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
  • Advancements in orthopedic care
Article Category: Highlights

Advancements in orthopedic care

Table of experts

Republished Content: Atlanta Business Chronicle

Published on April 12, 2024

Last updated 11:04 AM April 15, 2024

Wellstar and the Atlanta Business Chronicle discuss the changing landscape of orthopedic care.

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.

 


Panelist photo: Steve Quehl, a former college football player for Notre Dame; 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; David Rubinger, moderator, 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.

As regenerative medicine techniques continue to evolve, integrating them seamlessly into our practice holds great potential for improving patient outcomes.

- Dr. Hodari Brooks, Orthopedic Surgeon, Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Innovations shaping the future

Rubinger: What advancements are coming down the pipe in orthopedics? What discussions are medical professionals having about upcoming technologies and innovations? Which aspects of these developments do you believe will enhance the success and satisfaction of your patients?

Dr. Brooks: Regarding joint-related advancements, we’re striving for implants that can withstand the test of time, ideally lasting a patient’s entire lifetime, especially for younger individuals facing conditions like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. We’re not quite there yet due to the wear and tear on joints, but ongoing improvements in implant technology offer hope for achieving this goal.

The emergence of devices and substitutes to enhance surgical procedures is promising, particularly for challenging cases where additional support is needed for healing. As regenerative medicine techniques continue to evolve, integrating them seamlessly into our practice holds great potential for improving patient outcomes. Advancements in surgical techniques are crucial for minimizing procedure duration and ensuring efficient and effective treatments for patients.

Dr. Burns: The future of orthopedic surgery is very exciting and promising. We have minimally invasive techniques that are constantly being developed to reduce trauma and scarring. An exciting technological advancement is 3D printing, and we continue to utilize it to create customized implants, braces and prosthetics for our patients. Last week, we used a 3D-printed shoulder implant for a patient with a severe deformity, and it fit perfectly.

We have robotics and navigation systems that help us enhance our precision during surgeries and improve the accuracy of implant placement. There’s also biologics and regenerative medicine. We are doing a significant amount of research on stem cells to advance the ability of physicians to use the patient’s own bodies to help improve their situations.

We use virtual and augmented reality in the operating room, which is helpful for pre-surgical planning or intraoperative guidance. Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, and orthopedics is no exception. We now use AI-powered algorithms to improve our research and decision-making, removing a lot of the bias that we know can negatively affect our decisions.

In the future, our success hinges on embracing new technologies, advancing surgical training and education, prioritizing safety and ensuring cost-effectiveness. Many of us find the blend of expertise and technological innovation exciting.

 

Workforce and wellness

Rubinger: A big industry issue is finding enough healthcare professionals, technicians and staff. How does that impact the orthopedic field specifically? Is there less of a supply issue, or are you facing the same problems?

Dr. Oswald: The data shows that there will be a shortage of orthopedic surgeons nationally by 2026, affecting more rural communities first and then metro areas. When you break it down into subspecialty areas, even within pediatric orthopedics, there is going to be a huge shortage of pediatric orthopedists within the next five years. Wellstar is investing in education for the next generation.

With the Wellstar Kennestone orthopedic residency and the recent affiliation with the Medical College of Georgia, we are training over 40 orthopedic residents annually, an important pipeline for the future of Georgia and the training programs. How they communicate and integrate future technology will be critical to managing operative and nonoperative patients.

Rubinger: What is your perspective on workplace trends and what businesses should do to prevent their employees from needing orthopedic care regularly?

Dr. Brooks: We’re observing a positive trend where many employers are beginning to offer financial incentives to their employees. They say, “If you quit smoking or participate in our wellness program, we’ll lower your insurance premiums.” This approach has tangible effects because a decrease in premiums is significant for individuals.

Employers are increasingly providing workplace exercise opportunities and addressing concerns like ergonomics. Carpal tunnel, a common workplace issue, has decreased with the introduction of appropriate desks and keyboards, impacting employee health.

We serve as the gateway for patients returning to work. Employees who are our patients interact with us, wanting to return to work within a few weeks post-surgery. We consider not only the surgery but also the work environment. Employers offering light-duty options or sedentary tasks facilitate quicker returns to work for patients. The recovery process may take longer if the only option is full-time work.

Dr. Burns: If employers proactively work to prevent orthopedic injuries or detect them early by offering resources and support, they’ll be more successful in maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. Playing catch-up when injuries become more complicated due to a lack of ergonomic assessments, education, breaks or a safety culture is detrimental. The culture within a company plays a significant role. There will be consequences if it promotes pushing employees to exhaustion or injury. Business owners need to be proactive.

Rubinger: Has working from home been both positive and negative? Have you seen this either help or hurt in terms of your patients?

Dr. Brooks: There’s not enough research in this area to give a definitive assessment, but I’ve observed younger individuals feel the need to work from home several days a week. The concern arises from whether this trend will lead to a sedentary lifestyle, as physical activity tends to decrease when you’re not commuting to work or engaging in office tasks. This shift will likely increase soft tissue injuries like quadriceps, patellar and Achilles tendon sprains and tears among the weekend warrior types who become less active during the week.

Dr. Oswald: We’re witnessing a surge in overuse injuries linked to technology and social media. This issue isn’t directly tied to the workplace but to where our children receive their education. They spend hours sitting in school, then continue to sit at home using their laptops and iPhones, leading to forward-leaning posture and subsequent back pain. Back pain associated with technology has become the most frequent complaint in our clinics. It’s a genuine concern and presents an opportunity for us to tackle it head-on.

Rubinger: Steve, what advice do you give your family members from someone who’s had to go through full shoulder replacement? And what kind of advice do you give them regarding their physical health?

Quehl: Physical and mental well-being are intertwined as the doctors have highlighted. It comes down to instilling discipline in our daily routines. Start with simple tasks like making your bed, then engage in physical activities like going to the gym or pool. Limiting screen time, especially for children, is crucial, and parents should monitor this closely. Nothing can replace the benefits of stimulating brain activity through physical play outdoors. How often do kids climb trees, play in the yard, or enjoy games like tag compared to spending time glued to their screens? Sometimes, it might be necessary to take away the phones and allow them to rediscover the joys of being kids.

Rubinger: What are the best strategies for individuals regarding engaging with an orthopedic practice and caring for their bodies? You mentioned physical therapy and preventive measures. What other advice do you have for people to avoid needing to visit your office as much as possible?

Dr. Burns: Like many areas, our greater Atlanta population has a mix of individuals who are bright, educated and very health conscious as well as a group that, for various unfortunate reasons, has given up on their health.

For both of these groups, moderation is the key. Everyone should invest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but that can mean something different to different people. In order to stay healthy, extremely active people may need to moderate their activities down as they age, whereas inactive people may need to safely ramp up their activities.

Regular exercise, proper nutrition and adequate rest can keep your bones and joints strong and healthy. Periodic checkups with a physical therapist to evaluate flexibility, muscle strength and balance can be helpful to assess musculoskeletal health and detect potential issues early on. In addition, taking preventive measures such as wearing appropriate footwear (newer shoes are better than expensive shoes), using proper techniques learned from a certified trainer or physical therapist and avoiding overexertion can all help people stay out of the surgeon’s office.

It’s always important for people to listen to the cues their bodies are giving them as ignoring pain can lead to further damage. Lastly, be your own best advocate. Follow treatment plans laid out by your physician, communicate effectively with your healthcare providers to be sure they understand your condition and concerns clearly and seek second opinions from specialists if you have any doubts.

As Wellstar specialists in 2024, we believe we should offer subspecialized care tailored to our communities’ needs. This approach begins with prevention and extends to helping patients regain the highest possible quality of life. Achieving this requires collaboration among numerous experts to create a culture prioritizing patient care and delivering a world-class experience from start to finish.

Learn more about ortho care at Wellstar or find a specialist near you.

 

Tags

D Hodari Brooks Timothy Stephen Oswald Joseph P Burns
Self Care Senior Health KidCare Bone and Joint Care
Related Articles
Child flexing arms and posing as a superhero.

Highlights

Better Together: Your Child. Our Expert Care.

Some things are just better together: Peanut butter and jelly. Popsicles and summer days. Stethoscopes and superheroes. When it comes to your child’s health, there’s no better combo than your love—and our expert pediatric care. That’s why Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is here to partner with your family.

Playfully styled Wellstar Children's Healthcare of Georgia logo, which incorporates a rainbow and has the feel of a child's illustration.

Our name and logo may have changed, but the mission to care for children, teens and your family remains the same. 

“Our new name represents a powerful collaboration, bringing together more pediatric specialists in Georgia to create a comprehensive system of care,” said Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Valera Hudson.

Where kids’ healthcare is “better together”

At Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, a child’s health is strengthened by a partnership between parents and pediatric specialists. Our physicians and advanced practice providers listen and get to know each child from the moment they’re born into young adulthood, collaborating with parents to deliver tailored care.

“We never forget that you know your child best—from their unique needs to what makes them tick,” said Wellstar Chief Pediatrics Officer Dr. Carrie Stinson. “We trust your instincts, and we’re here to support you as you help your child grow into a healthy, well-prepared and incredible human being.”

A checkup for every child, from toddlers to teens

Every kid should have a well-child exam each year. “When you have babies and toddlers, it’s routine—you’re scheduling these frequently,” said Dr. Stinson. “But when kids get older and busier, these visits may fall off your radar.” Staying on top of these vital checkups helps keep focus on your child or teen’s well-being, including their physical health and development as well as their emotional, social and behavioral health.

Navigating life’s most challenging moments

 

During visits to Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, pediatricians, pediatric specialists, nurses and other dedicated team members use the latest technology and innovative therapies to treat common illnesses and complex conditions. In our Pediatric Emergency Departments and imaging centers, specially trained Child Life Specialists aid children and their families during challenging healthcare moments—helping them understand and cope with unfamiliar or scary situations.

A long legacy of care

 

Our new name builds on a rich history of pediatric excellence throughout Georgia. For decades, we’ve worked hard to make sure our communities have access to the pediatric care they need—from preventive care to emergency care and specialty care, including cardiologists, neurologists, urologists, ENTs, orthopedics, therapists and more. 

Care in Augusta 

Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia in Augusta has been a leader in the state for nearly 30 years. We’re home to: 

  • Pediatric primary care and specialty care
  • A 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department
  • A dedicated Level II Trauma Center
  • A Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • The only Level I Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the region
  • A Level IV Epilepsy Center
  • One of two Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centers in the state
  • Clinical trials for a variety of childhood conditions 
  • Summer camps and support programs for children with specific health conditions

Care in Metro Atlanta
 

Our communities in the Atlanta area have access to:

  • Pediatric primary care and specialty care
  • Pediatric Emergency Departments at Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers 
  • An Inpatient Pediatric Unit at Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta 
  • Level III NICUs at Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Cobb
  • Level II NICUs at Wellstar Douglas and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Centers
  • Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatric Center in Kennesaw offering a range of high-quality, child-centered services

Care in West Georgia

In West Georgia and central West Georgia, families can access:

  • Pediatric primary care in LaGrange
  • Level II NICUs at Wellstar Spalding Medical Center in Griffin and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange

Our growth chart: how we’re keeping up with your kids

As you measure your child’s growth, we’re growing too! We continue to invest in our teams and facilities across Georgia so your child can have a healthy future.

In Metro Atlanta, Wellstar continues to grow care for Cobb County’s youngest residents. A new tower at Wellstar Kennestone, slated to open spring 2026, will feature an expanded NICU with more beds to meet the needs of our families.

In Augusta, Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia has unveiled a welcoming and fresh child-friendly lobby. Families visiting the campus will soon benefit from the addition of the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness. This new space brings neurology and psychology services together under one roof, providing a dedicated place for families to find help for their children's behavioral health needs.

"We’re passionate about caring for kids,” said Dr. Hudson. “Our dream is to get beyond just treating and intervening when there’s a crisis—we aim to help families thrive.”

Whether preventing illness or treating chronic conditions, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is committed to helping children heal so they can do more of what they love.

Keep reading
A parent and young child look at a tablet together.

Highlights

A Pediatrician’s Guide for Parents on Children and Screen Time

The Weekly Check-up Atlanta


Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia pediatrician and author of the bestselling book “Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right,” uses her “no time, some time, never all the time” philosophy to provide families with guidance around screen time.

At nearly every wellness visit, Dr. Dolgoff talks with parents about how to set healthy limits with screen time. “We’re seeing language delays in children from too much screen time,” she explained.

Some signs that children may be spending too much time on social media, gaming or watching videos can include:

  • Aggression
  • Difficulty handling boredom without a screen
  • Trouble connecting with peers
  • Sleep disruption
  • Poor focus in school
  • Withdrawing from hobbies or activities they once enjoyed

Dr. Dolgoff’s advice? Parents should follow expert recommendations and know the difference between learning-focused content and pure entertainment. “You want to know what your kids are doing on their screens, and you want to know how long they’re doing it for,” she said.

Troubling trends in children’s media habits

Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization that advocates for children’s health in the digital age. Its most recent survey of the digital habits of children 8 and younger showed that by age 2, 40% of children have their own tablet. By age 4, that number climbs to 58%.

The survey also found that 1 in 5 children use mobile devices during meals, at bedtime or to cope with emotions.

Dr. Dolgoff stresses that parents must monitor and regulate their children’s digital use across all platforms. Yet the same survey shows gaps in how families co-view content: 62% of parents occasionally watched YouTube with their children, compared to only 17% on TikTok.

The survey also found that screen use varies by income. Children in lower-income households spend twice as much time on screens (3 hours, 48 minutes) as those in higher-income households (1 hour, 52 minutes).

Guidelines for screen time by age

As a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Dolgoff suggests that parents know and follow the organization’s screen time guidelines for children:

  • Under 18 months: No screen time
  • 18 to 24 months: Only educational content with parents
  • 2 to 5 years: No more than one hour per day
  • 6 years and older: Balanced screen time that doesn’t interfere with family, friends and schoolwork

These guidelines are based on the science of children’s and adolescents’ brain development. abies’ brains begin developing before birth, and the early years of life have remarkably rapid brain development.

What do screen time limits look like?

According to Dr. Dolgoff, parents don’t need to worry if little ones under 18 months use screens for video chats with loved ones like grandparents. But she adds an important distinction: “Content matters. Mindlessly scrolling through TikTok videos is not what we want children doing for hours each day.”

Fortunately, children’s programming has expanded considerably since the parents of today were kids. YouTube Kids, PBS Kids, Netflix, Apple TV and other streaming services serve a variety of programs.

Here are some healthy screen time choices, along with suggested time limits:

  • Toddler (2 to 3 years): Video call with grandparents and 30 minutes of educational programming such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood or Sesame Street with parents watching
  • Elementary school (6 to 10 years): Homework on Chromebook or other platform and 30 minutes of YouTube Kids, unstructured outside play and bedtime stories
  • Teens (13 years and older): Homework time and no more than two hours of other screen use for gaming or socializing with friends

While watching shows or movies with children, parents can spark curiosity and critical thinking by asking open-ended questions such as:

  • “What do you think will happen next?”
  • “How would you feel if that happened to you?”
  • “Could this happen in real life?”
  • “How would you have made this better?”

Most importantly, parents should help children see screens as just one part of life—not a substitute for family time, active play or friendships.

Sound screen habits begin with parents

Young children develop social and communication skills by observing, listening, talking (babbling counts!), reading, singing and playing with parents, siblings and others. The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates that parents put down their phones so they can focus on those activities and interactions.

For help, parents can turn to apps designed to monitor their smartphone and tablet use. They can also examine their habits by asking themselves questions such as:

  • “Am I scrolling at the dinner table?”
  • “Am I texting while driving?”
  • “How much are my children watching me use my phone for entertainment?”
  • “Am I setting a good example by having hobbies and interests that don’t involve screens?”

Experts advise ways to set and enforce limits

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Academy of Pediatrics understand the temptations of screens and parents’ difficulty setting limits. Some of their advice for parents:

  • Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters or to stop tantrums.
  • Create tech-free times, with extended breaks and tech-free zones, including the meal table.
  • Learn about and use parental controls on devices, including phones, tablets, laptops and televisions.
  • Make family outings technology-free—and that includes cameras.
  • Remove screens from bedrooms 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.
  • Set a timer when using a device as a reminder to turn it off or put it away.

Tips for enforcing screen-time limits

It’s in children’s nature to resist when they don’t want to stop doing something pleasant or fun. It’s the parents’ job to stick to the limits they’ve set. Some more ideas for managing children’s reactions to screen-time limits include:

  • Have a designated “quiet spot” for younger children to calm down if they rage after time on a device is up.
  • Offer alternatives after a device is turned off. Those could include playing a board game, reading a book together, playing with a favorite toy or creating an art project.
  • Warn children before their time limit is up.

Resources for parents

  • The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry on screen time limits, music and music videos, video games, movie and video choice, and screen violence
  • Common Sense Media
  • Google and Apple content about online safety and parental controls
  • Healthychildren.org, a website of the American Academy of Pediatrics
  • know2protect, guidelines for protecting children online from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Keep reading
Person with leg injury

Highlights

Accidents Happen. Know Where to Go to Get Care for Injuries in Augusta.

Ortho-On-Demand

Sports injuries, broken bones and sprains don’t have to interfere with your schedule—Wellstar Ortho-on-Demand at 1220 West Wheeler Parkway in Augusta has you covered with convenient care when you need it. Our expert team provides prompt treatment for people ages 8 and older for musculoskeletal injuries, including: 

  • Immediate orthopedics specialty care
  • X-rays to assess fractures and breaks
  • Bone, joint or muscle injuries
  • Ankle sprains or strains
  • Knee sprains or strains
  • Hand, elbow, wrist or shoulder injuries
  • Broken bones without an open wound
  • Splinting, casting and bracing by specialty clinicians
  • New back pain

We welcome walk-ins and offer same-day appointments for fast, efficient care. Learn more about Ortho-On-Demand.

Urgent Care

If you’re dealing with a minor injury 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 injuries, such as sprains and broken bones 
  • Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts 
  • Lab and X-rays 
  • Sports physicals
  • Occupational health services
  • Worker’s compensation services 

Wellstar Urgent Care has locations in Evans, Grovetown and South Augusta, or you can use our Virtual Urgent Care.

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 MCG Health Medical Center’s Emergency Department is always ready. Our trained team provides expert emergency care 24 hours a day for people of all ages. At Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, the dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department team is specially trained in treating children.

Recognize the signs of a medical emergency: 

  • Fainting or loss of consciousness 
  • Sudden, severe pain 
  • Uncontrolled or severe bleeding 
  • Choking, coughing up blood or severe vomiting 
  • Changes in mental status, such as confusion or unusual behavior 
  • Traumatic injury due to a motor vehicle or other accidents 
  • Broken bones with an open wound

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.

Some conditions, such as sports concussions or gout, may be best treated by a primary care or orthopedics clinician. Our Ortho-On-Demand team can refer you to other Wellstar locations if needed.

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.