Augusta University Health

10/07/2025

Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center’s Dr. Musa Sharkawi and Dr. Richard Lee have recently introduced two new techniques to improve safety and reduce complications during transcatheter valve procedures. BATMAN (balloon assisted translocation of the mitral anterior leaflet) is done when a patient is at high risk for left ventricular outflow tract, which interferes with blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. UNICORN (undermining iatrogenic coronary obstruction with radiofrequency needle) is used in patients receiving aortic valve-in-valve replacement to help prevent obstruction of the artery. To schedule an appointment with a structural heart specialist in Aiken, Augusta or Martinez, call (762) 375-2425.

10/07/2025

Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar MCG Health Medical Centers recently earned the Gold Level ELSO Award for Excellence in Life Support. Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia also holds the prestigious award. This recognition is for programs worldwide that distinguish themselves by having processes, procedures and systems in place that promote excellence and exceptional care. Wellstar is one of only a few healthcare systems in Georgia to offer ECMO, a machine that does the work of the heart and lungs or just the lungs so organs can heal. The Wellstar Kennestone ECMO team can travel to patients at other hospitals—both within Wellstar and other systems—initiate ECMO support and transport the patient for continued care. Learn more: http://spr.ly/6184AUqiM

10/06/2025

A big thank you to our Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center clinicians for serving as the official first aid provider at this year’s Augusta Ironman 70.3, where more than 2,000 athletes swam the Savannah River, biked 56 miles and ran 13 miles through downtown Augusta. With experts from family medicine, cardiac nursing, OB/GYN, medical students and more on-site, our team helped keep competitors safe and strong throughout the race.

10/02/2025

Join us at Savannah Rapids Park Saturday, October 4, for the Augusta Duck Dash, a free family-friendly fall festival with fun for all ages! Watch thousands of rubber ducks race down the canal for prizes. Plus, enjoy games, trunk or treat, a costume contest, local vendors and food trucks. Proceeds benefit the YMCA’s A Place to Dream program, helping provide safe beds for children in need. Bring your crew for a day that is as meaningful as it is fun.

10/02/2025

Pickleball is all about quick reflexes—whether it's a soft d**k at the net, a rapid fire volley or a powerful drive. But those fast-paced rallies can sometimes lead to annoying injuries. At Wellstar Ortho-On-Demand our specialists provide quick, convenient orthopedic care to help you get back on the court quicker. Walk in today: http://spr.ly/6189AcYl9.

09/30/2025

If your child has become less active or playful, is eating less than usual or has lost weight, they could be experiencing malnutrition. Talk to your family's pediatrician about how to help your child get the right nutrients so they can grow strong. Learn more about malnutrition at nutritioncare.org/maw. Find local resources for food, transportation, housing and more at wellstar.findhelp.com.

09/27/2025

Today marks one year since Hurricane Helene made landfall in Augusta, bringing immense challenges and testing our community’s resilience. Wellstar MCG Health Emergency Preparedness Director Damone Garner shared his personal experience and how our teams worked tirelessly to continue caring for patients despite the obstacles. Read more about the impact and our response here: http://spr.ly/6181AdM8J.

You never realize what you have until it’s gone. And when the storm hit, everything changed.

09/25/2025

Proper nutrition is important for your overall health. Signs of malnutrition include unplanned weight loss, loss of appetite, feeling weak or tired, and swelling. Your Wellstar care team can help you plan a balanced diet to reduce your risk of malnutrition. Learn more about malnutrition at nutritioncare.org/maw. To find local resources for food, housing and more, visit wellstar.findhelp.com.

09/25/2025

Help us save lives! Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center is hosting a blood drive with Shepeard Community Blood Center October 1 from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. Schedule at http://spr.ly/6189AwNdt or walk in at the Wellstar MCG Health Professional Office Building 1 Lobby, 1481 Laney Walker Blvd. in Augusta.

09/24/2025

Tennis is full of powerful serves, quick volleys and long rallies, but sometimes those plays lead to inconvenient sprains and strains. From rolled ankles on the court to sore shoulders from serves, Wellstar Ortho-on-Demand offers same-day expert care to help you recover quickly and safely. Walk in today: http://spr.ly/6187AbKmH.

09/19/2025

Under the Friday night lights, injuries can come out of nowhere—whether it’s a sprain, strain, tough hit or even a sideline parent pulling a muscle during a touchdown celebration. Our Ortho-On-Demand experts are ready to provide quick care so you can recover faster and get back on the field. Learn more at wellstar.org/orthoondemand.