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Lung cancer is an especially difficult type of cancer to detect early, part of why it is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and around the world. St. Mary’s is now on the leading edge of faster, safer lung cancer detection with the addition of the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy System from Intuitive, the same company that created the da Vinci surgical robot.

In partnership with Dr. Eduardo Martinez and Athens Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine (APSM), St. Mary’s acquired the Ion system in November 2024. After the required period of testing and training, Dr. Martinez and Dr. Nick Fox, also of APSM, have performed 23 Ion procedures at St. Mary’s, which is the first hospital in the Athens area to offer this state-of-the-art technology in the fight against cancer.

Patients who have a suspicious lung nodule need definitive answers quickly, both for peace of mind and so that treatment for cancer can begin sooner, when it’s most likely to be effective. With traditional methods, patients with a suspicious nodule may have to wait months for a follow-up CT to find out if the nodule has grown, or may need multiple biopsies, which can add more time to the patient’s journey. The Ion greatly shortens the amount of time needed to reach a diagnosis.

The Ion is a minimally invasive system that reaches the lungs through the windpipe and requires no incisions. It uses ultra-thin, ultra-maneuverable tubes called catheters that can collect samples from lesions in all 18 segments of the lung with great precision. It can even collect samples from hard-to-reach lesions in the periphery of the lungs, which is where more than 70 percent of lung cancer nodules occur.

Here’s how it works: A few days before the biopsy, St. Mary’s team takes 3D CT scans of the patient’s chest to determine the precise location of suspicious nodules. The pulmonologist then uses the Ion’s computing power to map the best route through the lung’s elaborate bronchial system to reach the nodules from inside the body. During the Ion procedure, the pulmonologist is assisted by the robotic system to carefully navigate a catheter to each target nodule and collect samples for analysis. It’s done under twilight anesthesia, and the patient can go home the same day.

The biopsy procedure is a follow-up for suspicious symptoms or a screening exam that uses low-dose CT imaging. If a patient has symptoms, their physician can refer them for CT testing. Patients without symptoms can also be tested without a physician referral through St. Mary’s Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening Program. This program is available at all three St. Mary’s hospitals and at St. Mary’s Outpatient Diagnostic Center on Daniells Bridge Road, Athens. Patients ages 50-77 years with a history of smoking can schedule a screening by calling 706-389-2700, with next-day appointments often available.

To learn more, call Athens Pulmonology at (706) 549-5560 or visit www.stmarys-health.org.

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. HMC was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI based on a rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols and are equipped with a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a “No Diversion Policy” for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

“Hamilton Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the Dalton and surrounding communities with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Hamilton with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like HMC access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.

Peeples Cancer Institute (PCI) at Hamilton Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®). PCI is the only facility within a 50-mile radius of Chattanooga to be ACR accredited for Radiation Oncology.

The ACR gold seal showcases that PCI has met the high standards of the ACR for quality and safety in radiation oncology treatment. This recognition not only validates the expertise and proficiency of the institute’s staff but also provides assurance to patients and their families that they are receiving the best possible care. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific requirements-based Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards developed by ACR.

The certification includes a peer-review evaluation by board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Patient care and treatment, patient safety, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed.

Radiation oncology (radiation therapy) is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist may use radiation to cure cancer or to relieve a cancer patient’s pain.

The ACR is comprised of physicians, physicists and technology experts in radiology and radiation oncology, and is the oldest and most experienced imaging and radiation oncology accreditation body, with more than 30 years of experience in imaging and radiation oncology accreditation. Founded in 1924, ACR is a 42,000-member medical association that advances patient care, medical practice and collaborative results through advocacy, quality standards, research and education.

On December 10, 2024, SGMC Health celebrated a milestone hospital expansion with a ribbon cutting opening its new $15 million Emergency Department in Nashville, Georgia. The state-of-the-art, 26,000-square-foot expansion was revealed to Berrien County community leaders, healthcare professionals, and legislators, heralding a new era of advanced care for Berrien County and surrounding communities.

This landmark project replaces the original four-room emergency department with a modern nine-room emergency facility. Enhanced features include larger trauma and specialty care rooms, advanced monitoring systems, and improved support spaces. With a growing number of patients treated in the Berrien ER last year, the expansion is poised to meet future demands while delivering top-tier care.

“Our hospital expansion and new Emergency Department is a significant investment in the health and well-being of the residents of Berrien County and the surrounding communities,” said Ronald E. Dean, President and CEO of SGMC Health. “Through the support of our community leaders, dedicated employees, volunteers, generous donors, and medical staff this new, fully equipped facility will serve South Georgians with advanced capabilities for decades to come.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony underscored the essential role of rural hospitals in the healthcare landscape. Since opening its doors in 1965, SGMC Health Berrien has been a cornerstone of its community, adapting to meet evolving healthcare needs. Beyond patient care, SGMC Health Berrien significantly contributes to the local economy, supporting hundreds of jobs and generating $24 million in economic impact to the county annually.

Nationwide, rural hospitals face significant challenges. According to data from the National Rural Health Association, more than 140 rural hospitals have closed in the United States since 2010, and over 600 are at risk of closure. In Georgia alone, the Georgia Hospital Association reports that nearly 40% of rural hospitals operate at a financial loss. These closures not only reduce access to care but also disrupt local economies, eliminating jobs and essential services.

“This expansion not only enhances the quality of care available to our residents, but it also improves the quality of life and strengthens the economic foundation of Berrien County,” shared Nashville City Manager Hayden Hancock who also Chairs the SGMC Health Foundation Board of Trustees and serves on the Berrien Advisory Committee.

SGMC Health Berrien’s new Emergency Department exemplifies how community support can fortify rural healthcare. A sizable portion of the project was funded through individuals and businesses who chose to redirect their state tax dollars to the Berrien campus through the Georgia HEART Hospital Tax Credit program. This statewide initiative has been a lifeline for many rural healthcare facilities in Georgia, enabling them to modernize infrastructure and enhance patient care.

Additionally, leadership-level gifts, along with contributions from countless generous donors, have played a vital role in making SGMC Health’s new rural ER a reality. Notable supporters include the Loretha and Paul Thiele Charitable Trust, the Morrison Family in memory of Andy and Mary Carrell Morrison, Buck and Nancy Pegg, along with Ed Perry and his family.

“Every gift, large or small, has been instrumental in advancing access to quality healthcare for rural Georgians,” shared Hilary Gibbs, SGMC Health Vice President of Support Services and Chief Development Officer. “This new ER is a beacon of hope and healing, and we are deeply grateful for all who support the dedicated physicians and staff who will walk these halls, offering care and compassion to those in need.”

SGMC Health Chairman of the Board Sam Allen said, “This new Emergency Department is more than a building—it is a lifeline for those needing accessible and high-quality healthcare. SGMC Health is committed to improving the lives of all we serve, especially those who live in rural communities.”

In addition to emergency services, SGMC Health Berrien offers a comprehensive suite of medical care, including inpatient and outpatient services, 3-D mammography, a geriatric psychiatric unit, pulmonary rehabilitation and a substance abuse center. The hospital’s expansion sets the stage for decades of continued service, ensuring its role as a pillar of health and well-being for the community it serves.

Georgia State Representative Penny Houston shared her gratitude, “This is a gift to our community that would not have been possible without the time, talent, and treasures of so many. SGMC Health has given the people of our area and of Berrien County better health for the future and for that I am so proud.”

For more information about SGMC Health Berrien and its services, visit sgmc.org.

SGMC Health is the most comprehensive health system serving South Georgia and North Florida. SGMC Health operates four hospitals across Lowndes, Berrien, and Lanier counties. The system also operates ambulance services, an extensive medical office network, a cancer center, hospice facility, retirement center, skilled nursing facility, imaging centers and urgent cares. Service lines of regional prominence include heart and vascular, stroke, trauma, cancer, surgery, and women and infants.

The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospital, representing not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare systems in Georgia has named SGMC Health’s Main Campus in Valdosta our “Large Hospital of the Year” for 2024 at the Alliance’s 41^st Annual Conference.

“I am pleased to recognize SGMC Health as our Large Hospital of the Year, recognizing their consistent focus on patient care, and improving to serve their community,” said Monty Veazey, President and CEO of the Alliance.

“From their beginning as a standalone hospital in Valdosta to their current status as a four-hospital health system serving 15 South Georgia Campus, SGMC Health has rooted itself in serving South Georgia,” said Veazey.

“To help address major shortfalls in healthcare staffing, SGMC partners with The Mercer University School of Medicine Valdosta Clinical Campus to train the next generation of rural practitioners. Their plans to add Family Medicine, OB/GYN, and Psychiatry programs shows the depth of their commitment to providing specialty care in the community without having to travel further,” said Veazey

“Beyond the walls of their facilities, SGMC Health reaches out with community care programs including providing AED stations, ambulance traffic preemption systems, free mammography for qualifying rural patients, and hosting community stroke seminars,” said Veazey.

The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospital, representing not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare systems in Georgia has named St. Mary’s Health Care System’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Greensboro, Georgia as “Small Hospital of the Year” for 2024 at the Alliance’s 41^st Annual Conference.

“Good Samaritan’s mission from the beginning has been to bring modern, effective healthcare including specialist physicians into their community so patients can receive top-notch healthcare in their community near their families and friends. Prior to Good Samaritan’s opening in the new facility, nearly 70 percent of Green County residents traveled outside the county for medical care. Since the opening of the new facility, emergency department visits have grown more than sixty percent reflecting the area’s rising population and Good Samaritan’s role as the hometown healthcare facility of choice.” said Monty Veazey, President and CEO of the Alliance.

“Good Samaritan has consistently worked to expand their service offerings for patients, including recent purchases of an MRI and a 640-slice CT scanner, and developing their telehealth program in conjunction with St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, offering specialty consultations like neurology and nephrology,” said Veazey.

“For their commitment to bringing healthcare previously found only in larger cities, and their progress in upgrading their main facility, their service lines, and the health options for their growing community, I am pleased to present the 2024 Small Hospital of the Year award to St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital,” said Veazey.

The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospital, representing not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare systems in Georgia has named Carol Burrell of Northeast Georgia Health System our “CEO of the Year” for 2024.

“Carol Burrell has overseen a dramatic growth of Northeast Georgia Health System, which includes five acute care hospitals in Braselton, Winder, Demorest, and Dahlonega, in addition to their flagship hospital in Gainesville,” said Monty Veazey, President and CEO of the Alliance.

“During her tenure and under her leadership, Northeast Georgia Health System’s Gainesville hospital was designated a Level II Trauma Center in 2013, and last year, it was verified as a Level I trauma center, the highest level of care available,” said Veazey.

“Carol Burrell also led the system to create a Graduate Medical Education program that has grown to include seven residency specialties, two fellowship, and more than 200 physician learners across the healthcare system,” said Veazey.

“Georgia Trend magazine named Carol Burrell Georgia’s Most Respected Business Leader and she had become a fixture on their 100 Most Influential Georgians list with ten consecutive appearances,” said Veazey.

“Carol Burrell’s legacy in Georgia includes building a stable comprehensive health care system offering the highest level of trauma care, a strong graduate medical education program, and an ethos of placing patient care at the highest level of importance,” said Veazey.

Northeast Georgia Health System’s (NGHS) commitment to giving patients the highest-quality care for heart failure, stroke, diabetes and more is earning national recognition.

The American Heart Association recently presented the system’s Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) hospitals with 17 awards through the national Get With The Guidelines program honoring excellence in quality improvement, which leads to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.

“NGHS is committed to improving care and streamlining processes to lead the way in providing timely and high-quality care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Vik Reddy, MD, chief medical officer for NGHS. “The Get With The Guidelines program makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which helps us ensure more people in the communities we serve experience longer, healthier lives.”

NGMC hospitals received the following awards from the American Heart Association:

The Get With The Guidelines quality achievement awards are earned by hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-to-date guidelines as outlined by the American Heart Association. The program aims to increase healthy days at home and reduce hospital readmissions.

The Get With the Guidelines – Resuscitation recognition underscores NGMC’s commitment to providing the highest standard of care for some of its most vulnerable patients: newborns and infants. NGMC has implemented a range of advanced protocols and training programs aimed at ensuring rapid and effective resuscitation for newborns and infants who require it.

Hospitals on the Target: Heart Failure Honor Roll meet specific criteria that improve medication adherence, provide early follow-up care and coordination, and enhance patient education. The goal is to further reduce hospital readmissions and help patients improve their quality of life in managing this chronic condition. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to heart disease or stroke.

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 five hospitals and a variety of outpatient locations. Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has campuses in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder, Dahlonega and Demorest – with a total of more than 960 beds and more than 1,400 medical staff members representing more than 60 specialties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.

Since 1951, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has been on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. With hospitals located in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder, Dahlonega and Demorest, the five NGMC campuses have a total of more than 960 beds and more than 1,400 medical staff members representing more than 60 specialties. NGMC is part of Northeast Georgia Health System, a non-profit that cares for more than one million people across more than 19 counties. Learn more at nghs.com.

Vitruvian Health (formerly Hamilton Health Care System) Completes Acquisi;on of Tennova Healthcare – Cleveland 2:16 pm

Vitruvian Health, formerly Hamilton Health Care System, today announced it has completed the purchase of Tennova Healthcare – Cleveland, marking the system’s expansion into Tennessee. In tribute to the community and the hospital’s heritage, the facility will be renamed Vitruvian Health – Bradley Medical Center.

The system entered into an agreement in April with a subsidiary of Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CYH) to acquire the hospital and its related businesses including physician clinic operaXons and outpaXent services. The transacXon recently received regulatory approval.

“Healthcare is evolving rapidly, but what’s important to our community members – our friends, family and neighbors – is accessing the care they need, when they need it, from providers they trust,” said Jeff Myers, CEO of Vitruvian Health. “IntegraXng Bradley Medical Center and its associated care locaXons into the Vitruvian Health system allows us to provide greater access to care in our region, enhance care coordinaXon, empower local health care teams, and advance clinical quality.”

Vitruvian Health is commi]ed to invesXng in Bradley Medical Center and its associated pracXces and locaXons through capital expenditures, expanding and reinforcing clinical capabiliXes, forXfying recruitment and retenXon efforts, and maintaining a commitment to providing care close to home. Vitruvian Health and Bradley Medical Center teams will be working in the coming months to fully implement operaXonal, clinical, and system integraXons.

“For more than seven decades, this hospital has been a cornerstone for Bradley County and its neighboring communiXes. We are commi]ed to invesXng in the future of Bradley Medical Center, conXnuing its legacy for many more years to come,” said Lisa Lovelace, the recently named CEO of Bradley Medical Center. Lovelace was previously the chief operaXng officer at Tennova Healthcare – Cleveland before joining Hamilton Health Care System in 2021.

To honor the hospital, providers, associates, and the community, Vitruvian Health and Bradley Medical Center look forward to hosXng a signage ceremony and ribbon cuang in the near future. More informaXon will be announced about the ceremony soon.

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About Vitruvian Health

Hamilton Health Care System last week announced its rebranding to Vitruvian Health, honoring a legacy of excellence and innovaXon with a vision for the future. The system’s logo features Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, the embodiment of health, wellness and balance.

Vitruvian Health is a not-for-profit, fully integrated health system serving the northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee region. The Dalton-based flagship of the system, Hamilton Medical Center, is a 255-bed regional acute-care hospital offering major medical, surgical and diagnosXc services, including a cancer insXtute, comprehensive cardiovascular program, wellness center, and accredited stroke and chest pain center. Vitruvian Health also includes affiliated physician pracXces, walk-in care centers, skilled nursing centers, a diagnosXc center, an insXtute for children with developmental delays, and more, totaling more than 50 care access points throughout northwest Georgia prior to the Tennova Healthcare – Cleveland acquisiXon.

Known for its advanced care and personalized service, Vitruvian Health offers innovaXve treatment opXons in state-of-the-art faciliXes while maintaining a compassionate, friendly and tranquil healing environment.

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