Piedmont Eastside

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.

09/25/2025

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.

09/15/2025

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

09/11/2025

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

08/04/2025

Piedmont Eastside is honoring Officer Preston Marsh with the Duluth Police Department for his heroic actions while off duty to save a young girl from drowning.

Marsh was relaxing by the pool when he noticed a 4-year-old girl struggling. He jumped into action to save her. The girl, who typically wears floaties, jumped in the pool without them. Marsh's quick response was only alerted by the sound of his feet on the concrete, but he sprinted 25 yards across the pool deck to intervene. The girl's mother expressed gratitude for Marsh's quick thinking and selfless act, stating, "I truly don’t know what would have happened had he not been on high alert and jumped in to save my sweet 4-year-old."

The Duluth Police Department also commended Marsh for his dedication to public safety and described his actions as a shining example of his commitment to serving others.

07/21/2025

Piedmont Eastside recently hosted a Thursday Lunch and Learn series event at GCFES Fire Academy to educate Gwinnett County Fire/EMS Paramedic & EMT students before they start their clinical rotations at the hospital. During the presentation, crews enjoyed a lasagna lunch while hospital leaders covered everything they would need to know to get started. There were 35 Advanced EMT students and seven instructors and supervisors in attendance. Pictured with the students are Michelle Schaefer ( ER Director) and Cierra Blank (Stroke and STEMI Manager) who spoke about their departments at the hospital.

07/03/2025

Piedmont Eastside recently teamed up with Gwinnett County Fire for a Lunch & Learn focused on emergency cardiac care. Held at Fire Station #12 in Snellville, the session featured Dr. David Casey, Cardiac Interventionalist, and sparked a great Q&A with our Emergency Department and CVA/STEMI leaders.

This ongoing series is making a positive difference by strengthening EMS education and building collaboration between first responders and our physicians—because every second counts!

06/27/2025

Piedmont Eastside had the pleasure of making rounds to visit some of our incredible EMS partners, delivering donuts and heartfelt thanks to the teams who work tirelessly on the front lines. We’re grateful for our continued partnership with our EMS team members, and we will continue to ensure that together we are making a positive difference in the communities we serve!

05/16/2025

When Larry Reece received news that he needed to get a 10-millimeter mass removed from his prostate, he placed full trust in his Piedmont Eastside care team who were offering to use the Single Port robotic system, a cutting-edge surgical tool that allows for precise, minimally invasive procedures with faster recovery and less disruption to everyday life.

Today, he thanks his expert care team for offering a solution that prioritized both his health and his quality of life. Larry was able to return home the very same day and resume normal, daily activities quickly. Larry is proud to be part of something that’s helping shape the future of medicine.

This is more than a success story—it’s a testament to the power of leading with compassion and transforming health care close to home. To learn more about the Single Port robotic system at Piedmont Eastside, read here https://www.piedmont.org/about-piedmont-healthcare/media-room/stories/news-article?story=5319

05/13/2025

When Alma Thompson came to Piedmont Eastside for a routine stress test before a scheduled surgery, she never imagined it would save her life. Thanks to the expertise and quality care of our cardiovascular team, two serious blockages were detected, and she immediately received two stents that prevented a heart attack. Alma is now on the road to recovery and full of gratitude for the care she received. This is why delivering life-saving care close to home makes a positive difference!

05/10/2025

At 27 weeks pregnant, Dynika Marshall walked into a Piedmont Urgent Care to get treatment for her sick firstborn when the care team suspected things were not quite right with her health. They checked her blood pressure and discovered it was dangerously high. She was rushed to Piedmont Eastside where she underwent an emergency C-section.

Her baby girl, Journi, spent three months in the NICU, overcoming challenges caused by preeclampsia. Despite these hurdles, Dynika is deeply grateful to Piedmont for saving both her life and her daughter’s. Now, she is sharing her story, supporting other mothers, and collaborating with our foundation to raise funds and awareness for preeclampsia and NICU care. We thank you, Dynika, for turning your experience into a mission to make a positive difference!

04/18/2025

While patrolling the area, Snellville Police Officer Lieutenant Andre Sullivan, came across a car that was broken down on Scenic Highway. Lt. Sullivan figured the occupants of the car had run out of gas. Sullivan took a gas can, filled it, purchased a $40 QuikTrip gas gift card for future use. When he provided this to the family, he learned they were displaced, and the family was staying at a warming shelter.

Because of the situation, Lt. Sullivan took it upon himself to buy meals for the family, so they wouldn't go hungry. Lt. Sullivan even received a letter commendation from the Snellville Police Department because of his actions!

This is why Piedmont Eastside is honoring Lt. Sullivan as the April First Friday Hero. We thank him for his dedication and commitment to this community!

02/14/2025

Piedmont Eastside has opened a new Obstetric Emergency Department (OB-ED)—the only one of its kind in the county! This 24/7 specialized unit is dedicated to treating urgent, emergent, and unexpected prenatal and postpartum concerns, ensuring moms-to-be receive expert care when they need it most.

This initiative is making a positive difference by reducing delays, improving outcomes, and ensuring seamless, high-quality care for every patient!

01/31/2025

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Piedmont Eastside partnered with the Gwinnett community to spread warmth and kindness. Our team donated blankets to the seniors at the Briscoe Park Community Room, making sure they feel cozy and cared for. Together, we’re making a difference one gesture at a time.

01/23/2025

While pregnant with her second child, Dynika visited Urgent Care for her sick firstborn—but it turned into a life-saving moment for her. During the visit, the team checked her blood pressure and discovered it was dangerously high. At just 27 weeks pregnant, she was rushed to Piedmont Eastside, where she underwent an emergency C-section.

Her daughter, Journi, spent three months in the NICU, overcoming challenges caused by preeclampsia. Despite these hurdles, Dynika is deeply grateful to Piedmont for saving both her life and her daughter’s.

In 2022, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births—significantly higher than rates for White (19.0), Hispanic (16.9), and Asian (13.2) women. While maternal mortality rates decreased significantly across all age groups from 2021 to 2022, this stark disparity highlights the importance of raising awareness and advocating for equitable healthcare.

Now, she’s sharing her story, supporting other mothers, and collaborating with our foundation to raise funds and awareness for preeclampsia and NICU care. Thank you, Dynika, for turning your experience into a mission to make a positive difference.

01/02/2025

We’re thrilled to introduce the latest advancement in minimally invasive surgery, the Single Port da Vinci robot, at Piedmont Eastside. This cutting-edge technology allows our surgeons to perform a range of procedures with remarkable precision and care. Our team is utilizing this innovative tool for certain urology procedures involving the kidneys, prostate, and bladder. Patients can expect fewer complications and even better cosmetic outcomes. At Piedmont, we’re dedicated to providing advanced care that helps you get back to living your best life sooner.