Coffee Regional Medical Center

09/24/2025

Coffee Regional Medical Center Announces Launch of ACGME-Accredited Internal Medicine Residency Program

Coffee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is proud to announce the official approval of its Internal Medicine Residency Program by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This milestone marks a significant step in advancing medical education and expanding access to high-quality healthcare in our community.

The program will be led by Lora Denton, MD, MACP, who brings more than three decades of teaching experience to her role as Program Director. Under her leadership, the residency program has been carefully designed from the ground up, integrating best practices, evidence-based medicine, and a dedication to developing physicians who are not only clinically skilled but also compassionate, thoughtful, and community-focused.

“From day one, with the help of several of our practicing physicians at CRMC, our vision has been to create a residency program that truly reflects the heart of Coffee Regional Medical Center—providing exceptional medical education while fostering a culture of kindness and service,” said Dr. Denton.

CRMC will welcome its first class of five internal medicine residents in July 2026. The program will continue to expand by accepting five residents each year for the following two years, building to a total of 15 residents by the Class of 2028.

“This residency program is an exciting milestone not just for Coffee Regional Medical Center, but for the community we serve,” said Vicki Lewis, President & CEO of Coffee Regional Medical Center. “By training physicians here in Douglas, we are investing in the future of healthcare for our region and strengthening our commitment to ensuring that patients have access to excellent care close to home.”

Residents will benefit from instruction across a broad spectrum of specialties, including:
• Hospice and Palliative Care
• Ambulatory Medicine
• Hospital Medicine
• Geriatric Medicine
• Nephrology
• Emergency Medicine
• Hematology & Oncology
• Rheumatology
• Pulmonology
• Population Health
• Infectious Disease
• Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Cardiology
• Critical Care
• Neurology

Through CRMC’s academic affiliation with Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM), all residents will also enjoy full access to MUSM’s library and academic resources.

“This type of program provides a significant opportunity to address local healthcare needs and physician shortages by preparing future physicians for practice in rural and underserved settings,” added Dr. Denton. “Our goal is to build a program, enriched by a supportive community, that inspires many of these young physicians to make Douglas & Coffee County their home. Nationally, nearly 50% of physicians remain in the community where they train, and we are committed to making Douglas and Coffee Regional Medical Center a place where they want to build their careers.”

Details on curriculum, faculty, and program requirements are available online at www.CoffeeRegional.org/internal-medicine-residency/.

Coffee Regional Medical Center looks forward to welcoming its first class of internal medicine residents in July 2026 and continuing its mission: To Serve. To Heal. To Save.

Visit the post for more.

09/24/2025

🚐 Need a Ride? SGRC Regional Transit Has Got You Covered! 🚐

We are happy to share this transportation resource with our community. Southern Georgia Regional Transit provides safe, reliable, and affordable rides to help you get where you need to go. Whether it’s a doctor’s appointment, shopping, or other essential errands, this service is here for you.

✅ Curb-to-curb service
✅ Handicap accessible vehicles
✅ Affordable fares – just $3 for the first 10 miles + $0.50/mile after
✅ Service hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

📞 To schedule a ride, call 855-360-7475 between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at least one day in advance.
🌐 Learn more: https://www.sgrc.us/public-transit-services.html

At Coffee Regional Medical Center, we care about your health and your ability to access the care you need. These regional transportation services are here to help keep our community connected. 💚 Please direct all questions to SGRC by calling the number above.

— Coffee Regional Medical Center: To Serve. To Heal. To Save.

09/24/2025

At Coffee Regional, our state-of-the-art infusion center offers oncology and hematology services. Learn more in the video below.

Sarah Lott Brown, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Coffee Regional Medical Center, shares how the hospital effectively meets the health and wellne...

09/23/2025

Coffee Regional Medical Center Physician Gives Back by Inspiring the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

Douglas, Ga. — Coffee Regional Medical Center is proud to highlight the recent efforts of one of its physicians, Justin Peterson, MD, OB/GYN, who helped provide an unforgettable educational experience for local high school students.
Dr. Peterson and his wife, Meredith Peterson, a science teacher at Citizens Christian Academy (CCA) in Douglas, recently organized a trip for CCA’s anatomy class to Mercer University School of Medicine and the Rural Health Innovation Center. The students participated in a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, gaining valuable insight into the medical field.

During the visit, the class met Jean Sumner, MD, Dean of Mercer University School of Medicine, who shared the importance of rural healthcare and Mercer’s commitment to preparing physicians from rural communities to meet those needs. Students also had the unique opportunity to learn about the respiratory tract and practice intubation techniques. In Mercer’s cadaver lab, they worked alongside Dr. Ali Gheidi, who holds a PhD in neuroscience and a post-doctoral fellowship in neurobiology, to conduct a sheep brain dissection.

The day concluded with a panel discussion featuring Mercer medical students, who shared their experiences and offered guidance on the educational path toward a career in medicine. “This type of hands-on learning is invaluable,” said Dr. Peterson. “It helps students see what’s possible and shows them that a future in healthcare is within their reach. It was an honor to join these students for the day and hopefully help spark an interest in pursuing medicine.”

A 2006 graduate of Citizens Christian Academy, Dr. Peterson was both valedictorian and STAR student of his class. He went on to complete both his undergraduate and medical degrees at Mercer University School of Medicine, where he has continued to work closely with Dean Sumner on initiatives to advance rural healthcare. Today, Dr. Peterson is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with CRH Women’s Center.

Coffee Regional Medical Center extends its gratitude to Mercer University School of Medicine, Dean Sumner, Dr. Gheidi, and the Mercer medical student panel for providing this exceptional experience. Special thanks also to Dr. Peterson for his dedication to the community and for inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

09/23/2025

🚨 ATV & Side-by-Side Safety Matters 🚨

Recently, our community has experienced a heartbreaking rise in ATV and side-by-side accidents—some resulting in life-altering injuries and even loss of life. At Coffee Regional Medical Center, we care deeply about the safety of our neighbors, families, and friends.

If you or your loved ones enjoy riding, please remember these important safety tips:
✅ Always wear a helmet and proper protective gear.
✅ Buckle up—use seatbelts or harnesses in side-by-side vehicles.
✅ Follow age requirements: riders should be of legal driving age.
✅ Never carry more passengers than the vehicle is designed for.
✅ Ride responsibly—avoid high speeds and risky terrain.
✅ Never operate a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Your choices can save lives—yours, your child’s, or a friend’s. Let’s protect one another and keep the joy of riding safe for everyone. ❤

Coffee Regional Medical Center: To Serve. To Heal. To Save.

09/17/2025

At Coffee Regional Medical Center, your health and safety are at the heart of everything we do. 💙

We’re proud to be an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, a recognition from the American College of Surgeons that highlights our commitment to quality, safety, and excellence in surgical care.

This means you can trust that CRMC is focused on the future of patient care—today and every day.

09/16/2025

Coffee Regional Medical Center Participates in South Georgia Regional GME Conference

Douglas, Ga. – (September 15, 2025) – Coffee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) was well represented at the South Georgia Regional Graduate Medical Education (GME) Conference, held Saturday, September 13, at Valdosta State University’s Health Sciences Building in Valdosta. The conference brought together physicians, advanced practice providers, educators, and medical students from across the region to share innovations and strengthen collaboration in medical education.

CRMC proudly contributed to multiple areas of the conference:
• Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, MD, presented a breakout session titled “Viral Hepatitis: Update”, offering key insights into evolving clinical trends and treatment considerations.
• Thet Zaw, MD, and Ashlyn Carter, NP, presented a research poster, “Severe Hyponatremia Secondary to Hypothyroidism: A Reversible Cause,” highlighting an important case study.
• Jeff Bushong, Vice President of Physician Practices at CRMC, attended to engage with medical students and residents, providing information on practice opportunities and professional resources available through Coffee Regional & CRH Physician Practices.
• Dr. Lora Denton, Program Director for CRMC’s developing Internal Medicine Residency Program, played a pivotal role in coordinating CRMC’s representation at the conference. Dr. Denton continues to lead the institution’s efforts to expand residency opportunities in South Georgia, addressing the physician workforce needs of the region.

“It was inspiring to see Coffee Regional so well represented at the South Georgia Regional GME Conference,” said Dr. Lora Denton. “Our team’s participation — from Dr. Jonnalagadda’s session to the poster presentation by Dr. Zaw and Nurse Practitioner Carter — reflects the strong foundation we are building for graduate medical education here in Douglas. We are excited about the opportunities our upcoming Internal Medicine Residency will bring, not only for medical learners, but also for the future of healthcare in our community.”

The South Georgia Regional GME Conference featured keynote speakers, educational breakout sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities designed to support the next generation of healthcare providers.

Coffee Regional Medical Center was honored to have the opportunity to participate in this event as we continue the development of our graduate medical education program.

09/16/2025

We’re honored to be a participant in KidsABC, a groundbreaking initiative strengthening pediatric care in rural Georgia. From chronic to acute respiratory illnesses, we’re ready to serve kids right here at home. 🚸💖

09/14/2025

Why choose CRH Surgical Group?
✔ Board-certified general surgeons
✔ Comprehensive surgical expertise
✔ Care that’s close to home

Dr. Royals and Dr. Humphries are proud to serve Coffee County and surrounding communities with safe, compassionate surgical care.

📍 100 Doctors Drive, Suite C | 📞 (912) 384-5832

09/11/2025

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FREE PROSTATE EXAMS ARE AT CRH UROLOGY CLINIC - NOT COFFEE REGIONAL.
TODAY, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
3pm - 7pm

CRH UROLOGY CLINIC
2007 OCILLA RD
DOUGLAS, GA

09/10/2025

Football season is here and just like a great game, HEART is all about making winning plays. Don't fumble your chance to receive a 100% Georgia income tax credit through HEART this year.

Click the link to learn more. https://georgiaheart.org/

09/10/2025

FREE PROSTATE EXAMS AT CRH UROLOGY CLINIC
2007 Ocilla Rd. Douglas

Coffee Regional Medical Center and CRH Urology Group to Offer Free Prostate Exam and PSA Test : TOMORROW, THURSDAY, SEPT 11th

Coffee Regional Medical Center, in partnership with CRH Urology Group, will host a FREE prostate exam and PSA test on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the CRH Urology Clinic.

Did you know that 1 out of every 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime? Early detection saves lives, and this free screening event provides an important opportunity for men in our community to take charge of their health.

No appointment is necessary. Simply walk in between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to receive your free exam and PSA test.

This event is made possible through the commitment of Coffee Regional Medical Center and CRH Urology Group to improving the health and well-being of the community.

For more information, please call CRH Urology Clinic at (912) 381-0162. CRH Urology Clinic is located at 2007 Ocilla Road in Douglas, GA.