placing AEDs in churches means congregants and visitors have access to lifesaving tools in a cardiac emergency. These devices are easy to use, with step-by-step instructions, and they can dramatically increase the chances of survival if used quickly.

The goal is to equip churches with not just AEDs, but also the training to use them effectively. The American Heart Association provides training for church staff, volunteers and congregants so they can act confidently in the event of a cardiac emergency. For many people, churches serve as central gathering points within a community, making them ideal locations for AEDs to be readily available.

Building stronger communities through heart health

The American Heart Association and Wellstar CHN partnership is about more than providing tools—it is about building a healthier, more resilient community. By focusing on heart health, these initiatives aim to reduce the risks of heart disease and cardiac emergencies. They also foster a culture of wellness, where faith-based organizations can be hubs for health education and support.

Churches play a significant role in their communities, offering spiritual guidance and physical and emotional support. By embracing these heart health initiatives, they become even more integral in shaping healthy futures for everyone who walks through their doors.

Looking ahead to a healthier future

This joint effort between the American Heart Association and the Wellstar CHN is a shining example of how local groups can work together to make a tangible impact. By providing blood pressure monitoring stations, AEDs, and ongoing health education, the organizations are helping to save lives, prevent heart disease, and empower communities to take proactive steps toward better health.

As heart disease continues to affect millions of individuals each year, collaborations like these are crucial in shifting the narrative from reactive to proactive health care. Together, we can create a healthier future for ourselves, our families and our communities.

A big thank you to the churches below for empowering their members by hosting these heart health educational programs and providing the tools needed to improve their health and well-being. Your work in the community is inspiring.

• Trust the Truth Community Church Marietta
• West Hunter Street Baptist Church Atlanta
• East Point First Baptist East Point
• Crossroads Community Ministries Atlanta

Dr. Scott Miller, a Wellstar urologist and expert in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, joined Dr. Bruce Feinberg on 95.5 WSB’s The Weekly Checkup. Together, they tackled common questions about urology, prostate health, incontinence and more.

Does dark urine mean I have a medical problem?

There’s no normal color for urine, Dr. Miller explained. Most of the time, expect urine to be “fairly diluted, almost like water or very pale yellow.”

Urine color may be different in the morning after a night’s sleep without hydration. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines, like multivitamins, can also affect urine color. Any red in urine could indicate the presence of blood. That’s a sign to call your primary care provider or urologist.

Should I be worried about bubbles in my urine?

That depends, according to Dr. Miller.

“If bubbles form simply because of the way your urine stream hits the water—causing a little turbulence—there’s no need for concern,” he said. “But if you actually feel the bubbles or air passing as you urinate, that’s different. It could indicate a bladder infection or an abnormal connection between the urinary and GI (gastrointestinal) tract.”

In that case, Dr. Miller said a doctor would likely order tests to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Do women need urologists?

Yes. Urologists specialize in treating the kidneys and the bladder in both women and men, in addition to addressing prostate health in men.

“Anyone with a urologic issue should see a urologist,” Dr. Miller said. He noted that women are more likely than men to experience conditions like kidney stones and urinary tract infections, making specialized care essential.

Is bladder leakage inevitable with aging?

Dr. Miller noted that bladder control issues are common, but they can be an avoidable part of aging.

“Some females assume bladder control is a natural consequence of childbirth or aging,” he said. “But in reality, these are all treatable issues and sometimes very simple fixes.”

Dr. Miller said that both women and men can benefit from treatments that may include medications, lifestyle changes and minimally invasive procedures. He encourages those experiencing bladder control concerns to talk with their primary care doctor or urologist rather than assume it’s something they must live with.

What about erectile dysfunction? Is it unavoidable with aging?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can occur at any age, Dr. Miller said. But it is more common as men get older.

“ED isn’t necessarily a direct result of aging. … For instance, testosterone levels naturally decline with age, which can contribute to ED. But that’s not necessarily the cause of the erectile function,” he said.

Underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, are sometimes related to ED and are more common as people age.

People with other diseases, such as diabetes, may also experience erectile dysfunction, he explained.

At any age, patients should see a doctor as soon as they start having erectile dysfunction, Dr. Miller said. Doctors can test and rule out other causes. Early treatment for erectile dysfunction is often more successful than when patients delay seeing a doctor.

Is vasectomy safe? Is it reversible?

Not only is vasectomy safe, but it’s also the “most effective form of permanent birth control,” Dr. Miller assured listeners. The outpatient procedure is performed in a doctor’s office, and recovery is quick.

Some men worry that a vasectomy might affect their sexual function or desire, but that’s not true, Dr. Miller added. Vasectomy doesn’t affect the testicles, where testosterone, the male hormone, is produced or the delivery of the hormone to the bloodstream.

Dr. Miller said that when patients ask if vasectomy is reversible, he cautions that while vasectomy reversal is possible, it is a complex procedure with no guarantees. The patient’s age, how much time has passed since the vasectomy and the partner’s fertility all influence the chances of achieving pregnancy.

“So, never count on it,” he said. “But there are other ways to achieve pregnancy, even in someone who has had a vasectomy, including retrieving sperm directly from the testicle” then attempting in-vitro fertilization.

If I have prostate cancer, does that mean I need surgery?

Advances in prostate cancer detection and treatment have changed considerably in how doctors treat the disease, Dr. Miller said.

“Up to 40% of all prostate cancers we diagnose are at least initially candidates for active surveillance,” he said. Of those, 40 to 50% will, over three to five years, require treatment. Even in those cases, he added doctors “have a lot of ‘runway.’”

“It’s like landing a commuter jet on a 747 runway. We don’t need to start at the very beginning of the runway to safely land before the runway runs out,” he said.

For some patients, that may eventually mean they are candidates for laparoscopic surgery to remove the prostate gland or parts of it that are cancerous.

Advances in diagnostic tools, such as MRIs, genetic testing and genomic testing, have also revolutionized the detection and treatment of prostate cancer, according to Dr. Miller. Genetic testing can help determine a person’s risk of developing prostate cancer, while genomic testing reveals the molecular makeup of tumors and helps guide treatment decisions between doctors and patients.

Can I change my diet to prevent kidney stones?

Dr. Miller recommends two dietary habits to help prevent kidney stones: drinking plenty of fluids and limiting sodium intake—not only table salt, but also foods high in sodium, including diet and snack foods. He advised that when you have a meal high in sodium, counter its effects by drinking extra water.

In general, “most of the things in your diet will have very little effect on your chance of having kidney stones,” Dr. Miller said.

Because calcium is one of the chemicals that makes up kidney stones, Dr. Miller said many people ask if they should avoid calcium to prevent kidney stones. In most cases, the answer is no. Women especially need adequate calcium in their diets to support bone health and reduce their risk of osteoporosis.

Find a urologist at Wellstar

Do you have questions or concerns about your urinary health? Wellstar’s expert urologists are ready to help. Visit wellstar.org/urology to learn more or schedule an appointment.

MARIETTA, Ga. (Feb. 20, 2025) – Wellstar Health System announced today the launch of residency programs at two more of its hospitals: Wellstar Paulding Medical Center in Hiram and West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange.

Including its partnership with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Wellstar MCG Health, Wellstar will now operate seven teaching hospitals in the state. In addition to Wellstar Paulding and Wellstar West Georgia, four other Wellstar hospitals—Wellstar Kennestone, Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas and Wellstar Spalding Medical Centers—are already designated as teaching hospitals.

Known as Graduate Medical Education (GME), the Paulding and West Georgia residency training programs will create 60 new physician positions—30 in each hospital. Both programs will focus on internal medicine with an emphasis on rural primary care.

In the last decade, Wellstar has grown its GME program from 14 trainees in 2016 to nearly 300 today, many of whom have remained with Wellstar and in Georgia.

Through Wellstar’s partnership with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center is the primary clinical training site for more than 500 GME positions. The new residency slots mean Wellstar will soon support more than 860 physicians in training.

Wellstar executives said one of their goals is to help fill an increasingly dire need for physicians in rural areas.

“We know that doctors are more likely to stay in communities where they train,” said Wellstar President and CEO Candice L. Saunders. “Because of that, we’ve committed significant resources to training physicians who care for people in rural areas where the need is much greater for highly skilled clinicians.”

“We must all work together to ensure students who graduate from medical schools in Georgia can remain in our state for residency and beyond,” said Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. “Programs like these are an essential part of ensuring a healthier future for our state. I am thankful to our educational partners at Wellstar for their vision and investment and I look forward to finding new ways to ensure our partnership continues to positively impact the lives of the people of Georgia.”

Later this year another hospital that serves rural areas, Wellstar Spalding in Griffin, will graduate its first class of resident physicians. The 10 graduates will be offered positions within the healthcare system. Wellstar is also pursuing a Rural Track Program (RTP) designation, which would allow for additional physician trainees to be based at Wellstar Kennestone but practice at rural hospitals across the state.

“Besides improving the health and wellness of Georgia’s rural communities, we’re also helping to make them stronger economically,” said Dr. Val Akopov, senior vice president of Wellstar Medical Group. “These new physicians and their families live and work in these small towns, which positively enhances our shared vision for our state.”

“Now with 304 students per class, Medical College of Georgia is among the top five largest medical school class sizes in the nation but is a net exporter of medical students,” said MCG Dean Dr. David Hess. “Growth in undergraduate medical education is only one part of addressing our nation’s and state’s growing physician shortage. We must also invest in GME—Georgia is one of the fastest growing and most populous states yet we still rank 40th in residents per capita. Statewide growth and expansion of residency slots is certainly a step in the right direction.”

Wellstar is also investing in its current educational portfolio through the expansion of its medical libraries, capital improvements to its Center for Healthcare Simulation, the construction of a new Anatomical Skills and Research Lab and new medical technologies to assist patients at the bedside.

The history of orthopedic surgery is mankind’s attempt to make straight that which is crooked. The advent of anesthesia made it possible to use surgery to break bones and re-align them without undue pain. But the art of correcting deformities caused by abnormal growth or trauma has taken hundreds of years to advance to its current form. The most important observation—made incidentally by multiple surgeons, but most famously by Gavrill Ilizarov during the 1950s in the Soviet Union—was that a broken bone, if pulled apart with appropriate timing and stress, can form new bone.

This discovery came with years of painstaking research and trial and error in order to effect techniques that would allow for gradual correction of limbs that were bent, short or otherwise deformed. Initially, external fixator apparatus were used to manually manipulate the bone with daily turns of a crank, which involved mathematical calculations and equations that lacked precision when applied to the individual case. Gradually, these methods evolved to incorporate automation, modern computing and more biologically friendly surgical techniques. Newer devices allowed for the distraction pressure to be applied inside the body rather than outside in select cases, making the process of correcting limb alignment problems less cumbersome to patients.

Limb lengthening and deformity correction has always been a powerful yet technically difficult procedure, making it a smaller and less-utilized area of orthopedics. But the ability to correct errors of genetics or nutrition or deformities from trauma or infection is nothing short of magical—and magic requires study, practice and dedication to perform correctly. Distraction osteogenesis techniques are often applied to problems that are intractable by other, more commonplace means. Practitioners of the art enjoy the unique challenges presented and the potential to affect patients’ lives for the better. It is not always easy or simple, but the reward of helping others is the driving force behind the effort.

Subspecialty training in the area of limb lengthening and deformity correction is now available in the United States at several centers. A subspecialty society, the Limb Lengthening and Reconstructive Society (LLRS) provides educational opportunities with meetings and traveling fellowships. Orthopedic surgeons who have taken advantage of the society’s training and membership are often those most committed to learning the art and science of limb deformity correction. The Orthopedic Trauma team at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center includes physicians who have undergone this training and enjoy being a resource for patients and the orthopedic surgery community at large when it comes to limb deformities, difficult malunions or nonunions, infections requiring bone transport and other complicated cases. At Wellstar, modern techniques using both external fixation and computer-assisted guidance allow limb deformity correction to occur with minimal patient discomfort or manipulation of complex apparatus. Internal techniques are also used, including lengthening nails that allow the limb to be lengthened or straightened, replacing the need for a cumbersome external fixator.

Complications from orthopedic surgery often require unique solutions. Infected joint replacements, infected bone that requires removal (osteomyelitis) and bone loss resulting from severe trauma are all conditions that can be treated with modern limb lengthening and deformity correction techniques. The physicians specializing in these techniques are happy to consult over the phone with other physicians who need assistance in these complex situations, as well as share their expertise with patients during in-person consultations. The desire to provide world-class healthcare defines the individuals who make up the Orthopedic Trauma division at Wellstar. There are few orthopedic problems that they are not eager to try to solve, and they are always willing to learn the newest techniques in order to improve the lives of those who believed their cause was lost.

Everyone deserves high-quality healthcare and social services—no matter where they live. But people in many communities simply don’t have access. At Wellstar Center for Health Equity, we believe technology can be part of the solution. That’s why we created the Community Transformation Program (CTP) in 2020.

Each year, CTP invites local organizations to request support for a new or existing tech-based initiative that addresses health disparities in our communities. The winners receive a $10,000 grant to help fund their initiative. They also receive capacity-building support through:

• Mentoring and coaching
• Networking opportunities with other funding organizations
• Opportunities to learn about innovative technology solutions from Catalyst by Wellstar
• Brainstorming sessions
• In-person site visits
• Mid- and end-of-year evaluations
• Participation in the CTP’s annual Community Transformation Summit

This holistic approach ensures each organization’s tech initiative thrives. To date, CTP has touched over 18,000 lives in vulnerable populations across Metro Atlanta and beyond.

Meet our fifth cohort of partner organizations

This year, CTP chose eight organizations to be part of our growing network of difference-makers. These partners exemplify the diverse approaches needed to tackle our region’s complex challenges.

Each organization is in a unique position to make a profound impact. They include:

• Be Well, Black Girl—This initiative is launching a resource portal to empower Black women and girls to prioritize their well-being.
• CareLink of Northwest Georgia Inc.—CareLink is introducing language-interpretation services to better serve non-English-speaking patients.
• Cobb Collaborative—The collaborative’s technology platforms provide families with information about and support for early childhood development.
• Milestones Community Development Corporation—The organization is creating a comprehensive digital platform to address social determinants of health for South Atlanta residents.
• Open Hand Atlanta—The organization’s new enterprise resource planning system streamlines meal production and delivery for vulnerable populations.
• Rock Springs Clinic—The clinic addresses transportation barriers and integrates telehealth solutions to improve healthcare access for rural communities.
• Roswell Organization for Community Development—The organization’s telemedicine program improves healthcare access for Black and Hispanic populations in North Fulton and Cherokee Counties.
• Troup Cares Inc.—This organization is upgrading its telehealth program to provide comprehensive care for uninsured and underinsured residents.

A history of success

The organizations participating in CTP make a difference—sometimes in unexpected ways. Last year, Bethesda Community Clinic transitioned from being a brick-and-mortar practice to a fully mobile healthcare model. The clinic used CTP funds to equip their mobile health vehicle with telehealth kits. Patients sit inside the clinic’s vehicle, and doctors meet with them virtually. The doctors use the kits to conduct a full health assessment. This new model enables many more patients to receive care they otherwise may not have access to.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation learned about the clinic’s care model and enlisted them to bring these telehealth kits into hotels. This model provides care to victims of human trafficking and serves as a lifeline for rescue. The FBI is now exploring this model as a standard nationwide.

A shared vision for a healthier Georgia

This year’s CTP partners represent another step toward a Georgia where every individual can achieve their full potential. Wellstar is transforming lives by empowering our partners to address inequities with innovative, community-focused solutions. Success stories like this demonstrate that when we work together, there’s no limit to what we can do.

Learn more about Wellstar Center for Health Equity and our initiatives

John Kerndl has joined Wellstar Health System as executive vice president and chief financial officer. He will provide strong financial stewardship as the nonprofit health system continues to grow and expand access to care for Georgians across the state.

“John’s wealth of experience in healthcare financial leadership will allow us to invest in the technologies, resources, services and, most importantly, the people that enable us to deliver world-class care to the patients and communities we serve,” said Candice L. Saunders, President and CEO of Wellstar Health System.

Over his 30-year career, John has held senior executive positions in healthcare organizations across the nation. Most recently, he served as chief financial officer for Traditions Health, a $350M hospice and home health system consisting of 113 locations in 18 states. In this role, he oversaw all financial planning and analysis activity, treasury, central intake, revenue cycle, information technology and security, supply chain, risk and insurance, accounting, and managed care, among other responsibilities.

John previously worked as the EVP and chief financial officer for Beth Israel Lahey Health, a Boston-based health system consisting of 10 acute care campuses, 4,000 physicians and 35,000 team members. He also served as EVP and chief financial officer for Beaumont Health System, the largest care provider in Michigan.

John received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago.

Douglasville resident Ralph Aiken experienced a motorcycle accident in April of 2022. The 82-year-old was thrown 10 feet in the air and another 20 feet down into a hole, suffering a broken left leg below the knee. As part of his healing, he worked closely with Dawnette Waters, Wellstar physical therapist, to rebuild muscle in the injured leg.

One fateful day while at therapy, the U.S. Army veteran experienced cardiac arrest. Due to the quick actions of Waters and members of the adjoining Wellstar Outpatient Cardiac Rehab center, EMTs were able to revive Aiken and rush him to Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, where Wellstar Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Cheryl Robertson found the cause of the cardiac event—95% blockage of an artery. Dr. Robertson immediately inserted an atrial stent. Ralph has felt healthy since the surgery and is grateful for the team at Wellstar who saved his life. 

“Wellstar is very well-operated and efficient, and the doctors, the nurses and the therapists are top-notch. I wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for the therapy staff,” Ralph said.   

Ralph enthusiastically reunited with his entire care team at Wellstar. Smiles and hugs were the mood of the day, as each recalled the events that led to him still being with us to enjoy life.

Today, Ralph continues to exercise and is proud of his active lifestyle, despite his age. “Look at me. How many 82-year-old men have a 34-inch waist and an arm muscle like that?” he said.

In Latoya 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, Latoya 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, Latoya 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, Latoya 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.

At Wellstar, our doors are open to everyone. Whether it’s an individual with a life-threatening health crisis or a family looking for a new primary care provider, we’re here to help.

Sometimes, it’s not enough to welcome people in. We also need to go out into the communities we serve to meet people where they live, work and play to ensure they receive high-quality care.

To meet more of our neighbors where they are, we partner with organizations like Ser Familia. Founded in 2001 in the Metro Atlanta area, Ser Familia equips Latino families with the tools, resources and skills they need to thrive. Ser Familia’s extensive wraparound services include support groups, family workshops, mental health counseling and educational programs. In recent years, Ser Familia has expanded its footprint with new locations across Georgia and Puerto Rico.

The power of working together

Wellstar Center for Health Equity has a long-standing relationship with Ser Familia. For example, Wellstar provides grant funding so Ser Familia can employ Spanish-speaking community health professionals. These professionals have a unique ability to provide health information where it is needed most. They can:

• Connect families with health resources in their community, including primary care providers
• Offer language translation services
• Provide health education and information
• Give informal guidance about healthy behaviors

Also, Wellstar physicians participate in Ser Familia community health outreach programs serving Latino communities.

Excitement about a planned health clinic

In the near future, Ser Familia plans to open a health clinic with the support of Someone Cares, Inc. of Marietta, another Wellstar partner. The clinic will provide comprehensive primary care, including health, education and preventive services. Nurse practitioners will see patients at the clinic under the guidance of physicians at Someone Cares. And, if patients need care that Ser Familia does not offer, the nurse practitioners can refer them to a Someone Cares provider.

When organizations like Wellstar and Ser Familia work together, we accomplish far more in our communities than we could separately by making better use of our resources. Most importantly, we help people find the care they need where they need it.

Learn more about Wellstar Center for Health Equity.

When a health condition affects your child’s quality of life or keeps them from doing what they love, your family can rely on Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics to provide compassionate, comprehensive care. As your child grows, so do their bones and joints, and they need specialized expertise—whether they have broken a bone on the playground or have an orthopedic condition present at birth.

Approximately one to four of every 1,000 babies are born with clubfoot, a condition in which one or both feet are turned inward and downward. The deformity affects a baby’s bones, muscles, tendons and blood vessels. Fifty percent of children born with clubfoot have bilateral clubfoot, which means both feet are affected. While the condition is readily visible at birth, many times the deformity is detected on prenatal ultrasounds, allowing weeks or months for the parents to prepare for the expected treatment. Most children born with clubfoot do not have a parent with the condition. Risk factors include male biological sex (boys are born with clubfoot twice as often as girls), genetic syndromes, neuromuscular disorders, birth defects and a breach birth.

Clubfoot is not a painful deformity, and most children who are treated early go on to live active and healthy lives. However, untreated clubfoot will not improve on its own. As the child gets older, they will have a challenging time walking on their own.

Our team of experts understands that babies born with clubfoot may also have associated conditions such as hip dysplasia or torticollis. Therefore, we thoroughly examine your child to ensure all their needs are addressed.

There are two types of clubfoot: idiopathic and syndromic. Idiopathic clubfoot is the most common, and although we suspect there is a genetic component, we still do not know what causes it. Idiopathic clubfoot is not related to any other medical issues. Alternatively, syndromic clubfoot is more severe, difficult to treat and occurs as part of a larger medical condition. If your child is diagnosed with syndromic clubfoot, our team will coordinate with multiple specialists to tailor care to your child’s specific needs.

Treatment for clubfoot usually begins when the child is a few weeks old. The goal is to correct the foot position before they learn to walk, thus minimizing the impact of the condition on the child’s long-term mobility. This is done through a series of casts designed to help the foot grow more normally.

“We use the Ponseti method, a nonsurgical approach that uses a series of casts and then bracing to gradually reposition the foot,” said Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Michael Priola.

With this method, the doctor stretches out and repositions your child’s foot, then places it into a long leg cast to hold their foot in the appropriate position. Long leg casts are used to prevent the cast from slipping off the child’s leg. The cast is removed in about a week, the doctor again repositions the foot, and a new long leg cast is placed. This method continues until your child’s foot is moved into the correct position. Many of our providers utilize soft cast material, which has a higher parent satisfaction rating than the typical plaster material. Following casting, about 90% of patients require a minor procedure that releases the Achilles tendon, allowing further correction of the foot deformity. A final cast is then worn for an additional three weeks before being removed in the clinic.

Once corrected, a brace is used to maintain the alignment over several years. For the first three months after completion of the casting, the brace is worn for about 22 to 23 hours per day. After that, children typically progress to wearing the brace for naps and nighttime only (about 15 to 16 hours per day). This allows your child to learn to crawl, walk, run and play in the normal developmental time frame. Families should continue with this bracing schedule until the patient is 4 years old to prevent the condition from returning.

“This method boasts a high success rate and avoids the need for extensive surgery,” Dr. Priola said. “Sometimes in more severe cases (including a rigid clubfoot) or if the Ponseti method fails, more extensive surgical intervention may be considered.” These surgeries include a complete posteromedial release of soft tissues, tendon lengthening and realignment of joints.

With timely and appropriate treatment, children born with clubfoot can experience significant improvement, leading to a bright future that is not limited by the condition.

If your child is affected by clubfoot, our pediatric orthopedic specialists are here to provide expert care for this condition and support them at every step of treatment. We understand that medical procedures can be stressful for both children and their families. Your child’s care team will personalize treatment to their individual needs and answer any questions you have about clubfoot or managing the condition.

To book an appointment with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, visit wellstar.org/pedsortho or call (404) 321-9900.

Caring for people is what Wellstar is all about. It’s easy to see the impact made by physicians, nurses and other clinical team members. But many others work beyond hospital walls to make compassionate care possible. One place where you can find them is Wellstar’s Consolidated Service Center—known to the team as the CSC. The 175,000-square-foot facility operates as a same-day delivery retailer, fulfilling orders for everything from medical supplies to printed materials for patients. The operation supplies Wellstar’s hospitals, health parks and other patient care locations.

The foundation for the important work done by one CSC team started more than two decades ago, when Wellstar partnered with Tommy Nobis Center.

“The Tommy Nobis Center’s mission is empowering people through employment,” said Darren Hazeur, Tommy Nobis Center employment site supervisor at Wellstar. “Tommy Nobis Center envisions supportive communities where people with disabilities are afforded the opportunity to work. Our focus is to educate, train and employ people with disabilities so they can truly blossom.

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 Medical Center. “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. 

“Time is the most important factor,” said Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman. “Saving time can be the difference between having a permanent stroke or making a good recovery.” 

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

When it comes to getting high-quality care for your heart, you can count on Wellstar.

Because we know heart health is an essential part of overall wellness, we offer leading expertise, innovative treatments and compassionate care to protect your cardiovascular health.

From heart attacks and rehabilitation to cardiac surgery and psychological support, your heart is in expert hands at Wellstar.

High-tech heart treatments

With the largest network of certified Emergency Cardiac Care Centers (ECCC) in Georgia, Wellstar ensures world-class heart care is never far away.

Our cardiovascular experts are ready to treat patients at the first signs of a heart attack. We use high-tech equipment—including electrocardiograms (EKG), chest X-rays and cardiac catheterization—to diagnose heart attacks quickly.

Getting the right care can minimize or even prevent heart damage. That’s why Wellstar relies on the most advanced treatments, such as Shockwave technology, medicines and life-saving cardiac surgery, to effectively prevent and treat heart attacks as fast as possible.

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has a cardiac hybrid operating room, bringing a catheterization lab and surgery suite together in one place. With catheter-based procedures, our interventional cardiologists can provide expert, minimally invasive heart attack care.

We also perform structural heart procedures, including valve repairs and replacements, along with cardiac surgery and electrophysiology procedures that can determine the cause of heart rhythm problems.

At Wellstar, we don’t just treat heart conditions when they happen. Our providers also offer world-class preventative care, helping people like Latoya Jordan catch chronic conditions—such as high blood pressure—at the very start.

The Wellstar Comprehensive Aortic Program provides treatment for people with emergency and non-emergency diseases of the aorta. We offer cutting-edge procedures and devices to diagnose, monitor and repair all types of aneurysms. From screening to treatment, our team uses a coordinated approach to care which includes comprehensive diagnostic testing. When urgent care is warranted, we can treat aortic emergencies quickly.

Care that never skips a beat

If an on-going heart condition, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), is keeping you down, Wellstar has a team of experts who can help.

When Frank Ryan’s heart had trouble keeping pace and kept him from playing the tuba, he felt off-beat in everyday life. After getting specialized care at Wellstar, he’s back in the band again.

Wellstar Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Narendra Kanuru shared state-of-the-art treatments available for heart rhythm disorders.

“Along with advanced medical therapies, we have numerous interventional or surgical therapies, including pacemakers, defibrillators and other advanced cardiac devices as well as cardiac catheter ablation,” Dr. Kanuru said.

Cardiac catheter ablation is a non-surgical procedure available at Wellstar that helps restore a regular heart rhythm by blocking abnormal electrical signals.

With the latest advances in electrophysiology at Wellstar, we’re keeping hearts going strong.

Hope for heart failure

Wellstar also provides expert care for people with congestive heart failure like Bow Matthews. The husband and father-of-two found support from our Heart Failure Academy and learned how to take care of his well-being for the long haul.

To help prevent heart failure flare-ups, Wellstar offers a remote heart monitoring technology that provides real-time health information to our providers.

“With heart failure, as with all health issues, it’s best to take preventative action and stop problems from occurring,” said Dr. Hans Lee, medical director for the Wellstar congestive heart failure program. “Monitoring your heart health and staying in touch with your cardiologist can help keep you out of the hospital and keep your heart in shape.”

For those whose hearts need extra assistance like Mike Clements, a left ventricular assistance device (LVAD) can be a game-changer. An LVAD is a battery-powered pump that is surgically implanted to help the heart more effectively pump blood.

"An LVAD gives patients with severe heart failure the opportunity to get their lives back,” said Dr. Brian Howard, medical director of the advanced heart failure and LVAD program at Wellstar Kennestone. “These life-saving devices are powerful enough to take over for the failing heart. They allow patients to enjoy life with their loved ones as they await a heart transplant, and in some cases, they even serve as an alternate to a heart transplant entirely.”

At the Heart Failure Clinic at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center and the Advanced Heart Failure Program at Wellstar Kennestone, trained experts provide specialized care for those with heart failure and LVAD implants, helping to improve quality of life.

After Mike received his LVAD implant, he was able to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. Thanks to advanced technology available at Wellstar, patients with heart failure can keep doing what matters most.

Specialized support services

Wellstar has dedicated resources to help people with cardiac conditions find support.

Following a medical event like a heart attack or other serious cardiac problem, Wellstar offers cardiac rehabilitation to get people back on track.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically monitored program that provides education, support and lifestyle modifications. Our team helps you learn heart-healthy behaviors and lower your risk for future heart issues.

However, we understand health journeys aren’t just about physical healing. Dealing with heart issues can also cause many difficult mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.

“At Wellstar, we wanted to build out a program just for our cardiovascular patients because behavioral health and cardiac health are really closely connected,” said Dr. Shawn Coyne, Wellstar director of health psychology and cardiac psychologist. “In fact, cardiac patients are three times more likely to be depressed than the general population.”

After living with three chronic heart conditions for years, John Petrick found solace in meeting with a Wellstar cardiac psychologist. Now, he’s learned new coping skills and how to prioritize his mental well-being.

With support services at the ready, patients with complex conditions can better understand themselves and their overall health.

Care to keep your heart healthy

No matter what your cardiovascular concerns may be, Wellstar is dedicated to helping people with heart conditions live life to the fullest.

Learn more about how Wellstar is protecting heart health in Georgia, and how you can take control of your cardiovascular health.

Augusta, Ga. (Feb. 5, 2025) – When Dr. Sergio Bustos, 92, fell and developed a bruise that swelled and didn’t improve, his family brought him to the Emergency Department at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center. The attending physician prescribed treatment that included IV antibiotics and the opportunity to receive hospital-level care from the comfort of his home. Bustos and his family were surprised and elated. He became Georgia’s first Hospital Care at Home patient.

As its name suggests, the Hospital Care at Home program allows patients who meet certain criteria to be admitted to the hospital while remaining comfortable at home. The benefits include shorter recovery times and regular visits by care providers who can identify and address environmental issues that may lead to being re-admitted to the hospital.

When physicians decide that a patient is a good candidate for the program, the patient is provided with equipment to monitor their vital signs and a tablet for virtual physician visits. Nurses virtually monitor vital signs around the clock while other care team members, including nurses and paramedics, make in-home visits multiple times a day to administer IV antibiotics, capture vital signs, assess the home for safety, complete virtual visits with the physician team and ensure the patient is improving toward discharge.

“The Hospital Care at Home program is a game changer for eligible patients, especially those who are elderly and respond better to treatment in their more familiar environments,” said Dr. Matt Lyon, director of the MCG Center for Digital Health at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. “We combine technology and in-home visits to produce better health outcomes.”

“The patient first has to meet criteria for hospitalization, and then meet the criteria for Hospital Care at Home by an in-person physician consultation,” continued Lyon. “While the patient must need hospitalization, they also need to be mobile, and their condition can’t be too critical. Someone who needs a lot of monitoring is not a good candidate. They also need to live close enough to Wellstar MCG Health in case they need to quickly return to the hospital.”

If at any point a patient begins having problems and needs more acute care, they are immediately transferred back to the brick-and-mortar hospital.

Bustos’ daughter, Susana Chacon, who is an occupational therapist, was thrilled her father could receive hospital-level care at home. She was concerned that at his age, he would respond better to receiving care in a familiar setting.

“Hospitals are wonderful when you need them, but being out of place for older people can cause confusion. You can’t eat or sleep like you can at home, where you have your own bed, bathroom, things like that. As an occupational therapist, I think the best place ever to recover, if possible, is at home. You’re going to be able to function so much better,” she said.

First authorized in 2020 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Hospital Care at Home program provides hospitals with expanded flexibility to care for patients and was recently extended by Congress through the end of March 2025. Proponents of Hospital Care at Home hope that Congress will continue to extend the program.

“I am very pleased with the experience,” said Bustos. “Any time that I had any questions, they were answered. The medical team was wonderful, and my wife and family were more comfortable spending time with me.”

Bustos was successfully discharged from Wellstar MCG Health’s Hospital Care at Home program a few days after being admitted. The virtual care team continued to follow Bustos for 30 days, supporting him and his family with scheduling appointments, delivering medication, arranging for social support and providing quick access to a healthcare provider if needed.

According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the four most common conditions treated through hospital-at-home programs are respiratory, circulatory, renal (kidney) and infectious disease.

“Advances in technology have opened opportunities for more personalized healthcare that were previously unimaginable,” said Dr. Hank Capps, executive vice president, chief information and digital officer at Wellstar. “We’re always looking for ways to improve the patient experience. Offering hospital-level care at home, when it’s appropriate, is the newest way that we’re providing Georgians with the compassionate care that they need.”

When Coale Peace learned he had been chosen to be a 2025 National Champion by the Children’s Miracle Network, he asked his mom, “Does that mean me and 12 other kids are going to take over the world?”

That spunky attitude belies the painful condition Coale lives with every day: osteogenesis imperfecta, or OI. It is also known as “brittle bone disease.” His bones break with very little cause or provocation.

His spirit, however, is definitely not broken.

Wellstar Center for Health Equity and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center have launched the Food as Medicine program. In partnership with Feeding the Valley Food Bank, this initiative supports Wellstar’s strategy to improve food access in high-need communities.  

Patients will be screened during primary care visits at offices in the LaGrange area for food insecurity. Clinicians will then connect patients who screen positive for food insecurity to a medically tailored meal program offered by Feeding the Valley.

Participants will receive 10 healthy, prepared meals each week for 90 days. They will also gain access to Cooking Matters classes held at Wellstar West Georgia’s Training Center, where they will learn to shop for and cook healthy meals on a budget. By equipping patients with practical nutrition knowledge, budget-friendly cooking skills and a three-month supply of healthy meals, Wellstar aims to support people in making lasting, health-boosting changes to their diets and overall well-being. While food insecurity is a concern identified by our Community Health Needs Assessment, diabetes and other diet-related illnesses are also a major threat to our community’s well-being.

Wellstar is increasingly working toward healthy food solutions that address both food access and health. Our efforts with Wellstar Mobile Markets, in partnership with Goodr, and our food rescue initiatives, in collaboration with Goodr and Second Helpings Atlanta, show our commitment to increasing food access.

Learn more about the Wellstar Center for Health Equity. 

It’s impossible to count all the ways your heart supports you in a single day. Whether it’s checking out a new trail, gardening or simply playing with your kids, every beat of your heart helps you do all the activities you enjoy most.

That’s why it’s so vital to take care of your cardiovascular health—and doing so is easier than you might think. According to Wellstar medical experts, consistency is the key.

“To keep your heart in top shape, make gradual changes sustained over a lifetime,” said Dr. Vivek Nautiyal, Wellstar medical director of preventative cardiology. “Investing in your heart health can be as simple as going for a walk after work, trying a healthy recipe or scheduling that wellness exam you may have been delaying.”

Remember to start small—by just taking a few simple steps, you can keep your heart going strong.

Detect heart disease at the start

Getting a heart screening is a great way to care for your cardiac health. The Know Your Heart screening program helps catch potential heart problems early, so you can live life to the fullest. Through this testing, you can learn your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

After the screening, you will receive an individualized health report with all the latest stats about your heart. Our team will go over the results with you one-on-one and recommend lifestyle modifications to help you be the healthiest you.

Schedule your heart screening today.

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or visit the Know Your Heart page for more information.

Protecting your heart takes a team

Along with monitoring your overall well-being, your primary care clinician can help catch potential heart problems early.

“At your annual wellness exam, your provider can assess your risk of certain heart conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure,” Dr. Nautiyal explained.

Your provider will check the Foundational 4 numbers that are the cornerstone of general wellness and heart health, including:

• Body mass index (BMI)
• Blood pressure
• Blood glucose (sugar)
• Blood cholesterol

“Your provider can help create a personalized plan to keep your heart healthy, which may include diet, exercise or other lifestyle modifications,” Dr. Nautiyal shared. “If you need expert cardiovascular care, they can also refer you to a heart specialist right away.”

When it comes to staying ahead of potential health issues, Dr. Nautiyal also shared the importance of being aware of your family history and cardiovascular stats.

“Be sure to know your cholesterol numbers and seek a preventative cardiology consultation if you have a family history of premature heart attacks, coronary disease or stroke—especially at an age below 55 years old,” Dr. Nautiyal said.

Learn more about the advanced heart care services offered at Wellstar.

At Wellstar, we understand how important your family’s health is to you. That’s why we partner with people and families across all ages to provide the continuing care each person needs to live their healthiest, fullest life.

By following tips from Wellstar pediatric and primary care experts to prioritize healthy habits at every stage, families can work together to take charge of their health and foster a lifetime of well-being.

Toddlerhood & early childhood

Building a strong foundation

Early childhood is a prime time to establish healthy behaviors as children’s brains are rapidly developing, making them highly receptive to learning.

“Nurturing healthy habits in childhood provides a strong foundation for long-term physical, emotional and social success,” said Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a pediatrician at Wellstar East Paulding Pediatric Center and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

By incorporating several key habits into their children’s daily routines, parents can set the tone for a healthy, thriving life.

Prioritize a balanced diet: Preparing meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy not only supports children’s growth and development, but also introduces positive eating habits that can last a lifetime.

Additionally, “Let kids decide when they are full,” Dr. Dolgoff said. “Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.”

Establish routines: This includes fostering healthy sleep habits by creating a consistent bedtime routine, instituting regular meal and snack times, keeping kids active and limiting screen time.

“For children under 2, avoid screens,” Dr. Dolgoff advised. “For ages 2 to 5, limit to one hour of high-quality programming a day.”

Model healthy habits: “Children naturally observe and mimic their parents’ actions,” Dr. Dolgoff shared. “Be a role model by making healthy choices yourself, like exercising regularly, eating well and managing stress effectively. Kids are more likely to adopt positive habits when they see their parents practicing them.”

Middle childhood & adolescence

Encouraging healthy choices

As children grow and desire more of a say in the decision-making that affects them, parents should actively encourage their involvement while still ensuring their choices align with healthy behaviors.

Cook and eat meals together: Healthy foods fuel children’s physical growth and brain development. Involving kids in meal planning and cooking not only teaches them about the importance of healthy eating, but also fosters connection and quality time.

“Create the weekly grocery list together, cook and eat together,” said Dr. Neety Patel, a primary care physician (PCP) with Wellstar in West Cobb. “Eating together is a great way to set aside 30 minutes (or more) to enjoy your food, talk about your day and bond.”

Swap screen time for movement and creativity: Set boundaries around recreational screen time and encourage activities like reading, drawing, storytelling or outdoor play, Dr. Dolgoff suggested. Limiting screen time an hour before bed can help ensure kids get the recommended amount of sleep (9 to 12 hours for ages 6 to 12; 8 to 10 hours for teens).

“Too much screen time can negatively impact mental health,” said Dr. Dolgoff, “while creative activities boost cognitive development and emotional expression.”

According to Dr. Dolgoff, parents should also schedule time for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. “This can include walks, sports, dancing or family games. Movement promotes physical health, reduces stress and helps kids focus better in school."

Make it a team effort: Instilling healthy values takes a village, so remember to involve the whole family in decision-making. “Kids feel more motivated and empowered when they are part of the process,” explained Dr. Dolgoff.

Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Nikia Garland, who practices family medicine in West Cobb, added that setting realistic goals together promotes a sense of shared responsibility. “Use each other as an accountability partner,” she said.

And when children show progress or achieve success, don’t forget to celebrate. “Celebrations reinforce the idea that healthy habits are rewarding,” Dr. Dolgoff said.

Young adulthood

Taking charge of health management

Young adulthood is a period marked by significant life changes and evolving responsibilities. By teaching young adults to make healthcare a priority—even though they may feel invincible—parents can help set them up for future success.

Coordinate the transfer to adult-oriented care: Between ages 18 to 21, as students graduate or transition to life beyond high school, parents should coordinate the “handoff" from their pediatrician to an adult PCP.

“The transition from a pediatrician to an adult PCP is a critical step in helping teens take charge of their healthcare,” said Dr. Patel. “Transitioning ensures no gap in care.”

Making this switch empowers young adults to proactively take charge of their health management by establishing a plan to continue with annual physicals and age-appropriate health screenings.

Encourage discussion: Parents can further support their children during this transitional stage by maintaining open and honest communication about health topics.

“Parents can help by starting the conversation early, discussing the upcoming transition and why it’s important,” said Dr. Dolgoff. “Involve the teen in the process. Let them participate in selecting an adult PCP. Show them how to schedule appointments, refill prescriptions and understand health insurance. Teach them about their medical histories, including allergies, medications and any chronic conditions. Emphasize the importance of annual physicals and the benefits of preventive care.”

Adulthood

Maintaining long-term wellness

By the time young adults reach their mid- to late-20s, they should strive to have an established relationship with their primary care team, helping them stay ahead of injury and disease with regular screenings and preventative care.

Schedule annual physicals: Annual checkups create a baseline that can be used to track a person’s health over time. These exams are one of the best ways to catch and treat early signs of illness before they turn into serious health problems.

“During patient’s physicals, I review my wellness tips with them,” Dr. Garland shared. "It includes how to eat healthy (and what to do if you don’t), how to get restful sleep, getting physical activity, adequate water intake and daily stress relief.”

Limit processed foods and sugar: Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods can make a huge difference when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, and improving energy levels.

“It seems simple and obvious to preach, but in our busy lives, we often tend to eat on the go,” said Dr. Patel. “A freshly cooked meal can do wonders for your day.”

Stay active to age well: Exercise has many benefits for adults as they age, from staving off chronic disease to enhancing strength and balance to boosting mental health.

“Regular movement can maintain your muscle and bone strength and improve most musculoskeletal pains,” said Dr. Patel. For adults, Dr. Garland noted that she typically recommends getting 30 minutes of daily continuous physical activity or 10,000 steps a day.

“If you enjoy the gym, go for it,” said Dr. Patel. “If not, get active any way you are able—go for a walk, a hike, a bike ride, take a dance lesson with your loved one, do a Zumba class on YouTube (it's free!) or some chair yoga.”

However, it’s important to know your limits, added the physician. “If something starts to hurt excessively, scale back and talk to your provider if you're not sure,” she said. “Some movement is better than no movement!”

Take control of your family’s health by finding a Wellstar pediatrician or a Wellstar primary care provider near you.

Wellstar Health System announced Wednesday the expansion of its obstetrics and gynecology services in Spalding and Upson counties.

Griffin OB-GYN Clinic has joined the health system as Wellstar Spalding OB/GYN.

“This addition reflects Wellstar’s commitment to providing world-class care for every woman, every time in the communities it serves,” said Preston Hendrickson, Wellstar assistant vice president of Women’s Health Services.

Patients from Griffin OB-GYN Clinic’s primary location, its Thomaston office, and Renew Gynecology will transition to the new practice. Most services will move to a new medical office building near Wellstar Spalding Medical Center, including immediate upcoming appointments for Thomaston patients. The existing Thomaston location will officially open to serve patients at a later date. The phone number for the clinic will remain unchanged.

“As part of Wellstar, caregivers will be able to connect patients to an expanded network of specialists, advanced technologies and centralized resources,” Hendrickson said. “The transition to Epic and MyChart for electronic medical records will also grant them access to integrated patient information, ensuring more comprehensive care.”

This integration also aligns with Wellstar’s broader commitment to addressing maternal and infant health disparities. Through the support of the Healthy Start program, Wellstar is actively addressing maternal and infant health in Spalding, Butts and Troup counties. This initiative prioritizes pregnant women at higher risk of health complications, demonstrating Wellstar’s dedication to improving outcomes for both mothers and infants.

Wellstar continues to increase access to care in Spalding and nearby counties, opening new primary care and neurology clinics in 2024 and previously opening or expanding clinics for cardiology, oncology, orthopedics and gastroenterology. Wellstar also recently expanded its graduate medical education program at Wellstar Spalding, knowing that new physicians are more likely to stay in the communities where they begin their careers. The health system has more than 900 team members in Spalding.

Wellstar has earned multiple awards—including Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For—for its strong and diverse culture.

ATLANTA (Jan. 21, 2025) – Atlanta developer The Integral Group, in partnership with Wellstar Health System, announced the selection of Ferma Corporation to lead the next phase of the former Atlanta Medical Center campus redevelopment. Ferma is a nationally recognized leader in demolition services with over 50 years of experience that will lead a team of demolition specialists including local firms Trinity Green and Atlanta Demolition.

The initial phase of demolition will begin with unsafe and unusable facilities, such as the circular parking structure along the northern boundary of the site. Preliminary site preparation and environmental activities are scheduled to begin in early February. Visible demolition activities will begin upon permit issuance, which is planned for late March, and is expected to conclude by late 2025. With extensive expertise in managing projects of all sizes, Ferma ensures efficient and safe execution across all stages of redevelopment that minimizes disruptions to residents and businesses.

The contractor will be introduced to the community at the Tuesday, January 21 Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association meeting to share their plans, address questions, and discuss how the project will progress.

A Commitment to Community and Collaboration

The redevelopment project aligns with Wellstar’s dedication to creating healthier, more inclusive communities. The plans will reflect input from local stakeholders, ensuring the project meets the aspirations and needs of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Stephen Vault, vice president of Strategic Community Development at Wellstar, shared: "By working together, we are creating a space that the community has said is important to them. This includes affordable housing, new street access and green spaces, retail and commercial businesses, and health and well-being resources that preserve the area’s rich history while embracing a vision for future growth."

Environmental and Safety Stewardship

Ferma Corporation and its partners are committed to sustainability by using innovative techniques to reduce waste and implement eco-friendly practices, supporting a greener future for the community. Robust safety protocols will be implemented throughout the demolition phase to protect workers, residents, and the surrounding environment.

Eric Pinckney, senior vice president at The Integral Group, added: "The demolition phase represents the groundwork for transformation. It’s not just about clearing space; it’s about building trust and ensuring the community feels engaged and heard every step of the way. Our commitment is to deliver a redevelopment that aligns with the values and aspirations of those who live and work here."

A Trusted Team with Proven Expertise

The Ferma-led team was selected for their combination of technical expertise and commitment to community-centered practices and environmental responsibility. Their approach reflects a holistic focus on delivering safe and sustainable outcomes while fostering local collaboration. Key elements to their approach will include:

• Expertise and Community Focus: Ferma Corporation brings decades of proven experience and dedication to practices that prioritize the needs of the local community.
• Local Economic Impact: The team emphasizes hiring and training local labor, contributing to economic opportunities and workforce development within the community.
• Minimizing Disruptions: Comprehensive measures will be implemented to manage noise, dust, and traffic during the demolition phase, reducing impacts on residents and businesses.
• Sustainability Practices: Ferma prioritizes environmentally responsible operations, ensuring materials are recycled or disposed of in compliance with local and federal regulations.
• Commitment to Safety: Safety protocols are central to their work, protecting both workers and nearby residents throughout the demolition process.

Preserving Legacy and Planning for Growth

The redevelopment will thoughtfully honor the site’s historical significance, embedding its rich cultural legacy into every aspect of the project, with particular emphasis on the design of new spaces. This intentional balance of preserving the past and embracing future growth reflects a steadfast commitment to building a meaningful, inclusive future rooted in respect for the site’s heritage.

Future of the Site

The redevelopment of the former Atlanta Medical Center campus is being guided by a land-use plan unanimously approved by the Atlanta City Council with support from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and the leadership of the local neighborhood association. As stewards of the property, Wellstar is committed to ensuring the redevelopment serves the needs of Atlanta while incorporating input from residents of the surrounding neighborhood.

While additional planning is required to finalize specifics, Wellstar looks forward to partnering with the Mayor, City Council, the community, and other stakeholders to realize a shared vision for the site. This vision will honor the property’s historical significance while fostering new opportunities for growth, connectivity, and inclusivity.

The Wellstar Center for Health Equity, which strives to address health inequities across Georgia, and Small TALK, a literacy program made possible by donations to the Wellstar Foundation, have announced the launch of a pilot initiative in partnership with Cobb Collaborative. The Family Literacy Kits initiative will enhance health literacy among youth in the Fair Oaks community of Cobb County through the distribution of age-appropriate reading materials and educational resources.

Addressing a critical need

As one of many solutions to improve outcomes for children and their families, Cobb Collaborative is committed to uniting families, educators and community partners to enhance literacy and foster a love for reading among children. With two-thirds of Georgia’s third graders not reading at grade level, Cobb Collaborative’s Family Literacy Kit program intervenes with resources and support. By providing high-quality, age-appropriate reading materials for children from birth to age 5, this program fosters positive interactions between children and their caregivers and promotes kindergarten readiness. Family Literacy Kits address a critical need identified in Wellstar’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA): improving literacy as a social determinant of health.

Collaborative effort

Cobb Collaborative, a key player in the Get Georgia Reading Campaign, has been instrumental in improving third-grade reading levels across the community. This pilot initiative, supported by Wellstar Community Health and Wellstar Center for Health Equity, along with Small TALK, will distribute 10 Family Literacy Kits each month for a year through the Sibley Library. Kits will incorporate a bilingual book (in Spanish and English), a hands-on activity related to the book's theme, instructional inserts with additional activities and other resources. Wellstar will also contribute materials to support pediatric health education and access to social care such as food and transportation resources.

Rae-Anne Pinckney, manager of community benefit for the Wellstar Center for Health Equity, notes, "As we launch this initiative, we are reminded of the profound impact that early literacy can have on a child's future. By providing these Family Literacy Kits, we are not only fostering a love for reading, but also laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success. This work is crucial in bridging the literacy gap and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive."

The Family Literacy Kits pilot collaboration launched in January. Monthly themes include:

• January: Security and Exploration
• February: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• March: Growth/Community
• April: Sleep Health
• May: Emotional Wellness
• June: Life Cycles
• July: Physical Activity
• August: Oral Health
• September: Working Together
• October: Community/Belonging
• November: Nutrition
• December: Cultures/Celebration

Learn more about the Wellstar Center for Health Equity.

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Wellstar team members gathered across the system to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy as part of the health system’s annual program to recognize his profound impact on civil rights in the United States. This year, the program featured a compelling conversation with his eldest son, Martin Luther King III. 

A humanitarian and civil rights activist in his own right, King sat down with nationally renowned journalist Monica Kauffman Pearson to discuss his parents' legacy of nonviolent and peaceful activism, and how their influence continues to shape his own life and efforts. The conversation centered on one of his father’s most famous quotes: "The time is always right to do what is right."

King discussed the importance of using constructive dialogue in times of conflict, sharing insights into how his late mother, Coretta Scott King, successfully convinced President Ronald Reagan in 1983 to sign into law a bill that created Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday.

In the conversation, Kauffman Pearson asked King how his father's legacy extends to health equity. 

“I think we're making small steps. We need to accelerate it to gigantic steps,” King said, encouraging people to consider an important question: “What are you going to do to make your community, your nation, our world better?” 

“Like Martin Luther King III, I believe we have a responsibility to make the world a better place,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System. “In healthcare, we seize that opportunity one patient at a time, serving with compassion and honoring every voice as we work together to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve.”

View excerpts of the conversation here.

MARIETTA, Ga. (Jan. 15, 2025) – Wellstar Health System announced today that President and CEO Candice L. Saunders has shared her intention to retire at the end of the nonprofit’s fiscal year on June 30, 2025, after an exceptional career of service and accomplishment.

Saunders joined Wellstar in March 2007 as president of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. She was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer of Wellstar Health System in May 2013 and was appointed president and CEO in July 2015.

Saunders has guided Wellstar’s growth from its roots as a small group of community hospitals into a leading nonprofit health system with 11 hospitals, more than 400 medical offices, and 33,000 team members serving more than 3 million patients each year in 148 of Georgia’s 159 counties. Today, Wellstar is a national leader in charity and uncompensated care, providing more than $1 billion annually in healthcare to patients who are uninsured or under-insured.

“Candice is a compassionate caregiver and a visionary leader,” said Frank Ros, chairman of the Wellstar Board of Trustees. “Under her leadership, Wellstar has forged new community partnerships, implemented new care models and clinical innovations, and advanced cutting-edge technologies that are improving health outcomes and enhancing the patient experience. As a result, Wellstar has become an essential provider of quality healthcare for Georgia.”   

“I will leave with a full heart. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to lead Wellstar and work with so many talented leaders and caregivers, all committed to our vision of providing world-class healthcare to every person, every time,” said Saunders. “I’m so proud of our team and all we’ve accomplished together.” 

The announcement begins a planned six-month succession process. The Wellstar Board of Trustees will retain an executive search firm and create a CEO search committee that will be led by Ros. The national search will include internal and external candidates. Saunders will remain engaged after June through an appropriate period to ensure a smooth leadership transition. 

Saunders started her career as a critical care nurse and still regularly puts on scrubs to make rounds at Wellstar facilities and listen to doctors, nurses, patients, and families. She is known for her emphasis on building a positive workplace culture and developing strong leaders. During her tenure, Wellstar has received numerous awards as a great place to work, including Fortune’s list of 100 Best Companies to Work For in America.

With the belief that the patient should be at the center of every activity, Saunders led Wellstar’s launch of the PeopleCare brand, created a rigorous strategic planning process, and established new mission, vision, and values statements that prioritize the consumer experience.   

Saunders was the architect of the successful partnership between Wellstar and Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia to create Wellstar MCG Health, strengthening healthcare in the Central Savannah River Area and enhancing medical education in Georgia. She led an expanded partnership with Kennesaw State University and its Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, helping to increase the number of much-needed nurses in Georgia. 

One of Wellstar’s significant innovations during Saunders’ tenure was the launch of Catalyst by Wellstar, which supports the development of early-stage technologies with the potential to improve health outcomes and the patient experience.   

After Wellstar’s difficult decision to close Atlanta Medical Center following an unsuccessful two-year effort to find partners, Saunders forged a partnership with The Integral Group, a nationally recognized Atlanta-based firm, to develop a community-based plan for the future of the site. The work is being guided by a land-use plan unanimously approved by the Atlanta City Council with support from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and the leadership of the local neighborhood association. 

Saunders served on the Boards of Trustees of the American Hospital Association and the Georgia Hospital Association, where she also served as chairperson. She serves on the Boards of Directors of the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Trustees for the Kennesaw State University Foundation. She also belongs to the Downtown Rotary Club among many other civic organizations. Modern Healthcare named her to its lists of Top 25 Women Leaders and Top 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives. In 2022, she was recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as Atlanta’s Most People-Focused CEO. In 2025, she was named to Georgia Trend’s list of 100 Most Influential Georgians for the 9^th consecutive year. 

#            #            # 

ABOUT WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM

Wellstar personalizes the patient experience. We call it PeopleCare and it's only possible thanks to our 33,000 team members who provide compassionate care for every stage of life. PeopleCare also means we serve our communities as a non-profit health system, providing more than $1 billion annually in charity care and community programs, and operating the largest integrated trauma network in the State of Georgia. We embrace innovation and technology, nurture early-stage companies through our venture firm Catalyst by Wellstar, and train future generations of caregivers with academic institutions including the Medical College of Georgia. Wellstar honors every voice, earning Newsweek's recognition as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. To learn more, visit Wellstar.org.

Whether you experience an injury, minor illness or simply need a wellness exam, the most important step you can take is getting the care you need. That way, you can find trained experts for your specific medical needs, stay ahead of potential health issues or even help prevent your condition from worsening. 

With primary, virtual, urgent and emergency care services available, as well as retail pharmacies, how do you decide which type of care is best for your medical situation? Learn the differences between each type of medical service so you don’t delay and get care right away. 

Local Pharmacies 

If you are ill and have minor symptoms, over-the-counter medications can help you feel better. At your local retail pharmacy, you can find over-the-counter treatments for minor conditions like colds. If your symptoms worsen or do not go away with over-the-counter treatments, contact your primary care team or visit an urgent care location. 

Local pharmacies also carry at-home COVID-19 tests, offering a convenient testing option for people who have been exposed or are experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19. 

Virtual Care 

Whether you have a busy schedule or are just looking for a more convenient option, virtual appointments are an easy way to keep up with your health from anywhere. 

At Wellstar, we offer virtual visits with both primary care clinicians and specialists—no matter if you are an established patient or not. Connect with your Wellstar care team over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet. 

If you’re an established patient, simply request a virtual visit through MyChart. If you don’t have an account, it’s easy to sign up for MyChart and keep all of your important health information in one secure space. You can also call your physician’s office directly and request a virtual appointment over the phone. 

These days, many types of appointments can be done virtually, including consultations, care for chronic conditions and prescription management. In addition to virtual primary and specialty care appointments, we also provide a Virtual Urgent Care service for minor medical concerns. 

While virtual care is a convenient way to stay well, it should never be used in place of emergency care. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 right away. 

Primary Care 

Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life. 

Your primary care clinician—either an internal or family medicine physician, pediatrician or OB/GYN, depending on your age and medical needs—gets to know you and your health history on a deeper level. That means they have a more accurate view of your overall wellness. 

Services include: 

• Annual wellness exams 
• Health screenings, labs and imaging 
• Care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure 
• Immunizations for children and adults 
• Treatment for acute illness, such as the flu or colds 
• Coordinating care with other specialists 
• Physical and mental health concerns, such as weight loss or anxiety 

Find a Wellstar primary care location in your neighborhood. 

Urgent Care 

If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care Centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions. 

We also offer Virtual Urgent Care, which provides virtual health visits for minor medical concerns from the comfort and convenience of home. 

Wellstar Urgent Care provides: 

• Care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as coughs, colds, sprains and broken bones 
• Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts 
• COVID-19 testing and evaluation for patients 12 and older 
• Lab and X-rays 
• Sports physicals 
• Occupational health services 
• Worker’s compensation services 

Find a Wellstar urgent care location near you or make a virtual urgent care appointment. 

Emergency Care 

In a life-threatening medical emergency, every second counts. Never put off getting the proper care when lives are on the line. Remember, driving yourself to the emergency department (ED) may delay care, so call 911 for the fastest access to emergency care. 

When the unexpected happens, Wellstar is always ready in a medical emergency. Our trained team provides expert emergency care 24 hours a day for people of all ages. We even have several pediatric emergency room locations, specifically designed to treat children. 

Recognize the signs of a medical emergency: 

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath 
• Chest discomfort or pain 
• Severe abdominal pain 
• Fainting or loss of consciousness 
• Sudden dizziness, weakness or vision changes 
• Sudden, severe pain 
• Uncontrolled or severe bleeding 
• Choking, coughing up blood or severe vomiting 
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts 
• Changes in mental status, such as confusion or unusual behavior 
• Traumatic injury due to a motor vehicle or other accidents 

Find a Wellstar emergency department close to you. Remember, call 911 right away in a medical emergency. That way, care can begin sooner during the crucial time it takes to be transported to the hospital. 

There’s a reason the “widowmaker” heart attack got its nickname. According to the American Heart Association, the survival rate following this type of heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the heart’s main artery, is only 12% when it occurs outside a hospital or advanced cardiac care center. But thanks to the swift response of his cardiac-nurse wife and the excellent care of his cardiovascular surgery team, Martin Hornberger is here to tell his story and offer hope to others.

The power of CPR

It was a Saturday morning in May. Martin started his day with breakfast and a cup of coffee—as he always did. He had no pain or unusual symptoms—merely some indigestion, which he managed by taking a few antacids, and fatigue that was a common symptom of his diabetes.

Aside from having diabetes, the Cartersville resident had always considered himself relatively healthy. When he wasn’t hard at work as an engineer, he spent much of his time outdoors and enjoyed staying active.

Everything changed later that day when he and his wife, Donna, left the house to see their granddaughter play tee ball. Halfway there, Martin collapsed while driving.

“I tried to tell my wife to take the steering wheel but never got the words out,” he said.

Donna, a cardiac nurse at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, jumped into action. Unable to move Martin’s foot off the gas pedal, she eventually got the truck under control by turning off the ignition. Then, using her nearly 50 years of emergency room and cardiac training, she began administering hands-only CPR. Another driver who stopped to help called 911.

While the EMTs were en route, Donna was able to revive Martin by delivering multiple rounds of chest compressions to mimic the heart’s pumping action.

“Knowing her, she didn’t even have to think about it. Her training kicked in and she just went to work,” Martin said of his wife. “She’s the hero of this whole thing.”

Determining a plan for treatment

The EMTs rushed Martin to a nearby hospital in Rome, where the cardiac team performed an emergency stent to restore blood flow in his main heart artery and get him stabilized. However, further tests revealed even more blockage that could not be treated with additional stents. Martin would need heart bypass surgery.

Donna immediately began advocating for him to be transferred to her unit at Wellstar Kennestone for surgery. She wanted the best possible care for her husband and knew the Marietta hospital was a Certified Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center—the first in Georgia and the fourth in the nation to receive this highest certification in cardiovascular care by The Joint Commission and American Heart Association.

“I knew the process; I knew the people,” she explained. “If anyone could save my husband, it was them.”

Patient-centered approach

On Wednesday evening Martin was moved to Wellstar Kennestone, where he was introduced to Dr. Richard Myung, the cardiothoracic surgeon who would be performing his coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Dr. Myung took the time to explain to Martin everything that would happen during the procedure. The surgeon’s personable demeanor and genuine empathy immediately put Martin at ease.

“He has a tremendous bedside manner—his presence in the room was comforting,” Martin said. “The smile on his face and the relaxed confidence [gave me] reassurance that things are going to work out.”

Dr. Myung works as part of a larger multidisciplinary team to provide the highest quality care to every patient, from diagnosis to surgery and through recovery. His commitment to excellence has helped Wellstar Kennestone’s cardiovascular program earn a distinguished three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for its patient care and outcomes in isolated CABG. The award places the hospital among the most elite programs for heart bypass surgery in the U.S. and Canada.

Advanced techniques for improved outcomes

Martin’s case, unfortunately, was not unique for Dr. Myung. “Probably a third of our cases are bypass cases,” the surgeon explained.

CABG is regularly performed to treat people with multiple blocked coronary arteries. It involves a surgeon taking a healthy vein or artery from another part of the body (in Martin’s case, Dr. Myung used a vein from his leg and an artery from his chest wall) and attaching it to the aorta and the coronary artery above or below a blockage. This creates a new route for blood to flow around the blockage.

Although the most common approach is traditional open-heart CABG, where the heart is stopped and a heart-lung bypass machine is used, other less-invasive methods—including “off-pump” procedures, in which the heart does not have to be stopped—are sometimes an option. Dr. Myung determined that Martin could undergo an off-pump CABG, which reduces the risk of complications and often leads to a shorter hospital stay.

When the big day arrived, Martin’s procedure went smoothly, Dr. Myung reported. Thanks to his expert team and their advanced techniques, Martin was going to be okay.

Compassionate care at every step

Martin is grateful to the nursing team at Wellstar Kennestone for supporting him before, during and after his procedure.

“From beginning to end, they were attentive, encouraging [and] they coached me through each step,” he shared.

One nurse in particular made a lasting impact on Martin through his clear, comforting instructions that let him know exactly what to expect.

“Prior to the surgery, he was telling me, ‘Now, when you wake up, you’re going to have a tube in your throat. Don’t fight it. Just remember that this is part of the recovery.’ And you know, that stuck in my mind,” Martin recalled. “They had prepared me for everything I was going to face. There were no surprises, and I really appreciated that.”

Within 24 hours of his bypass surgery, Martin was out of bed and walking laps around the hospital floor with a walker. “I even heard a patient telling the nurses, ‘Tell that guy to slow down!’” he said with a laugh.

With the specialized care of his nursing team, he continued to improve daily and was discharged only four days after surgery.

“That whole place is full of heroes. They do it day in and day out,” Martin said. “They love what they do and they’re good at it. They take pride in that—and they should.”

Adjusting to a new normal

Thanks to Dr. Myung and his less-invasive techniques, Martin experienced a relatively painless recovery. Six weeks after his surgery, Martin felt well enough to return to his full-time job.

Determined to get back to life as normal as quickly as possible, Martin kept himself moving at home and also visited Wellstar Cardiac Rehabilitation in Woodstock to continue building his strength. Wellstar has one of the largest cardiac rehabilitation programs  in Georgia, which helps patients improve their long-term outcomes.

Martin will continue to monitor his cardiac wellness through regular check-ups with expert Wellstar cardiologists. The Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care ensures patients who recently had heart surgery can easily receive the follow-up care they need by offering more than 20 convenient locations across Georgia.

Martin recognizes that adjusting to life after a heart attack—and all the emotional challenges and physical limitations that come with it—will take time. For now, he is focused on making small strides every day.

“I do get tired but not as often, so I’m seeing progress in the length of time that I’m doing activities, that I’m able to sustain it longer,” Martin shared. “That’s encouraging.”

Staying the course

Without the first-rate care he received at Wellstar, Martin wouldn’t be where he is today—back to work, living an active lifestyle and surrounded by his children and grandchildren, who lovingly call him “Gramps.”

He also wouldn’t have had the chance to make a memory he would cherish forever. On a Sunday afternoon in August, Martin was selected by Wellstar to throw the opening pitch at the Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins baseball game. He was joined by Donna and their family on the field at Truist Park and later enjoyed cheering on the home team alongside Dr. Myung.

“That was a huge experience in my life,” Martin said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would ever do that in my lifetime.”

Today, Martin is sharing his story to encourage others who may be recovering from a heart condition. “It does get better,” he offered. “It doesn’t happen as quickly as you want it to, but I can see it progressing.”

By recounting her husband’s experience, Donna has inspired several of her patients to consider cardiovascular procedures that could detect potential blockages. She also hopes it will influence more people to learn CPR.

“If our story can even save one life, that would mean the world to us,” she said, humbly adding, “I’m not a hero; I’m a wife that loves her husband that just so happens to be a cardiac nurse.”

Martin is all too aware that his wife’s combination of critical thinking skills, composure under pressure and cardiac training is why he is still here today. “I was lucky to have a cardiac nurse as my passenger that day,” he shared. “I am very blessed to be alive.”

Learn more about Cardiovascular Surgery at Wellstar.

Having a bedtime routine is essential to catch more Zs throughout the year. When you wake up feeling rested, you often feel more productive and energized throughout the day.

Get started by setting a specific time to go to sleep—and stick to it. Make sure you reserve at least seven to nine hours per night for sleep.

Limit your screen time before getting in bed. Bright screens from a phone, computer or TV can keep your brain awake and make it harder to fall asleep.

If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, have a decaffeinated cup of tea or take a warm bath to help you relax.

Eat a balanced diet

When it comes to losing weight, many people look for a quick fix, which can often create unhealthy ways of eating. Creating a healthy eating plan from the start can help avoid any fad diet pitfalls.

Nutrition plans that restrict or eliminate food groups and those with extreme calorie deficits are difficult to maintain and can often produce more weight gain or undesired results, according to Wellstar Registered Dietitian Kelly Prian.

Diet trends can also create a negative relationship with food, which can make it harder to achieve your goals. Prian shared that those with long-term success focus on maintaining a plan that enables steady weight loss over time.

A healthy nutrition plan is balanced and emphasizes whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low fat dairy, nuts and seeds, and whole grains.

Try not to overcomplicate healthy eating. You can start by filling half your plate with vegetables or having fun trying new recipes.

Take care of your mental health

Self-care is an important aspect of your mental well-being and should be made a consistent part of each day.

“Make self-care a priority and a non-negotiable,” Dr. Gomez said.

“Think of self-care as a form of personal healing and a way to strengthen resilience,” Dr. Gomez explained. “Much like the way exercise enhances physical health, self-care enhances mental health.”

According to Dr. Gomez, it can be helpful to turn tasks we do on “autopilot” into more meaningful experiences.

“When washing your hands, give yourself a hand massage,” Dr. Gomez shared. “When driving, use red lights to practice deep breathing. Listen to a book on tape or language lessons rather than the radio or call someone to reconnect.”

If you feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, Wellstar behavioral health specialists are here for you.

“Working with a mental health provider is different than speaking with a friend or even a life coach,” Dr. Gomez said. “Mental health professionals are trained and licensed to address psychological or emotional wellness.”

Need support? Connect with a Wellstar behavioral health specialist.

Wellstar Health System has selected Kevin Smith to join Wellstar as Senior Vice President and President of Wellstar Spalding Medical Center and Wellstar Sylvan Grove Medical Center. Smith brings a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in healthcare operations, organizational leadership, and community engagement. He will work alongside the current local leadership team to set strategy and implement Wellstar’s commitment for continuous improvement.

Wellstar continues to increase access to care in Spalding and Butts counties, opening new primary care and neurology clinics in 2024 and previously opening or expanding clinics for cardiology, oncology, orthopedics and gastroenterology. Last year, Wellstar’s Spalding and Sylvan Grove hospitals provided $16.7 million in uncompensated care, and nearly 3,000 people in Spalding and Butts counties benefited from a Wellstar Community Health program. Wellstar also recently expanded its graduate medical education program at the hospitals, knowing that new physicians are more likely to stay in the communities where they begin their careers.

“Kevin’s experience includes both small rural and larger urban markets, making him ideal to lead our continued commitments to PeopleCare in Spalding and Butts counties,” said Mary Chatman, PhD, RN, executive vice president of acute care operations for Wellstar. “In addition to leading our local teams, Kevin will collaborate with executives across the Wellstar system, partner with our physician enterprise, and engage with community partners to advance healthcare in the region.”

Most recently, Smith served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist-High Point Medical Center, where he oversaw operations for a more than $440 million revenue organization with key service lines including Oncology, Heart/Lung/Vascular and Behavioral Health.

Smith holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, a Master of Health Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Radiological Sciences. He is a Fellow of both the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Association for Medical Imaging Management, reflecting his commitment to healthcare excellence and innovation.

The start of a new year is a great time to focus on your health. For many of us, that means setting resolutions to live a healthy, full life. While many people like to reset their health goals in January, Wellstar partners with patients year-round to help them feel their best.

By following tips from Wellstar health experts, you can create realistic resolutions and better your health—making healthy choices a lifelong habit rather than a short-term goal.

Partner with your Wellstar care team

When it comes to your wellness goals, staying healthy starts with a visit to your Wellstar primary care team.

“Your primary care provider will collaborate with you to create a customized care plan and recommend screenings based on factors such as your age, gender and family history,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Cristina Dasoveanu. “Regular screenings can help you stay ahead of issues and catch any health concerns early.”  

Know Your Foundational 4

To check your health status and screen for potential medical issues, your clinician will take your Foundational 4 numbers, a few screenings that identify risk factors for some health conditions such as heart disease.

Blood pressure

A blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.

Blood glucose level

The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes or risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

Blood cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can indicate clogged arteries, which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

Body mass index (BMI)

A higher level of body fat may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.

Personalized OB/GYN care for women

“Gynecologists partner with women in their healthcare across the lifespan,” said Dr. LeThenia “Joy” Baker, a Wellstar obstetrician and gynecologist. “The first gynecologic visit is recommended between 13 and 15, and the first exam between 18 and 21.”

Gynecologists are uniquely positioned to care for women from adolescence through menopause and beyond. 

“We’ll make sure you are up to date on screenings like mammograms and Pap smears, help you make informed decisions about family planning and fertility, and provide medical and surgical treatment for a variety of conditions affecting the female reproductive system,” Dr. Baker said.

Primary care, anywhere

In addition to in-person primary care visits, Wellstar also offers virtual care options. Connect with your Wellstar clinician over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet. 

“While primary care physicians help patients meet long-term wellness goals, we’re also here for you when you’re sick,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Georgia Forrest. “Your primary care provider is already familiar with your background and health needs, so we can seamlessly continue that care and help you get back on track when you’re ill.”

If you need to see a specialist such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist or neurologist, your primary care team will refer you for that specialized care while continuing to help you manage your overall wellness.

“Through our patient portal MyChart, specialists and primary care physicians can see test results and visit summaries and stay updated on how each of us is working with the patient,” Dr. Forrest said.

Accessing care online

If you’re a MyChart user, E-visits are a convenient way for you to receive care from a Wellstar clinician without needing to schedule an appointment or come to the clinic. Through MyChart, tell us about your health concern by answering a few questions about yourself and your symptoms, then a primary care expert will respond in MyChart with your care plan.

Conditions that can be treated with an E-visit include:

• cough
• sinus problems
• urinary tract infection
• conjunctivitis
• back pain
• diarrhea
• vaginal discharge
• heartburn

Log on to MyChart and click “Symptom Checker” from the menu in the top left of the screen to start an E-visit.

For more immediate healthcare needs that are not life-threatening, you can talk to a clinician with our Virtual Urgent Care. 

In an emergency, such as if you are having trouble breathing or experiencing chest pain, call 911.

Learn more about the different types of care Wellstar offers and where to go if you’re not feeling well.

We have a responsibility.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Language Development

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

Small TALK Timeline

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

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

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

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

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

Health and wellness success with telehealth

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

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

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

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

Check out the Wellstar Find Help Tool

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

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

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

Learn more about the Wellstar Center for Health Equity.

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

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

Highlights from the Year-One Progress Report:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patient-centered aortic care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to do if someone suffers a burn: 

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

What not to do if someone suffers a burn:

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

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

Turkey fryer fire safety:

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

What to do if a grease fire occurs:

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

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

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

December 5 & 6
6 AM to 7 PM

December 7
8 AM to 1 PM

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

Giving is easy! Here’s how:

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

Learn more at caresforkidsradiothon.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The next Cardiovascular Quality Forum will be held March 2025.

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

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

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

A safe and welcoming space

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

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

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

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

How Wellstar supports Someone Cares

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

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

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

Each partnership is unique

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the Wellstar Center for Health Equity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Identifying lung cancer early

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expert care and support at every step

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

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

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

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

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

High-tech surgery options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t smoke or vape

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get your exercise and sleep

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

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

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

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

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

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

Try breathing exercises

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

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

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

Manage your asthma

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

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

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

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

Ask your care team about screenings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technology to help provide peace of mind

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

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

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

The Ion system is in use at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, where the team has completed more than 500 procedures. This system is also now available at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center and Wellstar Douglas Medical Center. Learn more about lung cancer care at wellstar.org/lungcancer and ask your primary care provider or pulmonologist if you have questions or are seeking care for lung health. Learn more about pulmonary care at wellstar.org/pulmonary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A collaborative approach to health equity

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

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

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

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

Leveraging technology to improve health outcomes and access

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When scoliosis surgery is recommended

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

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

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

Moving forward with treatment

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



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

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

Undergoing complex spinal surgery

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



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

Recovery is ‘like a miracle’

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

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

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

Life-changing scoliosis surgery

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

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

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

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

Learn more about spine surgery at Wellstar.

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

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

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

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

Dedicated health experts for the LGBTQ community

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

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

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

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

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

Gender-affirming care

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

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

Active partners in your care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coordinated EMS & hospital care set Chris up for survival

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

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

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

How the trauma team put Chris on the road to recovery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Providing specialized trauma care

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

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

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

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

Compassionate nurses made a lasting impact on Chris

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

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

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



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

Coming back to say thanks

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

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

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

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

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

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

A bright future thanks to expert trauma care

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

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

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

Learn more about Trauma Care at Wellstar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why did the guidelines change?

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

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

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

Read on to learn:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our services include:

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

Whole patient care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When can I create my Wellstar MyChart account?

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

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

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

What is the Wellstar MyChart website address?

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

How do I create a Wellstar MyChart account?

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

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

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

Yes, there are several options.

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

Is there a MyChart app?

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

Can I access Wellstar MyChart in Spanish?

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

Am I losing any functionality I had in VIP Portal?

There are two changes to be aware of:

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

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

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

How do I schedule an appointment?

There are three ways to schedule an appointment:

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

How do I schedule an appointment in Wellstar MyChart?

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

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

You can request prescription refills through your pharmacy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What test results show in Wellstar MyChart?

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

What test results do not show in MyChart?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Billing: 
  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please call (866) 700-2989.

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

Contact (844) 703-5532.

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

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

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

Call (706) 721-1301.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our new Wellstar Urgent Care locations:

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

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

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

Wellstar Urgent Care provides:

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

Find an urgent care location near you.

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

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

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

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

Unfortunately, life had other plans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Answering your questions about paperless statements

Are all patients/accounts transitioned to paperless billing statements?

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

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

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

How can I opt out of paperless statements?

Website

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

App

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ankle injuries

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

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

Knee injuries

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

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

Shoulder injuries

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

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

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

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

Dr. D. Hodari Brooks, Wellstar orthopedic surgeon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Building a foundation in your 20s

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

Find a women’s health clinician near you.

Reproductive health in your 20s and 30s

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

Be attentive in your 40s

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

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

Maintain your health and wellness in your 50s and beyond

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

Learn more about women’s health services at Wellstar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get the most out of your exercise regimen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coconut Truffles satisfy your sweet tooth without any added sugar.

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

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

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

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to our leaders!

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

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

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

Why CLEAR?

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

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

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

Keeping care convenient

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

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

CLEAR check-in is available at:

• Wellstar Acworth Health Park
• Wellstar Avalon Health Park
• Wellstar Cherokee Health Park
• Wellstar East Cobb Health Park
• Wellstar Vinings Health Park
• Outpatient imaging department and Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center
• Wellstar Imaging Services Roswell
• Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center

Register now and try the experience at your next appointment: clearme.com/wellstar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Epic is a registered trademark of Epic Systems Corporation.

Contact
[email protected]

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



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

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

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

Compassionate expertise follows an unexpected diagnosis

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

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

Specialized head & neck cancer care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our three new Wellstar Urgent Care locations:

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

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

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

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

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

Wellstar Urgent Care provides:

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

Find an urgent care location near you.

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

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

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

Meeting you where you are

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compassionate inpatient care

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

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

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

Learn more about behavioral health services at Wellstar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manage your risk factors

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

High blood pressure

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

High cholesterol

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

Diabetes

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

Smoking

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

Atrial fibrillation

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

Other risk factors

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

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

To help lower stroke rates in our communities, Wellstar Community Health will distribute about 75 blood pressure cuffs in 2025 and educate community members about stroke risk and blood pressure monitoring at Wellstar Mobile Markets. The team will identify and distribute blood pressure home monitors to those coming to the markets who are diagnosed with high blood pressure, on blood pressure medication and do not have a home monitor.

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

How to recognize a stroke

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

Balance

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

Eyes

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

Face

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

Arms

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

Speech

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

Time

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

Learn more about stroke care at Wellstar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about head and neck cancer care at Wellstar.

Wellstar Family Medicine in Morrow is relocating to Douglasville.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Wellstar Primary Care 3890 Redwine Road Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30331 (404) 344-0059

5. Wellstar GME Internal Medicine Clinic 747 South 8th St. Suite B, Griffin, GA 30224 (470) 604-8250

6. Wellstar Primary Care 708 S. 8th St., Griffin, GA 30224 (770) 228-5402

When the weather starts to warm up, many people start getting ready for the spring season. Along with cleaning and decluttering your home, you should also spruce up the space you live in every day—your body.

When you prioritize your well-being and do the proper up-keep for your health, it may help you stay ahead of potential medical issues.

To feel your best this spring and beyond, we’re sharing our top tips to keep you healthy.

Check for a clean bill of health

Setting our clocks forward can also be your reminder to set up a visit with your primary care provider.

“People should definitely add a wellness exam to their spring-cleaning checklist, regardless of age. Routine preventative care every year is very important,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Nayab Dhanani.

During a wellness exam, your provider will check your Foundational 4 numbers—body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

From there, your provider can help create a screening plan to help keep you ahead of chronic conditions or serious diseases. Recommended screenings may vary depending on your family history, gender and age, as well as your provider's recommendations.

“The importance of screenings is really to be proactive instead of reactive,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Facia Dew. “It’s better to know a person’s risk factors so we can screen accordingly. Our goal is to meet their unique medical needs and help them live a healthy life.”

Be sure to bring up any other medical concerns, health questions or wellness goals at the appointment. Wellstar providers are partners in your care, committed to keeping you feeling your best physically, mentally and emotionally.

Stay ahead of health concerns

It can be easy to put your own health on the backburner as life gets busy. This spring, make a commitment to yourself to get the essential screenings you need.

For women, screenings like pelvic exams, Pap smears and mammograms can help catch cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and other issues. These important physical and gynecological health exams can help you stay ahead of potential medical concerns, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer.

Along with a routine physical to stay in top shape, men can benefit from a prostate-specific antigen test. Having this simple blood test done can help catch prostate cancer in its early stages, often when it is more treatable. Men who are 50 or older should start getting screened for prostate cancer. Those at higher risk—including Black men and those who have had a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer—may start screenings even sooner.

Talking about colon health can feel a little uncomfortable, but getting screened could save your life. Starting at age 45, everyone should get a colonoscopy. Those with a higher risk or family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening even sooner. Learn more about the importance of colon screenings.

Freshen up your mindset

For people who experience seasonal depression during the fall and winter months, spring’s longer hours of light may bring a renewed sense of hope. Still, lingering feelings of sadness or other difficult emotions could be more than just the “winter blues.”

“We have a screening test called PHQ-2, which is used to screen for depression,” Dr. Dhanani explained. “Patients typically have to answer two questions, and it is a preliminary screening to see if you have any signs or symptoms of depression.”

“Plenty of times, patients don’t even know they have depression. Often, a person may have had the condition for a while and it could be untreated,” Dr. Dhanani said.

If you feel overwhelmed and need support, we’re here for you. Reach out to your provider or one of our behavioral health specialists for help.

Looking for more ways to stay well? Learn about screenings to help keep you healthy.

Former former major league baseball player CJ Stewart didn’t want to have a colonoscopy. He dreaded the liquid diet. The needles. The IV sedation. The possibility of cancer.

So how did CJ face his fears—and what happened next?

On track for a heart attack

It started in 2020 when CJ scouted a new primary care provider. He chose Dr. Randy Hines II, Wellstar Primary Care. He said Dr. Hines was the most straightforward doctor he had ever visited.

“I was overweight,” CJ remembered. “My health changed positively because Dr. Hines said things to me in a very positive way. He was direct with me and that helped save my life.”

Dr. Hines learned CJ’s father was a diabetic and had quadruple bypass heart surgery to treat a heart attack. CJ remembered him saying, “‘You’re on track to have the same thing but you can control it.’” 

CJ admitted that he had a daily dose of French fries and two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before bed. Dr. Hines challenged him to rethink his relationship with food if he wanted to see his daughters walk down the aisle one day. It was tough talk and it meant something.

“I really love my daughters!” CJ said. “It made me change.”

As a result, he modified his diet, took up running and lost 45 pounds.

Preventing colorectal cancer

Then CJ’s mom revealed a family history of colon cancer.

“My wife and daughters were like, ‘We really need you to go get checked to make sure you’re good,’” he said.

Because of his fears related to the colonoscopy, CJ wanted to have Cologuard, an at-home screening test for colon cancer. But Dr. Hines recommended the 47-year-old have a preventive colonoscopy screening instead, explaining that if pre-cancerous polyps are detected during the procedure, they can be removed before becoming cancerous. 

“I didn’t want to hear it,” CJ laughed. “But hearing that from a fellow African American man, I trusted that it was the right thing to do.”

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on April 12, 2024.

Orthopedic care has evolved from injury treatment and corrective surgery into a critical component of modern healthcare. As primary care remains foundational in managing overall health, the demand for orthopedic services has surged, reflecting changing lifestyles, demographics and expectations. In any given year, 12% to 14% of the adult population will visit their physician for back pain, according to the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI).

Against this backdrop of widespread musculoskeletal issues, Wellstar recently convened with the Atlanta Business Chronicle for a panel discussion to delve into the changing landscape of orthopedic care. This insightful forum explored key trends, challenges and innovations shaping the field, with leading healthcare professionals offering valuable perspectives. These discussions unraveled the complexities of orthopedic care, ranging from preventive strategies to cutting-edge treatments. Among the panelists was Steve Quehl, a former college football player for Notre Dame, who started as a tight end before transitioning to a center. Other panelists were Dr. Hodari Brooks, orthopedic surgeon, Wellstar Health System; Dr. Joseph Burns, chief musculoskeletal officer, Wellstar Health System; Dr. Timothy Oswald, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedics. Moderator was David Rubinger, market president and publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle.

The rise of orthopedics and interventions

David Rubinger:  There’s an uptick in the demand for orthopedic services and these specialists have become increasingly essential to healthcare. What societal changes drive this heightened need for specialized ortho care?

Dr. Joseph Burns: We’re facing an aging population alongside a growing desire for an active, pain-free lifestyle. In the past, individuals had to endure their limitations and pain for life. Today, people have more options. Technology, techniques and training advancements now provide surgical alternatives that significantly enhance quality of life well beyond middle age. 

Wellstar conducts numerous community campaigns through various channels, including community events, the media and in our offices and hospitals, highlighting the value of maintaining health and establishing a relationship with a primary care physician.

Dr. Hodari Brooks: Societal changes for both our youth as well as adults have resulted in the increased need for orthopedic care. Physical activity has decreased, with fewer kids participating in physical education. This leads to more injuries related to obesity and lack of activity. The need for joint replacements is soaring, driven by both baby boomers aging and younger individuals seeking treatment earlier. Half of my practice is caring for patients under 55, a shift from when people would wait years for treatment. Now, we prioritize improving quality of life sooner rather than later.

Patients, including those seeking joint replacements, are opting for earlier interventions. They are less inclined to wait for treatment, indicating a shift within the healthcare system towards promptly addressing patient needs.

Rubinger: What new injury trends are emerging in sports due to changing physical activity patterns, especially with the rise of extreme sports and diverse workout routines?

Dr. Burns: The rise in overuse injuries among our younger population is disheartening. Young athletes don’t diversify their sports as they once did, leading to year-round specialization and an increased risk of injury. This relentless pursuit of success often comes at the cost of rest and diversity in physical activities.

We’re also encountering complex medical issues that require specialized treatment, reflecting both advancements in medical care and the aging population’s evolving healthcare needs. Conditions once considered untreatable are now within our reach, marking a significant shift in the scope of orthopedic care over the years.

Rubinger: Dr. Oswald, as a pediatric orthopedic specialist, have you frequently observed the concept of subspecialization and the decline in diversification among young athletes?

Dr. Timothy Oswald: It’s a significant area of concern for us, and we’re conducting more research. Recent studies have highlighted the insufficient breaks and rest periods given to children, as well as the trend of starting high-level athletics too young, which aligns with the issue of subspecialization. Kids are not miniature adults. Their orthopedic stresses differ due to growth plates and differing stress responses.

We’re educating the community, including coaches and parents, about the importance of rest periods during training through channels like social media. We aim to implement better training methods so young athletes can continue playing into their college years, as we’re noticing a concerning trend where many high-level athletes quit sports as early as eighth grade.

Rubinger: Steve, as a former college athlete yourself, what’s your observation of the sports world’s changes regarding how injuries are approached, especially compared to when we were younger?

Steve Quehl: I view this issue through the lens of my grandchildren and their friends, and I agree with the insights shared by these doctors. Their perspectives must influence parents’ decisions, particularly regarding the early specialization trend. Parents often have unrealistic expectations of their children becoming professional athletes, which can lead to overtraining and injuries. Kids should have a balanced approach to sports. I’m grateful my daughters chose activities like swimming over contact sports for their children, considering the risks to growing bones and muscles.

Prior to my enrollment at Notre Dame, I appreciated the joy of playing multiple sports during each season for fun, without the pressure of turning it into a professional pursuit.

Efficient outpatient care benefits

Rubinger: I’ve noticed remarkable changes in my lifetime regarding the duration of procedures and the efficiency of hospital stays or visits to outpatient surgery centers. I’m curious about your perspective on this shift away from extended hospital stays. Do you believe it’s ultimately beneficial or detrimental to patients? What are your thoughts on this evolution of the time spent in hospitals or surgery centers?

Dr. Brooks: There’s been a significant shift in the duration of hospital stays, especially concerning joint procedures. In the past, patients would typically spend several days in the hospital before and after surgery. In my practice, around 90% of primary joint patients can return home the same day, which is remarkable. This change is not only due to patient preferences for quicker recovery but also has medical benefits, such as reducing the risk of infection. Outpatient joint replacement is not done everywhere, however, and it is important to discuss this option with your individual surgeon.

Insurance companies have started incentivizing shorter hospital stays. While this trend has clear advantages, it also comes with challenges, such as pressure to discharge patients quickly. The ability to expedite recovery and minimize specific complications is a positive development I believe will continue.

Rubinger: Do we have data showing a decrease in complications due to the trend of shorter hospital stays, particularly for joint procedures?

Dr. Burns: Evidence indicates improved outcomes for outpatient procedures, with data supporting this trend. The shift involves a comprehensive approach beyond simply performing the surgery and discharging the patient. It requires a multidisciplinary effort, with investments in establishing preoperative optimization programs, patient education classes and a coordinated team approach on the day of surgery.

Patients undergo physical therapy before returning home, but the care doesn’t stop there. We must ensure effective pain management, minimize infection risks and create a safe home environment to support their recovery. This process goes beyond safely discharging patients. It’s about ensuring their complete and safe recovery. I’m proud of the extensive teamwork and complex processes that Wellstar has implemented to support these programs.

Quehl: When it was time to correct my right shoulder this past year, I went in the morning and came back home in the evening. Dr. Burns assured me that I’d be home the same day, and it was a wonderful experience. I didn’t want any overnight stays. It was well-planned and executed, with proper anticipation and expectations set. The follow-up was excellent, too.

Dr. Brooks: Patients are shocked or hesitant when I inform them that they’ll go home the same day. It’s about managing expectations and explaining the benefits, especially as it relates to improved outcomes. Involvement in these programs gives physicians more control over the process. It’s a serious undertaking but rewarding because we can provide more input, especially in an outpatient setting. Collaboration with anesthesia colleagues has improved, particularly with techniques like regional blocks, as patients need to be up and about after surgery. Almost universally in my experience, patients prefer their outpatient surgical experience to any previous hospital stays.

Multimodal pain management success

Rubinger: This leads me to my next question regarding opioids and pharmacology. Has pharmacology evolved over the last decade to improve patient treatment?

Dr. Burns: Most of us are employing what we refer to as multimodal pain control, which involves a process aimed at sparing, if not entirely eliminating, the need for opioids as a primary method of pain management. By utilizing different medications that target distinct pain receptors, we can effectively manage pain while minimizing potential side effects that may arise from relying solely on opioids or multiple doses of the same medication. Advancements in regional blocks, administered by anesthesiologists, allow injections that can provide numbing effects in the affected areas for several days, alleviating initial post-operative pain and reducing patients’ overall need for pain medication over time.

Dr. Oswald: The opioid crisis in the greater Atlanta area is a significant concern for both children and adults, and it’s something we’re all acutely aware of. We’ve initiated extensive research efforts at Wellstar to address this issue and lead advancements in pain management that don’t rely on narcotics. Similar to the approach described in the total joint experience, we’ve been observing this trend for some time now, even in pediatric cases.

When I trained for pediatric spine surgery 20 years ago, patients stayed in the hospital for at least a week post-surgery. By implementing multimodal approaches, we’ve managed to reduce narcotic use by nearly 90% while also transitioning from a week-long hospital stay to just a 23-hour observation period for certain procedures.

Patient satisfaction is higher with these approaches, directly correlating with their overall experience. Are we expediting discharge solely for the sake of pushing people out? Actually, no. It’s about ensuring patients feel empowered in their recovery process, with their pain managed effectively, and their ability to return to the quality of life they desire. These patient-centered care programs optimize outcomes and enhance the overall healthcare experience.

With a mound of red dirt piled behind him and wearing a hard hat, Gov. Brian P. Kemp lifted a purple-bowed shovel full of gray dirt Monday, April 1, ceremonially breaking ground on Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center.

Joining him in this symbolic event were First Lady of Georgia Marty Kemp; Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System; University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue; Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center; Brooks A. Keel, president of Augusta University; Doug Duncan, chairman of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners; and other esteemed dignitaries to commemorate construction of the new hospital and medical office building.

They were among the first to sign a purple beam with a Wellstar logo commemorating the momentous event. The 8-foot-long ceremonial beam will next travel to the Wellstar MCG Health campus so team members who provided input on the facility’s design can also sign it.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a great symbol of the incredible partnership between the state, local and private sector leaders and what is being done every day to expand access to quality, affordable healthcare to Georgians throughout the state,” said Gov. Kemp. “Through this partnership, Columbia County and the surrounding rural area will be able to experience innovative care, and the state will benefit from the generations of new minds that will be molded to provide care in the years to come.”

When Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center and the adjacent medical office building open in 2026, the full-service acute care hospital will feature 100 inpatient beds; an emergency department expected to become a Level II trauma center; a surgical platform that will include operating rooms, catheterization laboratories, and interventional radiology and endoscopy; and a 90,000-square-foot medical office building that will offer primary care, women’s health care and other specialties.

Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center will bring the world-class care already provided at Wellstar MCG Health to the residents of Columbia County and the surrounding areas. The new hospital’s close proximity to I-20 will make accessing that care more convenient and will create more jobs for the community.

“I can’t stress enough how important this partnership is to the people of Columbia County as well as the state of Georgia,” said Perdue. “This facility will expand access to quality healthcare, create more opportunities for students and prove to be a huge turning point in medical provision in Georgia.”

Wellstar is a nonprofit community health system that works to ensure every person has access to personalized, high-quality healthcare. The 11-hospital health system has a deep and long-standing dedication to providing care for diverse communities, those in need and underserved Georgians.

“At Wellstar MCG Health, our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve,” Turner said. “We look forward to continuing to work with our community partners in ensuring the patients and the community we serve have the best care possible.”

Wellstar has committed to invest more than $800 million in capital expansion across Richmond and Columbia counties. Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center will complement and expand the world-class resources that are already provided at Wellstar MCG Health.

In people under 50, colorectal cancer is now the number one cancer-related killer of men and the number two killer of women. Black communities are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from it. But this doesn’t have to be the case—colorectal cancer is preventable. When people have a screening colonoscopy, doctors can remove pre-cancerous polyps, stopping them from ever becoming cancer.

Colonoscopies are now recommended starting at age 45 for the general population, and younger for people at higher risk or with a family history. But you have questions:

I’m above average healthy—do I really need a colonoscopy?

How do I know my risk level?

Will the procedure be painful?

How much time should I take off of work?

A panel of gastrointestinal health experts and a patient answer your questions and more here.



Who needs a colonoscopy

I eat well, exercise and am in good general health. Do I really need to go through the hassle of a screening colonoscopy?

Dr. Shani Clay, gastroenterologist: Unfortunately, we discover colon cancer in quite healthy individuals. While it is true that smoking and consumption of red meat increases your risk, we also see colorectal cancer in patients who follow very healthy diets and exercise regularly, hence the need for all people to get screened for colon cancer.

Samantha McInturff, colon cancer survivor: The screening age used to be 50 before they changed it to 45, so I had never had a screening. I was 48 when I had symptoms that led to a colonoscopy and I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. I am a rule follower. I always get my mammograms. I never smoked. I have no family history. I thought, ‘How can I have cancer?’ What I’ve been through really highlights the importance of screening early. Don’t be scared. Getting screened for colon cancer is a small inconvenience that’s completely worth it. 

When should I start having colon cancer screenings and how often will I need to have one?

Dr. Clay: For people at average risk, meaning people with no alarm symptoms and no family history of colon cancer, screening begins at age 45. 

How frequently you should have a colonoscopy depends on a few things, including family history, the number and type of polyps that are found during your colonoscopy and how clean the colon is at the time of the procedure. Repeat procedures can be anywhere from six months up to 10 years, depending on the results.

Colon cancer is in my family. When should I start screening? 

Dr. Sahir Shroff, surgical oncologist: We’re seeing more and more young patients with colon cancer. If a patient has a strong family history, the screening should start sooner than 45 years of age. For example, if your parent died of colon cancer, you should begin colonoscopies at the age of 30. It depends on the risk factor. Talk to your primary care doctor about your personal risk level.

Dr. Clay: If you have high-risk factors, you should be screened earlier. For example, if a person has a first-degree relative with colon cancer who was diagnosed at less than 60 years of age, that individual should get a screening colonoscopy at either 40 years of age or 10 years younger than the age at the relative’s diagnosis. Additionally, there are certain genetic syndromes that also warrant earlier colon cancer screening with a colonoscopy at less than 45 years of age. Wellstar has a Genetic Risk Assessment Program for people with hereditary risk factors or a family history of cancer.