Skip Navigation
Book Now! Find care near you Find care near you Find care near you
wellstar-logo
Wellstar Go Back
Go to MyChart

Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
For Patients & Families For the Community For Providers About Us Careers
  • Start Your Care

  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Our Services
  • Virtual Visits
  • Planning

  • Accepted Insurance
  • Hospital Payment Planning
  • Financial Assistance
  • Pricing Information
  • Before Your Visit

  • Sign Up for MyChart
  • Visitation Guidelines
  • While You're Here

  • Support & Entertainment
  • Join an Event
  • After Your Visit

  • Pay Your Bill
  • Get Medical Records
  • Contact us
  • COVID-19 Support

  • COVID-19 Information
  • Vaccines
  • Testing Information
  • Foundation Relief
  • Community Care

  • In the Community
  • Health Highlights
  • Community Health Needs Assessment
  • Latest News
  • Center for Health Equity
  • Wellstar Find Help
  • Events & Programs

  • Events Calendar
  • On-Demand Classes
  • Support Groups
  • Give

  • Wellstar Foundation
  • Donate
  • Ways to Give
  • Thank a Caregiver
  • West Georgia
    Health Foundation
  • Volunteer

  • PeopleCare Advisory Council
  • For Adults
  • Care

  • Transfer a Patient
  • Cures Act
  • Refer a Patient
  • Lab Test Directory
  • Request to Conduct Research
  • Connect

  • Physician Relations
  • Request Imaging Services
  • Wellstar Clinical Partners
  • Wellstar Medical Group
  • Mayo Clinic Care Network
  • Medical Staff Services
  • Provider Recruitment
  • Log In

  • EpicCare Link
  • Lawson Connect
  • MyID Password Reset
  • Citrix Access
  • Leadership

  • Authority Board
  • Board Of Trustees
  • Foundation Board
  • Regional Health Boards
  • Executive Leadership
  • Awards, Recognition & Safety

  • Accreditation & Certifications
  • Awards & Recognition
  • Safety First Program
  • Nursing
  • Careers at Wellstar

  • Apply now
  • Upcoming virtual events
  • Why Wellstar?
  • Nursing Careers

  • Nursing (Direct Care)
  • Nursing Leadership
  • Nursing (Non-bedside)
  • Nursing Support
  • Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

  • Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
  • Allied Health Professionals
  • Homecare & Hospice
  • Physicians
  • Support Team Careers

  • Administrative & Clerical
  • Coding, Compliance & HIM Systems
  • Facility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food Services
  • Information Technology & Systems
  • For Patients & Families
  • For the Community
  • For Providers
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Search Search Search
  • MyChart MyChart MyChart

Start Your Care

Find a DoctorFind a LocationOur ServicesVirtual Visits

Planning

Accepted InsuranceHospital Payment PlanningFinancial AssistancePricing Information

Before Your Visit

Sign Up for MyChartVisitation Guidelines

While You're Here

Support & EntertainmentJoin an Event

After Your Visit

Pay Your BillGet Medical RecordsContact us

COVID-19 Support

COVID-19 InformationVaccinesTesting InformationFoundation Relief

Community Care

In the CommunityHealth HighlightsCommunity Health Needs AssessmentLatest NewsCenter for Health EquityWellstar Find Help

Events & Programs

Events CalendarOn-Demand ClassesSupport Groups

Give

Wellstar FoundationDonateWays to GiveThank a CaregiverWest Georgia
Health Foundation

Volunteer

PeopleCare Advisory CouncilFor Adults

Care

Transfer a PatientCures ActRefer a PatientLab Test DirectoryRequest to Conduct Research

Connect

Physician RelationsRequest Imaging ServicesWellstar Clinical PartnersWellstar Medical GroupMayo Clinic Care NetworkMedical Staff ServicesProvider Recruitment

Log In

EpicCare LinkLawson ConnectMyID Password ResetCitrix Access
About Wellstar

Our patients are the center of everything we do. We're nationally ranked and locally recognized for our high-quality care, inclusive culture, exceptional doctors and caregivers, and one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia.

About Us

Leadership

Authority BoardBoard Of TrusteesFoundation BoardRegional Health BoardsExecutive Leadership

Awards, Recognition & Safety

Accreditation & CertificationsAwards & RecognitionSafety First ProgramNursing

Careers at Wellstar

Apply nowUpcoming virtual eventsWhy Wellstar?

Nursing Careers

Nursing (Direct Care)Nursing LeadershipNursing (Non-bedside)Nursing Support

Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)Allied Health ProfessionalsHomecare & HospicePhysicians

Support Team Careers

Administrative & ClericalCoding, Compliance & HIM SystemsFacility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food ServicesInformation Technology & Systems
Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
Close
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care
Close Close Close Book Now Menu
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care

Introducing

Wellstar Virtual Care

Access Wellstar healthcare providers
wherever you are.

Get started

Warning Warning Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.

I Understand
  • Home
  • Articles
  • A1 Test
Article Category: Newsroom

A1 Test

An innovative new partnership to create a broader affiliation as Augusta University Health System and Medical College of Georgia (MCG) join Wellstar

Published on December 27, 2022

Last updated 05:10 PM December 27, 2022

Photo of woman and child. Text reads "creating a healthier future for Georgia." Wellstar, Medical College of Georgia and Augusta University Health logos

Augusta University Health System (AUHS) has signed a letter of intent with Wellstar Health System to form an innovative new partnership that would expand Augusta University’s educational and research missions and allow Wellstar Health System to create a broader affiliation with the university’s Medical College of Georgia (MCG) as AUHS joins the Wellstar Health System.

The potential partnership is the culmination of a thoughtful and deliberate process begun in 2019 by AUHS, its governing board and Augusta University to strategically grow MCG while expanding and improving both patient care and Georgians’ access to health care services across the state. 

The proposed partnership would innovate clinical care, training and research while adopting a successful model of bringing together community-based health systems and academic medical centers such as MCG and its teaching hospitals. MCG and Augusta University are part of the University System of Georgia (USG), and MCG serves as the only public medical school in the state.

“AUHS, Augusta University and the Wellstar Health System have a shared mission to solve Georgia’s health care challenges,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “By joining forces and working together, we can leverage Wellstar’s clinical platform and leading-edge systems to support patients while providing more opportunities for students to learn, train and care for residents in local communities across Georgia.”

Pending a definitive agreement and regulatory approval, the partnership would focus on three strategic initiatives:

  • Expanding digital health offerings to create more convenient access to care and provide more individualized care regardless of location.
  • Growing the pipeline of physicians and other health care providers serving Georgia by increasing the number of students who train and conduct research through MCG.
  • Developing new treatments, innovative care offerings and scalable care models to optimize the health and well-being of every patient.

“By bringing Augusta University Health System together with Wellstar Health System and leveraging our respective strengths, we would improve the health of the community, address social determinants of health and expand access to quality care for all Georgians,” said Candice L. Saunders, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Wellstar Health System.

While there are aspects of the proposed partnership yet to be determined, the partnership would likely result in significant investments to improve existing healthcare facilities and to expand access to care across the state, including a new hospital and medical office buildings in Columbia County.

“Providing health care has never been as dynamic and complex as it is today, and this partnership with the Georgia-based, not-for-profit Wellstar Health System would enable us to extend our mission of improving health through excellence in patient care, education and research for the benefit of Georgians,” said Brooks A. Keel, PhD, acting chief executive officer of Augusta University Health System and president of Augusta University.

Through an expanded affiliation with the university’s Medical College of Georgia, the partnership would address the need to train more physicians and address a growing statewide shortage. With 60 percent of MCG graduates entering a primary care residency, training more physicians in these disciplines would support increased access to frontline care provided by specialists such as family medicine physicians and general pediatricians, especially in underserved areas of the state. 

A new teaching campus in Atlanta at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital could also be established under the proposed partnership. As a result, MCG, which already has the ninth-largest freshman medical school class in the nation, would grow to become one of the largest public medical schools in the country.

“With our entire nation facing a physician shortage and our state typically ranking about 40th in the number of physicians per capita, educating the next generation of physicians is more critical than ever,” said David Hess, MD, dean of the Medical College of Georgia and executive vice president of medical affairs and integration at Augusta University. “I’m excited about the partnership with Wellstar, since it will enable our students and residents to continue to learn from some of the most highly qualified physicians and other health care professionals in the state while allowing MCG to expand its contributions to improving public health in Georgia especially in more rural regions.”

Tags

Media Room
Read related articles
A friendly photo of KJP

Newsroom

Wellstar Selects Ketul J. Patel to Lead Next Chapter of PeopleCare

MARIETTA, Ga. (July 8, 2025) – The Wellstar Board of Trustees has selected Ketul J. Patel to become Wellstar Health System’s next president and chief executive officer. Patel currently serves as CEO of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and president of the Pacific Northwest Region of CommonSpirit Health. He is expected to join Wellstar in late October.

Patel will succeed Candice L. Saunders, Wellstar’s current president and CEO, who announced her retirement in January following an exceptional career of service and accomplishment.

“We were fortunate to consider nearly 200 outstanding candidates from across the health care industry, including several strong internal leaders who reflect Wellstar’s deep talent,” said former Wellstar Board of Trustees Chair Frank Ros, who led the search committee. “Ketul stood out for his experience leading transformational growth while remaining focused on the needs of team members, patients, and the community.”

In his current role, Patel is responsible for 12 hospitals, more than 300 patient care locations, and 20,000 team members, including more than 5,600 employed and affiliated providers.

In January 2021, Patel led the merger of two of the Pacific Northwest’s leading health care organizations to form Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), which today is one of Washington state’s largest premier health care providers. Under Patel’s leadership, VMFH became the only health system in Washington state to earn all “A” Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades, ranking among the best facilities in the nation.

Patel launched the VMFH Care Network in 2024 to provide expertise to independent hospitals and health systems throughout Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Montana. He oversees the Benaroya Research Institute, which is internationally recognized for autoimmune disease research, and the Bailey-Boushay House, the first skilled nursing and outpatient chronic care management program in the U.S. designed specifically to meet the needs of people with HIV/AIDS.

“It’s an honor to join the Wellstar team and help carry forward its mission of providing compassionate, world-class care to every person, every time,” said Patel. “Thanks to the leadership of Candice and her strong executive team, Wellstar is positioned to be one of the Southeast’s leading health care providers for years to come. I’m excited about the potential created by Wellstar’s forward-thinking investments in technology and innovation, strategic partnerships with academic organizations such as Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, and its strong reputation as a great place to work.

“On a personal note, I look forward to becoming engaged in the metro Atlanta community and working alongside policymakers to expand access to care throughout Georgia,” said Patel.

Patel is a three-time honoree on Modern Healthcare’s list of the 100 most influential people in health care. He chairs the Washington State Hospital Association board and is past chair of the Greater Seattle Partners executive council. He also serves on the boards of Washington Roundtable, Challenge Seattle, and CEOs Against Cancer, and is a past member of the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board.

Patel holds master’s degrees in health administration and business administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.

“As we grow and evolve, it’s essential to have a leader who embraces both the heart and the strategy of health care,” said Saunders. “Ketul’s ability to connect with people on a personal level while navigating complex challenges ensures Wellstar will continue to thrive as a people-centered, forward-thinking organization.”

The Wellstar Board of Trustees is expected to confirm the selection later this month.

To learn more about Patel, visit wellstar.org/MeetOurCEO.

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 expert 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 and is one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.  To learn more, visit Wellstar.org.

Keep reading
A friendly image July 4

Newsroom

Playing it Safe Ahead of the 4th of July Holiday

As we look forward to the Fourth 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 in place, fireworks at home may be less safe, especially for kids. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, with burns accounting for 37% of all emergency room visits.

Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a Wellstar pediatrician and representative for the American Academy of Pediatrics, warns that the most common injury from fireworks is a hand burn.

“But it can be worse, such as a hand fracture, cuts or even the loss of a finger,” she said. “Facial injuries, including burns and eye injuries, are also common. If you're going to handle fireworks, please be very careful.”

Dr. Earl Stewart Jr., an internal medicine physician and medical director of health equity with Wellstar Health System, has seen many times how climate and extreme weather can impact health. He reminds families that summer celebrations can bring a range of seasonal health risks.

“We often see more water-related injuries this time of year, such as drownings, boating accidents, and even head or spine injuries from diving into shallow water,” he said. “And with Georgia’s extreme heat, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sunburns. Even surfaces like metal components of playground equipment and seat belts can cause burns after they’ve been exposed to the sun for long periods.”

Dr. Stewart also noted the importance of being mindful of summer pests and plants.

“Insect bites, allergic reactions, poison ivy, bee stings and even snake bites can quickly turn a fun day outdoors into a medical emergency. Vigilance and preparation equate to staying safe and alive,” he said.

As for sparklers, Dr. Dolgoff cautions parents not to underestimate their danger.

“Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—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.”

She also recommends soaking used sparklers in a bucket of water before discarding them.

If your family plans to participate in Fourth of July activities, remember the word FIRE with these essential safety tips:

  • Families: Never hold a lit firework in your hand or point it at another person. Children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers.
  • Injury: Only light fireworks outdoors, away from people, homes and flammable materials. Wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.
  • Run Away: Move away quickly after lighting a firework. Don’t light more than one at a time and never try to re-light a dud.
  • Extinguish: Keep a bucket of water nearby to douse fireworks that don’t go off or cause a mishap. Soak both used and unused fireworks before discarding.
Keep reading
A friendly image of Articles

Newsroom

Demolition Marks a New Beginning in the Heart of Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA (June 30, 2025) — Today, leaders from across the city gathered in the Old Fourth Ward to mark the beginning of a long-anticipated transformation. The ceremonial demolition at the northwest corner of the former Atlanta Medical Center site signaled the launch of BLVDNEXT, a major redevelopment that will reconnect neighborhoods and restore opportunity in the city’s core.

Spearheaded by The Integral Group, in partnership with Wellstar Health System and the City of Atlanta, BLVDNEXT represents one of the most significant private investments in the area in decades. The 22-acre site will become a mixed-use community designed for long-term value and neighborhood inclusion. Plans include a mix of housing options – both for sale and for rent – green spaces, retail, health and wellness, and amenities that serve the community and invite people in.

Collage of event photos


“Atlanta is always growing and always changing. This redevelopment project is grounded in the values we share as a city: inclusiveness, opportunity, and respect,” said Doug Shipman, president of the Atlanta City Council. “The Integral Group and Wellstar are following through on the City’s work to determine how this site can best meet the community’s needs for future generations – affordable housing, restaurants and retail, and health and wellness. I’m looking forward to seeing this vision come to life.”

“This project is about more than the physical structures, it’s about building on the history of this place to create a future where community, connection, and opportunity thrive,” said Candice L. Saunders, President and CEO, Wellstar Health System. “Today, we want to recognize all the people who have made this a special place and who are working toward its vibrant future.”

Located between Ralph McGill Boulevard and Highland Avenue, the site lies at a pivotal point between Midtown and Downtown. Its redevelopment offers a rare opportunity to mend the urban fabric and create new connections that benefit the surrounding communities.

“BLVDNEXT represents the kind of work that cities need more of – development that begins by listening, is shaped by purpose, and delivers long-term value,” said Egbert L. J. Perry, Chairman and CEO of The Integral Group. “The project is about reconnecting a vital part of Atlanta and doing it in a way that respects both its history and its potential. For us at Integral, this is a responsibility – and an opportunity – to get it right.”

Work is already underway to develop a detailed implementation plan that builds upon the City’s prior planning and reflects the voices of residents. Redevelopment at this scale, in this location, doesn’t happen often. The property’s redevelopment is being guided by a land-use plan that had extensive community input and was approved unanimously by the Atlanta City Council with support from Mayor Andre Dickens.

Today is about making the most of that opportunity – with care, with clarity, and with a commitment to doing it right.

About BLVDNEXT

To ensure the public remains informed and engaged, the development team has launched www.BLVDNEXT.com, a dedicated website providing regular updates on project milestones, community stories, and opportunities for public feedback. The site serves as a central hub for media and residents alike, offering access to visuals, background materials, and the evolving vision for the site. It reflects the project’s commitment to transparency and to keeping community voices front and center throughout every phase of redevelopment.

About The Integral Group

The Integral Group is a 300-person company founded in 1993. Today the company has developments and investments in more than 18 U.S. cities. The Integral Group’s portfolio includes master planned, mixed use developments, as well as affordable, workforce and class “A” multi-family housing. The company’s portfolio ranges as far west as San Francisco and as far east as Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.integral-online.com.

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.

Keep reading
Back to Top
Branding illustration
Wellstar Logo
More than healthcare. PeopleCare.
Branding illustration
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal
Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal

Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

Copyright © 2025 Wellstar Health System. All Rights Reserved.

Wellstar does not discriminate on, exclude people or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression or any other type of discrimination prohibited by law.

Cookie Preferences

We use cookies for booking and general analytics. Learn more about or internet privacy policy.