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Atrium Health Navicent invites the community to participate in a month of Breast Cancer Awareness events to help raise awareness and encourage screening for early detection and treatment.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women. Women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetimes. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2021, about 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, leading to about 43,600 deaths.

For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Unfortunately, breast cancer will affect 1 out of 8 women. Due to better screening and improved treatment options, a majority of these women will lead a cancer-free life after treatment. There is overwhelming evidence that the earlier the cancer is detected, the higher the chance of survival. This stresses the importance of screening mammography,” said Dr. Paul Dale, director of the Atrium Health Peyton Anderson Cancer Center and a surgical oncologist at Atrium Health Navicent. “Even during these uncertain times of COVID-19, all of our screening facilities are open, so don’t put off that screening mammography! Early detection is the key to a successful cure.”

If you’ve delayed mammograms or visits to your doctor due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to get back on track with regular screenings. The ACS recommends that women who are aged 50 to 74 get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.

To promote breast cancer awareness and education, Atrium Health Navicent has prepared a month-long celebration during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The following is a schedule of Atrium Health Navicent’s events and festivities:

Atrium Health Navicent provides the latest technology for the early detection of breast cancer, including state-of-the-art 3D mammography and new SCOUT technology, as well as 3D biopsies, same-day biopsies, breast ultrasounds, 3D mammography, wireless breast localization biopsies, molecular breast imaging, and breast MRI.

To schedule a mammography appointment, call Atrium Health Navicent’s centralized scheduling department at 478-633-7020.

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 visit www.NavicentHealth.org.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, South Georgia Medical Center is encouraging all eligible women to get their annual mammogram screening during the month of October and raising awareness of Breast Cancer prevention, screening and treatment with its Pamper and Prevent campaign.

Breast cancer still remains one of the most common forms of cancer found in women within the United States. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women in the nation will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

“Finding breast cancer early can really be the biggest life saver. We encourage all women starting at the age of 40 to get their yearly mammogram. At SGMC, we have the best technology to offer our patients with our Genius 3D mammography. We know it’s not everyone’s favorite experience, but we’re going to do our best to make our patients as comfortable as possible,” says Director of Pearlman Cancer Center Emily Wetherington.

The Genius 3D mammography machine allows radiologists to see significantly more than the traditional mammography machine. The 3D machine detects 20-65 percent more invasive breast cancer compared to a 2D mammography alone and is reported to reduce callbacks to patients by 40 percent.

The 3D technology is available at the SGMC Imaging Center and the SGMC Berrien Campus.

Interim Director of Radiology Leslie Lyons says, “The procedure is very safe and many of our patients say the discomfort is very minimal. It’s a quick and easy process and if we can help someone save their life through their yearly mammograms, it’s all worth it.”

To encourage women to learn more about breast cancer screenings and to schedule their annual mammogram, SGMC is giving women the chance to win a local spa package valued at $500. To enter visit sgmc.org/giveaway.

“As women, sometimes we forget to care for ourselves. We want to increase awareness about breast cancer, but we also want to support and care for those who are always caring for everyone else,” says Wetherington.

SGMC offers a comprehensive breast cancer program that includes imaging, surgery, and cancer treatment. SGMC’s Pearlman Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) and offers many of the latest cancer-fighting treatment options to include radiation therapy, advanced chemotherapy and biotherapy, surgical oncology, clinical trials including precision medicine trial and genetic counseling for cancer causing genes.

Southeast Georgia Health System Provides Free Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Vaccines

Southeast Georgia Health System has begun administering free Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to a larger segment of the general population as recommended by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Health System began administering third dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to a limited group of immunocompromised individuals in August. The Health System will now also provide a third Pfizer shot to those who meet the CDC criteria issued September 24.* Pfizer booster doses are only approved for individuals who received the Pfizer vaccine more than six months ago. Qualifying individuals include:

“Studies have shown that the vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infections decreases over time,” says Michael D. Scherneck, president and CEO, Southeast Georgia Health System. “Giving at-risk individuals the opportunity to receive a third dose will help to keep them safe, especially if our communities experience another transmission surge such as the one we recently suffered.”

According to the Department of Public Health website, 47% of Glynn County, 36% of Camden County and 38% of McIntosh County are fully vaccinated. The percentages are even lower for Brantley (23%) and Charlton (21%). On Tuesday, September 28, the Health System was treating 42 positive COVID-19 inpatients on its Brunswick Campus and 5 on its Camden Campus; only 4 of the 47 inpatients were vaccinated. At the peak of the recent surge, the Health System reported a total of 168 positive COVID-19 inpatients.

“We will continue to offer first and second dose Pfizer vaccines to everyone age 12 and older, as well as first and second Moderna doses to those age 18 and older,” says Adam Brown, CMPE, director, Physician Practices, Southeast Georgia Physician Associates. “Those who qualify for the Pfizer third dose should bring their vaccine card indicating that the second dose was given at least six months ago.”

Currently, Moderna third doses require a physician’s note documenting that the individual (18 years and older) has an immunocompromised condition. “We are very hopeful that Moderna will soon receive FDA and CDC approval for third doses,” says Scherneck. “Until that time, individuals must bring documentation from their physician stating that they meet the CDC criteria for immunocompromised conditions.”

Individuals must receive the same vaccine, Pfizer or Moderna, for each dose. Appointments are strongly encouraged to ensure vaccine availability and can be scheduled by visiting sghs.org/covid19-vaccine. The schedule is as follows:

About Southeast Georgia Health System
Southeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two acute care hospitals, two long term care facilities, three immediate care centers, five family medicine centers and numerous employed physician practices. The Health System has multiple outpatient specialty care centers, including the only CyberKnife^®M6 Program in Georgia, and a Cancer Care Center accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The Health System is part of Coastal Community Health, a regional affiliation between Baptist Health and Southeast Georgia Health System forming a highly integrated hospital network focused on significant initiatives designed to enhance the quality and value of care provided to our contiguous communities. For more information, visit sghs.org.

For more than a year and a half, we have all been living in the stark reality of this insidious disease, as well as the devastating collateral damage that it has caused in our lives and in the lives of those we love.

Last week, our country reached an unprecedented milestone: nearly one in eight people have been infected since the pandemic began, and one in 500 Americans, over 650,000 lives, have been lost to this ferocious, invisible killer.

The unrelenting power of this virus is plainly evident. The current delta strain has proven to be an even more formidable foe. Younger and younger patients are being hospitalized at record rates, and unfortunately, many of these young adults may succumb to this deadly predator.

An avalanche of medical evidence has shown that the vaccine is safe and provides a guardrail against hospitalization and death. Further, it combats the delta strain and can prevent even more deadly viral strains from evolving. Yet, amidst a tinderbox of misinformation, natural anxiety and normal human hesitation – accelerated by social media – the truth has been dramatically diffused.

Yes, COVID is real. But the vaccines are just as real, and they protect and save lives. Yet, currently less than half of Chatham County residents are fully vaccinated.

Health-care professionals are frustrated, and rightly so. They’ve seen the effects firsthand and know that the vaccine efficiently combats the debilitating effects of this virus while helping to mitigate its spread. This simple yet powerful tool to defeat this deadly enemy is easily accessible through the Chatham County Health Department and at times at various community outreach sites.

And it’s free.

And that’s why St. Joseph’s/Candler, our area’s largest health-care provider, is not only encouraging all eligible persons to be vaccinated, they’re putting their money where their mouth is and removing yet another obstacle to vaccination.

St. Joseph’s/Candler believes there should be no barrier to getting vaccinated, which is why they have initiated a new free transportation program through a partnership with the Yellow Cab Company. The program is open to any residents of Chatham County who may have difficulty getting to a DPH vaccination site due to transportation issues. St. Joseph’s/Candler will cover the cost.

The process is simple. Residents of Chatham County can make an appointment for their vaccine by calling the Department of Public Health at 912-230-5506, or by going online to covid19.gachd.org/vaccine.

More on getting a vaccination:Here are upcoming events in Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties

Once you’ve scheduled your appointment, call the St. Joseph’s/Candler Transportation Assistance line at 912-819-2883, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You must call a minimum of three hours in advance of the appointment. If your appointment is the next morning, you should call the day before. You may call as early as a week in advance of your appointment to arrange for this free transportation.

All requests for free transportation must be made through the special St. Joseph’s/Candler Transportation line.

The program will be available through the end of October. You can find more details at sjchs.org.

One less obstacle. One more reason to get the vaccine.

If we can reach a 70% vaccination rate, we can make great strides in containing the virus and protecting the lives of family members, parents, spouses, children, neighbors, friends and our overall community.

This pandemic and its effects on our lives has been far from a smooth ride. St. Joseph’s/Candler’s free ride program could just be the lift that our community needs.

Unequaled access to quality healthcare is one of South Georgia Medical Center’s main priorities, of which the system is making vast headway. Since officially organizing in 2020 SGMC’s Physician Network has more than doubled in its number of physicians and tripled in its number of specialties.

According to Jim Zacharias, SGMC Vice President of Network Development, this is a result of enhanced partnerships with outstanding long-time community physicians and recruitment of the very best doctors to join the region.

A physician needs analysis conducted in 2017 showed 28 percent of adults in SGMC’s service area did not have a regular physician. This same report showed that the percentage of adults with high blood pressure, high body mass index, and diagnosed with diabetes in the area eclipsed both the state and national averages.

In response to these findings, SGMC established a robust Physician Network, which has grown to include seven primary care locations in Lowndes, Berrien and Lanier counties with 17 physicians specializing in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine. According to Zacharias, “More primary care providers means a decreased wait time for new patient appointments, and more availability in general for patients to get appropriate guidance for managing their health and wellness.”

Additionally, the network includes more than 40 specialists to ensure patients do not have to leave the region for their care. Zacharias says traveling to receive medical care is expensive and emotionally and physically taxing for patients and their families. By having a vast array of specialists in the area, SGMC offers enhanced collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists, which leads to better outcomes for patients.

Another important part of this equation expected to impact physician access for decades to come is SGMC’s partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine to launch an Internal Medicine Residency Program. SGMC is on track to have residents on its campus as early as January of 2022.

When at capacity in 2024, 24 physicians will be completing their residency training at SGMC at any given time. In addition to inpatient coverage, the residency program will include a continuity clinic. This serves as a low cost primary care clinic and is an integral portion of internal medicine training as it allows residents to learn how to manage both common and complicated outpatient conditions and to follow patients longitudinally over time.

“We are excited to experience this type of growth in the physician recruitment arena. These physicians can choose to go anywhere and they’ve chosen SGMC,” said SGMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Dawson. “The culture and energy behind the residency program from current physicians, applicants and staff is invigorating. This is truly a pivotal moment in our history.”

Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is taking the next step in its journey to empower the physician leaders of tomorrow, now that it received initial accreditation for Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship and Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship programs by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

With the launch of the state’s most forward-thinking heart and vascular program earlier this month, Georgia Heart Institute, the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship will complement the commitment of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) to provide exceptional heart health for generations. The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program highlights the rising awareness and demand for clinical palliative care resources, and the need for more specialty trained physicians to deliver this important care for both patients and families.

“We anticipate the pool of applicants will be very competitive for both of these important fellowships,” said John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, MSPH, FAAFP vice president of Medical Education for Northeast Georgia Health System and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC. “Our elite faculty is committed to provide an intellectually stimulating environment for clinical learning that includes experiences beyond the clinic, such as research, education and outreach.”

To become a board-certified cardiologist, doctors must complete a residency program in internal medicine before beginning a cardiology fellowship. The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program is a three-year program that anticipates interviewing approximately 60-70 fellowship candidates this fall to fill six fellowship slots. After participating in the Match in December 2021, NGMC is excited to welcome the inaugural class of fellows on July 1, 2022.

“The fellows will work side-by-side with physicians of distinction at the Georgia Heart Institute and ask clinically impactful questions, which adds to the cutting-edge care for our patients,” said Dr. Egolum, program director of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program. “As a recognized cardiac center of excellence, we will leverage our exceptional accomplishments in clinical care, research, innovation and education to train the future leaders of cardiovascular care for our region and beyond.”

The extensive accreditation process for the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program was led by Ugochukwu Egolum, MD, FACC, program director, Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program; Santhi Adigopula, MD, FACC, FASE, FSCMR, associate program director, Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program; James Kruer, MD, FACP, program director, Internal Medicine residency program; Angela Lewis, MPH, MEd, program coordinator for the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program; John E. Delzell, Jr., MD; and Donna Brown, MS Ed, C-TAGME, director of Graduate Medical Education at NGMC.

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program anticipates interviewing candidates fall 2022 and will train two fellows for one year. Fellows will begin working with patients on July 1, 2023.

“The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship will equip physicians to alleviate suffering and empower patients with serious illness to explore their own goals of care,” said Meredith Pickett, DO, program director of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to sharpen our own skills, mentor physician learners, and increase the impact of palliative medicine in our health system and our community.”

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship accreditation process was led by Meredith Pickett, DO, program director, Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program; Zameer Gill, MD, associate program director Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program; Nadia Tinoco, program coordinator, Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program; John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, MSPH, FAAFP, vice president of Medical Education for Northeast Georgia Health System and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC; and Donna Brown, MS Ed, C-TAGME, director of Graduate Medical Education (GME) at NGMC.

For more information about NGMC’s Graduate Medical Education program, please visit ngmcgme.org.

List honors top healthcare executives influencing policy and care delivery models across the country

Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the magazine’s 2021 Top 25 Diversity Leaders in Healthcare.

The Top Diversity Leaders award honors top healthcare executives from diverse backgrounds and the organizations influencing policy and care delivery models across the country.

“To most effectively serve patients and the community, our teams must include multiple voices that represent differing points of view and individuals from a variety of backgrounds,” Finley said. “At Atrium Health Navicent, our first culture commitment is ‘to create a space where we all belong.’ To do that, we must include diverse viewpoints and endeavor to reach the underserved so we can truly improve our community’s health and wellness, elevate hope and advance healing for all. Thank you, Modern Healthcare for this honor!”

In his nomination, community leaders described Finley as a “strong champion” and “living example for others to emulate” in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We were incredibly fortunate to be able to secure a CEO of Delvecchio Finley’s caliber,” said Atrium Health Navient Board Chair Starr Perdue. “He continues to do great things in healthcare and in our community.”

The profiles of all the honorees and honored organizations are featured in the Sept. 20 print issue of Modern Healthcare magazine and at ModernHealthcare.com/top-diversity-leaders.

“Healthcare organizations widely promote their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts when they’re first announced. But it’s more important to track success and make sure those initiatives deliver on the long-term results the companies and communities they serve expect. This year, we increased the cadence of our diversity recognition program and expanded eligibility to include companies as a whole, as well as individuals,” said Modern Healthcare editor, Aurora Aguilar. “The 2021 class of Top Diversity Leaders lead the pack in healthcare. These are people and companies that exemplify ‘walking the walk.’ Congratulations to all of our honorees and thank you for the hard work you do on the important issue of inclusivity.”

South Georgia Medical Center is raising awareness of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) during September in an effort to save limbs through early detection. PAD is a leading, and preventable, cause of death in the United States, affecting nearly 20 million Americans each year.

PAD develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms and legs become completely or partially blocked. This blockage is caused by fatty plaque deposits that harden arteries, called atherosclerosis, and greatly reduces blood flow.

SGMC Vascular Surgeon Dr. David Hardy says, “Risk factors for PAD include smoking, a history of smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease.”

SGMC offers non-invasive tests for PAD such as an ankle-brachial index test, which compares blood pressure in the ankles and arms, and ultrasound tests which identify blocked arteries.

Although the long-term effects of PAD are serious, an astonishing 40 percent of people with PAD do not experience any symptoms. Approximately 50% of patients with diabetic ulcers have concurrent PAD.

If you have risk factors, your doctor may order a screening test to detect potential issues sooner and implement early interventions.

“A common symptom we see in patients is their ability to walk changes, patients find themselves unable to complete simple tasks like walking to the mailbox because they become so fatigued. Another, more visible, symptom would be sores or ulcers that aren’t able to heal properly. These are definitely causes for concern, and those individuals should speak with a specialist,” explained Dr. Hardy.

Advanced PAD results in delayed wound healing and greater risk for limb loss. Twenty-five percent of those with advanced PAD will experience an amputation within one year.

“We need to raise awareness in our communities about PAD and the importance of getting screened. Screenings for PAD are pain free and only require blood pressure cuffs and a small ultrasound,” said Dr. Hardy.

SGMC Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center provides specialized care that can reduce healing times, increase healing rates and significantly lower amputation risks. The center offers new advanced therapy including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy which speeds up healing of stubborn wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, and infections in which tissues are starved for oxygen.

For more information on identifying PAD and treating chronic or infected wounds, contact SGMC Wound Care and Hyperbarics located at 2330 N. Ashley Street, Valdosta, GA 31602 or call 229-249-5080.

South Georgia Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Resuscitation Gold Adult Get With The Guidelines award for its commitment to treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, ultimately helping to improve patient survival rates. SGMC has received the gold award for adult patients consecutively for the past six years.

Every year around 475,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest and more than 200,000 adults and children have an in-hospital cardiac arrest each year, according to the American Heart Association.

Survival from cardiac arrest is largely dependent on timely medical emergency team response and effective CPR.

The Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation program was developed to help save lives of patients who experience in-hospital cardiac arrests by following the most up-to-date research-based guidelines for treatment.

Chief of SGMC Cardiology Dr. Doug Luke stated, “There are no warning signs when it comes to cardiac arrest, and it’s our job as healthcare providers to act quickly and take the proper steps in order to increase a patient’s chances of survival.”

SGMC provides a wide range of cardiac and vascular care. With a team of highly-skilled cardiologists and surgeons, specializing in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, more complex procedures are being performed in South Georgia to meet patients’ cardiovascular needs.

The SGMC Dasher Memorial Heart Center features the region’s only Hybrid Operating Room which combines the most advanced operating room and medical imaging technology.

Photo cutline: Members of SGMC’s heart center stand with the 2021 American Heart Association’s Resuscitation Gold Adult Get With The Guidelines award.

In observance of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Atrium Health Navicent encourages women to learn the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the ovaries, it is called ovarian cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women. A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 78. The ACS estimates that in 2021, about 21,410 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer, resulting in 13,770 deaths. In Georgia, it’s estimated that 650 new cases of ovarian cancer will occur in 2021, resulting in 410 deaths.

It’s important to understand the risk factors for getting ovarian cancer. Women at a higher risk:

Although there are no reliable screening tests for ovarian cancer, annual appointments with your gynecologist can lead to early detection and treatment. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you have one or more of the following:

“Ovarian cancer is often labeled as the hidden cancer. It is because in the early stages, symptoms may not be obvious. This is why seeing a gynecologist for an annual physical is so important. A thorough history and physical exam, including a pelvic exam and/or rectal exam, can often detect signs of early ovarian cancer. If signs are detected during a physical, additional testing can be ordered. Please, not just for early detection of ovarian cancer, but for overall health and wellness, come see me or any gynecologist of your choosing for your annual physical,” said Dr. Shanna B. Holcomb, an Atrium Health Navicent gynecologist.