Communicare - Fall 2019

Communicare Northeast Georgia Health System

FALL 2019

Improving the health of our community in all we do

In This Special Issue: Empowering the Physician Leaders of Tomorrow Meet NGMC’s first class of Graduate Medical Education resident physicians and learn how they’ll bring significant healthcare and economic benefits to Northeast Georgia.

contents From Our President

NGMC Welcomes GME Residents Impacting Lives Here and Beyond

743 Spring Street NE Gainesville, GA 30501 770-219-9000 nghs.com

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Growing into the Future

10-11

Choosing a Resident for Your Care

12-13

Building a New Healthcare Destination

18-19

NGHS Gives

20-23

OUR MISSION

“Improving the health of our community in all we do” OUR THANKS TO BOARD CHAIRS Rich White

Empowering the Physician Leaders of Tomorrow 14-17

Hospital Authority of Hall County & City of Gainesville

RK Whitehead

Northeast Georgia Health System

John Nix

Northeast Georgia Medical Center

ON THE COVER:

LeTrell Simpson

Dr. Amy Bailey, Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Family Medicine physician and member of NGMC’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) core faculty, and her daughter, Charlie, celebrated the groundbreaking for Medical Park 2 in May. Medical Park 2 will be the new home of several NGPG specialties and GME residents.

Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation

Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is a non-profit on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. Our team cares for more than 1 million people across the region through four hospitals and a variety of outpatient locations. Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has campuses in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega – with a total of more than 700 beds and more than 1,100 medical staff members representing more than 50 specialties.

If you would like a free subscription, please call 770-219-3840 or visit nghs.com/communicare

Ellen Toms

The Medical Center Auxiliary

Semuel Maysonet

Northeast Georgia Health System Advisory Board

This organization does not discriminate against any patient because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, 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 of: “Improving the health of our community in all we do.”

EDITORIAL STAFF: Sean Couch, director Beth Downs, manager 2 | nghs.com

Michelle Oleson, specialist & editor Marie Krueger, specialist

from our president At Northeast Georgia Health System, we work diligently to be better tomorrow than we are today. This constant focus on improvement gives us the chance to celebrate when we achieve something that makes our patients’ lives better.

Sometimes it comes in the form of operational improvements, such as a space renovation or a new technology. Other times, though, we celebrate an accomplishment that promises to transform healthcare in our region.

This year, we achieved one of those monumental accomplishments. It has been several years in the making and has taken the tremendous efforts of many people throughout the Health System and community to help us reach this goal, but I couldn’t be more proud to say NGMC is now a teaching hospital for resident physicians!

That’s big, because the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program we launched in July is an investment in our future. We’re empowering the physician leaders of tomorrow, and encouraging these physicians to stay in Georgia to practice medicine.

What does that mean for you? This issue of Communicare is dedicated to explaining just that.

You’ll learn what a resident is and the benefits they bring to patients and health systems on pages 12-13. But, the advantages don’t end there. You can also read about the economic impact they’ll have on our region on page 8.

A successful GME program relies on the expertise of the attending, or supervising, physicians who serve as role-models and teachers for residents – shaping them into the next generation of experts. Meet the GME Faculty whose passion for teaching will educate and support these new residents in their career journeys on pages 14-17.

GME at NGMC is beginning with specialties in Internal Medicine and General Surgery, but there are already plans for additional specialties to be launched during the next few years. Learn about these new programs, such as Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry, on pages 10-11.

Lastly, I want to extend a warm welcome to the 26 new residents who joined NGHS as part of the GME program this summer. We’ve experienced many “firsts” together since they arrived – from launching the first two specialties, to holding our first Resident Orientation, to celebrating with our first White Coat Ceremony – and I look forward to watching them become experts in their fields.

I hope you enjoy learning about them on pages 4-7 and join me in celebrating their arrival!

Carol H. Burrell President & CEO Northeast Georgia Health System

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NGMC WELCOMES INAUGURAL CLASS OF GME RESIDENTS

INTRODUCING

NGMC

201

GENERAL INTERNALSURGERY MEDICINE RESID RESIDENTS Maurice Asouzu, MD

It’s hard to imagine running out of doctors to care for you and your family. In Georgia and across the nation, though, that is the reality.

The average wait time to schedule an appointment with a family physician is 24 days, and, in more rural areas, the wait time is even longer.

But, a solution is on the way.

On July 1, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) charted a new path.

Twenty Internal Medicine and six General Surgery residents launched their careers as part of NGMC’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. By 2024, they will be joined by close to 200 more resident physicians in six specialties.

These residents are vital to healthcare in Northeast Georgia. They will help ease the physician shortage both during their residencies and beyond, as research shows residents who complete a successful residency program often stay in that community to practice medicine on their own.

“We can already feel the energy and see the expertise this talented group of doctors brings to our Health System,” says John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, MSPH, FAAFP, vice president of Medical Education for Northeast Georgia Health System and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC. “If our inaugural class of resident physicians is a sign of things to come as we expand our specialties, the future of our region’s healthcare is very bright.”

University of Alabama School of Medicine Home: Alabama

Visit ngmcgme.org/ white-coat-recap to

MOAZ AHMAD, MBBS King Edward Medical University Pakistan

watch this inaugural class's White Coat Ceremony, when each new resident receives a long, white lab coat

Elaine Mirabile, MD St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada Home: New Jersey

for the first time.

HASAN CHOUDHURY, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Alabama

"If our inaugural class of resident physicians is a sign of things to come as we expand our specialties, the future of our region's healthcare is very bright."

John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, MSPH, FAAFP, vice president of Medical Education for NGHS and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC

Special thanks to Peach State Bank for sponsoring a membership in the James H. Downey Society, the physician giving club of NGHS, for each new resident. By providing this meaningful gift to the newest members of the NGHS family, our physicians of the future will learn how the philanthropic efforts of the Foundation help meet the needs of our community and health system.

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ALEX M. ADAMS, DO Lincoln Memorial University College of Osteopathic Medicine Tennessee

SHIVANG St. Geor School G

Harper Niver, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Home: North Carolina

RIAZ MAHMOOD, DO Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine North Carolina

ROBERT O. OBERMAN, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Alabama

Niki Redenius, DO Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus Home: Alabama

Cash Sterling, MD University of Kansas School of Medicine Home: Kansas

Michael Stolz, MD Eastern Virginia Medical School Home: Virginia

Resident Spotlight

IT ALL STARTED WITH A LOVE OF FIXING THINGS ON THE FARM CASH STERLING, MD

Second from left: Dr. Sterling toured NGMC Braselton with other General Surgery residents in June.

“Growing up in a farming community in rural western Kansas, I learned at a very young age how to fix things with my hands – and loved every minute of it,” says Cash Sterling, MD, a General Surgery resident at NGMC. “I also helped my mother at her restaurant and with her catering business, and that’s when I realized how much I loved serving people, too.”

Then, in high school, Dr. Sterling took an anatomy class and a light bulb went off in his head.

“I realized I was fascinated with how the human body works,” says Dr. Sterling. “That’s when I put it all together: I love to work with my hands, serve people and repair things that are broken. I want to be a surgeon.”

A lifelong learner who sometimes refers to himself as a “sponge,” Dr. Sterling was the first in his family to attend medical school. He received his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, where he was highly involved in student organizations and held many leadership positions.

“During medical school, my surgery rotations were my favorite. I never wanted to leave the operating room or the surgical intensive care unit, taking care of very sick people,” says Dr. Sterling. “I cannot wait to be a part of this community and continue my learning at NGMC with such a great faculty.”

It is this passion for learning that he says drew him to NGMC.

"I love to work with my hands, serve people and repair things that are broken.

I want to be a surgeon."

Cash Sterling, MD

“I loved the idea of being a part of building this program from the ground up,” he says. ”I’ll be exposed to many different scenarios with one-on-one instruction, and that’s a rare opportunity for a first-year resident.”

Dr. Sterling completed a variety of research projects about various medical topics and plans to pursue a career in Vascular Surgery following his residency at NGMC. He enjoys spending time outdoors, volunteering in underserved clinics and animal shelters, woodworking and watching college and professional sports.

Dr. Sterling says he was drawn to the intimate setting of Gainesville because living in a close-knit community is something he holds dear.

“I pride myself on being from a small community. Having this opportunity, along with the amazing facility, is perfect for me.”

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2019

INTRODUCING INTERNAL MEDICINE

NGMC

RESIDENTS

INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENTS

ALEX M. ADAMS, DO Lincoln Memorial University College of Osteopathic Medicine Tennessee Alex M. Adams, DO

Lincoln Memorial University College of Osteopathic Medicine Home: Kentucky

MOAZ AHMAD, MBBS King Edward Medical University Pakistan

Moaz Ahmad, MD

Ryan Berry, MD

RIAZ MAHMOOD, DO Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine North Carolina

Wesley Field, MD

SHIVANG DANAK, MD St. George’s University School of Medicine Grenada

Young Min Cho, MD

Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Medicina Home: Argentina

ROBERT O. OBERMAN, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Alabama

Martin Herrera, DO

University of Louisville School of Medicine Home: Kentucky

Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Home: Florida

Tariq Odeh, MD

Shahraiz Rizvi, MD

Gulf Medical University Home: United Arab Emirates

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Aga Khan University Medical College Home: Pakistan

King Edward Medical University Home: Pakistan

HASAN CHOUDHURY, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Alabama

University of Alabama School of Medicine Home: Alabama

NAYAB AHMED, MBBS YUSUF O. ALIMI, MD Aga Khan University St. George’s University Medical College School of Medicine Pakistan Nayab Ahmed, MD Grenada

Karachi Medical and Dental College Home: Pakistan

AHMER FESTOK, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Alabama

MARTIN H Lincoln Memoria College of Oste Ten

Shivang Danak, MD

Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Home: California

St. George’s University School of Medicine Home: Canada

SHAHRAIZ S. RIZVI, MBBS Karachi Medical and Dental College Pakistan

Aman Kaur, DO

Yusuf Alimi, MD

St. George’s University School of Medicine Home: Canada

WESLEY M. FIELD, MD University of Louisville School of Medicine Kentucky

Hasan Choudhury, DO

TARIQ Y. ODEH, MBBS Gulf Medical University United Arab Emirates

VIDYA BALEGULI, MBBS K.S. Hegde Medical Academy India

WILLIAM P. RUSSELL, DO Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Tennessee

Riaz Mahmood, DO

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Home: Texas

Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine Home: Georgia

William Russell, DO

Sameena Salcin, MD

Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Home: Tennessee

American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Home: Georgia

Resident Spotlight

A GEORGIA NATIVE COMES HOME SAMEENA SALCIN, MD

Dr. Salcin, Internal Medicine resident (center), celebrates the start of her career during GME’s Orientation Week.

Visit ngmcgme.org/ gettoknow to meet our residents!

Vidya Baleguli, MD

K.S. Hegde Medical Academy Home: India

Ahmer Festok, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Home: Alabama

Internal Medicine resident, Sameena Salcin, MD, received her lab coat during GME’s White Coat Ceremony at NGMC Gainesville in June – a tradition where lab coats are presented to residents, officially recognizing them as licensed physicians. Sameena’s mother, Shaheen Haque, was beaming with pride.

“I’m just so proud of her. She’s worked very hard and I know she will do wonderful things,” says Shaheen. “It makes me happy to have her home, in Georgia, again.”

Robert Oberman, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Home: Alabama

Dr. Salcin's path to medicine started at an early age. Her sisters are physicians and her mother has a background in public health, but it was working in her mother’s ice cream shop where Dr. Salcin discovered she enjoyed serving people and making them smile.

After graduating from the University of Georgia, Dr. Salcin went to Washington, D.C., where she interned with the U.S. Department of State focusing on global health policy and infectious disease.

Swhaeb Shubair, MD

The desire to serve others, though, led her to medical school at American University of the Caribbean. During medical school, Dr. Salcin spent a year rotating at a National Health Service hospital in London. Her experiences in London and the Caribbean inspired her to work towards finding a better way to address healthcare disparities among underserved patient populations.

“I’m interested in learning more about healthcare access in rural and underserved communities, infectious disease and healthcare policy,” says Dr. Salcin. “I hope to start working with community leaders to find creative solutions for delivering healthcare to underserved communities in Northeast Georgia.”

Dr. Salcin also says she’s thrilled to be back home in Georgia to start her career.

“To begin the next step in my medical journey back home in Georgia is very special,” she says. “I have the chance to make a real impact in my home state, and I’m excited to get started.”

Ross University School of Medicine Home: Florida

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IMPACTING LIVES, HERE AND BEYOND After many years of planning, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is now a teaching hospital. It’s exciting to think about what this means on many fronts: more access to health services, improved quality of care and the chance to shape the physician leaders of tomorrow – just to name a few.

But, many people may not realize that NGMC’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program will also bring a huge economic impact to the region immediately and into the future.

“When residents come to a health system to learn and practice medicine, they produce benefits that extend far beyond the hospital walls,” says John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, MSPH, FAAFP, vice president of Medical Education for Northeast Georgia Health System and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC. “They live, work and play in the area – using local facilities, dining at local restaurants, creating opportunities for supporting employment and providing care for medically uninsured patients.”

For example, the NGMC GME program is expected to drive more than $66 million into Hall County’s economy from 2019 to 2023 – and an additional $18 million in local economic

impact for each year after. It is also expected to generate more than 90 additional jobs in 2019, rising to as many as 300 by 2023.

What’s more, the Association of American Medical Colleges says the U.S. is facing a significant shortage of physicians, mostly due to the growth and aging of the population and retirement of older physicians. As Georgia’s population grows faster than the number of physicians in the state, there’s yet another strategy behind the GME program: encouraging doctors to stay in Georgia to practice medicine.

Dr. Delzell is a member of the Georgia Board of Physician Workforce, and the Workforce says medical students from Georgia who complete medical school and a residency program in Georgia have roughly an 80 percent chance of staying in the state to practice. So, former Gov. Nathan Deal set a goal of adding 400 additional residency training slots throughout Georgia – and helped bring the GME program to NGMC. “We believe that when residents have a good experience in training, they are even more likely to stay and practice in the area,” says Dr. Delzell. “Our residents are great matches for this Health System, and we know they will be valuable to our community for years to come.”

PLAN FOR RESIDENTS AT NGMC NUMBER OF RESIDENTS AT NGMC 2023-2024 ECONOMIC 2022-2023 IMPACT

178 154

2021-2022

125

2020-2021

76

2019-2020

ECONOMIC IMPACT

26

PROGRAM YEARS

Estimated total by 2024

178 RESIDENTS

The NGMC GME program is expected to drive more than $66 million into Hall County’s economy from 2019 to 2023 – and an additional $18 million local economic impact for each year after. The GME program is also ECONOMIC IMPACTmore than 90 additional jobs in 2019, rising to as many as 300 jobs by 2023. expected to generate YEAR

PROJECTED RESIDENTS

EMPLOYMENT

LABOR INCOME

TOTAL VALUE ADDED

2019 2023

26 170

94 300

$10,115,000 $24,284,000

$9,384,000 $15,000,000

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PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 2019

TREE LIGHTING

CELEBRATIONS

LOVE LIGHTS MAKE MEANINGFUL GIFTS AND ARE AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND VISIT NGHS.COM/LOVELIGHT TO DONATE IN HONOR OR MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE. NGMC Gainesville Monday December 2

LIGHT

$10

STAR

$100

NGMC Braselton Thursday December 5

ANGEL

$500

NGMC Barrow Monday December 9

100% OF LOVE LIGHT

DONATIONS BENEFIT HOSPICE OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER

GROWING into the future

New Residency Programs on the Horizon

"These physicians are our community's next generation of doctors.

They'll follow in the program's footsteps and will go into the community and implement our practices."

John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, MSPH, FAAFP, vice president of Medical Education for NGHS and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC

Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) achieved a milestone in July with the introduction of the hospital’s first-ever Graduate Medical Education (GME) class, as 26 brand-new Internal Medicine and General Surgery doctors became the faces of NGMC’s commitment to being a teaching hospital.

Like the first pioneers of the old west, these new residents arrived with a vibrant energy and set out to familiarize themselves with their supervising doctors, curriculum and new homes. At the same time, they began introducing themselves and their families to the community at large.

And while they immerse themselves in all things NGMC, the hospital is priming for a larger influx of doctors during the coming years as it builds on the GME program – first with Family Medicine, then OB/GYN and Emergency Services – and Psychiatry soon to follow.

“We’re so excited to see two-and-a-half-years’ worth of hard work bear fruit,” says Donna Brown, MSEd, C-TAGME, director of NGMC’s GME program. “And, this is not a one-time harvest. It’s going to continue to be a point of growth and pride for this hospital – and, hopefully, all of Northeast Georgia – for years to come.”

With GME’s Family Medicine program receiving accreditation in January, the search is now on for 12 more Family

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Medicine residents to begin in the summer of 2020. Family Medicine will eventually feature 36 residents in the three-year program.

“That’s considered a pretty large program and a lot of new doctors impacting Northeast Georgia and our primary care network,” says Monica Newton, DO, program director of NGMC’s Family Medicine program. “We’re very excited about the opportunity to train these residents both from a medical and cultural standpoint, so when they go out into the Northeast Georgia area to practice on their own, they take care of patients the way we would.”

For NGMC’s Family Medicine residents, that means taking care of patients from birth to well into their senior years.

“We’re developing a comprehensive Family Medicine vision,” Dr. Newton says.

“It’s a throwback to how Family Medicine was years ago, covering the full scope: inpatient, outpatient, pediatrics and familycentered maternity care.”

Like all other GME programs, it will bring an increased level of care for NGMC patients. Patients will maintain relationships with the doctors they already know, but will also receive care from the new doctors in the program. Each resident will be guided by veteran practitioners working within the framework of a finely-tuned curriculum.

OFFERING NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND THE COMMUNITY Thanks to a signature gift to the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation from the family of the late Henry S. Jennings, Jr., MD, NGMC’s GME program is launching a new lectureship series that will give local medical professionals, resident physicians and the community new opportunities for learning from outstanding scholars.

This act of generosity will enhance the GME program’s educational offerings, providing the kind From left: Family Medicine program director, Dr. Monica Newton, and Family Medicine faculty member, Dr. Leslie David, will teach residents specializing in Family Medicine when they arrive in 2020.

of “extras” that help make a world-class program. The endowed lectureship, given by Dr. Jennings’ children, Dr. & Mrs. Henry S. Jennings, III, and the Reverends David and Betsy Jennings Powell, was established to honor Dr. Jennings and his lasting legacy in our local

Many times there is a misconception that patients will be seeing a medical student and will lose their doctor – one they really like,” Dr. Newton says. “That’s not true at all.

Residents are highly-qualified new doctors, not students.

And, doctors like myself will still be seeing patients along with the residents.”

medical community.

Dr. Newton also says the added number of caregivers in coming years may also allow Northeast Georgia Physicians Group to add Saturday and evening hours to its Family Medicine offices.

Humanities series will cover topics ranging from the

This boost will also soon be felt in the OB/GYN, Emergency Services and Psychiatry arenas as NGMC continues work to establish these other specialties as part of its GME program. The OB/GYN and Emergency Services programs are already in development with Brown and John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, MSPH, FAAFP, vice president of Medical Education for Northeast Georgia Health System and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC, currently searching for directors for each. Psychiatry is in the planning phase.

With just over 188 physicians currently available per 100,000 members of the general population in Georgia, the state ranks 40th in the nation for number of available doctors. The GME program hopes to play a part in remedying this while also providing a huge boost for the local economy.

“Every community our size in America would be ‘over the moon’ to get 50 to 70 new professional families moving in every year,” Dr. Delzell says. “These physicians are our community’s next generation of doctors. They’ll follow in the program’s footsteps and will go into the community and implement our practices.”

Dr. Jennings was a pioneer and founder of the healthcare system we enjoy today in Gainesville and Hall County. He was deeply dedicated to the education of healthcare providers, so it’s fitting the Henry S. Jennings, Jr., MD Visiting Lectureship in Medical history of medicine to artificial intelligence and will be presented by some of the most qualified educators in the nation.

“My father inspired many people in this community to pursue a career in medicine – myself included,” says Dr. Jennings, III, assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University. “By providing a lectureship series at NGMC, our father’s legacy of training, educating and inspiring current and future healthcare providers will live on, making a meaningful impact on this community – just like he did many years ago.”

GME depends on philanthropy to help create more lectureships and professorships that will enhance the core curriculum. Financial gifts to the Foundation will increase the GME program’s ability to hire the best professors and create outstanding programs specifically designed to attract and train future physicians.

The first lectureship is slated for October 10 and will feature former Gainesville cardiologist and past president of the American College of Cardiology, Dr. Mike Valentine.

To learn more about the Henry S. Jennings, Jr., MD Visiting Lectureship in Medical Humanities, or how you can impact the GME program's academic offerings, contact the Foundation at 770-219-8099. nghs.com | 11

Choosing a resident

FOR YOUR CARE ''The inclusion of residents in healthcare teams means even more doctors to help patients around the clock.

Research shows the more doctors in training per hospital bed, the lower the hospital's patient mortality rate.''

Donna Brown, director of Graduate Medical Education

Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s (NGMC) first class of residents kicked off their careers this summer, and that means patients may have one big question about the new members of their care teams: Why should I choose a resident for my care?

The answer to that question is a matter of both heart and science. Studies show academic or teaching hospitals provide better care than non-teaching hospitals, thanks to the personal characteristics residents bring and the additional brain power that comes with more physicians taking care of patients.

“When residents enter a Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, they embark on their next level of training with a unique curiosity and commitment to learning,” says John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, MSPH, FAAFP, vice president of Medical Education for Northeast Georgia Health System and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC. “Their energy, enthusiasm and love of learning keep us on our toes. They ask intriguing questions, encouraging supervising physicians to stay up to date with the latest medical discoveries and follow best practices more closely – and that leads to better quality of care.”

Residents’ passion for learning and providing quality care isn’t the only

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reason to choose one for health care services. Remember the saying, “Two heads are better than one?” That adage can apply to medicine, too.

“The inclusion of residents in healthcare teams means even more doctors to help patients around the clock,” says Donna Brown, MSEd, C-TAGME, director of Graduate Medical Education. “Research shows the more doctors in training per hospital bed, the lower the hospital’s patient mortality rate.”

WHAT IS A RESIDENT? A resident is a physician who is participating in a training program in a specialized area of medicine.

Residents receive clinical training in their chosen specialty to be able to practice and become board certified in that specialty. They are employees of the hospital and are always under the supervision of a

Donna says patients who see residents in an office setting also benefit from having more than one doctor on their care teams – they have the resident, as well as the resident’s supervising physician caring for them – just as in a hospital setting. That means patients often get more time with their doctors during appointments, as well as more medical opinions.

board-certified physician.

Residents also encourage hospitals to stay at the forefront of technology.

Teaching hospitals aim to be innovative and tend to adopt new technologies earlier than nonteaching hospitals.

They also often have more resources dedicated to complex care issues, such as intensive care units, invasive cardiology procedures and advanced cancer treatment.

physician who has completed

WHAT IS AN ATTENDING PHYSICIAN? An attending physician, also called a supervising physician, is a training and is practicing independently in their chosen specialty. They are board-certified and oversee the training of resident physicians and the care residents provide to patients.

Internal Medicine resident, Dr. Tariq Odeh (center), works with attending physicians, such as Dr. James Kruer (right), to care for patients at NGPG Internal Medicine in Gainesville.

“Patients in teaching hospitals may have shorter lengths of stay than those in nonteaching hospitals,” says Brown. “That’s a result, in part, of effective treatments and reflects high efficiency within the hospital.”

Lastly, teaching hospitals are often the first place patients are referred to for rare and severe medical cases. Because residents need to be trained to treat a variety of conditions, teaching programs pose a chance to offer specialized care for those conditions and are often better prepared to treat the most complex illnesses.

“Whether we’re talking about having an empathetic bedside manner or providing the expert health services that lead to better outcomes for patients, our first class of residents is laying the foundation for future medical care in Northeast Georgia,” says Dr. Delzell. “The doctors we chose are extraordinarily intelligent and dedicated to our mission of improving the health of the community in all we do. We’re excited to introduce them to patients.”

WHICH LOCATIONS WILL HAVE RESIDENTS? Residents will have the chance to train throughout many different NGHS facilities, including:

NGMC Gainesville NGMC Braselton Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) locations including: • NGPG Medical Park 1 • NGPG Braselton Clinic

To learn more about where residents will be practicing, and to schedule an appointment, visit ngpg.org/gme-affiliate

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INTRODUCING

NGMC

Empowering THE PHYSICIAN LEADERS OF TOMORROW Twenty-six residents arrived at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) this summer, ready to embark on the next level of their careers as physicians. They’ll absorb an almost immeasurable amount of information during their residencies, from learning to be experts in their medical fields to the art of caring for patients with compassion and empathy.

All the while, they’ll rely on their attending physicians who make up the faculty of NGMC’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program for medical training and guidance. These faculty members serve as role-models and teachers, helping to shape the next generation of doctors.

“When we were building the GME program, we honed in on faculty members who have a passion for teaching and are truly excellent doctors,” says John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, MSPH, FAAFP, vice president of Medical Education for Northeast Georgia Health System and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC. “We have faculty members from Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) as well as other local community practices focused on many different specialties – and each bring their own philosophies about patient care residents can learn from.”

Dr. Delzell also stresses the importance of training doctors in a way that well-prepares them to provide preventative, acute, chronic and specialized health services – all to ensure patients receive the high-quality care they deserve.

2019

GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENTS SURGERY CORE FACULTY Priscilla Strom, MD MEMBERS Associate Program Director, Longstreet Clinic General Surgery

ALEX M. ADAMS, DO Lincoln Memorial University College of Osteopathic Medicine Tennessee

Daniel Anderson, MD Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

MOAZ AHMAD, MBBS King Edward Medical University Pakistan

Cecil Brown, Jr., MD, FACS Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

HASAN CHOUDHURY, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Alabama

Nathan Creel, MD

Trauma and Acute Care Surgery RIAZ MAHMOOD, DO

Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine North Carolina

SHIVANG DANAK, MD St. George’s University School of Medicine Grenada

Edward Foxhall, MD, FACS NGPG Surgical Associates

ROBERT O. OBERMAN, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Alabama

Sujata Gill, MD, FACS

Andrew Green, MD, FACOG

Alex Nguyen, MD, FACS, FASMBS

James Reeves, MD

NGPG Surgical Associates

NGPG Gynecologic Oncology

“The talented professionals who make up our faculty are the cornerstone of the GME program,” says Dr. Delzell.

“They’ll be fostering an environment that promotes innovative learning, teamwork and advancing care – critical components of a thriving medical education program.”

Learn more about these physicians at ngmcgme.org

NGPG Surgical Associates

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NA Ag

NGPG Vascular Center

TAR Gu Un

Faculty Spotlight

MEET GENERAL SURGERY PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CHARLES M. RICHART, MD, FACS, FCCM A medical school graduate of the Medical College of Georgia, Charles Richart, MD, FACS, FCCM, completed his internship at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, and continued his residency at Saint Mary’s Hospital-Yale University in Waterbury, Connecticut. He completed his surgical residency at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, before continuing on to a Trauma Critical Care Fellowship at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center with the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems at the University of Maryland.

He moved into academia in 1998 by joining the faculty at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga where he was the Director of the Trauma and Surgical Intensive Care Units. Dr. Richart has served on the faculty and held leadership positions at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the University of Kansas, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Those vast experiences gave Dr. Richart a clear idea of what he was looking for in a resident joining NGMC’s GME program.

“We were interested in men and women who wanted to blaze the path of a new program and were passionate about being welltrained,” says Dr. Richart. “These first GME classes will have input into the curriculum and the structure of a new program, as well as a chance to provide surgical care to a large, underserved region.”

With a wide variety of surgical options for resident learning and teachers who can impart a broad spectrum of knowledge to these new doctors at NGMC, Dr. Richart says residents will be well-prepared to enter the independent practice of general surgery. In addition, they will be leading candidates for nationallyrecognized training programs in surgical subspecialties – if they choose one – when they’re finished at NGMC.

CHARLES M. RICHART, MD, FACS, FCCM

General Surgery program director, Dr. Charles Richart (left), and General Surgery associate program director, Dr. Priscilla Strom (right), presented resident, Harper Niver, with her first lab coat.

"These first GME classes will have input into the curriculum and the structure of a new program, as well as a chance to provide surgical care to a large, underserved region."

Charles M. Richart, MD, FACS, FCCM

Dr. Richart has received many awards during his career, including the Outstanding Teaching Award at Erlanger Health System and the Leonard R. Tow Humanism in Medicine Award at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has been honored as a Kansas City Super Doctor on multiple occasions. nghs.com | 15

2019

INTRODUCING INTERNAL MEDICINE

NGMC

CORE FACULTY MEMBERS

INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENTS

ALEX M. ADAMS, DO Lincoln Memorial University College of Osteopathic Medicine Tennessee

MOAZ AHMAD, MBBS King Edward Medical University Pakistan

HASAN CHOUDHURY, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Alabama

Roohi Faiyaz, MD

NGPG Inpatient Medicine

RIAZ MAHMOOD, DO Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine North Carolina

NAYAB AHMED, MBBS Aga Khan University

Ngoc Phan, DO Medical College

Associate Program Director, Pakistan NGPG Inpatient Medicine

SHIVANG DANAK, MD St. George’s University School of Medicine Grenada

Jason Fombi, MD

NGPG Inpatient Medicine

ROBERT O. OBERMAN, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Alabama

YUSUF O. ALIMI, MD St. George’s University

Associate Program Director, Grenada NGPG Braselton Clinic

AHMER FESTOK, DO Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Alabama

Franklin Fontem, MD

NGPG Inpatient Medicine

TARIQ Y. ODEH, MBBS Gulf Medical University United Arab Emirates

VIDYA BALEGULI, MBBS K.S. Hegde Medical Academy India NGPG Inpatient Medicine

Idopise Umana, MD Larry Dudas, MD School of Medicine

Phillip Gross, MD

NGPG Inpatient Medicine

WESLEY M. FIELD, MD University of Louisville School of Medicine Kentucky

MARTIN H Lincoln Memoria College of Ost Ten

C. Anthony Hatoum, MD NGPG Inpatient Medicine

SHAHRAIZ S. RIZVI, MBBS Karachi Medical and Dental College Pakistan

WILLIAM P. RUSSELL, DO Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Tennessee

Joon Dong Kim, MD

Supriya Mannepalli, MD

Achenef Melese, MD

NGPG Inpatient Medicine

NGPG Inpatient Medicine

Yonathan Negewo, MD

Matthew Newcomb, MD

Erine Raybon-Rojas, MD

Antonio Rios, MD

Samson Tadesse, MD

Donna Whitfield, MD

Pete Williams, MD

NGPG Inpatient Medicine

NGPG Critical Care

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NGPG Infectious Disease

NGPG Internal Medicine

NGPG Inpatient Medicine

NGPG Internal Medicine

NGPG Inpatient Medicine

NGPG Inpatient Medicine

Faculty Spotlight

JAMES KRUER, MD, FACP

Internal Medicine program director, Dr. James Kruer (center), congratulated residents at GME’s first White Coat Ceremony, where new residents received their first lab coats.

MEET INTERNAL MEDICINE PROGRAM DIRECTOR, JAMES KRUER, MD, FACP "Not all core values resonate like the ones at NGHS, and ours are lived out by employees every day."

James Kruer, MD, FACP

From a young age, James Kruer knew he wanted to be a doctor. His passion for science, math and helping others led him to focus on adult and pediatric care during his residency and early years in medicine. Ultimately, he chose to practice Internal Medicine because of a strong desire to do everything he could to take care of patients of all ages in a well-rounded way. It wasn’t long after he became chief resident at Detroit Medical Center, though, that he realized he also had a passion for teaching.

“As chief resident for Ambulatory Internal Medicine, I was asked to set up teaching experiences at the Veterans Administration, in a university setting and at charity clinics. It was at that point I made a commitment to teaching,” he says.

Dr. Kruer spent more than 20 years practicing, teaching doctors and managing Internal Medicine GME programs in Detroit, and he learned the importance of having physicians from many different specialties teaching residents. He saw what makes GME programs successful, helped grow several himself and says he decided to join NGMC’s GME program in 2017 because it capitalizes on the aspects of a world-class program. Plus, he said NGMC’s program is extra-special in a few key ways.

“I chose to be a member of NGMC’s GME team because of the Health System’s unique Quest for Excellence quality program, and because it was already hardwired to emphasize patient safety,” says Dr. Kruer. “But, even more importantly, I was struck by our Core Values. Not all core values resonate like the ones at NGHS, and ours are lived out by employees every day.”

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BUILDING A NEW HEALTHCARE DESTINATION On a warm evening in May, perched on top of hard-packed Georgia red clay along Jesse Jewell Parkway in Gainesville – physicians, staff and community leaders gathered to bless and break ground in celebration of a new creation. The event marked the start of construction for the 72,000-square-foot Medical Park 2.

When Medical Park 2 opens in July 2020, it will be a key location for NGMC’s Graduate Medical Education program and Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG). NGPG’s Surgical Associates, Internal Medicine and Family Medicine practices will all see patients in Medical Park 2. What’s more, a new specialty will also open there – NGPG Pulmonology.

greatly increases the number of primary care providers in Hall County. Both practices, along with NGPG Surgical Associates and NGPG Pulmonology, will offer something new to the community: the opportunity to interact with resident physicians. It’s a way for patients to be directly involved in strengthening the backbone of healthcare in Northeast Georgia.

“Our county and region have experienced a wonderful amount of growth in recent years, but we know that has made it difficult to get appointments with providers in some specialties,” says Daniel Tuffy, chief administrative officer and president of NGPG. “Medical Park 2 will fill a great need by expanding access to those vital specialties and providing space for more patients to receive care without leaving the area.”

HOW WILL RESIDENTS BE INVOLVED IN PATIENT CARE AT MEDICAL PARK 2?

The ability for NGPG Family Medicine and Internal Medicine practices to see patients in the new and spacious Medical Park 2

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NGMC’s resident physicians hail from Atlanta, the Southeast, the Midwest and abroad. Even though they come from different parts of the country and even the world, they all have two things in common.

All residents have a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree and are licensed by the Georgia Medical Board as a resident training physician.

DID YOU KNOW? NGHS expects more than 400 patients will eventually visit Medical Park 2 each day – totaling a staggering 96,000 patients each year.

Patients who visit a practice where residents provide care can take comfort knowing they’ll get expert health services offered by a team of physicians. Sometimes, a patient’s primary doctor – referred to as the attending physician – will introduce the resident to a patient during the course of providing care. In other cases, patients may make an appointment directly with a resident.

Residents may take a medical history, perform a physical examination, order and interpret a diagnostic study and diagnose medical conditions.

Residents work in conjunction with supervising physicians and other healthcare team members to develop appropriate management and treatment plans for patients.

“I was fortunate to have mentors in medical school and during my residency who nurtured and encouraged my teaching endeavors, and I have seen the many advantages of receiving care from both residents and supervising physicians,” says John Delzell, MD, MSPH, FAAFP, vice president of Medical Education at Northeast Georgia Health System and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC. “When practices involve residents, it means more minds guiding care – which translates into more time spent focusing on patients’ needs.”

The Family Medicine and Internal Medicine practices currently located in Medical Park 1 will move to Medical Park 2. NGPG Surgical Associates will move from its current location on the NGMC Gainesville campus to a larger suite on the third floor of Medical Park 2. The building will also house an NGPG Pulmonology practice – a brandnew specialty offering pulmonology services that have never been offered before.

“Medical Park 2 is a perfect example of how we’re responding to the health needs in our community and enhancing the services we provide,” says Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS. “It is going to improve the lives of many people – patients and providers included.”

To watch a video from the groundbreaking ceremony, visit ngmcgme.org/groundbreaking

MEDICAL PARK 2 RENDERING

RAISING FUNDS FOR MEDICAL PARK 2 ENHANCEMENTS The Northeast Georgia Health

"Medical Park 2 is a perfect example of how we're responding to the health needs in our community and enhancing the services we provide."

Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS

System Foundation plans to raise $4 million for the project to support a variety of enhancements to Medical Park 2 once construction is complete. Chris Bray, Foundation president, presented the first $2 million raised to NGHS president and CEO, Carol Burrell, at the groundbreaking.

“There are always opportunities for philanthropy that make significant impacts on capital projects,” says Bray. “From donating to create sacred spaces – to advanced technology, equipment and increased services – this community understands that healthcare ultimately touches all.

People have given generously to help NGHS offer the right care at the right time.”

To learn more about how the Foundation is supporting GME and Medical Park 2, visit TheMedicalCenterFoundation.org or call 770-219-8099.

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Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) serves more than one million people across the region. As a non-for-profit health system, all revenue generated above operating expenses is returned to the community through improved services and innovative programs, as well as funding for charity care, education and research initiatives, workforce development and outreach efforts.

In addition, NGHS values cooperative efforts with many community groups and other healthcare providers that improve the health of those in our region.

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A few highlights of community benefit activities provided by Northeast Georgia Medical Center between Oct. 1, 2017, and Sept. 30, 2018: Visit nghs.com/community-benefit-resources to view NGMC’s full Community Benefit Report.

$1.8 BILLION

in economic impact, the ripple effect the hospital’s* spending has on other sectors of the local and state economies. Source: Georgia Hospital Association 2017 calculations

more than

$8.9 MILLION

in community benefit programs and outreach provided by NGMC*. *NGMC Gainesville, Braselton and Barrow combined

NGMC IS WORKING WITH ONE HALL TO MAKE MENTAL AND BEHAVIOR HEALTH A PRIORITY BY: Offering a peer support program in NGMC emergency departments and neonatal intensive care units that connect people with drug or alcohol-related problems to trained specialists who are in recovery themselves.

Implementing a communication plan to destigmatize the need for mental health help.

Working with Partnership for Drug Free Hall to provide the people of Hall County with information, resources and actions to address drug abuse.

Earmarking proceeds from the 2019 Medical Center Open for The Hub, a Student Success Center on the Gainesville High School campus, to increase access to and education about mental and behavioral health support.

COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT

NGMC conducts regular Community Health Needs Assessments with input from the community and in partnership with other organizations to identify the most critical health needs. Priorities identified fit hand-in-glove with the strategic direction of the organization. For more information, visit nghs.com/chna.

PARTNERING TO REACH THE UNINSURED

NGMC partners with other providers to serve the uninsured. Partners include Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Primary Care Clinic at the Hall County Health Department, Longstreet Clinic, Medlink, Good News Clinics in Gainesville, Good Shepherd Clinic of Dawson County and Community Helping Place in Dahlonega.

Total Charity Care for fiscal year 2018 was

$48.7 MILLION

for residents across the region.

NGMC had an average of

35 clinical research studies

available to patients and enrolled approximately 250 patients into these trials. Oncology and Cardiology Research programs were recognized by industry organizations for various measures of excellence.

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NGHS HONORS VOLUNTEERS

Time and talent donated by NGHS volunteers were on full display at The Medical Center Auxiliary’s 2019 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in May. More than 240 volunteers were recognized with service awards, representing a total of 263,675 service hours and a value of $6.7 million dollars.

ROBIN PRECHTER

HENRY MONROE

LORENA COLLINS

From left: Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS, and Robin Prechter, Life Member of the Auxiliary, harpist and certified music therapist. Robin was presented with the 2019 Nell Whelchel Weigand Patient Friend Award for giving more than 1,600 hours of therapeutic music service in just six years.

From left: Henry Monroe, Lifeline program volunteer, accepts the Marjorie Covington Smith Auxilian of the Year award from Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS. Henry has given more than 5,300 hours of service in 16 years.

From left: Louis Smith, president of NGMC Gainesville, and Lorena Collins, volunteer.

Collins was commended for more than 25,500 hours of service in 56 years.

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The Medical Center Auxiliary and Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) celebrated the 60th Year of the Teen Volunteer Program

More than 120 teen volunteers from 13 counties and 36 high schools in NGHS’ service area were honored this summer for serving at NGMC Gainesville, NGMC Braselton, NGMC Barrow, Hospice of NGMC, Camp Braveheart, and New Horizons Limestone and Lanier Park. The teen volunteers donated 5,423 hours of service – equivalent to a value of $137,907.

From left: Whitney Newton, Retail and Volunteer Services coordinator for NGMC Braselton, recognizes Ashley Fender with The Andrew J. Dockery Teen Volunteer of the Year award alongside Lajuania Lester, manager of Volunteer Services for NGMC Braselton and Barrow.

From left: College volunteers Ingrid Islas, Alison Schultz and Sloane Sengson.

“Our Teen Volunteer Program is truly the highlight of the summer,” says Chris Bray, president and chief development officer for the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation.

“We are fortunate to have exceptional young people in this program who are willing to serve our organization in whatever capacity needed and put the needs of others before their own.”

From left: Louise Robison, Volunteer Services coordinator for NGMC Gainesville, presents a scholarship award to Krysten Wright.

During the Teen Appreciation Dinner in July, a number of teens were honored for their contributions – including service awards for 50 to 300 hours of service. In addition, 17 graduated seniors were recognized for contributing nearly 2,000 combined hours of service.

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28 ANNUAL TH

Marketplace Join us for festive holiday shopping to benefit Safe Kids Gainesville l Hall County.

PREVIEW PARTY: Thursday, November 7, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets will be available for $50 beginning October 1.

CHAIRED BY

GENERAL ADMISSION: November 8 and 9

For more information, contact The Medical Center Auxiliary at 770-219-1830 or visit nghs.com/marketplace We are grateful for Willis Investment Counsel’s 11th consecutive year of commendable philanthropic support for this annual holiday shopping event.

The Medical Center Auxiliary

Katie Crumley, Jenny Floyd and Morgan Wood

There is still time to help students and families through the

28th Annual Medical Center Open Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019 | Chicopee Woods Golf Course Join the fun by becoming a sponsor or buying raffle tickets!

One hundred percent of proceeds will go towards the creation of a new student success center, The Hub.

Why We Need The Hub Students and families face unprecedented challenges today. The impacts of social media, pressure to make college and career choices and the effects of drugs, poverty and trauma have created an environment in which, tragically, five percent of Hall County teenagers report they have attempted suicide.

The Hub is a pilot project that may be replicated in other areas. It will address academic and workforce development, as well as increase access, collaboration and education regarding mental and behavioral health services available.

For more information, call 770-219-8099 or visit TheMedicalCenterFoundation.org/golf

PREMIER SPONSOR

19TH HOLE RECEPTION SPONSOR

Special thanks to the Medical Center Open Committee!

We are grateful for our co-chairs Chad Copper, MD and Karen Baston, as well as the entire golf committee for their commitment to the tournament’s success. You make great things possible!

Sarah Bell Maggie Bennett Gail Bowen Suzie Carey Shanna Cronic Vince Davis

David Dickerson Headen Embry Josh Everett Emmett Forrester Joy Green Don Grimsley

Nathan Hamby Amy Harrison Gene Marlow Megan Martin Ward McCamy Hillary Miller

Jamey Moore Al Morrison Tara Perry Michele Piucci Zach Propes Ricky Pugh

Kathy Riner Calvin Robinson Matt Smith Ben Sousa Philip Wilheit, Jr Jeremy Williams

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Northeast Georgia Medical Center 743 Spring Street Gainesville, GA 30501-3899

Non-Profit Organization US POSTAGE PAID Gainesville, Ga. Permit 6

NGMC LUMPKIN now open visit us at nghs.com/lumpkin