Piedmont Athens Regional

10/24/2025

We’re incredibly grateful to Bulldog Kia of Athens for their generous donation of 30 care bags filled with personal care and comfort items for our breast cancer patients. These thoughtful gifts are provided to newly diagnosed patients at Piedmont's Surgical Breast Care Specialists of Athens to offer support and encouragement as they begin their cancer journey. Your kindness and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our patients means the world to us.

10/01/2025

James Sheppard, 65, had just finished chalking the lines at Apalachee High School’s softball field when he collapsed in cardiac arrest mid-conversation with his daughter, Erica Rudell, a Health and Physical Education Coach for Apalachee. At first, Erica thought he was choking, but she quickly realized he wasn’t breathing.
She got him to the ground and began CPR, calling for help and asking someone to grab the AED from the concession stand. That someone was Apalachee High School softball coach Brooke Houlihan, who acted quickly to retrieve the device. Erica’s husband took over compressions, and a nurse in the crowd from the opposing team stepped in to assist. The AED was used to deliver two shocks—and then James opened his eyes, took a breath, and began vomiting. EMS arrived quickly and transported him to the hospital, where he received life-saving cardiac care. Less than a month later, James is back in his chair behind home plate, cheering on his granddaughters and the Lady Wildcats.

James Sheppard, known to everyone at the ball field as PawPaw, is alive today because the people around him didn’t hesitate—they knew CPR, they used an AED, and they acted with urgency and bravery. Their swift response turned a moment of crisis into a story of survival.

Empower yourself with the skills to save a life—CPR and AED training can make a positive difference.
• Find CPR classes through Piedmont Athens Regional: piedmont.org/classes, then select CPR/First Aid
• Need a cardiologist? Piedmont Heart of Athens offers comprehensive cardiac care: piedmont.org/heart

10/01/2025

Kenya Buggs, 32, had a liver transplant this summer at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital —just seven months after giving birth to her daughter. Kenya needed a new liver because she has autoimmune hepatitis, a disease in which the immune system attacks the liver. October is Liver Disease Awareness Month, and Kenya wants to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of autoimmune hepatitis and other liver diseases to prevent liver damage. She also wants people to know that not all liver diseases are alcohol-related—hers isn’t. Kenya’s transplant hepatologist, Dr. Devina Bhasin, says patients should talk to their primary care doctor about available screening. Today, Kenya is thriving back at home in Warm Springs, Georgia with her new baby and new liver, thanks to the great care she received from Piedmont Transplant Institute.

09/30/2025

More than 200 families attended the Child Safety and Health Festival at Georgia Square Mall, an event hosted by Piedmont Athens Regional and Safe Kids Athens in recognition of National Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 21–27). The festival focused on educating families about child safety, with a special emphasis on proper car seat use. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians provided free car seat checks, helping caregivers ensure their children were riding safely. Attendees also received free car seats and booster seats, along with valuable resources on injury prevention.

“This event is about empowering families with the tools and knowledge to protect their children,” said April Dorsett, RN, BSN, Piedmont Athens Regional Nurse Educator and Safe Kids Athens Coalition Coordinator. “We’re proud to see so many caregivers taking steps to keep their kids safe on the road and beyond.”

For more information or to schedule a free car seat check, contact April Dorsett at 706-475-5631 or april.dorsett@piedmont.org.

09/25/2025

Here's a preview of our latest Living Real Change Podcast episode: Su***de Prevention and Overcoming the Mental Health Stigma

In this powerful Living Real Change Podcast, Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Piedmont Eastside Brian Wright, M.D., sheds light and shares insight on one of today’s most urgent public health crises: su***de. Click here to listen: https://youtu.be/PzJtAXhq6jw.

09/24/2025

If the agenda is ending pancreatic cancer, here’s our agenda.

Piedmont Oncology has put together a half day conference with the most respected voices in research, surgery and care. Our all-star lineup features medical thought leaders in early detection, precision medicine and multidisciplinary care. These are the experts shaping the future, saving lives and providing hope.

Click here to learn more and see the full agenda: https://www.piedmont.org/cancer/pancreatic-liver/pancreas-conference

09/19/2025

Joel Neighbors had high calcium buildup noted by a doctor nearly 10 years ago. When the doctor moved away, he never followed up. Joel was referred to Dr. Neetu Reddy with Piedmont Physicians of Jasper last year.

During each office visit, Dr. Reddy insisted Joel get further tests, noting her concern for his high calcium score from a decade ago. Finally taking her advice, he made an appointment with a cardiologist, and an echocardiogram revealed Joel had approximately 90% blocked arteries, which could ultimately lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening conditions. As a result, Joel had multiple bypass surgeries in February and is now living a healthier life!

Joel couldn't believe Dr. Reddy dug so deep going back years in his file— not treating him as just a number but provided compassionate, hassle-free care. He encourages others to establish a relationship with a primary care provider, because even if you have no symptoms or pain, getting regular checkups and following up could be lifesaving.

To find a primary care provider near you, visit Piedmont.org/PrimaryCare.

09/17/2025

September marks National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month. Ashish Bhimani, M.D., Chief of Electrophysiology at the Piedmont Heart Institute, says it is important to increase awareness of atrial fibrillation and other common conditions treated by electrophysiology. Without treatment, AFib can lead to blood clots, stroke, dementia and heart failure.

Learn more about signs and symptoms of AFib and how you can manage modifiable risk factors: https://www.piedmont.org/about-piedmont-healthcare/media-room/stories/news-article?story=5603&type=1.

09/16/2025

Piedmont Athens Regional has officially broken ground on a $56 million expansion to modernize our operating rooms and surgical services with the most advanced innovative technology and equipment. This transformative project will allow our compassionate team members to elevate high-quality surgical care for patients across Athens and surrounding counties.

Construction will be completed in eight carefully sequenced phases through 2028, ensuring uninterrupted surgical services throughout the process.

09/15/2025

Tickets are still available to Piedmont Oncology’s inaugural Luminaria Gala on October 25 at Flourish Atlanta. Presented by Brasfield & Gorrie and emceed by WSB-TV's Wendy Corona, this night of hope and celebration will illuminate a new tomorrow in discovery, innovation, and leading-edge cancer care for the more 14,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients we care for each year throughout Georgia.

Learn more and get your tickets today at piedmontluminaria.org. Lockton Companies Truist Brainlab Atlanta Breast Care, PC Amwins

09/13/2025

Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine is proud to recognize Paul Jenkins, a standout football player and wrestler at East Jackson High School () (), as our Athlete of the Month!

After suffering a fractured left fibula during wrestling practice in January, Paul faced a tough road to recovery. Through a comprehensive rehab program—including mobility work, progressive strength training, and neuromuscular re-education—he fought his way back to the field, returning to spring football practice in May.

Supported by his care team—orthopedic surgeon Stephen White, M.D., and East Jackson athletic trainer Ryan Bussell—Paul showed incredible work ethic, mental toughness, and commitment to improvement every step of the way.

As Athlete of the Month, Paul received a certificate and is featured at our Orthopedics and Sports Medicine facility on Piedmont’s Oconee Health Campus in Watkinsville, GA.

We’re proud to support student-athletes across Georgia and to serve as the official healthcare provider for the University of Georgia Athletic Association ().

Join us in congratulating Paul on this well-deserved honor!

09/11/2025

Piedmont Transplant Institute and Piedmont Heart Institute surgeons have performed an innovative joint liver-heart transplant. The joint transplant for an adult patient is the first in Georgia in a decade, and just the second adult procedure performed in the state.

Piedmont is a destination for healthcare as Piedmont Atlanta is one of the busiest transplant centers in the country. Since the first in 2005, over 2,100 liver transplants have been performed at Piedmont Atlanta. There was a 24% increase in heart transplants this past fiscal year compared to the year prior. Click here to learn more: https://www.piedmont.org/about-piedmont-healthcare/media-room/stories/news-article?story=5543&type=1.

09/09/2025

Surgical Director of Heart Transplant and Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Program at Piedmont Heart Institute Dr. Ezequiel Molina shares how his team is tackling one of the Southeast’s most pressing health challenges. From lifesaving LVAD implants and record-setting transplant programs to groundbreaking heart-kidney procedures, Dr. Molina explains why early diagnosis matters, how cutting-edge therapies are changing lives and what’s ahead for heart failure treatment in the next decade.

The Living Real Change podcast is available on all major platforms.
Apple: https://apple.co/3T4qTDX
Spotify: https://sptfy.com/QdjQ

09/07/2025

Ellen White from St. Simons Island never expected to become a patient at Piedmont, but the quality care and compassionate support she received inspired her to give back.

Despite experiencing fatigue and pain, Ellen drove to Columbus to help her granddaughter with a school project— only to end up needing help at the Piedmont Columbus Northside Emergency Department, where doctors discovered she had suffered a massive heart attack. She was rushed to Piedmont Columbus Midtown, where surgeons inserted two life-saving stents. Her recovery took a turn when she was later diagnosed with kidney failure and spent several days in the ICU at Piedmont Columbus Northside. Thanks to Piedmont’s high-quality care, Ellen is now regaining her strength and even traveled to Rhode Island in July!

To show her gratitude, Ellen made a donation through the Piedmont Foundation's Thank a Caregiver program, honoring registered nurse Billy Brewer, Dr. Fnu Sonia, and the ICU team whose kindness made all the difference. Want to honor a Piedmont caregiver who impacted your journey? Visit: piedmont.org/gratitude.

09/04/2025

On September 4, 2024, Apalachee High School was rocked by tragedy when two teachers and two students lost their lives and nine other victims were hospitalized. Today we honor the memory of those lost, the resiliency of the Apalachee community, and the heroes who rallied around them.

David Phenix, an Apalachee High School special education teacher was shot twice that day and EMS rushed him to Piedmont Athens Regional for care. There he found more than just treatment, he found a team committed to providing the highest quality care, so he could return to the life he loves.

From walking his daughter down the aisle to returning to the classroom, David’s journey is a powerful affirmation of gratitude for each moment and our ability to make a positive difference in every life we touch.

David Phenix, a teacher at Apalachee High School, recounts the tragic event on September 4, 2024, and the quality of care he received by the staff at Piedmon...

09/03/2025

Justin and Breana Hendrix struggled for 10 years to get pregnant. They went through failed attempts at Intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization and timed cycles. Under the high-quality care of the Piedmont Physicians Surgical Specialists and Bariatrics team, they both had minimally invasive gastric bypass surgery in 2023 at Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside. Justin and Breana both lost nearly 180 pounds!

Their prayers were answered when they welcomed a baby boy named Maverick into the world last month! Breana says they’re blessed beyond measure and are all healthy.

Visit Piedmont.org/Bariatrics to learn more about our weight loss services and how you can take that first step in your journey.

09/03/2025

Illuminate hope. Advance care.

Join us at Piedmont Oncology Luminaria, where every light honors a life and every step forward is powered by your support. With the leadership of Dr. Wally Curran and , we’re transforming cancer care across Georgia- delivering high-quality, compassionate treatment and driving groundbreaking research.

Secure your tickets today at piedmontluminaria.org.

With deep gratitude, we thank our generous sponsors whose unwavering support helps bring light, healing, and hope to countless lives. Your commitment is making a .

Brasfield & Gorrie Lockton Companies Truist Brainlab Atlanta Breast Care, PC Amwins

08/22/2025

The sixth annual Emergency Care in Sports Conference brought together 146 attendees at the University of Georgia’s Payne Indoor Football Facility for a day of impactful learning and collaboration. Coaches, athletic trainers, sports medicine student aides and EMS professionals from Northeast Georgia, Metro Atlanta and Savannah participated in expert-led lectures and hands-on training focused on emergency care for student-athletes.

Co-sponsored by the University of Georgia and Piedmont Athens Regional, the event underscored a shared commitment to meeting the evolving needs of secondary school sports medicine programs and professionals.

Attendees engaged in sessions covering concussion care, orthopedic trauma, and general sports medicine, with a special focus on integrating EMS planning into high school emergency action plans— a critical component of student-athlete safety.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success!

08/16/2025

Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine is proud to recognize Rhett Allison, a seventh-grade football player at Oconee Middle School, as our Athlete of the Month for July 2025!

After being diagnosed with a chondral defect of the knee, Rhett faced a tough road to recovery—but his resilience, discipline, and positivity have been nothing short of inspiring. Despite being on crutches, he’s attended every practice, modified workouts, supported teammates, and stayed fully engaged with his team.

“Rhett’s attitude has been inspiring... He’s a true example of resilience and leadership,” says Chynna Campbell, Piedmont Athens Regional Sports Medicine athletic trainer at Oconee Middle.

Rhett’s journey reminds us that setbacks can be stepping stones. We’re proud to support student-athletes like Rhett across Georgia, helping them stay active and thrive.

Rhett is now featured at our Orthopedic Sports Medicine facility on Piedmont’s Oconee Health Campus in Watkinsville, GA.

For more information about services offered by Piedmont Physicians Orthopedic Sports Medicine of Athens, visit piedmont.org/AthensOrthoSportsMed.

08/08/2025

Piedmont Athens Regional and the Athens-Clarke County Library are teaming up to give our newest community members a head start on literacy!

Through the “Baby’s First Book” initiative, 1,000 babies born at Piedmont Athens will receive a special gift bag with a cuddly stuffed animal, baby's very first book, information about the library system and resources for new parents. Together, we’re planting the seeds for a love of reading and learning from day one.

08/01/2025

Piedmont Athens Regional celebrates the graduation of 30 residents from our Graduate Medical Education program— 20 from Internal Medicine and 10 from the Transitional Year Residency.

More than half are entering clinical practice, with 81% staying right here in Georgia! Thirteen will continue their journey within the Piedmont system, including five at Piedmont Athens. We’re proud to train the next generation of compassionate, skilled physicians who are already making a positive difference!

07/29/2025

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, choking is a leading cause of unintentional death in children, especially those ages 3 and under. Shelby Hollifield panicked and froze years ago when seeing her nephew choking. That moment haunted her— especially when she became pregnant. Determined not to feel helpless again, she and her husband, Reid, enrolled in an infant CPR and choking class at Piedmont Athens Regional, one of many maternity classes offered to expectant parents and other caregivers.

Shelby is on a mission to encourage all caregivers— parents, grandparents, babysitters— to take an infant CPR and choking class. “You never think it’ll happen to you,” she says, “but if it does, you’ll be so grateful you knew what to do.”

Just three months after her daughter Allison was born, Shelby’s worst fear became reality. After finishing a bottle, baby Allison began choking and struggling to breathe. While Shelby called 911, Reid jumped into action. Thanks to the training they’d received from the care team at Piedmont Athens, he was able to clear the obstruction and help their daughter breathe again— giving her a fighting chance before EMS arrived.

Allison was later diagnosed with Sandifer’s Syndrome, a rare condition of temporary muscle spasms that can result from severe acid reflux and trigger life-threatening choking episodes. Today, she’s a happy six-month-old, and while the condition hasn’t completely resolved, Shelby and Reid feel empowered and prepared thanks to the life-saving knowledge gained from the experienced and compassionate Piedmont team.

Visit the classes and events page on piedmont.org to find an infant CPR and choking class near you: https://classes.inquicker.com/search?ClientID=12422

07/22/2025

Volunteers from Georgia Power recently came out to spruce up the Piedmont Athens Regional Auxiliary Healing Garden. Thanks to their hard work, the garden, located behind the Loral Smith Center for Cancer Support, is a peaceful space for patients, visitors, and staff! We are grateful for Georgia Power’s help in maintaining this space that offers comfort for so many in our Piedmont Athens community.

07/02/2025

Piedmont Athens Regional and the University of Georgia Athletic Association are proud to host the 2025 Secondary Setting Sports Medicine Emergency Care Conference on July 18 at the Payne Indoor Football Facility on the UGA campus. This free event brings together experts in sports medicine for a day of hands-on training, panel discussions on integrating EMS planning into high school emergency action plans, and sessions on concussion care, orthopedic trauma, and more. It’s also a great opportunity to network with leaders in secondary school sports medicine. Admission is free, but registration is required. We’re proud to support our community and promote student-athlete safety close to home!

Athens, Ga. (June 20, 2025) – Piedmont Athens Regional and the University of Georgia Athletic Association will host the sixth annual Secondary Setting Sports Medicine Emergency Care Conference on July 18, 2025, at the University of Georgia’s Payne Indoor Football Facility. This year&r