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Patients in north Georgia now have another reason to trust Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) when emergency pain and addiction care are needed. NGMC Gainesville and NGMC Lumpkin are the first hospitals in the state to become accredited by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in Pain and Addiction Care in the Emergency Department (PACED).

PACED accreditation recognizes emergency departments with a comprehensive program to provide optimal care for patients suffering from pain and/or addiction using progressive treatment, protocols, training and resources. NGMC Gainesville achieved Gold Level PACED accreditation, and NGMC Lumpkin achieved Silver Level.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition,” said Angela Gary, Executive Director of Trauma and Emergency Services at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. “Our entire team is dedicated to providing extraordinary care for patients in pain and those seeking addiction support in the emergency department. It is an honor to be one of the few emergency departments in the nation with this distinction.”

To learn more about NGMC’s emergency services and comprehensive opioid use disorder treatment, visit nghs.com/emergency-unplanned-care.

Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines^® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“Hamilton is committed to providing excellent patient care,” said Meagan Darnell, Stroke Program coordinator. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to continue providing quality healthcare, ensuring more people in this area can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Hamilton Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, MD, chairperson of the Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Additionally, HMC received the Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll recognition. To qualify for the Stroke Honor Roll Elite recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with IV thrombolytics. The Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll recognition 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 stroke.

Get With The Guidelines^® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001.

Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) was recently recognized for medical excellence and patient safety quality by CareChex®. HMC was ranked in the top 10 percent in the nation in five categories for 2023.

The awards are based on a comprehensive quality scoring system that compares inpatient quality performance across general, acute and non-federal U.S. hospitals.

CareChex Awards by Quantros utilizes a peer-reviewed, risk-adjustment methodology to more reliably measure rates of mortality, complications and readmissions — appropriately weighting and accounting for all of the risk factors relating to a patient’s principal and secondary diagnosis, as well as other patient characteristics that may increase the probability for adverse clinical outcomes. These rankings do not include any self-reported data.

Quantros prides itself in providing the most comprehensive and objective calculation of hospital and system quality performance in the industry. Its vast datasets represent high statistical significance and do not include any self-reported or survey data. In turn, clearer performance differentiation across 39 clinical categories of care in Medical Excellence and Patient Safety are provided.

Hamilton Medical Center, not-for-profit hospital and flagship of Hamilton Health Care System, announced plans today for a record-setting facility expansion, approximately 175,000 square feet, to serve the growing cardiovascular needs of the region.

The Robert E. Shaw family has provided a gift of support for the cardiovascular pavilion, which will house cardiovascular surgery and an array of cardiovascular specialty services, such as electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, and structural cardiology.

Robert E. Shaw, flooring entrepreneur and longtime Hamilton supporter, stated, “Our family has been greatly affected by heart disease and we are committed to improving the lives of others in our community and in the surrounding region for generations to come. By providing this gift for Hamilton’s facility expansion, we are supporting the continued growth of the first-class cardiovascular program at Hamilton so that everyone has access to the very best care.”

Jeff Myers, president and chief executive officer for Hamilton Health Care System expressed his gratitude and outlined the Hamilton vision for cardiovascular care at Hamilton, “Hamilton is extremely grateful to Mr. Shaw and the Shaw family for their gift of support.” Myers continued, “From Hamilton’s very beginning in 1921, the hospital, and subsequently, the health system, has been known for bringing healthcare innovation to this region, including open heart surgery and advanced cardiovascular care.”

The cardiovascular program has seen high growth in the last few years, especially with the development of the cardiovascular surgery program. Myers explained, “For far too long, cardiovascular disease has taken a tremendous toll and we have felt the loss of too many of our friends, families and neighbors in this region. Hamilton has recruited best-in-class teams of surgeons, physicians, nursing, clinical and support staff because excellence in cardiovascular care is what everyone deserves and it is what Hamilton demands of itself and for those it serves. Our pledge to our patients and to each other is Excellence. Every Person. Every Time. This facility construction project represents our commitment to our pledge, physician-led and patient-centered care, and our continued commitment to revolutionize the future of healthcare.”

With news of hospital and health system mergers across the country, including the north Georgia/southern Tennessee region, Hamilton is one of the few remaining independent health systems with its leadership and Boards of Trustees local to the region it serves so that when planning for, consulting with, and deciding on future developments, it is done with the unique needs of the region front and center at all times.

Scott Sellers, Whitfield Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees chair, remarked, “The philanthropic support from this community is not often seen in other communities and it has provided healthcare opportunities which might not otherwise be available at hospitals similar to the size of Hamilton Medical Center. The Shaw family gift is a significant level of support for continuing Hamilton’s vision and commitment to innovation and excellence in cardiovascular care.”

As with past construction projects, such as Peeples Cancer Institute and Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, Hamilton places patient-centered care as the top priority in this new construction endeavor. To that end, Hamilton has sought input from physicians, providers, clinicians, and operational and support staff in developing the plans and project scope for the cardiovascular facility construction project.

Ateet Patel, M.D., Hamilton’s chief of cardiology, commented, “The cardiovascular team is dedicated to heart care excellence, the continued development of new treatment modalities, and integrating the latest technological advancements as we revolutionize heart care in this region. This state-of-the-art cardiovascular construction project and the philanthropic support from the Shaw family will provide even more opportunities to meet the growing heart care needs of those we serve.”

Richard Morrison, M.D., Hamilton’s medical director of cardiac surgery, stated, “This has the potential to change lives. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death, and many of our patients possess heart disease risk factors that are prevalent across the region. We are very grateful to Mr. Shaw and the Shaw family for their gift and for their commitment to Hamilton and to healthcare in our region.”

Michael Hartley, M.D., Hamilton’s medical director of vascular services, commented, “With the high occurrence of vascular disease in the region, and the often co-occurrence with heart disease, the cardiovascular pavilion construction will make a significant difference for those we serve. We offer our sincere gratitude to Mr. Shaw and the Shaw family.”

For more information about the cardiovascular services at Hamilton, including cardiovascular surgery, visit HamiltonHealth.com.

Hamilton will continue to provide updates throughout the construction project, to which Myers stated, “Hamilton has begun the construction process, which starts with state review and approval.” He continued, “A project this important for the people of this region, and with the support and commitment of the Shaw family, will be state-of-the-art in both design, construction, and patient experience. We look forward to welcoming in our friends, family and neighbors to celebrate the completion of the cardiovascular pavilion and to celebrate the future of healthcare excellence.”

The community is invited to join Atrium Health Navicent in recognizing May 14-20 as National Women’s Health Week. Beginning on Mother’s Day each year, this week serves as a reminder for women to take care of themselves and to make their health a priority.

Doctors at Atrium Health Navicent encourage women to use this week to reflect on their individual health needs and take steps to improve their overall health. Whether you continue current activities or find new ones, now is a great time to focus on better health, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Women are urged to ensure they’re current on well-woman visits and recommended screenings such as mammograms.

For middle-aged women in particular, Atrium Health Navicent offers the following eight tips to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity and more.

Know your numbers. Knowledge is power. That’s why knowing your numbers – blood pressure, BMI, triglycerides and cholesterol, just to name a few – is a valuable insight into the current state of your health. If it’s been a while since you’ve had these tests, reach out to your doctor to get started.
Brush up on family health history. Family health history is important in helping your doctor to determine your own health needs, especially as you enter midlife. If a first-degree relative has battled breast cancer, for example, your risk doubles. Other health problems including cardiovascular disease, thyroid problems and issues with the colon may be genetic, so now is a good time to reassess your family history and share it with your doctor.
Kick bad habits to the curb. If you haven’t already, take steps to let go of poor habits that can be detrimental to your health as you age. This includes smoking, excessive alcohol use, recreational drug use and a sedentary lifestyle. Drinking even small amounts of alcohol is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women. Stuck in a habit of a nightly glass of wine to unwind? Try replacing it with a cup of herbal tea.
Fine-tune your diet. While the right diet for you may depend on your specific restrictions or health needs, most people benefit from a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables, plant-based or lean animal protein, heart- healthy fats and fiber-rich grains. Moderation is key when it comes to a balanced diet. Your doctor will be able to recommend a plan that is right for you based on your current health status.
Take a vitamin. Nothing replaces a healthy, well-balanced diet. But a daily multivitamin can help fill in the gaps in the areas where your diet may be lacking. Note that many supplements you see advertised today with seemingly magical health claims are simply passing trends. Talk to your doctor about vitamins or supplements that may be right for you and ask for blood work if you have specific concerns about deficiencies.
Get moving. A body in motion stays in motion. If you’ve led a fairly sedentary lifestyle, now is a great time to find an activity that you enjoy. Taking small steps toward a more active lifestyle, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further from an entrance to get in more steps in the parking lot will benefit your body. Aim for at least 30 minutes per day and work your way up. Even those who have health- or age-related limitations, such as arthritis or osteoporosis, can benefit from modified, low-impact exercise—so talk to your doctor about activities that are appropriate for you.
Have regular checkups and get screened. Prior to midlife, you should attend annual checkups during which routine blood work and a pelvic exam are standard procedure. As you enter midlife, additional health screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies and bone density screenings might be on your radar. Your doctor can recommend when and how often you’ll need them based on your personal medical and family history.
Manage stress levels. Chronic stress wreaks havoc on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Take time for yourself to relax and unwind, whether that means indulging in a good book, enjoying a workout or meditating.

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Atrium Health Navicent Offers Tips to Help Improve Women’s Health

National Women’s Health Week is observed May 14-20

A good night’s rest is important for stress management, and sleep disturbances are a common complaint in midlife, so be sure to mention this to your doctor to discuss management options. If you are experiencing stress not managed with lifestyle changes don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help if you need it.

“Prioritizing your health should be at the top of every woman’s to-do list. Many women are the hearts of their families, and taking preventative care steps can ensure not only that they’re able to live their best lives, but also serve as an example for the next generation,” said Dr. Siping “Sherry” He, an Atrium Health Navicent OB-GYN.

In addition to Atrium Health Navicent’s primary care physicians, Atrium Health Navicent Women’s Care OB/GYN provides services in Forsyth and Macon. To schedule an appointment, call 478-633-1821. 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 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.

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Atrium Health Navicent is helping Georgians who want to start their health care careers through its new Bridge to Success program. This program helps selected applicants earn an associate degree by offering up to three years of up-front tuition and book assistance, with a maximum $5,250 tuition cost.

To be eligible, applicants must have a high school degree, but not completed a college degree. While enrolled in the Bridge to Success program and working on an associate degree, participants will be hired by Atrium Health Navicent to work in a part-time position. Participants must be able to manage both a work and school schedule, and be willing to work while participating in the program.

The goals of the Bridge to Success program are to help create a pipeline of trained workers to fill critical job roles in the health care field, while also investing in the financial well-being of community residents.

“There’s a growing need for health care workers across the country, including here at Atrium Health Navicent, and we want to empower members of our local community to seek these careers while receiving education and work experience close to home,” said Akilah Griffin, an Atrium Health Navicent assistant vice president for Human Resources talent acquisition. “By providing opportunities such as Bridge to Success, we’re making an investment in the future of health care in our community and in our region’s economy.”

Bridge to Success applications are being accepted through May 19. Applicants must submit an essay and professional recommendation.

Eligibility criteria includes:

Interest in pursuing a health care career.
Must have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent within the last 1-5 years.
Must work for Atrium Health Navicent for at least one year after earning an associate degree through the
program.
Must not have an existing college degree.
To apply, visit https://redcap.link/bridgetosuccessnav.

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.

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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:

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.”

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.

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.