The Heart of a Champion: A Racer's Road to Recovery
Cancer Survivor Welcomes Miracle Baby
Robotic Surgery Revolutionizing Treatments
Auto racing legend Doc Bundy is back in the driver's seat thanks to his team at Georgia Heart Institute. Read the complete story on pages 3-4.
EDITORIAL STAFF:
Abigail Carr, writer
Gregg Carson, designer
Sean Couch, executive director
Lily Ding, writer
Beth Downs, director
Erin Gibson, editor
Emily Kerns, writer
Mark Richens, editor
Layne Saliba, writer
Sunita Singh, writer
Lauren Tumlin, writer
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
Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation
Susan Wentz
Northeast Georgia Health System Auxiliary
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
So much has changed since I joined Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) 25 years ago. Not only have we grown from one hospital to five, but we also now provide services in our communities that we might not have imagined being able to do back then. It is a testament to the hard work of our staff and the support of people like you that we can offer this level of care to the 1 million people in our service area.
In this issue of Communicare, you will learn about a few of the countless people who have been helped as NGHS lives its mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. People like Doc Bundy (pages 3-4), an auto racing legend who was sidelined by heart disease but is working his way back to good health with help from the team at Georgia Heart Institute.
People like Konnie Hyatt (pages 5-6), who survived cancer and endured several heartbreaking miscarriages before welcoming her third child into the world.
Kathy Wortham and Traci Knight (pages 7-9), who received a new lease on life thanks to a less-invasive robotic surgical procedure.
And people like Monica Haralson (pages 11-12), whose successful battle against breast cancer benefited from having comprehensive care close to home at the Braselton Cancer Center.
You will also read about the first baby delivered at our newest hospital, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Habersham (pages 13-14), and how another hospital, NGMC Barrow, is growing along with its surrounding community (pages 15-17).
I hope you enjoy the stories you are about to read. Thank you for trusting us with your health!
Carol H. Burrell, President & CEO
A RACE TO SAVE DOC’S HEART
Doc Bundy’s body has withstood one of the worst crashes in International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) history, winning the 24 hours of Le Mans, and numerous races and wins. But over the past three years, the race has changed. Now, it's a race to save Doc's heart.
Doc Bundy (left) talks shop with Ugochukwu Egolum, MD, at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia.
THE GREEN FLAG
In February 2020, before the term COVID became a part of our vernacular, Doc, a legendary International Motor Sports Association race car driver, thought he had a bad case of the flu.
“It was so bad I could barely walk from the bedroom to the kitchen,” Doc said. “I just couldn’t get rid of it. I thought, ‘Oh man, something serious is going on.’”
Doc soldiered through February and March, but he continued to deteriorate. Finally, he called the ambulance.
Once at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville, doctors discovered he was having a heart attack, and what he believed to be the flu was actually COVID. The virus had ravaged his body making open-heart surgery his only option. Unfortunately, in April 2020, every hospital was struggling with supplies and manpower. Because Doc continued to test positive for COVID, he remained in limbo for weeks as NGMC staff worked hard to put together a team that was comfortable and healthy enough to operate.
“I understood the waiting game, but I knew I’d never beat COVID if we didn’t get my heart working,” said Doc.
His cardiologists agreed.
When the cardiothoracic surgeons with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group opened Doc up in May 2020, the chambers of his heart were obstructed like a racetrack filled with debris from a crash. After a quadruple bypass, where veins were rerouted, bypassing the obstacles, surgeons beckoned Doc’s heart back to the race.
THE FIRST LAP
Just six months after his open-heart surgery, Doc had regained enough strength to race in the U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship in Texas in November 2020 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) — one of the most famous racetracks in the country. His driving would now need to rely on muscle memory and focus.
“I’ve learned techniques to not exert as much energy," said Doc. "I breathe out on the corner."
While Doc was busy navigating COTA’s hairpin turns at breakneck speeds, his heart was navigating the twists and turns of atrial fibrillation — an irregular and rapid heart rhythm. His heart’s upper chambers beating out of sync with the lower chambers, Doc couldn’t calm his breathing as he normally could while in the cockpit.
“COTA is a very demanding track,” said Doc. “On test day, I had nothing — I had zero energy. I could only do two laps and I had to come in.”
Doc was rushed to an Austin hospital where cardiac surgeons opened him back up to perform an ablation and place a pacemaker, putting Doc’s heart back into rhythm.
THE NEXT LEG
In the spring of 2021, Doc had beaten COVID and survived a collapse at COTA. The racing community had rallied around him, contributing to a fundraiser to help with his home care and recovery. Doc’s recovery from COVID had been slow; his chest pain was gone but he felt extreme fatigue. The high-octane life he lived had come to a screeching halt, so he sought out the heart experts again.
As a heart failure physician, Ugochukwu Egolum, MD, became the team lead to get Doc back to feeling like himself. Just as effective communication between the driver and the pit crew is essential for quick decision-making, Dr. Egolum’s seamless coordination with the entire Georgia Heart Institute team ensures the patient's well-being.
“When I first met Dr. Egolum, I was fairly dejected and felt like a shadow of myself,” said Doc. “He worked with me, getting fluid off my heart and adjusting medication to get me back in the driver’s seat.”
THE CHECKERED FLAG
On a beautiful day at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, Dr. Egolum finally got to see Doc in action. He had heard the stories of the track, the vintage 1964 Lotus and Doc’s racing team.
“As soon as I came in, he told all the folks, ‘Hey, that’s my doc’,” Dr. Egolum recalled, enjoying Doc in his element, seeing the sport that made him feel alive. “All the team members and mechanics came over to shake my hand and they said, ‘Man, you gave us back our Doc.’”
Currently, Doc continues to see Dr. Egolum, Stephen Prater, MD, and the team at Georgia Heart Institute.
“I get good advice and I’m really happy with everyone involved in my care,” said Doc. “They answer my questions, and they give me lots of data, but I like getting the data because it means something.”
Whether the data is speed, engine RPM, gear selection and tire pressure or heart rate, arrhythmias, and blood pressure — the heart of the matter is the same. Victory is not merely about reaching the end, it's also about being resilient along the way.
To schedule an appointment with Georgia Heart Institute, visit nghs.com/heart
RESILIENCE AND RENEWAL:
A Cancer Survivor Welcomes a Miracle Baby
“Everything I went through — from the miscarriages to cancer — led me to that moment, and it was something I will never forget.”
Life has a funny way of testing our strength and resilience when we least expect it. For Konnie Hyatt, a loving mother and wife, a battle with breast cancer turned into a triumphant story of hope with the arrival or her "rainbow" baby after a series of losses.
Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville will forever hold a special place in Konnie’s heart. She began working for the hospital in 2007 and even met her husband, Chris, there. From a young age, Konnie had dreamed of becoming a mother. The prospect of welcoming a new life into the world and sharing in the joys of parenthood was a vision she held close to her heart. When Konnie and her husband decided to start a family, they eagerly embraced the journey, looking forward to the promise of a new chapter in their lives. In March 2010, she welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Rylan, at NGMC Gainesville.
“I was filled with joy when he was born,” Konnie recalls. “He was the most perfect baby, and my delivery and recovery experience at NGMC was wonderful. I knew I wanted to do it all again.”
Konnie was soon pregnant again — only to miscarry shortly after.
“There’s nothing that can prepare you for a loss like that,” said Konnie. “I was devastated.”
In 2016, she became pregnant again, and safely delivered a baby girl, Mila, in October — also at NGMC Gainesville. Konnie held her beautiful baby girl close, as the journey to giving birth was much more emotional the second time around.
Konnie always thought she was destined to have three children, and around her daughter’s third birthday, she learned she was pregnant. She miscarried shortly after and then again in December 2019. Konnie’s third miscarriage left the couple devastated, grappling with the loss of their unborn children and the dreams they had begun to weave.
After the third miscarriage, Konnie underwent a dilation and curettage, a process where tissue is removed from inside the uterus. During her post-op appointment, it was discovered her HCG levels were higher than expected — three times higher than what they should be. This was concerning for her physician, so a more invasive procedure was performed.
Deep down, Konnie knew bad news was coming. In the prime of her life, Konnie received the shocking diagnosis: Stage 3 Choriocarcinoma — advanced cancer of the uterus. The team at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group started her on a treatment plan.
Determined not to be defeated, Konnie embarked on a challenging course of chemotherapy — twice a week for six months. The treatment was grueling, testing her physical and emotional limits, but she remained unwavering in her determination to beat the disease.
All the while, she held on to her dream of having three children. Even though a hysterectomy was never performed, the likelihood of having more children was not high.
Konnie went into remission in 2020 and was encouraged to wait a full year before trying to get pregnant. Finally, in September 2021, she was able to begin trying to have another baby.
During this next chapter in her life, Konnie faced two more miscarriages. The emotional rollercoaster from the highs of pregnancy to the lows of loss became a heartbreaking routine.
After enduring years of heartache and loss, Konnie finally received the news she had been longing for: a successful pregnancy. It was a pregnancy filled with hope but also anxiety, as the scars of their past experiences ran deep. She and her husband were cautiously optimistic, their hearts guarded against another potential loss.
“Every doctor’s appointment caused so much fear and anxiety,” Konnie said. “It was like I was just waiting for more bad news.”
To Konnie’s relief, the bad news never came. She had a healthy pregnancy and carried her baby to full term. She successfully delivered a beautiful baby at NGMC Gainesville in August 2023 — a boy named Lukas. Konnie and Chris were both overwhelmed with emotion. The tears that flowed were a mixture of joy, relief and overwhelming love. As they held their baby in their arms, they knew that their journey, though filled with heartache, had led them to this precious moment.
“Getting to hold Lukas for the first time was an amazing feeling,” Konnie recalls. “Everything I went through — from the miscarriages to cancer — led me to that moment, and it was something I will never forget.”
“My overall experience with all three of my children has been nothing but amazing,” Konnie said. “All the nursing staff have been phenomenal. I just want to say, ‘thank you’, to everyone at NGMC for all they have done for me.”
For more information about NGMC Women & Children’s, visit www.nghs.com/women
For more information about NGMC Cancer Services, visit nghs.com/cancer
ROBOTIC SURGERY REVOLUTION 25,000 LIVES TOUCHED
In just 16 years, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville has transformed surgical care for the region. Starting with a single robotic surgical system in 2008, the program has expanded to include nine da Vinci surgical systems, across nine specialties serving two of our five hospital campuses. Thanks to a generous gift to the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation, we acquired our first robotic surgical system, and since then, we've helped more than 25,000 patients get back to their lives through robotic surgery.
HELPING PATIENTS
Robotic surgery utilizing the da Vinci robotic system, as well as additional robotic surgical technologies, is offered in a variety of specialties, including:
• Bariatric Surgery
• Bowel and Colorectal Surgery
• General Surgery
• Gynecologic Surgery
• Gynecologic Oncology Surgery
• Heart Surgery
• Hernia Surgery
• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Urologic Surgery
In summer 2024, NGMC Gainesville was the first hospital in Georgia to receive Intuitive’ s newest technology – the da Vinci 5 surgical system. This platform offers more than 150 design innovations to improve efficiency and results. As with all da Vinci surgical systems, the surgeon is 100% in control of the robotic-assisted system, which translates their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body.
Because robotic surgery is a less invasive technique than what is referred to as “open” surgery, patients experience shorter hospital stays, fewer complications and overall faster recovery.
For Kathy Wortham who received robotic gastric bypass surgery under the care of Alex Nguyen, MD, a bariatric surgeon with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG), her faster recovery allowed her to get back to what she enjoyed most, like spending time with her husband and daughter.
“I would encourage others to ask questions and be open-minded when exploring their options,” said Kathy. “I am so glad I chose to have surgery at NGMC. I know the support they
provide will help me achieve long-term success. I have not only lost weight, but my entire life has changed for the better.”
And after Traci Knight could no longer manage the painful side effects because of uterine fibroids, she talked with Keshma Saujani, MD, an OB/ GYN at Longstreet Clinic, about her options — eventually deciding to have a robotic hysterectomy.
Due to robotic surgery techniques, Traci only had four small incisions during surgery.
“I am amazed at the robotic technology options,” said Traci. “My quality of life has improved immensely, and I have much more energy to do the things I love.
Kathy Wortham is enjoying a more active lifestyle after her robotic gastric bypass surgery at NGMC.
I would encourage other women in my position to do their research and to listen to their bodies. I am looking forward to living life with less pain.”
In summer 2023, NGMC Gainesville and Braselton both received new pieces of equipment specific to robotic joint replacement surgery. Robotic joint replacement leads to less down time and quicker recovery due to less disruption of surrounding tissue. It allows the surgeon to perform movements and place implants more accurately and efficiently.
“We are excited to offer robotic joint replacements to our patients in Braselton and Gainesville thanks to new, specialized robots at both facilities,” said Shan Sharif, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with NGPG. “This technique is beneficial to a wide range of patients – but especially those who have had prior surgeries or trauma to the area. It’s just one more way we’re continuing to seek the best ways to improve the health of our patients.”
“I felt great after my surgery and was walking in two weeks,” said Dolores Humphreys, the first robotic joint replacement patient at NGMC Gainesville. “It was much less recovery time than my friends had with their joint replacements. I was amazed! Dr. Sharif is fantastic, and I’m so glad I chose this surgery at NGMC. I’m honored to be part of medical history. My life has improved in many ways, and I’m so grateful.”
HELPING MORE SURGEONS
The benefits of the robotic surgery program don’t just stop with our patients. Because of NGMC’s unique accreditation as a Center of Excellence in five areas - Robotic Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery and Minimally Invasive Gynecology – NGMC serves as a Total Program Observation (TPO) site for Intuitive to host training sessions for surgery teams from across the country.
In fact, six NGMC surgeons are in the top 1% nationally in terms of robotic surgical volume. NGMC is also in the top 1% nationally for robotic utilization – meaning our robotic systems are being used to their full capacity. This allows us to improve quality of life for more patients so they can get back to doing the things they love with less down time.
In addition to the hands-on training our physicians receive at NGHS, physicians across the globe benefit from our Centers of Excellence.
In 2022, Chad Copper, MD, a general surgeon at Longstreet Clinic, began hosting remote case observations with surgeons in India to share direct insight into his hernia procedures with two-way audio and video.
This remote monitoring is made possible with advanced technology named Hub — an Intuitive platform that allows surgeons to record procedures for collaboration and learning. Cameras and microphones around the operating room stream the surgery in real time.
Surgeons on either side of the video can talk to each other throughout the case – discussing techniques and sharing ideas.
“Hub allows mentoring and teaching from down the hall, across town or internationally by taking distance out of the equation,” said Dr. Copper. “It is a great resource that allows us to share our knowledge of best practices with remote surgeons and surgical teams across the world.”
CONTINUING TO IMPROVE
“As we look to the future, we anticipate further expansion of robotic surgery capabilities across additional specialties, enhancing patient outcomes, reducing recovery times, and empowering both patients and healthcare providers with cutting-edge tools and techniques,” said Parker Long, DO, medical director of robotic surgery at NGMC.
The journey of robotic surgery revolutionizing health care is just the beginning, and NGMC is at the forefront, dedicated to shaping a healthier tomorrow for our community and beyond.
See a complete list of surgeons who perform robotic surgery by visiting nghs.com/robotic
In 2023, NGMC reached a significant medical milestone with the completion of its first Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy on a lung cancer patient. Ion is a new robotic technology that provides the tools to diagnose lung cancer sooner and with more accuracy so patients can receive life-saving treatment earlier.
Traci Knight has more energy and much less pain after a robotic hysterectomy at NGMC.
BEYOND DIAGNOSIS:
A HEAL ING JOUR NEY
In fall 2022, Monica Haralson was busy spending her time with friends and family. She traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina for a NASCAR race, spent some evenings on Lake Lanier with friends, and was looking forward to an annual trip to Helen, Georgia for Oktoberfest.
Between traveling and social gatherings, Monica also took time to see her doctor for a routine mammogram. Monica went to the Imaging Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) and didn’t have any doubts in her mind. There was no history of breast cancer in her family. She had no reason to think there would be any issues.
“After the first appointment, they asked me to come back,” said Monica. “Then after the second mammogram, they did a biopsy, but I still had no reason to believe there was something going on. I figured they were just being thorough and that it wouldn’t turn out to be anything.”
She was wrong.
“It’s a day I will never forget — October 27,” said Monica. “I almost didn’t answer because I wasn’t expecting a call, but, for whatever reason I did.”
On the other end of the call was her primary physician, Lorraine LaPlace, FNP, nurse practitioner at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Hamilton Mill. She explained that Monica had Stage 1 breast cancer. Lorraine wasted no time putting Monica in contact with the team at Braselton Cancer Center.
“At that point, you just can’t think because there’s just so much going on,” said Monica. “The team all reached out to me – so I didn’t have to do anything. They made it so easy every step of the way.”
Thanks to the ease of access to Braselton Cancer Center, conveniently located inside Medical Plaza 1 on the campus of NGMC Braselton, Monica was able to receive comprehensive cancer care just six miles from her home.
NGMC, Longstreet Clinic and NGPG began a cancer collaboration years ago with one goal: make the cancer care journey easier for patients by providing the highest standard of medical treatment and support in the most convenient and comfortable atmosphere. Of course, for Monica the location in her hometown was an added benefit.
“Braselton Cancer Center exists today because of the visionary leaders who recognized the need to bring a top-ranking cancer team, cutting edge treatments and pioneering technology together in one dedicated, easily accessible location,” said Andrew Johnson, MD, medical director of NGMC’s Cancer Services and medical oncologist from Longstreet Clinic. “This shared space not only provides a better patient experience,
but it also allows providers from various cancer-related specialties to collaborate more easily in the care of our mutual patients. There is no reason for anyone to drive into Atlanta when expert, comprehensive care is offered right here in Braselton.”
“From the moment I stepped into Braselton Cancer Center, I was met with an environment that radiated positivity and a dedicated team that went above and beyond,” Monica recalls.
“Their kindness made me feel like more than just a patient.” Shravanti Macherla, MD, was Monica’s medical oncologist from Longstreet Clinic at Braselton Cancer Center.
“When I first met Dr. Macherla, I was still feeling overwhelmed about my diagnosis,” said Monica. “But she explained everything to me in detail and was able to answer any questions I had. She was tremendous. She told me I could message her office through the MyChart app, and she would respond back with a message or even a phone call within an hour sometimes.”
When it was time for Monica to start the radiation therapy part of her cancer journey, she was able to make her appointments at the same location for NGPG’s radiation oncology.
“The radiation therapy team there was so good to me,” Monica recalls. “They would help lighten the mood by playing music, helping me focus on anything other than my treatment. They made it less scary and really got me through it.”
She was one of the first patients to receive all of her treatments at the Braselton Cancer Center, discovering just how convenient it is having all her doctors’ visits and all her treatments under the same roof.
“Everything was right here,” said Monica. “I could go to all my appointments before work, after work, or even sometimes during lunch. Being close to home was so convenient.”
Through the ups and downs of treatment, Monica found solace in her support network — family, friends and the healthcare professionals who became not just medical allies, but true partners in her journey to recovery.
Monica would later receive the news that she is now a breast cancer survivor. Today, she advocates for cancer awareness.
“Mammograms are so necessary,” said Monica. “Nobody likes them, and they aren’t fun — but get your mammograms. I’m able to sit here and talk to you today, all because of a routine mammogram. Who knows what would’ve happened if I skipped that appointment? And to everyone at Braselton Cancer Center, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You saved my life.”
For more information, visit braseltoncancercenter.org
On the bright Monday morning of July 3, 2023, a historic moment unfolded just days after Habersham Medical Center joined Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) and became Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Habersham. At 10:38 a.m., the first cries of new life filled the air as Thomas Hatchett, MD, an OB/ GYN with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group, delivered Maddie Kate Littrell into the world. Proud parents Katy and David Littrell, residents of Tiger, Georgia, in Rabun County, welcomed their healthy 7-pound, 14-ounce bundle of joy in the warm embrace of their community hospital.
"Maddie’s birth was a very special moment for her family and for all of us at NGMC Habersham," said Dr. Hatchett. "Katy and Maddie are just the first of the many mothers and babies who will benefit from the support NGHS has committed to NGMC Habersham."
For Katy Littrell, this journey felt like coming home. Seven years ago, she delivered her son at Habersham Medical Center, an experience that led her to choose NGMC Habersham again for Maddie’s birth. Despite previous complications that required her son to be transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit at NGMC Gainesville, Katy was determined to deliver closer to home this time.
Reflects a New Day at NGMC Habersham
To learn more about NGMC Habersham, visit nghs.com/Habersham Tiny Feet, Giant Steps
"Dr. Hatchett assured me that the transition to NGHS wouldn’t change the excellent care they provide," Katy said. "The staff were so very attentive. It was a wonderful experience, and I’m so glad we have such a great hospital nearby."
Having been a nurse at Habersham Medical Center, Katy recognized the remarkable difference in the atmosphere at NGMC Habersham. The staff's dedication and personalized care made her feel safe and supported throughout her journey.
“We are grateful to be a part of Maddie’s journey — and to have been a part of this community for the last year,” said Kevin Matson, vice president of regional hospitals. “We’re proud to bring seamless care from the physician’s office to the hospital close to home for Demorest and all the surrounding communities. It’s a new day for health care, and it’s brighter than ever before!”
NGMC Habersham offers the same 24-hour emergency care, labor and delivery, surgery and imaging services provided at all NGMC locations, with long-term care and rehabilitation services offered on the hospital campus as well.
IT’S A NEW DAY IN BARROW
When Barrow Regional Medical Center became Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Barrow in 2017, the goal was to provide the best care for residents in the area so it would become the healthcare provider of choice as well as the place community members want to work. As it stands today, just seven years later, that’s exactly what’s happened as the hospital and Barrow County have continued to grow.
“We’ve seen this area explode in terms of population and business over the years,” said Carol Burrell, president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). “It’s been truly remarkable and has helped us remain confident that we are supposed to be here, caring for each person in Barrow County and the surrounding area.”
Those seven years of dedication to improving care have already been noticed — on a statewide level — as NGMC Barrow was recently recognized as “Small Hospital of the Year” by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. The award is presented each year to a facility in the state that has made extraordinary strides and exhibited exceptional achievement within its health system and community.
Because of the system focus in Barrow and all the growth it has seen, NGHS recently hired an administrator for NGMC Barrow who is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the hospital and its operations. John Neidenbach joined the system in July 2023. A native of Gainesville, John brings 15 years of healthcare experience, including expertise in service line growth, operational
efficiencies, and physician recruitment. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
“We’re always focused on providing safe, high-quality care to the people of our community,” Neidenbach said. “That’s the beauty of a hospital like NGMC Barrow. The people who work here are family to one another. When your care team is that dedicated to each other and the job at hand, your care is simply better.”
“I’m thrilled to be here, helping to improve the health of this community,” Neidenbach said. “I’m a local guy who cares deeply about this region, so I’m doing all I can to make sure people here are cared for. That’s what matters most to me.”
It’s not just about taking care of patients, though. It’s about making sure they’re safe while they’re receiving care. In fact, Press Ganey, a leading third-party company that tracks and analyzes patient safety and other healthcare statistics, recently named NGHS the world’s first and only High Reliability Organization Foundation Award winner — and that’s because NGMC Barrow has had zero serious safety events for more than a year and zero adverse clinical events like hospital-acquired infections and falls.
Press Ganey, which also tracks and analyzes patient satisfaction and employee engagement in health care, also named NGMC Barrow a Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award winner in 2023 and 2024 — meaning its employees are in the top 5% of healthcare providers driving employee engagement in the last year.
NGMC Barrow also received two consecutive “A” safety grades from the Leapfrog Group. This independent national watchdog organization assigns a letter grade to hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.
When it comes to strokes, patients can trust NGMC Barrow as it recently received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus award, and was named to the Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll, both meaning the hospital ensures patient care is aligned with the latest research — and evidence-based guidelines so patients get care faster, have fewer complications, enjoy more healthy days at home and return to the hospital less often. The hospital also was named to the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.
Of course, staying away from the hospital is what most people hope to do — especially the emergency department. But when patients do have to visit the emergency department in Barrow, they can expect award-winning care in a space that will be completely renovated later this summer. NGMC Barrow was one of the first hospitals in the state to be awarded the 2023 Lantern Award by the Emergency Nurses Association. The Lantern Award recognizes emergency departments that demonstrate exceptional and innovative performance in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.
Additionally, NGMC Barrow recently earned accreditation from 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 Barrow was the third hospital in the state to earn this accreditation — just behind NGMC Gainesville and NGMC Lumpkin.
“Oftentimes, when someone comes to the emergency department, they’re at their most vulnerable,” said Angela Gary, executive director of trauma and emergency services at NGMC. “That’s especially true for those who might be suffering from pain and addiction. We’re committed to handling these situations with care and confidence in Barrow and being one of the only hospitals in the state to earn this award is proof of that.”
NGMC Barrow was also recently reaccredited as a Level 3 Emergency Cardiac Care Center, meaning it can stabilize patients until they are transported to a Level 1 or Level 2 center. It’s not just the hospital that’s received awards, though. The people inside the hospital are just as impressive:
• Bob Fisher and Carli Cuendet with Barrow County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were named Paramedics of the Year at the Northeast Georgia Region 10 EMS Director’s Association Awards Banquet.
• Juan Turner received the Nutritional Wellness Champion of the Year award at Help for Healthcare Professionals’ Night of Glam & Gratitude awards gala for his years of work creating menus at NGMC Barrow.
• Sunita Singh, PR manager for NGMC Barrow, was named the 2023 Businesswoman of the Year by the Barrow County Chamber for her dedication, leadership and impact on the community.
“Our staff at NGMC Barrow continually step up and respond to every challenge thrown their way,” Neidenbach said. “All of these recognitions we’ve received really do show that it’s a new day for health care in Barrow County. We’re improving the health of this community in everything we do, and we’re honored to see this community thrive.”
Learn more about the services available at NGMC Barrow at nghs.com/barrow
LOVE AND LOSS
In the hallways of East Hall High School in 1959, Jimmy Faulkner and his future wife, Marie, kindled a love that defied the passing decades. For 63 years, their enduring bond weathered life's storms, welcoming children and grandchildren, only to face its ultimate test in Marie's heartbreaking struggle with dementia. Her tragic battle became the catalyst for a groundbreaking position, promising a more compassionate approach to patient and family care in northeast Georgia.
“The first time I spoke to her, she had no idea who I was,” recalled Jimmy with a laugh. “That was the beginning of a loving and wonderful romance.”
The high school sweethearts were married in 1964 and gave birth to two children, Melissa and Chris. Marie, who played sports throughout childhood, continued her passion with a long career of coaching women’s basketball. She was devoted to serving others, using her musical talents as a church musician and founding a preschool ministry group that continues to bless children to this day.
Then, Marie started forgetting things.
“Looking back, there were so many instances of odd behavior that I didn’t realize was her disease,” said Jimmy. “One of the first times I remember thinking something wasn’t right, we were traveling to watch our grandson play baseball, and Marie seemed lost and agitated by the new scenery.”
In 2017, Marie was diagnosed with dementia, a condition marked by a progressive decline in thinking skills and cognitive abilities. Over the next several years, the disease ravaged her mind until she no longer knew her husband or children. Finally, a fall, resulting in a fractured femur, made it impossible for her to live without around-the-clock care.
“From that day forward, she never put her feet on the floor again,” said Jimmy. “I fed her myself, three meals a day until her death on December 16, 2022. It was a blessing to care for her, but for anyone who has been a long-term caregiver for a loved one, it is so hard — emotionally and psychologically hard.”
Family caregivers manage behavior changes and medications, plan and implement care transitions, and help make difficult financial and legal decisions.
Because of the intense burden placed on loved ones, Jimmy had the idea of honoring Marie’s memory by helping others like them receive the support they need.
Jimmy worked with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), partnering with Sung Lee, MD, medical director for neurointerventional surgery at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), and the NGHS Foundation to help patients and their loved ones navigate the challenges of cognitive disorders and diseases. His gift funded a new position, and the Cognitive Navigator for Neurology at NGMC was created in 2022. Ashley
Trammell, whose 20 years of bedside care in the Intensive Care Unit gave her invaluable experience with dementia patients, holds the position, connecting with more than 70 patients and caregivers each month as part of her caseload.
“It can be hard to understand and process what a dementia diagnosis means,” said Ashley. “Now, instead of the patient and family leaving with no resources and no specific person to talk to, they have me to help them navigate this complex journey.”
Ashley sees pre-diagnosed and diagnosed patients to provide more education and resources, and to help alleviate some of the burden for the caregivers.
“Every day I feel like I am helping in some small way,” said Ashley. “I might help families understand next steps in the care journey, or just be someone they can share their feelings, concerns and fears with. I didn’t realize how much people needed to talk to someone before.”
“Nothing like that was available when Marie was first diagnosed,” said Jimmy. “I feel that we as people have a responsibility to those who will come after us. I had a wonderful life with my Marie and our children and grandchildren — I have been blessed. Therefore, I need to do things to help bless others.”
Ashley also recently applied for and received a grant from the NGHS Foundation which will provide sensory kits in all four Neurology locations as well as the Memory Clinic. The kits will be available for use to alleviate any emotional distress that cognitive patients may experience while at an appointment. To learn more about employee-led projects like this, visit nghs. com/change-grants
Interested in learning more about how you can leave a legacy at NGHS? Visit nghs.com/foundation
NGMC'S DRAMATIC APPROACH TO MEDICAL EDUCATION
A patient sits in a hospital room, doubled over in pain, clutching their stomach. Their spouse, seeing their discomfort, goes to console them. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door.
A young doctor steps into the hospital room with a soft, comforting smile and asks the patient a series of questions while their spouse looks on.
You would never know it just from observing them, but the "patient" and their "family member" are not having a real medical emergency. They are actors, known as standardized patients, who are coached to depict diverse medical conditions and create a realistic training environment for healthcare professionals.
At Northeast Georgia Medical Center's (NGMC) Center for Simulation and Innovation, standardized patients simulate scenarios in order to foster critical decision-making, reduce errors and improve diagnostic accuracy. This approach enhances patient safety by allowing healthcare professionals to refine their skills before real patient interactions. It also provides a unique opportunity for professionals to practice empathy and patient-centered care, vital for building trust and ensuring patient satisfaction.
For standardized patients like Gaelika Brown, who has worked with NGMC for 18 years, the role is highly rewarding.
“It's the most rewarding job I've ever had,” said Gaelika. “Our work together allows healthcare professionals to navigate tough scenarios in simulations, so they enter real-world situations with confidence.”
The Standardized Patient Program not only develops a skilled healthcare workforce but also collaborates with local academic institutions to offer students opportunities for realistic training experiences. By participating in simulations, students are inspired to become the next generation of healthcare professionals, meeting future healthcare needs in our community.
To learn more about NGMC’s Center for Simulation and Innovation, visit ngmcgme.org/simulation
NGMC COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT
IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY IN ALL WE DO. NGMC values cooperative efforts with community organizations and other healthcare providers to improve the health status of area residents. As a not-for-profit community hospital, all revenue generated above operating expenses is returned to the community through improved services and innovative programs. Here are some highlights of community benefit activities provided by NGMC between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022:
To view NGMC's complete Community Benefit Impact Report, visit nghs.com/community-benefit-resources
Total Charity Care for FY22 was estimated at $84 MILLION for residents across the region
OVER $17 MILLION IN COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH PROVIDED BY NGMC (INCLUDES NGMC GAINESVILLE, BRASELTON & BARROW), INCLUDING:
$7 million in workforce development & over $650,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to nearly 70 partner community organizations
In FY22, NGMC offered patients the opportunity to participate in more than 50 clinical trials involving some of the most promising, breakthrough new medical therapies. Over 300 patients were enrolled in trials that provided patients with access to cutting-edge treatments for cancer and heart disease. For more information: nghs.com/research
NEARLY $7.5 BILLION in economic impact the ripple effect the hospital’s spending has on other sectors of the local and state economies: 30,000 full time jobs sustained throughout the region and state 9,000 employees (Source: Georgia Hospital Association 2022 calculations)
Community Health Needs Assessment Completed
Using input gathered through focus groups, interviews, and an online survey, NGHS completed a Community Health Needs Assessment in FY22 in partnership with District 2 Public Health, Stephens County Hospital, Habersham Medical Center, and Good News Clinics. The assessment focused mainly on the needs of the community’s most vulnerable populations, particularly those with low incomes who are uninsured. Conducted every three years, the CHNA culminated in the identification of the following three health priorities: 1. Behavioral and Mental Health 2. Access to Care 3. Healthy Behaviors. For more information, go to nghs.com/community-benefit-resources.
SELECTION OF UNITE US: LEADING SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH (SDOH) PLATFORM
In FY22, NGMC supported groundwork to implement Unite Us, a social care and health services referral platform that connects individuals and families in need of services. A workgroup of stakeholders from 14 community-based organizations identified the functional requirements of the platform and provided due diligence in the selection of Unite Us as the vendor of choice. unitedwayhallcounty.org/uniteus
MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Under United Way’s One Hall framework, NGMC partnered with like-minded people and organizations in FY22 to improve mental and behavioral health in the community. This effort helped to reduce the stigma of seeking help by raising awareness about the issue via social media and other platforms, providing up-to-date information about available resources, and education on Mental Health First Aid, QPR (suicide prevention training), and other evidence-based programs.
NGMC also sponsored J’s Place, partnering with the Hall County School System’s Project Aware, Partnership for a Drug Free Hall, and Avita to bring Kevin Hines to Hall County during Mental Health Awareness week. Kevin Hines is a mental health advocate who uses his personal experience to help others in need of resources and support. For the 2022 year-end report from the collaborative, go to unitedwayhallcounty.org/reachout.
THE MEDICAL CENTER OPEN RAISED MORE THAN
$200,000 FOR THE GAINESVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S CO-RESPONDER PROGRAM. Funding helps provide a mental health specialist who responds with police officers to calls in which individuals may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
NGMC’s Emergency Departments and NICU continue to partner with Georgia Council on Substance Abuse to implement CARES (Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialists) program. Since 2021, more than 2,100 patients who struggle with addiction have been helped by trained Peer Recovery Coaches.
BUILDING FUTURE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE: FIRST CLASS OF GME RESIDENTS GRADUATES
NGMC celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class of internal medicine residents and the launch of the first-ever residents from NGMC’s GME program entering community practice. NGMC welcomed 56 residents during its fourth White Coat Ceremony. These residents span five specialties, including inaugural classes in emergency medicine and psychiatry: six in general surgery, 20 in internal medicine, 12 in family medicine, 12 in emergency medicine and six in psychiatry. Six new residents joined NGMC as the inaugural class of the hospital’s cardiovascular disease fellowship program. The newest class brings the total to 139 residents caring for patients and furthering their training to be physician leaders of tomorrow.
ACCELERATED BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM LAUNCHES AT UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA (UNG)
NGHS and UNG partnered to create an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to add 280 nurses to the workforce over the next five years beyond the nurses UNG already trains. The 15-month program is for students who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another field and want to transition to a career in nursing.
PATHWAY TO MEDICAL SCHOOL COHORT GRADUATES
NGMC continues to help address the shortage of primary care providers across the state with the Pathway to Med School Program, a four-week residential program for undergraduate pre-med students who attend Georgia institutions and intend on staying in state to practice primary care. This year eight young students graduated from the program, which consisted of 180 hours of clinical shadowing across the regions, community-based research, and instructional sessions. A total of 64 have graduated from the program since 2015, and among those who applied to medical school, 97% were accepted.
EDUCATION LEADER IN THE REGION
NGMC hosted the following for over 1,200 healthcare professionals throughout the region: Northeast Georgia Infection Prevention Symposium Regional Trauma Advisory Committee Symposium The Inaugural Georgia Heart & Vascular Symposium
PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY:
NGMC partnered with Newtown Florist Club and the Gainesville-Hall County Black History Society to plan and implement the healthcare resource portion of the Juneteenth Celebration in Gainesville. A few of the featured speakers included Kevin Charles MD, a physician at NGMC who led a seminar to teach audience members the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, and Erine Raybon-Rojas MD, who focused on the small steps that can have a big impact on a person’s overall health.
PARTNERSHIPS WITH INDIGENT CLINICS THROUGHOUT THE REGION
NGMC partnered with indigent clinics throughout the region such as Community Helping Place in Dahlonega, Good News Clinics in Gainesville, and Good Shepherd Clinic in Dawson County, to care for low-income, uninsured population. In 2022, the national readmission rate for congestive heart failure was 23%; Good News Clinics’ rate was 4.5%. See Good News Clinics sponsorship highlight at nghs.com/partnerships
COVID CARE LEADER
Healthgrades named NGMC Gainesville as one of the nation's top 24 hospitals for providing exceptional COVID-19 care early in the pandemic.
DISCRIMINATION IS AGAINST THE LAW
DISCRIMINATION IS AGAINST THE LAW
DISCRIMINATION IS AGAINST THE LAW
DISCRIMINATION IS AGAINST THE LAW
Northeast Georgia Health System, Inc. (NGHS) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. NGHS does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.
Northeast Georgia Health System, Inc. (NGHS) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. NGHS does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.
NGHS:
NGHS:
•Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as:
•Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as:
• Qualified sign language interpreters
• Qualified sign language interpreters
•Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats)
•Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats)
•Provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as:
•Provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as:
• Qualified interpreters
• Qualified interpreters
•Information written in other languages
•Information written in other languages
If you need these services, contact:
If you need these services, contact:
NGHS Patient Medical Interpreting
NGHS’ Customer Care Resource Center
Telephone Number: 770-219-2998.
Telephone Number: 770-219-1689.
If you believe that NGHS has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with:
If you believe that NGHS has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with:
Fax: 770-219-1895, or Email: patient.relations@nghs.com.
Fax: 770-219-2910, or Email: corporate.compliance@nghs.com.
You can file a grievance in person or by mail, fax or email. If you need help filing a grievance, NGHS Corporate Compliance is available to help you.
You can file a grievance in person or by mail, fax or email. If you need help filing a grievance, NGHS Corporate Compliance is available to help you.
You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at:
You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20201
Washington, D.C. 20201
Phone: 1-800-368-1019
Phone: 1-800-868-1019
TDD: 1-800-537-7697
TDD: 1-800-537-7697
Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.
Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.
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