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Roderick Rhyant, MD

Specialties

Family Medicine

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Book an appointment

Roderick Rhyant, MD

Primary Care Physician with Wellstar since 2003.

Specialties

Family Medicine

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Primary Care Physician with Wellstar since 2003
  • Member of the Wellstar Medical Group A friendly image of Roderick Rhyant, MD Roderick Rhyant, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

About Roderick Rhyant, MD

Dr. Rhyant earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed his residency in family medicine at Indiana University Hospital. He is board certified in family practice.
 
 
Dr. Rhyant is active in preventative medicine, well-child care and weight management. He was recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)’s Bridges to Excellence program for his quality diabetes care and management.
 
 

Specialties

  • Family Medicine

Education & Training

  • University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • Indiana University School of Medicine

Certifications

  • American Board of Family Medicine

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar Paulding Medical Center

Languages spoken

  • English

Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures

  • Migraine Headache

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.8

Based on 492 patient ratings

I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust

All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.

Patient Reviews

5

I feel totally comfortable that he is very thorough with my blood tests and looking out for my health.

August 2, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has always had my back when it comes to my health. He's got a great bedside manner and has good communication skills. The young lady, Leo, who took my vitals and gave me the medicare "tests" was a joy.

July 31, 2025

5

The staff is courteous and friendly. Dr. Rhyant is thorough, takes time to address any concerns, and explains all medical issues that are addressed by the patient.

July 31, 2025

5

Dr RHYANT and his staff are so professional and caring ...care is exceptional

July 30, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant is an excellent doctor. He listens and cares

July 25, 2025

4

I waited for an hour and a half in my room waiting on the doctor. I could hear him talking to one patient the whole time next to me in her room. The whole office staff left for lunch and returned before I was seen. Excessive wait once entering the room!!!

July 20, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his staff make me feel welcome, not rushed, and deal with my medical needs thoroughly. The level of knowledge, skills, professionalism, and care is as good as it gets.

July 17, 2025

5

Overall, it was positive and informative

July 17, 2025

5

Staff and doctors are amazing, compassionate, and friendly! They listen to me and are eager to help. I walk out with a smile!!! Thank you for all you do!

July 17, 2025

5

Quick and Easy!

July 17, 2025

5

From the check-in personnel, nurses and Dr. Rhyant exceptional care is always provided. They listen, provide input, and are very courteous and thorough.

July 13, 2025

5

Listens and treats patients well.

July 11, 2025

5

Wonderful, enjoyed. Looked forward to my appointment.

July 12, 2025

5

I Love Thos Office. Every one is always so Considerate.

July 4, 2025

5

Thank You Dr.Rhyant and Staff...You All Are The BEST !!!

July 4, 2025

5

Great experience like always.

July 3, 2025

5

My provider exceeds my expectation and provided great details and education. My provider Dr. Rhyant is great doctor he listens very well and educate very well without all medical verbiage. Overall great experience.

July 3, 2025

5

The office staff and Dr. Rhyant are always so accommodating, so conscientious, compassionate, and caring.

July 4, 2025

5

Very knowledgeable and helpful with understanding my clinical issues and treatments.

July 3, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has been my Doctor for thirteen years. He's an excellent Doctor.

June 30, 2025

5

I have been treated by Dr. Rhyant for approximately 20 years. He is a fantastic doctor. Always shows compassion and listens attentively.

June 27, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has been my health care provider for 20+ years. He and his staff always provide top notch service. I have always referred family and friends to him everyone's rates him 10 star. Great job Doc. Keep up the excellent work.

June 21, 2025

5

Great Service / nice people... it was a delight to be there

June 19, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his team never rush me out of the office. They spend time with me, answer all my questions, go over my results of any test, results of any programs that we're doing in detail. And they genuinely care about health. It's not just making money for them. And for that, I really appreciate it. That's few and far between in the medical field today.

June 18, 2025

5

The hair care provider, he's very knowledgeable, friendly, makes me feel very comfortable. The staff is wonderful, very friendly, welcoming. I love going to this provider.

June 15, 2025

5

The virtual visit was convenient and efficient with a seamless way to connect with your provider.

June 15, 2025

5

I feel I can Trust Dr Rhyant and his team. Couldn't ask for a better Dr and office crew! No where in The World ?.

June 12, 2025

5

Dr Rhyant is the best!

June 12, 2025

5

I just want to say thank you because the nurses and the staff there are always really, really nice to my grandmother, and it makes my life so much easier. I love you guys, and thank you just for existing. Stay excellent.

June 13, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his staff always exceed my expectations. Total pros!

June 11, 2025

5

I feel totally comfortable that he is very thorough with my blood tests and looking out for my health.

August 2, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has always had my back when it comes to my health. He's got a great bedside manner and has good communication skills. The young lady, Leo, who took my vitals and gave me the medicare "tests" was a joy.

July 31, 2025

5

The staff is courteous and friendly. Dr. Rhyant is thorough, takes time to address any concerns, and explains all medical issues that are addressed by the patient.

July 31, 2025

5

Dr RHYANT and his staff are so professional and caring ...care is exceptional

July 30, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant is an excellent doctor. He listens and cares

July 25, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his staff make me feel welcome, not rushed, and deal with my medical needs thoroughly. The level of knowledge, skills, professionalism, and care is as good as it gets.

July 17, 2025

5

Overall, it was positive and informative

July 17, 2025

5

Staff and doctors are amazing, compassionate, and friendly! They listen to me and are eager to help. I walk out with a smile!!! Thank you for all you do!

July 17, 2025

5

Quick and Easy!

July 17, 2025

5

From the check-in personnel, nurses and Dr. Rhyant exceptional care is always provided. They listen, provide input, and are very courteous and thorough.

July 13, 2025

5

Listens and treats patients well.

July 11, 2025

5

Wonderful, enjoyed. Looked forward to my appointment.

July 12, 2025

5

I Love Thos Office. Every one is always so Considerate.

July 4, 2025

5

Thank You Dr.Rhyant and Staff...You All Are The BEST !!!

July 4, 2025

5

Great experience like always.

July 3, 2025

5

My provider exceeds my expectation and provided great details and education. My provider Dr. Rhyant is great doctor he listens very well and educate very well without all medical verbiage. Overall great experience.

July 3, 2025

5

The office staff and Dr. Rhyant are always so accommodating, so conscientious, compassionate, and caring.

July 4, 2025

5

Very knowledgeable and helpful with understanding my clinical issues and treatments.

July 3, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has been my Doctor for thirteen years. He's an excellent Doctor.

June 30, 2025

5

I have been treated by Dr. Rhyant for approximately 20 years. He is a fantastic doctor. Always shows compassion and listens attentively.

June 27, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has been my health care provider for 20+ years. He and his staff always provide top notch service. I have always referred family and friends to him everyone's rates him 10 star. Great job Doc. Keep up the excellent work.

June 21, 2025

5

Great Service / nice people... it was a delight to be there

June 19, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his team never rush me out of the office. They spend time with me, answer all my questions, go over my results of any test, results of any programs that we're doing in detail. And they genuinely care about health. It's not just making money for them. And for that, I really appreciate it. That's few and far between in the medical field today.

June 18, 2025

5

The hair care provider, he's very knowledgeable, friendly, makes me feel very comfortable. The staff is wonderful, very friendly, welcoming. I love going to this provider.

June 15, 2025

5

The virtual visit was convenient and efficient with a seamless way to connect with your provider.

June 15, 2025

5

I feel I can Trust Dr Rhyant and his team. Couldn't ask for a better Dr and office crew! No where in The World ?.

June 12, 2025

5

Dr Rhyant is the best!

June 12, 2025

5

I just want to say thank you because the nurses and the staff there are always really, really nice to my grandmother, and it makes my life so much easier. I love you guys, and thank you just for existing. Stay excellent.

June 13, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his staff always exceed my expectations. Total pros!

June 11, 2025

4

I waited for an hour and a half in my room waiting on the doctor. I could hear him talking to one patient the whole time next to me in her room. The whole office staff left for lunch and returned before I was seen. Excessive wait once entering the room!!!

July 20, 2025

4

I waited for an hour and a half in my room waiting on the doctor. I could hear him talking to one patient the whole time next to me in her room. The whole office staff left for lunch and returned before I was seen. Excessive wait once entering the room!!!

July 20, 2025

5

I feel totally comfortable that he is very thorough with my blood tests and looking out for my health.

August 2, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has always had my back when it comes to my health. He's got a great bedside manner and has good communication skills. The young lady, Leo, who took my vitals and gave me the medicare "tests" was a joy.

July 31, 2025

5

The staff is courteous and friendly. Dr. Rhyant is thorough, takes time to address any concerns, and explains all medical issues that are addressed by the patient.

July 31, 2025

5

Dr RHYANT and his staff are so professional and caring ...care is exceptional

July 30, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant is an excellent doctor. He listens and cares

July 25, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his staff make me feel welcome, not rushed, and deal with my medical needs thoroughly. The level of knowledge, skills, professionalism, and care is as good as it gets.

July 17, 2025

5

Overall, it was positive and informative

July 17, 2025

5

Staff and doctors are amazing, compassionate, and friendly! They listen to me and are eager to help. I walk out with a smile!!! Thank you for all you do!

July 17, 2025

5

Quick and Easy!

July 17, 2025

5

From the check-in personnel, nurses and Dr. Rhyant exceptional care is always provided. They listen, provide input, and are very courteous and thorough.

July 13, 2025

5

Listens and treats patients well.

July 11, 2025

5

Wonderful, enjoyed. Looked forward to my appointment.

July 12, 2025

5

I Love Thos Office. Every one is always so Considerate.

July 4, 2025

5

Thank You Dr.Rhyant and Staff...You All Are The BEST !!!

July 4, 2025

5

Great experience like always.

July 3, 2025

5

My provider exceeds my expectation and provided great details and education. My provider Dr. Rhyant is great doctor he listens very well and educate very well without all medical verbiage. Overall great experience.

July 3, 2025

5

The office staff and Dr. Rhyant are always so accommodating, so conscientious, compassionate, and caring.

July 4, 2025

5

Very knowledgeable and helpful with understanding my clinical issues and treatments.

July 3, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has been my Doctor for thirteen years. He's an excellent Doctor.

June 30, 2025

5

I have been treated by Dr. Rhyant for approximately 20 years. He is a fantastic doctor. Always shows compassion and listens attentively.

June 27, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has been my health care provider for 20+ years. He and his staff always provide top notch service. I have always referred family and friends to him everyone's rates him 10 star. Great job Doc. Keep up the excellent work.

June 21, 2025

5

Great Service / nice people... it was a delight to be there

June 19, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his team never rush me out of the office. They spend time with me, answer all my questions, go over my results of any test, results of any programs that we're doing in detail. And they genuinely care about health. It's not just making money for them. And for that, I really appreciate it. That's few and far between in the medical field today.

June 18, 2025

5

The hair care provider, he's very knowledgeable, friendly, makes me feel very comfortable. The staff is wonderful, very friendly, welcoming. I love going to this provider.

June 15, 2025

5

The virtual visit was convenient and efficient with a seamless way to connect with your provider.

June 15, 2025

5

I feel I can Trust Dr Rhyant and his team. Couldn't ask for a better Dr and office crew! No where in The World ?.

June 12, 2025

5

Dr Rhyant is the best!

June 12, 2025

5

I just want to say thank you because the nurses and the staff there are always really, really nice to my grandmother, and it makes my life so much easier. I love you guys, and thank you just for existing. Stay excellent.

June 13, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his staff always exceed my expectations. Total pros!

June 11, 2025

5

I feel totally comfortable that he is very thorough with my blood tests and looking out for my health.

August 2, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has always had my back when it comes to my health. He's got a great bedside manner and has good communication skills. The young lady, Leo, who took my vitals and gave me the medicare "tests" was a joy.

July 31, 2025

5

The staff is courteous and friendly. Dr. Rhyant is thorough, takes time to address any concerns, and explains all medical issues that are addressed by the patient.

July 31, 2025

5

Dr RHYANT and his staff are so professional and caring ...care is exceptional

July 30, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant is an excellent doctor. He listens and cares

July 25, 2025

4

I waited for an hour and a half in my room waiting on the doctor. I could hear him talking to one patient the whole time next to me in her room. The whole office staff left for lunch and returned before I was seen. Excessive wait once entering the room!!!

July 20, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his staff make me feel welcome, not rushed, and deal with my medical needs thoroughly. The level of knowledge, skills, professionalism, and care is as good as it gets.

July 17, 2025

5

Overall, it was positive and informative

July 17, 2025

5

Staff and doctors are amazing, compassionate, and friendly! They listen to me and are eager to help. I walk out with a smile!!! Thank you for all you do!

July 17, 2025

5

Quick and Easy!

July 17, 2025

5

From the check-in personnel, nurses and Dr. Rhyant exceptional care is always provided. They listen, provide input, and are very courteous and thorough.

July 13, 2025

5

Wonderful, enjoyed. Looked forward to my appointment.

July 12, 2025

5

Listens and treats patients well.

July 11, 2025

5

I Love Thos Office. Every one is always so Considerate.

July 4, 2025

5

Thank You Dr.Rhyant and Staff...You All Are The BEST !!!

July 4, 2025

5

The office staff and Dr. Rhyant are always so accommodating, so conscientious, compassionate, and caring.

July 4, 2025

5

Very knowledgeable and helpful with understanding my clinical issues and treatments.

July 3, 2025

5

Great experience like always.

July 3, 2025

5

My provider exceeds my expectation and provided great details and education. My provider Dr. Rhyant is great doctor he listens very well and educate very well without all medical verbiage. Overall great experience.

July 3, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has been my Doctor for thirteen years. He's an excellent Doctor.

June 30, 2025

5

I have been treated by Dr. Rhyant for approximately 20 years. He is a fantastic doctor. Always shows compassion and listens attentively.

June 27, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has been my health care provider for 20+ years. He and his staff always provide top notch service. I have always referred family and friends to him everyone's rates him 10 star. Great job Doc. Keep up the excellent work.

June 21, 2025

5

Great Service / nice people... it was a delight to be there

June 19, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his team never rush me out of the office. They spend time with me, answer all my questions, go over my results of any test, results of any programs that we're doing in detail. And they genuinely care about health. It's not just making money for them. And for that, I really appreciate it. That's few and far between in the medical field today.

June 18, 2025

5

The hair care provider, he's very knowledgeable, friendly, makes me feel very comfortable. The staff is wonderful, very friendly, welcoming. I love going to this provider.

June 15, 2025

5

The virtual visit was convenient and efficient with a seamless way to connect with your provider.

June 15, 2025

5

I just want to say thank you because the nurses and the staff there are always really, really nice to my grandmother, and it makes my life so much easier. I love you guys, and thank you just for existing. Stay excellent.

June 13, 2025

5

I feel I can Trust Dr Rhyant and his team. Couldn't ask for a better Dr and office crew! No where in The World ?.

June 12, 2025

5

Dr Rhyant is the best!

June 12, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his staff always exceed my expectations. Total pros!

June 11, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his staff always exceed my expectations. Total pros!

June 11, 2025

5

Dr Rhyant is the best!

June 12, 2025

5

I feel I can Trust Dr Rhyant and his team. Couldn't ask for a better Dr and office crew! No where in The World ?.

June 12, 2025

5

I just want to say thank you because the nurses and the staff there are always really, really nice to my grandmother, and it makes my life so much easier. I love you guys, and thank you just for existing. Stay excellent.

June 13, 2025

5

The virtual visit was convenient and efficient with a seamless way to connect with your provider.

June 15, 2025

5

The hair care provider, he's very knowledgeable, friendly, makes me feel very comfortable. The staff is wonderful, very friendly, welcoming. I love going to this provider.

June 15, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his team never rush me out of the office. They spend time with me, answer all my questions, go over my results of any test, results of any programs that we're doing in detail. And they genuinely care about health. It's not just making money for them. And for that, I really appreciate it. That's few and far between in the medical field today.

June 18, 2025

5

Great Service / nice people... it was a delight to be there

June 19, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has been my health care provider for 20+ years. He and his staff always provide top notch service. I have always referred family and friends to him everyone's rates him 10 star. Great job Doc. Keep up the excellent work.

June 21, 2025

5

I have been treated by Dr. Rhyant for approximately 20 years. He is a fantastic doctor. Always shows compassion and listens attentively.

June 27, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has been my Doctor for thirteen years. He's an excellent Doctor.

June 30, 2025

5

My provider exceeds my expectation and provided great details and education. My provider Dr. Rhyant is great doctor he listens very well and educate very well without all medical verbiage. Overall great experience.

July 3, 2025

5

Great experience like always.

July 3, 2025

5

Very knowledgeable and helpful with understanding my clinical issues and treatments.

July 3, 2025

5

The office staff and Dr. Rhyant are always so accommodating, so conscientious, compassionate, and caring.

July 4, 2025

5

Thank You Dr.Rhyant and Staff...You All Are The BEST !!!

July 4, 2025

5

I Love Thos Office. Every one is always so Considerate.

July 4, 2025

5

Listens and treats patients well.

July 11, 2025

5

Wonderful, enjoyed. Looked forward to my appointment.

July 12, 2025

5

From the check-in personnel, nurses and Dr. Rhyant exceptional care is always provided. They listen, provide input, and are very courteous and thorough.

July 13, 2025

5

Quick and Easy!

July 17, 2025

5

Staff and doctors are amazing, compassionate, and friendly! They listen to me and are eager to help. I walk out with a smile!!! Thank you for all you do!

July 17, 2025

5

Overall, it was positive and informative

July 17, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant and his staff make me feel welcome, not rushed, and deal with my medical needs thoroughly. The level of knowledge, skills, professionalism, and care is as good as it gets.

July 17, 2025

4

I waited for an hour and a half in my room waiting on the doctor. I could hear him talking to one patient the whole time next to me in her room. The whole office staff left for lunch and returned before I was seen. Excessive wait once entering the room!!!

July 20, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant is an excellent doctor. He listens and cares

July 25, 2025

5

Dr RHYANT and his staff are so professional and caring ...care is exceptional

July 30, 2025

5

The staff is courteous and friendly. Dr. Rhyant is thorough, takes time to address any concerns, and explains all medical issues that are addressed by the patient.

July 31, 2025

5

Dr. Rhyant has always had my back when it comes to my health. He's got a great bedside manner and has good communication skills. The young lady, Leo, who took my vitals and gave me the medicare "tests" was a joy.

July 31, 2025

5

I feel totally comfortable that he is very thorough with my blood tests and looking out for my health.

August 2, 2025

Publications and Articles

Man hits a ball on a golf course. Text reads "RichardCare."

RichardCare

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.

Photo of Richard Knox, colon cancer survivor


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.

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Roderick Rhyant, MD
Primary Care Physician with Wellstar since 2003
Rating
4.8
Specialties
Family Medicine
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Residency
Indiana University School of Medicine
Certifications
American Board of Family Medicine
Spoken Languages
English
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/roderick-rhyant-md
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