Communicare | Winter 2023

Communicare

In this Issue

743 Spring Street NE Gainesville, GA 30501

770-219-9000 nghs.com

OUR MISSION

“Improving the health of our community in all we do”

OUR THANKS TO BOARD CHAIRS

Martha Randolph

Hospital Authority of Hall County & City of Gainesville

Spence Price

Northeast Georgia Health System

Phillippa Lewis Moss

Northeast Georgia Medical Center

Pepper Brown, MD, Chair

Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation

Diane Stephens

Northeast Georgia Health System

Bedri Yusuf, MD

Northeast Georgia Physicians Group

Antonio Rios, MD

Northeast Georgia Health Partners Network

This organization does not discriminate against any patient because of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability or because a patient is covered by a program such as Medicare or Medicaid.

Communicare is a health education magazine published by the Public Relations department for the community to support the organization’s mission.

from our president

For more than 70 years, Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) has expanded to meet the needs of our community. While our system continues to grow, our commitment to improving the health of the community in all we do remains the same.

In this issue of Communicare, we talk a lot about access to care – whether it’s access to specialized treatments or access to national and global experts. As we grow and expand our services, we are proud to stand on the shoulders of giants who came before us by continuing to provide the best care in the most convenient way.

On pages 3-4, you’ll read how the Comprehensive Stroke Center at NGMC Gainesville treated Eunice Lapido after she suffered a stroke that left her hospitalized for almost a month. Our Gainesville campus received the highest level of stroke certification in March 2021, making it possible to treat patients with more complex cases closer to home.

On pages 7-8, you’ll read how Pamela Boundy received comprehensive care for her broken shoulder in one location, just 10 miles from her home. NGMC Barrow offers patients a range of convenient treatment options from surgery to recovery and rehabilitation.

To live out our mission, we work to recruit and collaborate with renowned experts from across the country and the globe. On pages 15-18, you’ll read about the first-ever Heart & Vascular Symposium, which brought together some of the brightest healthcare minds from around the world. As a result of that kind of collaboration and innovation, two leading physicians – Drs. Henry and Guy – recently joined the Georgia Heart Institute.

Health care is not limited to our practices and hospitals; our work extends into the community through partnerships. NGHS Foundation’s Medical Center Open golf tournament, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, has a long history of supporting community enhancement projects. Most recently, the tournament raised $500,000 for the Gainesville Police Department’s Mental Health Co-Responder program, which provides support and mental health resources to individuals – and their families – in crisis.

I hope you enjoy the stories you are about to read. Thank you for trusting us with your health.

Carol H. Burrell, President & CEO

EVERY MINUTE MATTERS

“My memories of arriving at the hospital in April aren’t very clear,” said Eunice. “I see now I was in the right hands at just the right time. The team went above and beyond to stabilize me and update my husband.”

Her husband called 911, and the paramedics rushed her to the nearest hospital. An MRI revealed a ruptured brain aneurism – a bulging blood vessel in the brain – that caused her to have a stroke. Eunice was immediately airlifted to Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville, the closest Comprehensive Stroke Center, to receive life-saving care.

Eunice’s case was complex, and scans revealed she had multiple aneurisms in her brain. She was monitored closely and received ongoing treatment in the neuro-intensive care unit during her 28-day hospital stay.

“I loved everyone I encountered at NGMC Gainesville – from my physicians, nurses, therapists, support staff and everyone else,” said Eunice. “They are all competent and caring, and it’s obvious they love their jobs.”

“Every neurological case is unique – and Eunice’s case is no exception,” said Tarek Dakakni, MD, neurocritical care specialist and the director of Inpatient Neurology at NGMC. “Due to the type of brain bleeding she experienced, close monitoring of her symptoms was imperative to her survival and recovery. Prior to becoming a Comprehensive Stroke Center, we would have sent Eunice to a hospital in Atlanta for treatment. Now, our team is fully prepared to treat even the most complex stroke cases right here in Gainesville. This type of care is life-saving for patients like Eunice, and we are pleased with her exceptional recovery.”

Just one week after being discharged from the hospital, Eunice returned to work. Due to her remaining brain aneurisms, Eunice has had follow-up procedures at NGMC Gainesville to place additional stents in her brain to prevent future ruptures. Now, she’s back living life as normal with her husband and three sons.

“I don’t know how it’s possible for one hospital to employ so many outstanding people, but I know that NGMC is doing something right,” said Eunice. “I’m so grateful to the care team who saved my life and became like family to us. I believe that if God doesn’t want you to die, he will put you in the hands of the people who can save you.”

A RUPTURED ANEURYSM COMES WITH TWO PHASES OF CRITICAL ILLNESS:

First the aneurysm ruptures causing bleeding and brain swelling, and later the major blood vessels supplying the brain can spasm in response to inflammation left behind by the blood, which can lead to more strokes.

To learn more about the comprehensive neuroscience services offered at NGMC, visit nghs.com/neuro-eunice

EUNICE LADIPO WAS ON THE PHONE WITH A FRIEND WHEN SHE DEVELOPED THE MOST INTENSE HEADACHE SHE’D EVER EXPERIENCED. BEFORE SHE KNEW IT, SHE COULDN’T SPEAK OR MOVE HER LIMBS.

Elizabeth Goad was 38 years old – raising five children and enjoying jeep rides on the weekends – when she was devastat ed by a life-altering cancer diagnosis.

After her appointment with the OB/GYN, she was referred for additional tests. It was likely her gallbladder was to blame. She was referred to Chad Copper, MD, a surgeon at Longstreet Clinic.

“I thought I was going in for a routine visit to schedule my gallbladder removal,” said Elizabeth. “I even had my 13-year-old son with me. I knew there was bad news when the nurse came in and offered to take my son to get a snack in the breakroom. The next part is a bit of a blur, but I remember Dr. Copper telling me that there were clumps of cells growing abnormally and covering my ovaries.”

Dr. Copper arranged for Elizabeth to see Andrew Green, MD, a physician with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) specializing in gynecological cancers, as soon as she left the office. Dr. Green and his staff stayed late that day to see Elizabeth.

“I was an emotional wreck,” said Elizabeth. “All I could think about was my family, and that I had a daughter about to start kindergarten. But, when I met Dr. Green, he had such a calming effect on me.”

Dr. Green diagnosed Elizabeth with Stage III cancer, and, togeth er, they came up with a treatment plan which included surgery a week later. The cancer had spread to all her organs. During that first surgery, they removed her ovaries and put in a port which would allow her to receive chemotherapy more easily. She spent four days in the hospital and immediately started chemotherapy.

"Elizabeth demonstrated true strength every day by cherishing and prioritizing being a businesswoman, wife and mom while undergoing such a strenuous treatment regimen,” said Dr. Green. “She is a rockstar, and we are grateful to be a part of her wonderful outcome."

“At my next scan several months later, I was all clear,” said Elizabeth. “Earl had actually died! I was so relieved to know that I’d get more time with my family. Dr. Green is truly my hero!”

Elizabeth has been in remission for 10 years and is once again living her life to the fullest. She runs a candy shop in Helen, Georgia, called Livi Lou’s Sweets and Treats – named after her daughter, Olivia Grace. She is also working on chipping away at

To hear more about Elizabeth’s story or to make an appointment visit ngpg.org/gynonc

“I had been gaining weight and having pressure and pain in my lower abdomen, so I made an appointment to see my OB/ GYN,” said Elizabeth. “I could just tell

TRUSTED SURGICAL CARE CLOSE TO HOME

But when it came to the next step in her recovery process, the 63-year-old grandmother of three was pleasantly surprised to learn she could also have her total shoulder replacement at NGMC Barrow.

Justin Barrett, MD, orthopedic surgeon with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG), performed Pamela’s shoulder surgery. After spending a night in the hospital, Pamela made the short drive home to continue her recovery.

“It was a relief to have my surgery so close to home,” said Pamela. “I’m very thankful to be in a place that could handle complex surgeries like mine.”

Just three months after her surgery, Dr. Barrett and his team released Pamela from at-home physical therapy.

“Pamela has had a remarkable recovery,” said Carly Threlkeld, physician assistant with NGPG Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine and an integral part of Pamela’s care team. “Her range of motion has significantly improved post-surgery, and we’re happy to see her enjoying a higher quality of life again.”

During the last year, NGMC Barrow has nearly doubled the number of surgeons and types of surgeries it offers, giving patients like Pamela a closer option for advanced surgical care.

“We’ve worked diligently to reassure the people of Barrow County that their hometown hospital provides high quality, compassionate care,” said Sonja McLendon, interim president of NGMC Barrow. “We’re excited to offer an expanded scope of surgical services to better care for our ever-growing community.”

Now, NGMC Barrow has greater expertise to handle a vast range of surgical specialties including general surgery, podiatry, orthopedics, urology, endoscopy, ophthalmology and pediatric dentistry – all with greater frequency and availability.

“I had a great experience and some wonderful people taking care of me,” said Pamela.

NGMC Barrow also provides emergency services, outpatient infusion, heart services, imaging and radiology, laboratory services, pulmonary rehabilitation, wound healing and stroke care.

To learn more about NGMC Barrow, including services provided and physicians on staff, visit nghs.com/barrow-pamela

WhenPamela Boundy broke her shoulder, she took the 10-mile trip to Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Barrow. Pamela, like many others in and around Winder, knew she could trust NGMC Barrow for emergency care.

“While I hope I don’t need surgery again any time soon, it’s nice to know we have more options and even more expertise than ever before.”

from nurse

to patient

A Lifesaving Mammogram at 30

Tabitha Buffington had been a long-time nurse and manager at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) in Gainesville and Braselton when she received a call she’ll never forget. In the blink of an eye, Tabitha became a patient in her own workplace.

At age 30, Tabitha scheduled her first mammogram. The American College of Radiology recommends screening beginning at age 40, but her doctor encouraged her to begin screening early because of her family history – her grandmother and maternal aunt both had breast cancer.

Dr. LoCicero, a medical oncologist, recommended surgery to remove the lump immediately. Following the lumpectomy – and another biopsy to be sure the cancer had not spread – Tabitha began six rounds of chemotherapy and 24 rounds of radiation.

“The chemotherapy was rough, but manageable,” said Tabitha. “I refused to lay there and feel sorry for myself. I had to get up and keep going, which is just who I am.”

The mass was benign, but Tabitha was vigilant – scheduling mammograms annually for the next several years. In August 2017, Tabitha went in for another routine mammogram. A few days later, she received that fateful phone call to have a follow-up ultrasound.

“There was a chance it still might be benign, like the first time, but I was still a ball of nerves,” said Tabitha. “Thankfully, the Imaging Center in Gainesville was able to schedule my ultrasound that same day.”

The ultrasound results confirmed there was reason to be suspicious, so Tabitha’s primary care physician recommended a biopsy to remove a sample of the mass for testing. Tabitha knew she wanted to make her appointment with Priscilla Strom, MD, a surgeon with Longstreet Clinic.

“The procedure was easy and quick, maybe just 10-15 minutes,” said Tabitha. “But waiting for results was definitely the hardest part.”

A few days later, Tabitha learned the mass was an aggressive form of cancer.

“Dr. Strom told us the cancer was the size of a small peanut,” said Tabitha. “I remember thinking, how could something so small have the potential to do so much damage?”

Tabitha immediately thought she would need to have a mastectomy to remove her breast.

“I knew cancer could grow quickly, and I wanted it removed as soon as possible,” said Tabitha. “Dr. Strom recommended a lumpectomy instead.”

“Tabitha’s cancer was aggressive, but I was confident we could treat her without needing to do a complete mastectomy,” said Dr. Strom. “I recommended that she discuss her treatment options with Richard LoCicero, MD, at the Longstreet Cancer Center.”

Tabitha was scheduled to have chemo every Friday for four weeks. She went back to work the following Tuesday, battling through side effects that included nausea and fatigue. Her doctor prescribed medication to help, but Tabitha credits the people around her with making the biggest difference.

“The last day of chemo was an emotional moment for me,” said Tabitha. “I remember coming in to work after my last treatment, and my family had sent me a big bouquet of pink roses.”

It’s been more than five years since then, and Tabitha remains cancer free. She still loves caring for patients at NGMC, and she’s happy not to be the patient anymore – all thanks to starting mammograms early.

“Never forget that a mammogram could save your life,” Tabitha said. “If not for yourself, schedule your mammogram for your kids, your family or your friends. Your life matters!”

TABITHA’S WORDS OF WISDOM:

• Stay off “Dr. Google” and talk to your doctor!

• Have a list of questions before you go into your appointment.

• Take the help that’s been offered to you from your support system.

• Allow yourself the space to cry and feel the emotions.

To schedule your mammogram today, visit nghs.com/mammography-screening

“That first mammogram showed a sus picious mass on my right breast,” said Tabitha. “I couldn’t believe it. I was only 30 years old!”

“It was Lucious, my husband, who helped me through it,” said Tabitha. “We had two sons who looked up to me, and I did not want to let them down. When I didn’t have the strength to cook dinner or drive my son to school, Lucious was right there. I remember feeling so lucky to have had so much support from my coworkers at NGMC and through my online support group as well.”

REMEMBERING ZOUA

Zoua Vang was just 39 years old when she called Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC). She felt at peace knowing she would have support – both for herself and for her family – to make it through their final days together after a lifetime spent battling her debilitating genetic disorder.

Zoua was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type III/Type IV – more commonly known as Brittle Bones disease – when she was only 6 months old. Fewer than 20,000 cases are diagnosed per year in the United States. Many children born with this condition do not survive past infancy.

“When you are someone like my sister or have a loved one with a life-limiting illness, you never take life for granted,” said Hlee Vang, Zoua’s youngest brother. “Even though Zoua was physically smaller than me, I have always looked up to her my whole life. She loved to joke around and play her music loudly. In fact, ‘Born This Way’ by Lady Gaga is one of her favorite songs and will always remind me of her. She is honestly such a shining light to everyone around her.”

Hlee moved to Winder, Georgia in the summer of 2022, along With his wife and new baby, to help his mother care for Zoua and manage the house.

“Our family feels very blessed,” said Hlee. “Hospice has been a godsend – I know Zoua always looked forward to seeing her nurse, the chaplain and her social worker. They were there when Zoua and my mother needed them most, and for that I’m grateful.”

Soon after Zoua’s diagnosis, Baou and her husband Lue packed their things and moved from Sacramento, California to Georgia for Lue’s job. Baou enrolled Zoua in school in Gwinnett County when she was 3 years old. Zoua would later attend Berkmar High School, where she would go on to attend prom and even graduate with her high school class.

“I didn’t get to go swimming or play outside like most kids,” said Zoua. “But I felt happy enough watching TV and singing along to Disney movies. I never felt that different, because I felt accepted by my close family and friends. I couldn’t change my situation, so why think about it?”

“Where Home Health only provides basic care services, Hospice of NGMC provides a wider scope of care,” said Leena Dutta, MD, medical director of Hospice and Palliative Care at NGMC. “In addition to general hospice care, Hospice of NGMC provides the gift of comfort care and symptom management, advance care planning education and grief counseling for families. Our approach includes support for the caregiver and families as well.”

Zoua passed in August, but her memory lives on in her loved ones and those she touched.

Learn more about how you can honor your own loved ones by donating to Hospice at nghs.com/hospice

To watch Zoua’s inspiring story, visit nghs.com/zoua-vang

“Zoua was a miracle,” said Baou Vang, Zoua’s mother. “But it was an emotional time for me when our doctor first told me of her condition. I remember not knowing much English and feeling very alone. It was a very hard, very emotional time for me.”

A THANKFUL HEART

Debbie Jones has lived all across the United States. The California native met her husband, Chuck, in Houston, Texas, before relocating to Georgia for Chuck’s job. Now, they call Dahlonega home and love its beautiful views, small-town atmosphere and friendly community — and the high-quality heart care for women just down the road is an added bonus.

Debbie began her heart failure journey long before moving to Georgia. She’s seen many cardiologists, but she said none have compared to those she’s seen and the care she’s received from heart failure specialists Ugo Egolum, MD; and Shalabh Chandra, MD; and other physicians at Georgia Heart Institute.

“Dr. Egolum, Dr. Chandra and all the Georgia Heart Institute doctors are the best,” said Debbie. “All of them are caring, compassionate, patient and take the time to educate me and explain the ‘why’ behind their directions.”

She also says the attention she’s received during each visit or phone call is unmatched. Debbie can hardly believe she has access to the technology and physicians of Georgia Heart Institute so close by.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better place to go for heart care,” said Debbie. “Just 20 miles down the road, we have access to some of the best cardiologists in the country. I am certainly lucky to have world-class care close to home – we both are – and we want to see that expand.”

That’s why the Joneses recently made a generous donation to the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation that will drive cardiac care improvements through Georgia Heart Institute’s Women’s Heart Center. They see the need for quality heart care for women in the region and know its importance firsthand.

“Since every little bit counts in medical innovation, it is an honor to give to such a worthy cause,” said Debbie. “I believe it will help many others living with heart failure, now and in the future. That is the ultimate goal – to help others.”

Habib Samady, MD, president of Georgia Heart Institute, said that cardiovascular care for women needs to be more specialized, which is why the Women’s Heart Center is a focus for his team and donations like the one from the Joneses are so important.

“One thing that sets Georgia Heart Institute apart for women is testing for coronary microvascular disease (CMD),” Dr. Samady said. “Since coronary arteries are so small, it is difficult to diagnose CMD with traditional imaging techniques, so it often gets overlooked or misdiagnosed in women. We have invested in the technology and expertise necessary to diagnose and treat CMD effectively. We are part of a select group in the nation with these tools.”

BREAKTHROUGHS IN HEART CARE

Kenneth Carleton, a native of Blairsville, was enjoying retirement with his wife Barbara. Some of their favorite activities included going camping in their RV throughout the southeast and visiting their daughter in Florida.

That changed when he began to feel sick. He was tired all the time, had trouble breathing and had swelling in his legs.

Kenneth was experiencing mitral valve regurgitation, which meant that a valve in his heart was not closing properly, restricting blood flow to the rest of his body. Thanks to a minimally invasive procedure to fix his valve, he’s feeling much better.

Fadi Sawaya, MD, an interventional cardiologist and director of the structural heart program at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, was a guest physician who assisted on one of the live cases.

Dr. Sawaya flew over 6,000 miles from Lebanon to assist on the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure – a minimally invasive procedure that’s similar to placing a stent in an artery – performed with Ronnie Ramadan, MD, medical director of the Structural Heart Center at Georgia Heart Institute.

Improving care for patients like Kenneth with all types of heart conditions is what brought more than 50 renowned experts in heart care from across the globe to Braselton in June of 2022. Hosted by Georgia Heart Institute, the inaugural Georgia Heart & Vascular Symposium was held at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. It included case studies, seminars and two heart procedures live-streamed from Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville for the nearly 350 physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and EMS staff in attendance.

“Patients looking for heart and vascular care can trust that Georgia Heart Institute is respected by leaders in the field,” said Habib Samady, MD, interventional cardiologist and president of Georgia Heart Institute. "By hosting and attending events like this, our team is collaborating with the most innovative experts in the field of cardiovascular medicine – some of whom have chosen to relocate to be a part of our team and care for patients in the northeast Georgia area.”

“I feel 1,000 times better than I did before,” said Kenneth. “I was so surprised to hear this could be done without open heart surgery. I can’t thank the doctors at Georgia Heart Institute enough for giving me an option that allowed me to recover so much faster.”

“It is extremely rewarding to be able to improve this patient’s quality of life and improve her longevity. She was extremely symptomatic and limited with very high risk anatomy that was turned down for surgical options” said Dr. Ramadan. “It was also incredible to be able to perform this procedure with my colleague and friend, Dr. Sawaya, and provide a unique case and learning experience for physicians from across the country."

Glen Henry, MD, is an interventional cardiologist who practiced cardiology at Yale Medicine for nearly 30 years.

Being a panelist at the symposium affirmed the decision he had already made to relocate.

The cyclist and father of two sets of twins recently moved to the Gainesville area with his wife to join Georgia Heart Institute as the Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

Sloane Guy, MD, is a heart surgeon, specializing in robotic heart surgery, who joined NGPG Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery in early November. Dr. Guy’s creative robotic surgery techniques align directly with Georgia Heart Institute’s vision for innovation and excellence.

“I’m confident that Dr. Henry is going to be a fantastic addition and leader for our interventional cardiology team and will deliver on our commitment to bringing compassionate care and clinical breakthroughs to our patients,” said Dr. Samady.

“Dr. Guy brings a unique skill set to our already-talented group of heart surgeons,” said Clifton Hastings, MD, interim medical director of NGPG Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, which is part of Georgia Heart Institute. “We’re excited to see how innovative, robotic heart surgery procedures can continue our mission of improving the health of the community.”

“The robotic heart surgeries I perform can use incisions that are only eight millimeters long – about the diameter of an ink pen,” said Dr. Guy. “This means faster recoveries and smaller scars for patients compared to open heart surgery where an incision might be eight to 10 inches long.”

Scan the QR code to make an appointment with Dr. Guy.

“The patient-focused atmosphere is what drew me to Georgia Heart Institute,” said Dr. Henry. “My passion is treating underserved patients and those who are told they have no options, so I’m looking forward to being a part of a health system that strongly values community.”

Scan the QR code to make an appointment with Dr. Henry.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE MITRAL VALVE ISN’T WORKING CORRECTLY?

Sloane Guy, MD Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF THE MITRAL VALVE? UNLESS YOU’VE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH MITRAL VALVE DISEASE, IT MIGHT BE UNFAMILIAR TO YOU.

But if you’ve been told you have mitral valve disease, mitral valve regurgitation or mitral valve stenosis – you may wonder what this valve does and what happens when it malfunctions.

We’ll answer the “what it does” question first. The mitral valve is located between the left atrium (the upper left chamber of your heart) and the left ventricle (the lower left chamber of your heart). When it works normally, this valve keeps blood moving in the right direction, allowing it to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle and out into the body.

When the mitral valve is damaged, that blood flow is disrupted. Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the valve doesn’t close effectively, allowing blood to flow

backward into the left atrium. Mitral valve stenosis occurs when the mitral valve is narrowed, which can limit or block blood flow.

Is Mitral Valve Regurgitation Dangerous?

It depends on the severity of the regurgitation. Many people have trace mitral valve regurgitation, which can cause a small amount of blood to move backward. This usually doesn’t cause significant problems.

But if the regurgitation worsens over time, it can put increased pressure on the heart and the blood vessels. In severe cases, the heart may enlarge in an attempt to keep blood flowing in a forward direction, which can cause a number of symptoms, including shortness of breath, coughing, atrial fibrillation, and swelling of the legs and feet.

What Happens During a Mitral Valve Surgery?

If you’re diagnosed with mild mitral valve disease, you may first be prescribed medications to alleviate symptoms. The type of medication will differ depending on whether you have stenosis or regurgitation, as well as the type of symptoms you are experiencing.

If medications are ineffective at mitigating symptoms or the condition worsens, surgery may be recommended for treating mitral valve disease. During mitral valve surgery, the damaged mitral valve is repaired or replaced.

Mitral valve repair is more common than replacement, but replacement may be necessary for severely damaged valves.

Is Robotic Surgery an Option for Mitral Valve Repair?

Many mitral valve procedures are now done in a minimally invasive way. During endoscopic robotic valve surgery, the heart is accessed through two small incisions. A specialized camera is placed into the body through the incisions, allowing the surgeon to view real-time video of the surgical site.

Guided by that video, the surgeon can use small instruments to repair the valve without moving the heart. Because these processes make less of an impact on the body, they provide patients with a number of benefits, including reduced blood loss, less risk of complications, and a quicker recovery.

Robotic surgery is now an option in some cases, as well. Robot-assisted surgery is a type of minimally invasive procedure that’s especially advanced. Surgeons in a robotic mitral valve repair procedure have access to an enhanced view of the mitral valve.

During a mitral valve repair, the surgeon sits at a console near the body and the surgical instruments, guided by the robotic arm, move in real-time with the surgeon’s hand and wrist movements. These tiny instruments can make much smaller movements than human hands can, meaning there’s less damage to surrounding tissue.

Learn more at nghs.com/heart/heart-valve-surgery

Want to learn more about how you can support innovations at Georgia Heart Institute? Visit nghs.com/GHI-robot

A PASSION FOR HELPING

BECOMES A CALLING FOR ONE RESIDENT

We are all familiar with that one friend who is always there to listen, hold your hand and comfort you. Brenton Otey, MD, is that person for his friends and family.

“As long as I can remember, people always came to me with their issues, asking for help,” said Dr. Otey, psychiatry resident with Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC). “My grandmother used to say, ‘You’ve got two ears and one mouth. You can listen twice as much as you speak.’ I always wanted to be a friend to everyone, and I loved helping people.”

The 29-year-old Gwinnett County native and Mill Creek High School graduate has come home to train as a new resident physician and member of the inaugural class of the NGMC Psychiatry Residency program.

need that has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. The timing could not be more appropriate. The Psychiatry Residency program’s aim is to provide the skills, knowledge, experience, education and training to develop outstanding community psychiatrists and leaders who will enhance psychiatric services at all levels throughout Hall and neighboring counties.

“Dr. Otey was very passionate about training in psychiatry and serving his community after completing medical school with good scores,” said Kalpana Prasad, MD, program director of the Psychiatry Residency program. “His compassion, dedication and commitment to mental health, combined with his desire to serve in the local area, made him stand out in the interview. It felt as if he was already part of our health system.”

“I’ll be training for four years, which is great because I’ll have time to build those relationships with patients and see their progress and changes over time. Even the small goals, being able to celebrate with them, I just love that.”

NGMC interviewed Dr. Otey in the fall of 2021 for the Psychiatry Residency program, the fifth residency to be accredited in the hospital’s growing graduate medical education program.

“According to the United Way of Hall County, one in five people struggle with mental-health-related illness,” said Dr. Otey. “I feel so honored to be here training so I can support my community and be part of a solution to this growing health crisis. The team I’m training under is so dedicated and excited to have all six of us here to see more patients.”

NGMC’s Graduate Medical Education program is playing an important role to support the community’s mental health – a

Dr. Otey is still considering his options after residency is complete, whether it’s working in a hospital or starting his own practice. NGMC specifically works to recruit resident physicians who, like Dr. Otey, are from Georgia – because there’s a higher likelihood they will stay in the state after completing residency. Georgia has a severe shortage of clinicians to treat mental health, with only one mental healthcare provider per 829 people according to the National Provider Identification database. There are less than 25 psychiatrists across the 19-county area NGMC serves, which is home to more than 1 million people.

To learn more about mental health resources available at NGHS and in the community, visit nghs.com/behavioral-health-otey

“I noticed a poster at NGMC Braselton talking about the Psychiatry Residency program, and it stopped me in my tracks,” said Dr. Otey. “I knew it was meant to be.”

“I want to stay in the area,” said Dr. Otey. “My support system and my people are here. It’s a great feeling to be part of this inaugural class.”

Health Perspectives Podcast

Our podcast hosts, Christy Moore and Marie Kreuger, sit down with clinicians and community members to have candid conversations about their best and worst days – and the hottest healthcare topics.

Health Matters Blog

Nationally-recognized physicians and other healthcare experts bring fresh perspectives on trending healthcare topics – and patients share their own personal stories – so you can live your healthiest life.

nghs.com/podcast nghs.com/blog

You’re invited to pull up a chair because we’re pulling back the curtain on healthcare. Learn why your favorite physician decided to become a doctor, get the recipe for cookies that increase milk supply for new moms, discover what lies ahead after heart surgery and so much more on Northeast Georgia Health System’s podcast and blog.

MORE THAN A GOLF TOURNAMENT:

A LOOK BACK AT THE LAST

30

YEARS

Charity golf tournaments are ubiquitous for organizations in the South and conjure images of carts and clubs in the heat of summer. Because of that, it can be difficult to understand their true significance – but Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Foundation’s Medical Center Open has earned a reputation for being so much more.

Since its start in 1991, the Medical Center Open has raised more than $5 million for important outreach projects that have improved the health of the community.

“That first year, we decided to raise money to build a facility for dental services at Good News Clinics,” said Pierpont “Pepper” Brown, MD, a general surgeon and chair of the NGHS Foundation Board. “Our goal was to raise $50,000, but we surprised everyone and raised almost $150,000. We couldn’t have done it without the hard work and vision of the organization, the NGHS Foundation and the dedicated committee, volunteers and sponsors.”

Since then, the Medical Center Open has funded projects and enhancements like the purchase of a Mobile Simulation Unit, the construction and furnishing of a counseling suite at Gateway Domestic Violence Center, playgrounds with several organizations and so much more.

“The spirit of volunteerism in this community and specifically for the system is phenomenal,” said Nancy Colston, former chief development officer for NGHS and former president of the NGHS Foundation. “Whenever we talk about work that impacts the community, people want to be involved whether it be their time or their resources.”

The tournament returned in 2022, after a cancellation in 2021 due to COVID, and raised more than $500,000 to support the Gainesville Police Department’s Mental Health Co-Responder program. Originally started with a lead gift from the North Georgia Community

Foundation, the Co-Responder program serves a vital role in the Gainesville community, providing support and mental health resources to individuals and their families who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. In these situations, instead of only a police officer responding to a call, a mental health clinician also responds.

“Every dollar given toward this year’s golf tournament – and our Mental Health Co-Responder program – is doing more than just supporting a program,” said Jay Parrish, chief of police with Gainesville Police Department. “It is saving someone’s life.”

It’s a cause businesses and individuals within the community believe is worth investing in, year after year. McGarity’s Business Products, a staple in the Gainesville community, has supported the tournament for almost as long as it has been around.

“McGarity’s has supported the Medical Center Open for the past 20 years,” said Todd Pennington, president of McGarity’s. “It’s something we continued because we see what the tournament does for the community, supporting different projects each year. We are proud to support the tournament and NGHS because of its emphasis on the community.”

The contributions from the Medical Center Open over the last 30 years – financial and otherwise – have far exceeded anyone’s dreams. While the future is unclear, one thing is definite – the Medical Center Open will continue to further the mission and vision of NGHS in a big way.

Visit nghs.com/give to make a donation today.

Learn more about the NGHS Foundation at nghs.com/foundation-learnmore

The Family That Volunteers Together, Stays Together

For the Bagwell family, service is part of their DNA. William, Jennifer, Will and Emmaline have served as a family with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) for decades.

The family’s relationship with NGHS began with William’s grandfather, A.D. Bagwell, who was serving as a Hall County Commissioner at the time the Hall County Hospital was constructed and opened at the current site of the South Patient Tower. It continued with his father, W.A. “Dub” Bagwell, who represented NGHS as legal counsel. William’s sister Emily, also provided legal counsel to NGHS. For William and Jennifer, their service began when they attended their first Marketplace Preview Party – an event kicking off the holiday shopping season.

“It was quite an impactful night,” said Jennifer. “What’s better than a festive gathering of community members shopping and enjoying wonderful food, all while benefiting our local hospital? I was and eager to learn more and get involved with Marketplace.”

After that night, she was invited to serve on the Marketplace committee and then as finance chair for the Auxiliary board. In 2010, she was asked to serve alongside Meg Nivens and Beverly Filson as one of the tri-chairs of Marketplace. In 2014, she became president of the NGHS Auxiliary, then served on the NGHS Foundation board. She and her husband, William, were asked to serve as chairs of the Laurel Society with the Foundation, and, currently, Jennifer serves as finance chair for the Auxiliary and a Window Shop volunteer.

The spirit of volunteerism does not end with them, though.

“We feel strongly about giving back to our community,” said William. “We have both served in different capacities throughout the years. I think volunteering has an even greater meaning since having children. We realize the importance of teaching children at an early age what community means and the benefit of giving of one’s time and talents, an example which was modeled by our family through the generations. It’s important to plant seeds, to plan and to prepare for tomorrow. Our family has been

involved with the health system for several decades, and our children both continue that legacy.”

Will began volunteering with the system at 15. As a teen volunteer, he was able to work and learn in different areas within the hospital.

“Volunteer Services does a great job supporting teen volunteers,” Will said. “They try to place us in areas we are interested in. But, more than that, they take the time to get to know the teens serving and make them feel appreciated. I have great memories of my summers volunteering.”

Emmaline officially began volunteering at 16, but prior to that, she had many hours under her belt with Marketplace.

“I was most excited when I was old enough to be a Teen Volunteer and help in the hospital,” said Emmaline. “Most recently, my mom and I have served in the Window Shops, which has also been rewarding in many ways. It’s a great feeling to help others, offer kind words or share a smile. I have found it is the little things, many times, that seem to make a difference. I am forever grateful to them for their kindness and the interest they have taken in me personally.”

“I feel proud to volunteer at NGHS,” Jennifer said. “I’m honored to serve among many dedicated men and women willing to give of their time and talents for the greater good of our community. We are fortunate to have this level of health care available to our community. I am grateful to all who serve and who remain so steadfast and dedicated.”

“William, Jennifer, Will and Emmaline have given more than 2,500 hours of service to NGHS over the decades, but the impact their family has made through the generations far exceeds what can be measured in hours,” said Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS. “The Bagwell family has played an important role in making NGHS what it is today."

For more information about volunteering with NGHS, visit nghs.com/volunteer-bagwell