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
https://mychart.wellstar.org/mychart/signupandschedule/embeddedschedule?vt=1003&id=1932210739&view=plain

Jeff Wilkins, MD

Affiliate

Specialties

Family Medicine

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Jeff Wilkins, MD

Primary Care Physician affiliated with Wellstar since 2002.

Affiliate

Specialties

Family Medicine

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Primary Care Physician affiliated with Wellstar since 2002
  • Thad J Wilkins Jeff Wilkins, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

About Jeff Wilkins, MD

Dr. Thad Wilkins, a professor in the department of Family Medicine at Augusta University, is the director of academic development and the associate chief medical officer responsible for utilization review, throughput and the patient experience. He serves on the board of directors of the Medical Association of Georgia. He is a values-driven executive and leader with extensive experience revolutionizing academic environments through educational leadership, administration and strategic direction. Dr. Wilkins received his undergraduate training at Francis Marion University and his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed his residency in family medicine at Eglin Air Force Base Hospital. He also completed a faculty development fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his MBA from Columbus University.

Specialties

  • Family Medicine

Education & Training

  • Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • Eglin Air Force Base Regional Hospital

Certifications

  • American Board of Family Medicine

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center

Languages spoken

  • English

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

5

Based on 93 patient ratings

Explained things in ways I understand
Listened to me carefully
Gave instructions that were easy to understand
Knowledgeable about my medical history
Showed respect for what I had to say
Spent enough time with me

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

Dr. Wilkins is an excellent clinician.

August 30, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is the best!

July 14, 2024

5

Good

June 28, 2024

5

Dr Wilkins is great!

June 19, 2024

5

I would recommend Dr. Wilkins to all my family and friends. But I would not recommend Wellstar Mcg.

May 26, 2024

5

Good

May 10, 2024

5

Very Good Visit. Have been a Patient here xxx with Doctor Thad Wilkins.

April 9, 2024

4

Dr Wilkins is honestly the most thoughtful physician I've ever seen. His willingness to listen and his patience with me was Incredible. I felt as though I was his only patient. I had needed to transfer my care because of insurance issues but the process seemed daunting. Dr Wilkins and his staff made it a choice I will never regret.

March 29, 2024

5

Dr. Thad J Wilkins always express sincere concern about my health...he is so knowledgeable and though. He explains in detail my diagnosis and express sincere concern

March 15, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is an excellent and wonderful doctor!

February 16, 2024

5

All providers should be as thorough, caring, and compassionate as Dr. Wilkins.

January 14, 2024

5

Love Dr. Wilkins!

January 6, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is an excellent clinician.

August 30, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is the best!

July 14, 2024

5

Good

June 28, 2024

5

Dr Wilkins is great!

June 19, 2024

5

I would recommend Dr. Wilkins to all my family and friends. But I would not recommend Wellstar Mcg.

May 26, 2024

5

Good

May 10, 2024

5

Very Good Visit. Have been a Patient here xxx with Doctor Thad Wilkins.

April 9, 2024

5

Dr. Thad J Wilkins always express sincere concern about my health...he is so knowledgeable and though. He explains in detail my diagnosis and express sincere concern

March 15, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is an excellent and wonderful doctor!

February 16, 2024

5

All providers should be as thorough, caring, and compassionate as Dr. Wilkins.

January 14, 2024

5

Love Dr. Wilkins!

January 6, 2024

4

Dr Wilkins is honestly the most thoughtful physician I've ever seen. His willingness to listen and his patience with me was Incredible. I felt as though I was his only patient. I had needed to transfer my care because of insurance issues but the process seemed daunting. Dr Wilkins and his staff made it a choice I will never regret.

March 29, 2024

4

Dr Wilkins is honestly the most thoughtful physician I've ever seen. His willingness to listen and his patience with me was Incredible. I felt as though I was his only patient. I had needed to transfer my care because of insurance issues but the process seemed daunting. Dr Wilkins and his staff made it a choice I will never regret.

March 29, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is an excellent clinician.

August 30, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is the best!

July 14, 2024

5

Good

June 28, 2024

5

Dr Wilkins is great!

June 19, 2024

5

I would recommend Dr. Wilkins to all my family and friends. But I would not recommend Wellstar Mcg.

May 26, 2024

5

Good

May 10, 2024

5

Very Good Visit. Have been a Patient here xxx with Doctor Thad Wilkins.

April 9, 2024

5

Dr. Thad J Wilkins always express sincere concern about my health...he is so knowledgeable and though. He explains in detail my diagnosis and express sincere concern

March 15, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is an excellent and wonderful doctor!

February 16, 2024

5

All providers should be as thorough, caring, and compassionate as Dr. Wilkins.

January 14, 2024

5

Love Dr. Wilkins!

January 6, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is an excellent clinician.

August 30, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is the best!

July 14, 2024

5

Good

June 28, 2024

5

Dr Wilkins is great!

June 19, 2024

5

I would recommend Dr. Wilkins to all my family and friends. But I would not recommend Wellstar Mcg.

May 26, 2024

5

Good

May 10, 2024

5

Very Good Visit. Have been a Patient here xxx with Doctor Thad Wilkins.

April 9, 2024

4

Dr Wilkins is honestly the most thoughtful physician I've ever seen. His willingness to listen and his patience with me was Incredible. I felt as though I was his only patient. I had needed to transfer my care because of insurance issues but the process seemed daunting. Dr Wilkins and his staff made it a choice I will never regret.

March 29, 2024

5

Dr. Thad J Wilkins always express sincere concern about my health...he is so knowledgeable and though. He explains in detail my diagnosis and express sincere concern

March 15, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is an excellent and wonderful doctor!

February 16, 2024

5

All providers should be as thorough, caring, and compassionate as Dr. Wilkins.

January 14, 2024

5

Love Dr. Wilkins!

January 6, 2024

5

Love Dr. Wilkins!

January 6, 2024

5

All providers should be as thorough, caring, and compassionate as Dr. Wilkins.

January 14, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is an excellent and wonderful doctor!

February 16, 2024

5

Dr. Thad J Wilkins always express sincere concern about my health...he is so knowledgeable and though. He explains in detail my diagnosis and express sincere concern

March 15, 2024

4

Dr Wilkins is honestly the most thoughtful physician I've ever seen. His willingness to listen and his patience with me was Incredible. I felt as though I was his only patient. I had needed to transfer my care because of insurance issues but the process seemed daunting. Dr Wilkins and his staff made it a choice I will never regret.

March 29, 2024

5

Very Good Visit. Have been a Patient here xxx with Doctor Thad Wilkins.

April 9, 2024

5

Good

May 10, 2024

5

I would recommend Dr. Wilkins to all my family and friends. But I would not recommend Wellstar Mcg.

May 26, 2024

5

Dr Wilkins is great!

June 19, 2024

5

Good

June 28, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is the best!

July 14, 2024

5

Dr. Wilkins is an excellent clinician.

August 30, 2024

Publications and Articles

A friendly photo of Dale Crail. Reads "DaleCare."

DaleCare

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

A proactive tool to screen for cancer

Retired life was going well for Dale. The Evans resident enjoyed casting a line on the small lake near his home and cheering on his great-nieces and nephews at their sporting events. Cancer? That was the last thing on his mind.

But during an annual wellness visit, Dale’s longtime Wellstar primary care physician, Dr. Thad Wilkins, introduced him and his wife to Galleri—a groundbreaking blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before symptoms develop. Wellstar MCG Health is the first hospital in Georgia to offer the test, which is performed with a single blood draw.

“Multi-cancer early detection screening offers my patients a way to screen for more than 50 cancer types,” explained Dr. Wilkins. “And that's in addition to the five cancers that we can screen for now, like prostate, breast, cervical, colon and, in some cases, lung cancer ."

Galleri is recommended for adults with an elevated risk for cancer, including those age 50 and older. Dr. Wilkins had taken the test himself and encouraged the couple to consider adding it to their routine lab work.

At first, they passed. Dale’s wife, a cancer survivor, eventually decided to take it. Fortunately, her results came back with no cancer signal detected.

Dale continued to think about it.

“I do whatever Dr. Wilkins tells me to do,” he said with a smile. “He takes a very active interest in my health and my wife's health and tells us what we should do and when we should do it. I’ve been with him over 20 years.”

At his next visit, Dale felt a nudge—and decided it was time. He left his physician’s office, walked across the street to Wellstar MCG Health and went to the lab for the quick and convenient blood test.

“I think God smiled on me that day and said, ‘Dale, you need to take this test,’” he shared.

An unexpected result

Just days after his blood draw, Dale received a call from Dr. Wilkins. The Galleri test was positive, with a cancer signal origin in the head and neck.

“For patients with a positive Galleri test, it's very important for me as their primary care physician to know that,” Dr. Wilkins said. “Not only do I get a positive cancer signal, but it also tells me where in the body that I need to look.”

“It was surprising,” Dale said of receiving the news. “Very surprising to hear that you've got the potential to have cancer in your body.”

Dale quickly underwent follow-up diagnostic testing at Wellstar MCG Health. First, he had a CAT scan, followed by a PET scan. Both confirmed the presence of cancer.

It was a lot to take in. Dale’s wife, having previously walked through her own cancer diagnosis, knew how hard the road could be. They were both worried—but deeply grateful the cancer was caught so early.

According to Dr. Wilkins, “The value of early treatment for cancer is that oftentimes you can avoid extensive surgery, and you may avoid radiation or chemotherapy.”

Personalized care, swift action

Dale was referred to Dr. Daniel Sharbel, a board-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon who specializes in head and neck oncology.

“In my field, if you catch an early throat or oropharyngeal cancer, you're able to offer patients less intensive treatment strategies,” explained Dr. Sharbel. “If patients show up with more advanced tumors, then they may require multimodal treatments. … When caught early, they may be able to get just one treatment strategy: surgery or radiation.”

Because Dale’s cancer was caught so early, Dr. Sharbel was able to perform a radical tonsillectomy and neck dissection using transoral robotic surgery—a minimally invasive approach that offered the best chance at a full recovery without additional treatment.

“We had clear margins, and he had no adverse features that were indicators for needing radiation after surgery, and only one positive lymph node with cancer in it,” Dr. Sharbel said. “That allowed us to recommend sparing him radiation therapy after surgery.”

For Dale, the speed of diagnosis and the opportunity for early intervention made all the difference.

“Early detection of my cancer gave me an option of having surgery as quickly as allowable and neutralizing the cancer that was in my body,” Dale said. “My cancer was detected so early that the surgery was much less than what it would've been a year or two years down the road.”

Dr. Sharbel said Dale’s early diagnosis gave him the best possible path forward.

“He’s done great after surgery,” he said. “He’s got a great prognosis for five-year overall and disease-free survival. I think he’s going to continue to do very well.”

Dale said the care he received at Wellstar MCG Health stood out at every step—from diagnosis to surgery to recovery.

“My surgeon, after performing surgery in the morning, came by my room about 7:30 that evening and spent a good half an hour with me just talking,” Dale said of Dr. Sharbel. “And he needed to go home. He has a family, and he took the time to come and spend a lot longer with me than I may have expected. … The care has just been fantastic.”

For Dr. Sharbel, Dale’s experience reflects what’s possible when innovation and early detection come together.

“This is the story of a big win for patient care,” he said. “This is exactly what you want out of this test. You want to be able to get somebody a minimally invasive approach and spare them radiation where they don't have to deal with the lasting effects of radiation therapy. I mean, that's huge.”

Looking ahead with gratitude

Today, Dale is cancer-free. He’s back to the life he loves—fishing, spending time with family and encouraging others to be proactive about their health. But he knows the future isn’t guaranteed.

“The cancer is gone,” he said. “I always end that statement, though, ‘for right now.’”

That’s one reason why the Galleri test can be taken annually. Because deadly cancers can develop at any time—and some can progress quickly, even in less than a year—routine screening offers ongoing peace of mind.

However, “for patients like Dale, who had a confirmed head and neck cancer, it’s recommended that we wait three years before we resume annual Galleri testing,” Dr. Wilkins noted.

Dale says the combination of early detection and compassionate, expert care played a key role in his recovery.

“I’m very appreciative of the Galleri test and the quick action that was taken on my behalf by everyone at Wellstar MCG Health,” he said. “The Galleri test detected a cancer signal so early that I was very fortunate to have the cancer treated.”

He’s also become an advocate, sharing his experience with those close to him.

“I would—and I have—encouraged friends and family to look into the Galleri test,” Dale said. “Knowing what I've gone through and how it detected my cancer at such an early stage, they're thinking seriously about taking the test.”

Make an appointment with your Wellstar MCG Health clinician to discuss if the Galleri multi-cancer early detection is right for you, or call (706) 721-9335 for more information about the test.

To schedule a wellness check, find a Wellstar primary care physician near you.

Continue reading this article
Jeff Wilkins, MD
Primary Care Physician affiliated with Wellstar since 2002
Rating
5
Specialties
Family Medicine
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
Residency
Eglin Air Force Base Regional Hospital
Certifications
American Board of Family Medicine
Spoken Languages
English
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/thad-wilkins-md
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 our internet privacy policy.