University Health Alliance

12/11/2025

University Health Alliance's Primary Care team is moving locations!

Beginning on December 15th, our primary care providers will see patients at 1460 Resurgence Drive, Watkinsville, GA, 30677.

To schedule an appointment with Primary Care, please call our office at 762-356-4933.

12/09/2025

University Health Alliance is proud to now offer Anorectal Manometry (ARM), making us one of the first in the Athens region to provide this noninvasive test. Patients will no longer have to drive to Atlanta or other metro areas, and can now receive ARM right here in Athens!

ARM helps providers to diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment for various defecatory issues, including:
▶️ Chronic constipation
▶️ F***l incontinence
▶️ Pelvic floor dysfunction
▶️ Obstructed defecation
▶️ Dyschezia
▶️ Post-surgical complications

Call (762) 316-2035 to learn more!

12/08/2025

The highest compliment we can receive: trust and friendship. 💙

We are so proud of the incredible feedback for our Colorectal Team, featuring Thomas Ward, M.D., and Caroline Hamrick, N.P. This patient's words truly speak to the compassionate and life-changing care delivered by our dedicated professionals every day.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey, and thank you to Dr. Ward and Caroline for always going above and beyond!

12/05/2025

Get to know board-certified gastroenterology nurse practitioner Jana Bailey! 💙

Jana joined the UHA team in 2024. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and graduated summa cm laude from UAB in 2017. She previously worked in Atlanta and has a background in both Emergency Medicine and inpatient Gastroenterology. Jana lives in Athens with her husband and two children.

To schedule an appointment with our Gastroenterology team, please call our office at 762-356-4785!

12/01/2025

This week, we recognize Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD) are chronic conditions that require specialized, long-term management.

These diseases can cause debilitating symptoms, but receiving a prompt and accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment and improved quality of life.

UHA's gastroenterology providers are here to help. We offer specialized evaluation and long-term care for IBD, ensuring you have the expert support needed to manage your condition and thrive.

If you or a loved one are experiencing persistent or worrying digestive symptoms, don't wait. Call our Gastroenterology team today at 762-356-4785 to schedule an appointment!

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from your UCBC and UHA Family! 🍂

We wish you and your loved ones a day filled with gratitude, joy, and good health.

Please note: our offices are closed today, November 27. We will have modified hours November 28, operating from 7:30 AM to noon.

We look forward to seeing you when we return!

11/25/2025

University Health Alliance is proud to team up with University Cancer & Blood Center via the GI Tumor Board! Our specialists join forces to design truly personalized, world-class cancer treatment plans for our patients, . Collaboration means better care. 🤝

World-class care is a team effort!

At the GI Tumor Board, physicians from University Cancer & Blood Center and University Health Alliance join forces to ensure every patient receives the best possible treatment plan.

Our multidisciplinary team—including Oncologists, Gastroenterologists, Surgeons, and specialists—reviews complex cases and pools their expertise. This commitment to collaboration means truly personalized, world-class cancer care for you and your loved ones, . 🤝

11/21/2025

We are delighted by this wonderful patient testimonial for our gastroenterology provider, Chundra Brooks, NP!

Our team's dedication to reviewing your complete health history and ensuring you get on the schedule quickly is what patient-centered care is all about. Thank you for trusting University Health Alliance to provide you with care straight ! ❤️

11/19/2025

Get to know board-certified gastroenterology family nurse practitioner Sihwa Lee! 💙

Sihwa Lee joined the University Health Alliance Gastroenterology Division in September 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kennesaw State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Georgia State University in 2022. She has experience working in primary care as a nurse practitioner and has a background as a registered nurse in gastroenterology.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Cream.

To schedule an appointment with Sihwa, please call our office at 762-356-4785!

11/18/2025

Early detection for gastrointestinal cancers is crucial for positive outcomes!

In honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and Gastric Cancer Awareness Month, we're highlighting the University Cancer & Blood Center-University Health Alliance High-Risk GI Clinic, which combines state-of-the-art technology with expert clinical supervision for earlier detection of GI cancers.

Our team of experts are ready to provide you with individualized care. We offer GI cancer risk assessments, screening, and surveillance care that’s custom-fit just for you. We work alongside you to provide personalized care and adjust your plans according to your unique needs and risk factors!

Our full-scale approach includes:
▶️ Imaging
▶️ Detailed history and physical
▶️ Risk reduction strategies to include healthy behaviors, medications, and/or surgeries
▶️ Formal genetic counseling when appropriate

Although patients can be referred by a physician, you can also refer yourself by simply calling (706) 715-2006.

11/17/2025

Your health comes first! If you've hit your health plan's deductible, the cost for preventative care and screenings is often significantly lower right now.

Finish the year strong by proactively addressing your health needs:
➡️ Get that annual blood work done with your primary care provider at 762-356-4933.
➡️ Schedule your colonoscopy at 762-356-4785.
➡️ Schedule your mammogram at 762-356-4780.

Let us help you make the most of your health plan!