Piedmont Atlanta

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.

07/07/2025

Three years after Samantha and Fayne Abbey’s triplets were born, they now marvel at how their girls are thriving—especially considering that all three needed to stay in the NICU for around 30 days. At the recent Piedmont Atlanta NICU reunion, Samantha reminisced about the wonderful experience and compassionate care team she had at Piedmont, who made a positive difference during those initial stressful days.

“They always did little things, like having the comfy chair near the girls when they knew we were coming in, or finding ways to make it possible to hold more than one girl at a time,” she shared. “I am especially thankful for how they prepared me leading up to delivery while I was hospitalized. I felt like I went into my c-section at 31 weeks knowing exactly what to expect, and that eased my mama heart more than anything.”

Samantha and Fayne bring the girls to visit the NICU every year on their birthday, and it brings all of us great joy knowing we played such an important role in their lives and continue to be a part of their family.

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!

07/03/2025

Piedmont Atlanta recently hosted a fun-filled reunion for parents and their children who called the NICU their home away from home between 2020 and 2023. Over 100 people attended and were treated to a day at Zoo Atlanta with face painting, handprint art, yard games, and animal encounters. It was a beautiful reminder of the positive difference compassionate care can make in the lives of our tiniest patients and their families!

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!

06/30/2025

Jon Shirek told thousands of stories during his decades as a journalist, but his final one may be the most meaningful for patients across Georgia facing the same devastating cancer diagnosis. Now, his family and the doctors who cared for him are helping continue his legacy—his final wish was for donations in his memory to go to the Piedmont Brain Tumor Center, a place that gave him strength in the toughest days of his life.
Donations to the Orr Brain Tumor Fund at Piedmont enable us to make a difference in every life we touch. To make a donation in Jon Shirek’s memory, https://secure3.convio.net/phfou/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30064a?df_id=3701&mfc_pref=T&3701.donation=form1&set.ShowHonorFields=TRUE&set.TributeType=TRIBUTE&set.custom.Honor_Gift_Piedmont_Clinician=FALSE&set.TributeTitle=Mr.&set.TributeFirstName=Jon&set.TributeLastName=Shirek&NONCE_TOKEN=7AAB4DEACDF2D50AAC2857B7DE378CEA

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.

06/15/2025

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.

05/06/2025

Hilarie Straka, 69, was shopping with her daughter, Mallory Cohen, and 7-year-old granddaughter on Valentine’s Day when her chest started to hurt. Mallory immediately headed for Piedmont Atlanta. About a mile from the hospital, her mom slumped over in the backseat. Mallory whipped into the turnaround in front of Marcus Tower, flung open the car doors, and screamed for help. The Piedmont care team jumped into action—everyone from the public safety officer to the chaplain to members of the emergency department. When seconds counted most, Piedmont’s care team was there for Hilarie. Their immediate response saved her life, and made it possible for her to enjoy Easter Sunday with her precious family.

05/02/2025

Thank you to the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation and the Foundation for Hospital Art for helping us create a healing environment at the Piedmont Brain Tumor Center with newly donated artwork. Last September, participants in the Race for Research painted these beautiful butterflies to promote a healing environment and make a positive difference for our patients!

04/28/2025

Piedmont's Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center has been named a Center of Excellence by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association. The genetic cardiac disease hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it harder to pump blood. Piedmont is the third site in Georgia to receive this honor, highlighting our dedication to improving lives through high-quality diagnostic, treatment, education, and research programs. Learn more about Piedmont Heart’s Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program, go to piedmont.org/HCM

Atlanta, Ga. (April 21, 2025) – The genetic cardiac disease hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thick, which makes it harder for the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at Piedmont is

04/16/2025

Meet Nurse Cody Heywood, whose life was profoundly touched by the incredible support of her colleagues at Piedmont Atlanta. When her kidneys began to fail due to an inherited disease, her coworkers rallied around her in ways she never imagined. One extraordinary colleague, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated a kidney, leading to Cody's successful transplant on March 5th. "Through this whole process, my Piedmont family has gone crazy for me," Cody shares. "I don’t think I could have gotten through this without them."

Piedmont is proud to have such a remarkable and dedicated team. Join Piedmont in making a real change in our community by registering as an organ donor at PiedmontLivingDonor.org. Together, we can make a positive difference.

04/04/2025

Piedmont Atlanta is now a verified Level IV maternal care facility by The Joint Commission and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the highest level in the Maternal Levels of Care Verification program. We're proud to be one of only four hospitals in Georgia to achieve this honor. This recognition highlights our commitment to providing high-quality care for the most complex maternal conditions. Thank you to our Women's Services team for their commitment to excellence!

Atlanta, Ga. (March 31, 2025) – Piedmont Atlanta Hospital is now verified as a level IV maternal care facility by The Joint Commission in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This is the highest level in the Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verificati

01/02/2025

Welcome Augustus “Augie” Suessmith, Piedmont Atlanta’s first New Year’s baby!

Born on January 1, 2025, at 9:54 a.m., Augie has already stolen the hearts of his proud parents, Allie and Charlie Suessmith, and his excited big brother, 2 ½-year-old Cort.
Join us in congratulating this beautiful family as they start the new year with their precious new addition!

12/30/2024

For longtime friends and Delta Sigma Theta sorority sisters Essence Johnson, Gigi Gilbert, and Gina Dempsey, the holidays are all about tradition—and thoughtful gifts. Last year, Gina took their gift exchange to a whole new level by giving her friends the ultimate present: peace of mind about their heart health.

She gifted them each a heart screening designed for women through Piedmont’s Women’s Heart Program. Gina, Gigi and Essence scheduled their screenings to be on the same day. Afterwards, they got together for dinner and shared their results. Gina explains, “The whole point is not only to do the test, but committing to being each other’s accountability partners” when it comes to heart health. Celebrate your loved ones by encouraging them to prioritize their health—it’s a gift that lasts a lifetime.

12/19/2024

Piedmont Atlanta's Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Department is proud to partner with Mercer University on their 13-month residency program in wound management and physical therapy!

Recently accredited, this program is one of only two in the country designed to train expert physical therapists in wound management. Through this collaboration, we're shaping the future of high-quality patient care.

Special shoutout to Logan Kark, the program's first graduate, who is now a full-time wound care clinician at Piedmont Atlanta!
Both Piedmont Atlanta and Piedmont Fayette are thrilled to welcome Mercer residents as we continue to foster the next generation of wound care specialists.

12/12/2024

Leaders from Piedmont Atlanta Hospital joined forces at the Atlanta Community Food Bank to lend a helping hand! Together, they inspected, sorted, and packed grocery deliveries for families in need. In just a few hours, the team's efforts helped provide nearly 10,000 meals!

We are grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference and extend a heartfelt thank you to the Atlanta Community Food Bank for the incredible work they do to fight hunger in our community.