Piedmont Athens Regional

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.

07/22/2025

The affordability of and access to health care is limited for most of Honduras. The need for certain procedures, like knee replacements, is great.

Dr. Stephen Smith, a member of the Piedmont Clinic, is trying to do his part to fill that need. He recently returned from a medical mission trip to Honduras, where he and a team performed 35 knee replacements. The organization behind the trip, One World Surgery, has a wait list of thousands of people.

Piedmont Atlanta proudly donates critical medical supplies in support of these biannual mission trips.

07/21/2025

School is just around the corner and Piedmont Columbus Regional pediatrician Dr. Shuan Chen is sharing a back-to-school health checklist covering things like vaccines, annual checkups, sleep, nutrition and hygiene so children and families will be empowered to have a great school year. https://bit.ly/46lEkY4

You can conveniently schedule an annual check-up or sports physical online at Piedmont.org.

07/17/2025

Grade-school teacher Tomekia thought she was living right—exercising regularly, consciously eating healthier, fasting, and praying—so she never imagined having a terrible headache meant she was having a stroke. But when the headache didn’t improve and she started experiencing left-side weakness, she went to Piedmont Eastside's ER. The ER team immediately recognized her symptoms and gave her lifesaving treatment.
But what caused a stroke in an otherwise healthy woman? The cardiac team at Piedmont Heart Lawrenceville told her: Tomekia had had an undiagnosed hole in her heart since birth and needed surgery.

Even after her pain, her rush to the hospital, and her heart surgery, if you ask Tomekia about her ordeal, her first response is "God is so good, even on a bad day.” When she felt fear, Piedmont cardiologist Dr. Rowe reassured her. She says, “From the moment I walked into his office, he and his team were amazing. His bedside manners are impeccable. There wasn't a time during or after where I didn't have complete trust in him.”
Tomekia’s family, friends, and coworkers provided an incredible support system, but she also praises her care team at Piedmont. “From the moment I rolled in until the day I was discharged, everyone—the nurses, the doctors, the techs, the therapists and the dietitians—made my healing journey better.” And her strong faith sustained her through the days when she needed grace and encouragement.

“I ask God daily in my morning prayers and meditation to be used as a vessel and to help me to ‘Live with Purpose, on Purpose, for His Purpose,’” she says. “That was the moment that I began my healing journey. It’s part of my purpose to share my testimony with great hopes to help others in this journey called life.” We’re so glad we provided the quality care Tomeika needed so she can continue to live her purpose.

07/11/2025

During his annual physical this year, Chuck Rawlins told his Piedmont primary care doctor at Eastside Crossing about his family history of heart disease—his dad died of a heart attack, and his mom had one but survived. Even though Chuck had no symptoms, his doctor recommended a coronary calcium scan at Piedmont Walton.

The scan revealed that Chuck had a near-total blockage of the largest heart artery, also known as the “widowmaker” because of its lethality. Chuck’s primary care physician quickly referred him to Piedmont Heart, and he underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery at Piedmont Atlanta. Chuck is back on his feet with the help of the recent cardiac rehabilitation he received at Piedmont Newton.

Today, Chuck is thankful for the prompt and highly integrated care he received when he needed it most, and he is thankful he remained committed to scheduling his annual physical, or the outcome may have been very different.

It's time to take charge of your health with hassle-free annual physicals close to home. Book today via Piedmont MyChart, online at piedmont.org or by calling your provider’s office directly.

07/09/2025

When Tunisia discovered a lump in her breast, her former doctors brushed it off as a side effect from a vaccine. Two years later, she found a second lump and demanded a biopsy. She was diagnosed with cancer—but she had lost her trust in the medical community.

Then she came to Piedmont and met the surgeon who changed her mind. “I thought, ‘This person actually cares about me and really understands what I'm going through.’ I’d been thinking that nobody cared, because that’s what my experience was.”
Tunisia decided to “fight cancer with fashion” and turned her chemo sessions into a fashion show. For each appointment, she walked an imaginary runway into the treatment room, with friends and family helping her coordinate outfits, carry bags, and document the experience. “Instead of dreading chemo, I was looking forward to it because I’d be shopping, looking for my outfits; trying to pull it all together.”

Her vibrant energy uplifted the medical team and fellow patients. “It made everybody happier because [chemo] can be sad and traumatic. But when I came in … people could focus on something else for a little bit. I was able to shift the energy for everybody. I changed to the best version of me,” she says. And it all started with care that made a positive difference in her life.

07/04/2025

Today and every day, we celebrate those who not only show bravery but also empower us to embrace our own. We wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day!

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

06/30/2025

Every victory — big or small — is a reflection of our patients’ strength, resilience, and hope. Whether they’re ringing the bell, sharing their story, or taking life one day at a time, their courage empowers others to keep going. At Piedmont, we’re honored to walk beside patients across Georgia and beyond on their survivorship journey. Thank you for inspiring us and for allowing us to be part of your story!

06/27/2025

When Tunisia discovered a lump in her breast, her former doctors brushed it off as a side effect from a vaccine. Two years later, she found a second lump and demanded a biopsy. She was diagnosed with cancer—but she had lost her trust in the medical community.

Then she came to Piedmont and met the surgeon who changed her mind. “I thought, ‘This person actually cares about me and really understands what I'm going through.’ I’d been thinking that nobody cared, because that’s what my experience was.”

Tunisia decided to “fight cancer with fashion” and turned her chemo sessions into a fashion show. For each appointment, she walked an imaginary runway into the treatment room, with friends and family helping her coordinate outfits, carry bags, and document the experience. “Instead of dreading chemo, I was looking forward to it because I’d be shopping, looking for my outfits; trying to pull it all together.”

Her vibrant energy uplifted the medical team and fellow patients. “It made everybody happier because [chemo] can be sad and traumatic. But when I came in … people could focus on something else for a little bit. I was able to shift the energy for everybody. I changed to the best version of me,” she says. And it all started with care that made a positive difference in her life.

06/25/2025

In the premiere episode of Living Real Change, join host Dr. Lacy Knight as he sits down with Dr. Wally Curran, Chief of Oncology at Piedmont, to explore powerful insights into conquering one of the world’s most feared diseases: cancer. Discover how innovation, compassion, and leadership are driving real change in oncology care.

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

06/23/2025

Thoughtful. Grounded. Future-Focused. Dr. Lacy Knight brings together voices from across the healthcare spectrum to explore what it really means to deliver care with impact.

Living Real Change launches June 25.
Don’t miss the conversation.

06/20/2025

Something new is launching June 25. Living Real Change is Piedmont’s new podcast, hosted by Dr. Lacy Knight.
Follow now on your favorite podcast platform to catch episode one.

06/17/2025

Piedmont Athens Regional recently hosted Save a Life Day, a community event dedicated to teaching life-saving skills that can make all the difference in an emergency. Empowering our community with the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency is at the heart of our mission to make a positive difference in every life we touch.

06/16/2025

Piedmont Athens Regional proudly served as the presenting sponsor of the Greater Athens Relay for Life Cancer Survivor’s Dinner, where we celebrated the courage and resilience of more than 200 cancer survivors and their caregivers. This annual event celebrates hope, gratitude, and community—reminding us of the power of support and the importance of continuing the fight against cancer, together!

06/15/2025

At Piedmont, some of our team members don’t just share a workplace, they share a lifetime of stories, lessons, and support. Today, we’re celebrating those who lead by example and are empowering the next generation walking right beside them.

06/13/2025

Piedmont Athens Regional was honored to stand alongside our vibrant Athens community at this year’s Athens Pride Parade! Together, we proudly support equality and acceptance, making a positive difference in health and wellness for all. Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating love, diversity, and unity!

06/09/2025

The Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation recently welcomed over 260 guests to the 10th annual Mint Jubilee at Live Wire Athens—and what a night it was! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised over $221,000 for the Unrestricted Gifts Fund, supporting vital patient programs and funding medical equipment. The evening was filled with celebration, purpose, and philanthropy, highlighting our commitment to fueling growth in the communities we serve.

06/09/2025

We are proud to share that the Piedmont Athens Regional Diabetes Self-Management Education Program was once again recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for its excellence in delivering high-quality diabetes education to the communities we serve. This is a national achievement that highlights Piedmont Athens Regional’s ongoing commitment to giving patients the tools they need to live healthier lives and its dedication to making a positive difference in the lives we touch. For more information, visit piedmont.org/diabetes

05/23/2025

Piedmont Athens Regional recently held an event honoring the incredible dedication of our EMS teams, including a special visit from Clawdius, the Athens Rock Lobster mascot. Together, we celebrated our local healthcare heroes on the front lines. Thank you to all of our EMS partners for the positive impact you have on every life you touch!

05/21/2025

Patients are now receiving life-saving liquid plasma transfusions before they even get to the hospital, thanks to a new initiative between Piedmont Athens Regional and the Elbert and Madison County EMS.

Launched in April 2025, this cutting-edge care aims to improve survival rates for trauma patients by treating severe bleeding on the way to the ER—a service offered by only 1% of EMS agencies nationwide. With the support of the Regional Trauma Advisory Committee and others in our community, we are proudly transforming health care across Georgia and beyond.

05/19/2025

Piedmont Athens was thrilled to welcome students from Jackson County High School for an engaging behind-the-scenes tour!

Students explored several key departments—including the Emergency Department, Radiology, Pharmacy, and Nutrition Services—and even got a taste of our on-site Chick-fil-A.

It was a fantastic day filled with curiosity, learning, and inspiration. We’re proud to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and grateful for the opportunity to share our passion for care and innovation.

Thank you for visiting us, Jackson County High School!

05/08/2025

This May, Piedmont Athens Regional and Safe Kids Athens are proud to celebrate Safe Kids Month 2025—a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting child safety across our community. Safe Kids Athens offers life-saving programs like car seat checkups, safety workshops, and sports clinics—all designed to help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries.
Why it matters:
• Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children.
• Falls are the top cause of non-fatal injuries.
• Drowning is the #1 cause of injury-related death for kids aged 1–4.
• Car seat misuse affects nearly 46% of families, but proper use can reduce risk by up to 71%.
Together, we are committed to educating and empowering families and to ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up safe and healthy.

03/10/2025

Since she was 4, Holly has been competing in pageants and discovered her love for charity and service work. From volunteering at senior centers to delivering holiday cards to pediatric patients, Holly's dedication to spreading joy is truly inspiring.

Recently, Holly and her friends, known as "Holly's Giving Gang," delivered Valentine's Day cards to the staff at Piedmont Walton Hospital. This is just the beginning for the Giving Gang, with many more projects on the horizon to bring smiles and surprises to the community, making a positive difference in the lives of so many!