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Wellstar Accelerates Training Next Generation of Caregivers

Published on February 20, 2025

Last updated 11:13 AM February 20, 2025

Physician taking a patient's blood pressure

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.

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Wellstar Health System to Acquire Mountain Lakes Medical Center

CLAYTON, Ga. (June 5, 2026) — Wellstar Health System and Mountain Lakes Medical Center (MLMC) today announced that they have finalized an agreement for Wellstar to acquire the northeast Georgia-based hospital. The transaction is expected to close August 1, pending the conclusion of regulatory requirements and customary closing conditions.

Mountain Lakes Medical Center is a 25-bed critical access hospital serving Rabun County and surrounding northeast Georgia communities. After the acquisition, MLMC will become Wellstar Mountain Lakes Medical Center and join Wellstar’s integrated health system network across Georgia.

“From our earliest conversations, it was clear that Mountain Lakes Medical Center was a special organization with a talented team, deep community roots and tremendous potential,” said Wellstar President and CEO Ketul J. Patel. “We collaboratively pursued this opportunity to build on the hospital’s strong foundation and create new possibilities for patients, clinicians and communities in Rabun County and beyond.”

Patel said the acquisition reflects Wellstar’s broader vision of enhancing patient care across Georgia and the Southeast.

“At Wellstar, we’re building a connected healthcare ecosystem that links community hospitals, physicians, specialists, advanced clinical programs and digital capabilities into a seamless experience for patients. We believe MLMC has an important role to play in that future.”

MLMC leaders said becoming part of Wellstar positions the hospital to continue growing while preserving its commitment to serving the local community.

“MLMC has long served as an important healthcare resource for Rabun County and the surrounding area,” said Mountain Lakes Medical Center CEO Kristy Hall. “We believe joining Wellstar creates exciting opportunities to build on that success while connecting our patients and clinicians to additional expertise, technology, specialty resources and healthcare capabilities that can help support the future of healthcare in northeast Georgia.”

Wellstar and MLMC emphasized that patients will continue to have access to the clinicians and care teams they know and trust. Wellstar intends to take a phased and thoughtful approach to integration that prioritizes continuity for patients, clinicians and team members.

As part of Wellstar, MLMC will gain access to broader clinical expertise, advanced clinical programs, technology resources and operational support. Over time, patients and clinicians will also benefit from Wellstar’s Digital Care Network, which connects local care teams with specialists and advanced clinical programs across the system in real time, helping accelerate diagnosis, treatment planning and coordinated care.

The organizations also believe the acquisition will strengthen healthcare access throughout northeast Georgia and the region. Wellstar views MLMC as an important healthcare access point uniquely positioned to help connect patients and communities to specialists, advanced treatment options and healthcare resources while allowing patients to continue receiving care close to home.

For team members and clinicians, the transaction represents an investment in the people and relationships that have made MLMC what it is today. Wellstar intends to retain current MLMC team members at the point of transition and anticipates continuity in local operations throughout the process.

Additional information and updates will be shared with team members, clinicians, patients and the community.

About Wellstar Health System

Wellstar Health System is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the Southeast and a growing destination for care across Georgia and beyond. Guided by its PeopleCare culture, Wellstar is advancing a bold vision to deliver exceptional quality, safety and patient experience while expanding access to world-class medicine.

Today, more than 35,000 team members, one of the region’s largest physician networks and 11 hospitals serve communities through more than 400 care locations, including cancer centers, rehabilitation facilities, urgent care centers and a digital care network that extends specialty expertise to community and rural hospitals. Wellstar’s nationally recognized programs span cardiology, neuroscience, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics and other specialties, bringing advanced treatment closer to the people who need it.

Through partnerships that include Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, Wellstar helps educate future clinicians, accelerate discovery and translate research into real-world impact. Recognized as one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, Wellstar combines clinical excellence, innovation and collaboration to improve the health and well-being of every person it serves.

About Mountain Lakes Medical Center

Mountain Lakes Medical Center believes in providing the highest quality, compassionate care in a world-class hospital setting. As a Level IV Trauma Center and full-service, 25-bed acute care hospital, Mountain Lakes Medical Center is staffed by highly trained medical professionals who are passionate about improving healthcare and redefining how our community thinks about health and wellness.

Our dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff are committed to a truly person-centered approach—serving patients, families, our local community, and employees with kindness and respect every day. Serving the Northeast Georgia and the Western Carolinas, our hospital represents a bold step into the future of healthcare. We are committed to creating a healing environment that fosters collaboration and puts people first.

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Precision treatment advances cancer care with new non-invasive technology

Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center and Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center have begun treating patients using the new Gamma Knife Esprit, the latest state-of-the-art system for non-invasive treatment of neurological and oncologic conditions. The new technology provides patients with the gold standard for non-invasive brain tumor and cancer treatments, underscoring Wellstar and Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center’s dedication to innovation and patient-centered care.

The Gamma Knife Esprit delivers highly precise radiation therapy—to within 0.15 millimeter accuracy—which allows physicians to better treat complex or previously inoperable conditions while preserving surrounding healthy brain matter without the need for traditional surgery. This advanced technology minimizes risk, reduces recovery times and offers hope to patients who may not be candidates for more traditional procedures.

“Bringing the Gamma Knife Esprit to Augusta and the Central Savannah River Area represents a transformative leap in neurosurgical care for our region,” said Dr. Fernando Vale, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Wellstar MCG Health and the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Augusta University. “With its pinpoint accuracy, we can better treat complex brain conditions while further improving quality of life and reducing patient discomfort.”

Gamma Knife Esprit can target the smallest tumors and lesions with sub-millimeter precision— smaller than the size of a pencil tip—to treat brain lesions, tumors and vascular abnormalities without incisions or general anesthesia. This non-invasive approach results in shorter hospital stays, fewer side effects and faster recovery, making it a powerful resource for patients and their families.

Dr. John Barrett, chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at MCG, added, “This technology allows us to provide effective, non-invasive treatment options for patients with brain tumors, vascular malformations and other neurological disorders. It’s a significant step forward for our patients and our clinical teams.”

“It is a privilege to serve our community by bringing leading-edge care to the CSRA,” said Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health. “This cutting-edge technology strengthens our Neuroscience Center of Excellence and Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center, but most importantly, it ensures that patients from across the region have access to world-class, non-invasive treatment options close to home.”

The addition of the Gamma Knife Esprit further reinforces Wellstar MCG Health’s position as a leader in advanced neurological and cancer care. Through continued investment in technology and partnerships, Wellstar MCG Health remains committed to excellence, innovation and the well-being of every patient we serve.

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Illustration of saddle. Text reads "Saddle up for survivorship"

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Commemorate Cancer Survivors Day with Wellstar

Wellstar supports people with cancer throughout their journeys, from early screenings to diagnosis to treatment. But our encouragement and dedication to delivering world-class, compassionate care doesn’t end in remission.

Across our system, Wellstar honors the bravery and strength of survivors every day, rejoicing in each milestone. This National Cancer Survivors Day, we are proud to pay tribute to the people who have conquered cancer and offer hope to those still fighting. This year’s Cancer Survivors Day theme—Saddle Up for Survivorship—exemplifies our commitment to being a steadfast source of encouragement for cancer survivors and fighters across Georgia.

Several Wellstar facilities will host events—and you can be a part of the celebration!

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers in Cartersville
June 5
1 PM to 3 PM
65 Cloverleaf Drive, Cartersville
Contact Mary Ellen Smither at [email protected] or (678) 858-1146.

Wellstar Cobb Medical Center
June 5
12 to 2 PM
4040 Hospital West Drive, Austell
The event will be held in the parking lot across from Tranquility Hospice located at 4040 Hospital West Drive.
Contact Ashley Dapremont at [email protected] or (470) 732-4523.

Wellstar Douglas Medical Center
June 6
11 AM to 1 PM
6167 Prestley Mill Road, Douglasville
Douglasville First United Methodist Church
Contact Diane Harris at [email protected] or (470) 644-5411.

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
June 5
11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
320 Kennestone Hospital Blvd., Marietta
Cancer Center
Contact Leena Augustine at [email protected].

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center
June 6
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 7
2 to 4 PM
144 Bill Carruth Parkway, Hiram
Atrium
Contact Kellie Mitchell at [email protected] or (470) 644-8106.

Wellstar Spalding Medical Center
June 5
12 PM to 2 PM
608 South 8th St., Griffin
Cancer Center
Contact Sherry Connell at [email protected] or (470) 935-5526.

Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
June 5
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.

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