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AU/UGA Medical Partnership, St. Mary’s fill all positions in Internal Medicine Residency Program 6:56 pm The Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership Internal Medicine Residency Program (IMRP) at St. Mary’s has announced another successful Match Day. The program filled all residency positions to welcome its eighth class of internal medicine residents in Athens.
“We are honored once again to have received so many truly exceptional applicants to our program,” said Dr. Lela Ward, program director for the IMRP. “The supportive medical community, dedicated volunteer faculty, exceptional staff, and commitment of St. Mary’s Health Care System to quality care truly make this an excellent program to learn and to train physicians in Northeast Georgia.”
The IMRP, which received full accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education in October 2016, is a joint effort by the AU/UGA Medical Partnership and St. Mary’s. Residents are medical school graduates who are entering the final stage of their medical education: a three-year, hands-on program with progressive levels of responsibility that ends in certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
“While we have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of COVID hospitalizations and deaths, the Class of 2026 will be facing new and unprecedented challenges in the healthcare world,” said Dr. Jason Smith, St. Mary’s chief medical officer. “Continued pandemic-related health challenges, along with the need to continue to provide ever-higher levels of quality and satisfaction for patients with more and more chronic illnesses, will be a significant challenge for these new physicians. I have no doubt that this outstanding class of physicians is up to the task.”
The IMRP Class of 2026 and the schools at which they completed their medical education are:
- JonHenry Allen, DO – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Andrew Clermont, MD – Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
- Thomas Diamond, MD – St. George’s University
- Carla Erb, DO – Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Marina Mina, MD – Ross University School of Medicine
- Jalees Naseer, MD – Ross University School of Medicine
- Hevinkumar Patel, DO – Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus
- Crystal Rivera Perez, MD – Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
- Christopher Schrock, DO – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Nadia Tamia, MD – Ross University School of Medicine
- Maryam Tarar, DO – West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
In addition, the program matched a preliminary year intern, Nolan Mattingly, MD. He earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.
The new residents will begin practicing at St. Mary’s Health Care System on July 1.
“This is another exciting year in the history of the Internal Medicine Residency Program,” said David Spivey, St. Mary’s interim president and CEO. “We are confident this next class will continue the tradition of compassion and excellence demonstrated by their predecessors. St. Mary’s is proud to be an integral part of the IMRP and its success in bringing more medical doctors to Georgia and to the Athens region.”
“I am so excited to have this group of residents join us. Their experiences, diversity, and talent will continue to strengthen the Internal Medicine program,” said Medical Partnership campus dean Dr. Shelley Nuss. “I look forward to seeing what these young physicians will do in our community over the next three years.”
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SGMC Maintains Gold Recognition for Cardiac Care 5:51 pm Each year the American College of Cardiology (ACC) recognizes hospitals for their participation in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR). South Georgia Medical Center received the Chest Pain- MI Registry Award (Gold) for the care of cardiac patients for the second consecutive year.
This accomplishment demonstrates sustained, top-level performance in quality of care and adherence to guideline recommendations for cardiac care.
According to SGMC’s Chief of Cardiology Dr. Doug Luke, “Maintaining this high level of performance requires daily effort from multiple departments across the organization. We would like to congratulate the team and thank them for their dedication, resilience, and attention to detail.”
The NCDR participation and award landed SGMC a spot in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” edition. The annual report ratings are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.
According to the NCDR, for 25 years it has delivered a suite of data registries to help hospitals, centers, and health systems measure and improve the quality of cardiovascular care they provide. The NCDR utilizes real-world evidence to improve patient outcomes and achieve quality heart care.
SGMC has the region’s only open-heart program, structural heart and valve center, and cardiac electrophysiology program. To learn more about SGMC’s heart and vascular programs, visit sgmc.org.
NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER’S CANCER SERVICES EARNS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION 4:06 pm Patients in north Georgia have yet another reason to trust Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) in their fight against cancer. NGMC’s Cancer Centers in Braselton, Gainesville and Toccoa are now the only accredited radiation oncology locations north of Atlanta.
“It is an honor to be recognized for the high-quality radiation oncology care we provide,” said Geoffrey Weidner, MD, a radiation oncologist with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group and medical director of radiation oncology at NGMC. “No one wants to undergo cancer treatment, but knowing that your radiation oncology team meets such high standards provides reassurance that you couldn’t be in better hands.”
NGMC received this national accreditation from the American Society for Radiation Oncology, which evaluated the radiation oncology service’s safety and quality processes. The service must adhere to patient-centered care by promoting effective communication, coordinated treatments and strong patient engagement.
NGMC offers a full range of cancer services including cancer prevention and screening; early diagnosis; cancer staging; advanced treatment through medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgery; patient navigation; rehabilitation; and more.
NGMC’s expert physicians and clinical staff care for approximately 3,000 newly-diagnosed cancer patients each year at locations in Braselton, Gainesville, Toccoa and Winder.
For more information about NGMC’s nationally-recognized cancer services and physicians, visit nghs.com/cancer or call 770-219-8815.
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NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER GAINESVILLE VERIFIED AS A LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTER 4:39 pm Patients north of Atlanta can now rest assured that they will receive the highest level of trauma care as soon as they need it, as Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville was recently verified as a Level I trauma center. This makes NGMC Gainesville one of five state-designated Level I trauma centers in Georgia and only the fourth nationally-verified Level I trauma center in the state.
“We are thrilled to announce this exciting news for our community and beyond,” said Carol Burrell, president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System. “Since NGMC Gainesville’s Level II trauma center designation in 2013, our amazing trauma team has cared for nearly 20,000 trauma patients that would have had to travel outside our region for care.”
According to the American College of Surgeons, verified Level I trauma centers must be capable of providing system leadership and comprehensive trauma care for all injuries.
“We have been operating like a Level I trauma center for a while, as we prepared to apply for this highest level of designation and verification,” said Matthew Vassy, MD, trauma medical director for NGMC. “The big differences between a Level II and a Level I include a robust academic research component and having the range of surgical subspecialists to be able to care for the most complex of injuries.”
Verified Level I centers also have an important role working with first responders and other agencies to develop a local trauma system and regional disaster planning.
“Verified Level I trauma centers are considered the ‘gold standard’ across the nation,” said Jesse Gibson, trauma program director at NGMC Gainesville. “We hope that people never need to use our trauma services, but they can rest assured that if they are brought to NGMC Gainesville they will receive the best care available.”
To learn more about the trauma program at NGMC, visit nghs.com/trauma.
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ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER
Atrium Health Navicent Launches Rise to Success Program to Help Train Health Care Workers of the Future 3:40 pm
Graduating high school seniors are eligible to apply for entrance into Atrium Health Navicent’s new Rise to Success Program which will provide part-time employment and financial support for students pursing health care careers. Participants have the opportunity to earn an associate degree at a local community college while gaining valuable on-the-job experience, and with Atrium Health Navicent helping to pay for tuition, books and fees.
“There’s a growing need for health care workers across the country, including here at Atrium Health Navicent, and we want to empower young people to seek these careers while receiving education and work experience close to home,” said Atrium Health Navicent Chief Human Resources Officer and Atrium Health Chief Experience Officer Vishal Bhalla. “By providing opportunities to these students, we’re making an investment in the future of health care in our community and in our region’s economy.”
Eligible fields of study for the Rise to Success program include medical assistant, nurse, certified nursing assistant, occupational or physical therapy, phlebotomy, pharmacy technology, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, sonography and ultrasound, radiology and imaging.
While earning an associate degree in one of these fields, participants will work part-time in areas such as guest services, patient services, registration, patient transport, nutrition, or in clerical or administrative positions. The program is set to begin July 1, 2023.
Students wishing to continue their education after earning an associate degree may transfer to a four-year college or university while still working at Atrium Health Navicent and using funds available through the health system’s education assistance allowance program.
Rise to Success program requirements include:
- Interest in pursuing a health care career
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (unweighted)
- Must be a graduating high school senior in central Georgia
- Must be 18 years old by Aug. 1, 2023
- Must be willing to start their education at a community college
- Ability to manage work and school schedules.
- Must be willing to work while in college
- Work for Atrium Health Navicent for at least one year after graduating with an associate degree
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or willing to receive the vaccine.
Rise to Success applications are being accepted through March 1. The application includes essay questions and a teacher recommendation, as well as interviews with Atrium Health Navicent teammates.
To apply, visit https://redcap.link/RiseToSuccessNavicent
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well- being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.
Join Atrium Health Navicent in Raising Awareness About Birth Defects, Prevention and Early Detection 6:32 pm
In observance of Birth Defects Awareness Month, physicians at Atrium Health Navicent encourage expectant mothers and women of child-bearing age to become educated about steps they can take to prevent and detect birth defects.
Birth defects — structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part of the body — affect 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year and are the leading cause of infant deaths, accounting for 20 percent of all infant deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Of the 130,000 babies born each year in Georgia, 3,940 have birth defects, and 1 in 6 infant deaths in Georgia is due to birth defects, according to The March of Dimes.
Advancements in medicine and surgery have led to better survival, and more children born with birth defects grow up to lead full lives. The most common birth defects are congenital heart defects, cleft lip and cleft palate, and spina bifida. Awareness of birth defects helps families get the information they need to seek proper care before, during, and after pregnancy.
Birth defects can happen for many reasons. Although not all birth defects can be prevented, women can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant.
“Prenatal care that begins early and continues throughout a pregnancy is critical in preventing and detecting birth defects,” said Dr. Misti Patel, director of Atrium Health Navicent Women’s Care Maternal Fetal Medicine. “It’s recommended that pregnant women schedule their first prenatal visit early in the first trimester allowing an OB-GYN to review their medical history, medications and lifestyle to make modifications that may lower the chance of birth defects. Testing may also be recommended to determine if a patient is at high risk for birth defects or genetic disorders.”
Here are seven steps women can take to get ready for pregnancy, stay healthy during pregnancy, and give babies a healthy start in life:
- Get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Folic acid is a B vitamin. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body at least one month before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of the developing baby’s brain and spine. Women can get folic acid from fortified foods or supplements, in addition to a varied diet rich in folate.
- Prevent infections. Some infections that a woman might get during pregnancy can be harmful to the developing baby. Vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine and Tdap (adult tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine), are specifically recommended during pregnancy.
- See a health care professional regularly. Be sure to see a doctor when planning a pregnancy and start prenatal care as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor about your current medications, as certain medications can cause serious birth defects when taken during pregnancy.
- Keep diabetes under control. Unmanaged diabetes can increase the chance for birth defects and other problems during pregnancy. Monitor your blood sugar levels, follow a healthy eating plan developed with your health care provider, be physically active, and take insulin as directed.
Contact:
Amy Leigh Womack:
amy.mccord@atriumhealth.org
Join Atrium Health Navicent in Raising Awareness About Birth Defects,
Prevention and Early Detection
January is Birth Defects Awareness Month
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol in a woman’s bloodstream passes to the developing baby through the umbilical cord. Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of disabilities. All types of alcohol are equally harmful, including wines and beer.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes and marijuana. The dangers of smoking during pregnancy include preterm birth, certain birth defects, and infant death. Quitting smoking before becoming pregnant is best. For a woman who is already pregnant, quitting as early as possible can still help protect against some health problems for the baby, such as low birth weight. Marijuana use during pregnancy also may be linked to lower birth weight. Women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should not use marijuana.
- Avoid overheating and treat fever promptly. During pregnancy, a woman should avoid overheating and treat fever promptly. Overheating can be caused by a fever or exposure to high temperatures (such as getting in a hot tub) that increases a woman’s core temperature. Overheating can increase a woman’s chance of having a baby with certain birth defects.
As part of Atrium Health Navicent’s ongoing effort to improve maternal health, the health system has raised awareness for racial disparities affecting care through community forums and recently received a Healthcare Georgia Foundation grant to support high risk obstetrics patients with the aid of a care coordinator to help patients who may face barriers to accessing health care. The care coordinator will educate patients about the importance of prenatal visits and provide support to assist patients in keeping their appointments.
Atrium Health Navient has also expanded access to OB/GYN care by providing services in Forsyth at Atrium Health Navicent Women’s Care OBGYN.
Physicians at Atrium Health Navicent Women’s Care Maternal Fetal Medicine and the Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital play a critical role in identifying birth defects during pregnancy, which allows for early recognition and intervention following delivery.
To find a doctor, visit www.NavicentHealth.org and click “Find A Doctor.”
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well- being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health,allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.
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“Birth Defect Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about early identification of birth defects, spread the word about advances in medical and surgical interventions and allow families to have an opportunity to seek proper care that’s leading to more babies surviving and leading fuller, healthier lives,” said Dr. Mitch Rodriguez, a neonatologist and medical director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and business development officer for Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital.
LEADERS AGREE FOR HABERSHAM MEDICAL CENTER TO OFFICIALLY JOIN NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM IN 2023 1:47 pm People living in and around Habersham County can look forward to healthier tomorrows and continued access to local hospital care for years to come, thanks to a decision reached Tuesday night for Habersham Medical Center (HMC) to officially join Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) in 2023.
“This is the best possible scenario for the future of Habersham Medical Center and the health of everyone in our community,” said Dolly Ritchie, chair of the Hospital Authority of Habersham County. “It’s a little earlier than originally planned, but it’s the right thing to do for all the right reasons.”
The Hospital Authority of Hall County & the City of Gainesville, the Hospital Authority of Habersham County and Habersham County Government entered a five-year agreement to secure the future of HMC back in 2019. That agreement called for the Hospital Authority of Hall County & the City of Gainesville to invest $3 million per year – for a total of $15 million over five years – in capital improvements to enhance and expand HMC’s services. The first $3 million investment helped establish HMC’s Rehabilitation and Orthopedics Center. The second and third investments funded renovation of Habersham Home (HMC’s senior living facility). The fourth $3 million investment was just issued in November. The five-year agreement also included options for the Hospital Authority of Hall County & the City of Gainesville to assume ownership of HMC, in exchange for the total $15 million investment, at the end of the agreement in 2024 or earlier.
Tuesday, all three parties involved in the original agreement agreed to execute an early transition. The Hospital Authority of Hall County and the City of Gainesville will also provide the fifth and final $3 million investment on or before July 1, 2023. At that time, the Hospital Authority of Hall County & the City of Gainesville will immediately lease the hospital to NGHS or its affiliate.
Also, on Tuesday, HMC and NGHS agreed to enter into a Management Services Agreement until the early acquisition date of July 1, 2023. Under this agreement, NGHS management will provide day-to-day oversight and review of critical functions and services as well as financial services and information technology (IT) services support, with regular updates to the Habersham Hospital Authority and Habersham County representatives.
The Habersham County Commission and the Hospital Authority of Habersham County also both voted Tuesday to increase an existing line of credit from $1.5 million to a new maximum of $6 million to help cover HMC’s necessary operating costs until the ownership transfer on July 1. The original $1.5 million line of credit the Commission approved last month has already been used to help HMC pay down a portion of outstanding debts. The additional $4.5 million added to the line of credit will be funded by local American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds originally intended to fund renovation of the Habersham County Airport’s hangar. Increasing the line of credit will not place any tax burden on the citizens of Habersham County.
“Stabilizing the long-term future for HMC and putting the hospital on a better financial path to grow is currently the most pressing need in our community, and this agreement accomplishes that – positioning HMC to become a vital hub for healthcare in this part of the state,” said Bruce Palmer, chair of the Habersham County Commission. “It’s a big win for our county and an increasingly rare positive outcome for a rural hospital at a time when at least eight rural hospitals have closed in Georgia during the past decade.”
“The challenges HMC has experienced in recent years mirror those of so many other independent, rural hospitals across the state and nation,” said Tyler Williams, president and CEO of HMC. “These challenges are only increasing, so the time to act is now. Our hospital joining NGHS – a well-respected organization, with a strong financial track record, who many people in our county already trust for their care – is going to stabilize and improve healthcare across the entire region.”
The latest reports from the Georgia Hospital Association estimate HMC’s local and state economic impact at $117 million, as compared to NGHS’ four hospitals having a combined impact of more than $3.5 billion. NGHS has also received “A” grades for its current finances, as well as “positive” outlooks for its financial future, from the national ratings agencies S&P and Fitch.
“There is clear data that shows a direct link between the economic health of a community and having a vibrant, local hospital and healthcare providers,” said Charlie Fiveash, executive director of the Habersham Economic Development Council. “Being connected to a rock-solid organization like NGHS will help beyond the bedside by attracting more strong economic development in Habersham, which in turn brings in more tax revenue from businesses and lessens the tax burden on people who live in our communities.”
“NGHS is committed to make more long-term, multimillion dollar reinvestments in infrastructure improvements for HMC in the coming years – at no cost to the county or taxpayers,” said John Kueven, who is president of Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville and has oversight of NGHS’ other hospitals in Lumpkin and Barrow counties. “Those reinvestments, like installing the same electronic health record we use at all other NGHS hospitals, are necessary to accomplish our shared vision to better coordinate care – so people can get most of their routine, specialty, and hospital care without leaving Habersham County.”
Both NGHS and HMC plan to work together with local physicians and the larger medical community across the region to seek input about how to align services to ensure long-term sustainability.
“Our goal throughout these discussions, over many years, has always been to best serve the people of Habersham County by providing high-quality, local care they can trust,” says Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS. “We should all be thankful for the Habersham County leaders and community supporters who worked diligently together to help save their local hospital, which will be the key to physical and economic wellbeing for generations to come.”
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ABOUT HABERSHAM MEDICAL CENTER
Habersham Medical Center (HMC), a 53-licensed-bed acute care hospital, serves approximately 80,000 residents in Habersham and adjoining counties. HMC operates Habersham Home, an 84-licensed-bed skilled nursing facility, and HCMC Home Care, the service area’s sole agency for hospital-based home health providers. Our care shows we care. Learn more at www.habershammedical.com.
ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM
Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is a non-profit on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. Our team cares for more than 1 million people across the region through four hospitals and a variety of outpatient locations. Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has campuses in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega – with a total of more than 750 beds and more than 1,200 medical staff members representing more than 60 specialties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.
Join Atrium Health Navicent in Raising Awareness about Cervical Cancer 8:23 pm
January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and doctors at Atrium Health Navicent invite the community to help raise awareness about cervical cancer by encouraging women to make their annual gynecology visits a priority.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has estimated about 14,100 new cases of invasive cervical cancer would be diagnosed in the United States in 2022, leading to about 4,280 deaths. Hispanic women have the highest rates of developing cervical cancer, and Black women have the highest rates of dying from the disease.
Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44. Many older women don’t realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age. More than 20 percent of cases of cervical cancer are found in women over 65.
Early on, cervical cancer may not cause apparent signs and symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer may cause abnormal bleeding or discharge from the vagina, such as bleeding after sex. If you have any of these signs, see your doctor. The signs and symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know for sure is to see your doctor.
“It’s so important for women to keep their annual visits with their OB/GYN. Each exam includes a review of your medical history, routine vitals, a breast exam, palpation of the abdomen and lymph nodes, and then a pelvic exam, if
indicated. Routine labs are normally ordered to monitor liver functions, cholesterol and possibly hormone levels. In other words, an annual visit to your OB/GYN could identify something going on in your body before it becomes serious,” said Dr. Adrienne Jones, an Atrium Health Navicent OB/GYN.
While cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women, the mortality rate dropped significantly with increased use of the Pap smear test, according to the ACS. The screening procedure can detect changes in the cervix before cancer develops and can also identify cervical cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines for cervical cancer screenings, including Pap smear tests and screenings for human papillomavirus (HPV). They are broken down by age:
- If you are 21 to 29 years old: You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
- If you are 30 to 65 years old: Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you:
o A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your
next Pap test.
o An HPV test only. This is called primary HPV testing. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that
you can wait five years until your next screening test.
o An HPV test along with the Pap test. This is called co-testing. If both of your results are normal, your
doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
• If you are older than 65: Your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if:
o You have had normal screening test results for several years; or
o You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like
fibroids.
Contact:
Amy Leigh Womack
amy.mccord@atriumhealth.org
Join Atrium Health Navicent in Raising Awareness about Cervical Cancer
Physicians encourage HPV vaccination and screenings for early detection and treatment
“Cervical cancer is preventable with appropriate screening and surveillance. A Pap smear finds changes in cells of the cervix that can indicate future cancer. Regular screenings will show these cell changes and allow for early prevention or intervention,” Jones said.
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some HPV types can cause changes on a woman’s cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts.
According to the ACS, HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and almost 35,000 men and women are diagnosed with HPV cancers in the United States every year. HPV is so common that most people get it at some time in their lives. HPV usually causes no symptoms so you can’t tell that you have it. For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that over time it may cause cervical cancer.
Studies have shown that giving the HPV vaccine to boys and girls aged 9 to 12 can prevent more than 90 percent of HPV cancers as children grow older. The vaccine is safe, effective and long lasting.
The CDC has offered recommendations for HPV vaccines:
- The HPV vaccine is recommended for routine vaccination at age 11 or 12 years. (Vaccination can be started at age 9.)
- Vaccination is also recommended for everyone through age 26, if not adequately vaccinated when younger. The vaccine is given as a series of either two or three doses, depending on age at initial vaccination.
- Some adults ages 27 through 45 years may decide to get the HPV vaccine based on a discussion with their doctor, if they did not get adequately vaccinated when they were younger.
Atrium Health Navicent offers OB/GYN care in Macon and Forsyth. For more information, and to find a doctor, visit
www.NavicentHealth.org.
For information about services available at the Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, ranging from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship, call 478-633-3000.
For more information about well-child visits and recommended immunizations, visit www.navicenthealth.org/service- center/children-s-health.
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well- being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visitwww.NavicentHealth.org.
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Northside Hospital first in country to receive Maternal Levels of Care Verification from The Joint Commission 2:43 pm The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), today announced that Northside Hospital, Atlanta, is the first in the country to receive Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification. Northside Hospital also is the first in the state to receive a Level IV Maternal Center Designation from DPH.
The United States has a higher maternal mortality rate than many other developed countries. Georgia is taking action to help improve care for women and newborns. It is one of a handful of states to review risk-appropriate care and the first to collaborate on a program with an accreditation organization.
In 2022, DPH announced a partnership with The Joint Commission, recognizing its MLC Verification program. The program, offered in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), is a verification process that involves an on-site comprehensive review of a hospital’s maternal capabilities and policies, as well as a level of maternal care determination.
Through the partnership, hospitals may seek the optional Maternal Center Designation with The Joint Commission’s MLC Verification program. Details on the designation process are available at https://dph.georgia.gov/maternal-and-neonatal-center.
“Early in our history a pivotal decision was made to provide the best care for mothers and newborns in Georgia at Northside Hospital,” says Melissa Sisson, who is retiring as Northside Hospital’s longtime director of women’s services and led the hospital’s certification process.
More babies are born at Atlanta’s Northside Hospital each year than at any other single hospital in the United States. This position offers Northside a unique opportunity to develop exceptional expertise in the care of women and newborns with high-risk conditions complicating their pregnancies.
“Our strategy began in earnest with the establishment of a maternal-fetal medicine program, alongside a team of highly qualified obstetricians, certified midwives, nurses and staff,” Sisson adds. “The designation of Northside Hospital Atlanta as the first Level IV Maternal Center in Georgia is an achievement that validates our ability to care for the most critically-ill mothers and newborns in Georgia.”
“The Joint Commission congratulates Northside Hospital on this outstanding achievement, as well as the state of Georgia for its efforts to standardize, implement and improve regionalized systems of care,” says Brian Enochs, JD, executive vice president for Business Development and Marketing, The Joint Commission. “Georgia is leading the way in establishing levels of maternal care designations for hospitals, and we expect more states to follow as the nation’s overall maternal mortality rates remain high. Through the Maternal Levels of Care Verification program, we look forward to working closely with hospitals to identify areas where they may need to strengthen risk-appropriate care to match their population – helping to make care safer for mothers and their babies.”
“The Georgia Department of Public Health commends Northside Hospital for its commitment to high levels of care, and for their partnership with DPH to improve the health of mothers and babies in Georgia,” says Kathleen E. Toomey, MD, MPH, commissioner, Georgia Department of Public Health.
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Physicians at Atrium Health Navicent Offer Safety Tips for Celebrating New Year’s Holidays 4:38 pm
When making plans to ring in the new year, Atrium Health Navicent physicians urge the community to stay safe behind the wheel. Since 2000, more than 230,000 people have lost their lives in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In 2020, an estimated 11,654 fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired crashes. This number represented 30 percent of all traffic fatalities that year and a 14 percent increase over 2019. When people are impaired by alcohol, they may have poor judgment, impaired visual functions, declines in coordination and reduced reaction time. Even when people don’t appear drunk, small amounts of alcohol may impair driving skills, according to the NHTSA.
The National Safety Council reports that the three-hour period with the highest percentage of driver fatalities with blood- alcohol contents of 0.08 percent or higher is midnight to 3 a.m. — prime time for driving home from New Year’s Eve festivities.
“For many people, New Year’s is a time for celebration with family and friends, but it’s important to keep safety in mind. If your celebration includes alcohol, be sure to either have a designated driver or to stay at home. Also don’t light fireworks while intoxicated,” said Dr. John Wood, medical director for the Emergency Center at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center.
If New Year’s celebrations involve fireworks, it’s also important to take precautions to ensure those celebrations remain safe.
In 2021, fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,500 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments, and resulted in 9 deaths, according to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Young adults, aged 20 to 24, were the most likely to be treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. The most common injuries included burns to the hands and fingers (31 percent), along with head, face and ears.
Fireworks — including sparklers and flares — can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing.
Emergency and trauma physicians at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, a nationally verified Level I Trauma Center, encourage celebrants to protect themselves and their children from fireworks injuries by following these tips:
After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from
Contact:
Amy Leigh Womack:
amy.mccord@atriumhealth.org
a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
Physicians also urge revelers to avoid firing guns in celebration of the holiday. Bullets returning to the ground due to celebratory gunfire can cause serious injury or even death for bystanders in the area.
“Teammates staffing our emergency center typically sees an increase in fireworks–related injuries on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Taking a few easy safety precautions – and not participating in celebratory gunfire – can help ensure you’re able to enjoy the holiday safely,” Wood said.
If an accident or injury occurs, seek appropriate medical treatment. For emergency situations, call 911 or seek care at the
emergency center. Atrium Health Navicent offers emergency care at the following locations:
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