Category Archives: Member Announcements

Albany Internal Medicine Welcomes Dr. Millie Gibson

Please join us as we welcome Dr. Millie Gibson to Albany Internal Medicine. Dr. Gibson joined AIM on September 3rd, 2024. If you are interested in joining Dr. Gibson’s practice as a new or established patient, please call 229-438-3300.

Dr. Millie Gibson is a dedicated internist with a passion for providing comprehensive and compassionate care. A proud southwest Georgia native, Dr. Gibson was born in Albany and grew up in Dawson. She is thrilled to return SWGA to serve the people who helped shape her into who she is today. She completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Atrium Health Navicent – The Medical Center in Macon, GA, where she honed her skills in diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions. Dr. Gibson’s training has equipped her with a strong foundation in patient-centered care, emphasizing both preventive and therapeutic approaches to health management.

Dr. Gibson earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, GA, where she developed a deep understanding of medical science and a commitment to lifelong learning. Her medical education was marked by a focus on integrating clinical knowledge with practical experience, preparing her to tackle complex medical challenges.

When not seeing patients, Dr. Gibson enjoys exploring the intersection of medicine and culture, staying active with outdoor activities, and engaging in community health initiatives. She remains committed to advancing her knowledge and contributing to the field of Internal Medicine through both practice and continued education.

Please help me welcome Dr. Gibson to Albany Internal Medicine. We are so grateful for her decision to call AIM her “home”.
Schedule an appointment online at www.albanyim.com or call our office Monday thru Thursday (8 am – 5 pm) or Friday (8 am -1 pm) at 229-438-3300.

Phoebe Surgeon Uses Gaming Hobby to Help Children

 

Albany, Ga. – In the operating room, Phoebe General Surgeon Dr. Jason Langer is meticulous and detail-oriented.  As the physician in the region with the most experience using the da Vinci robotic surgical system, he deftly maneuvers the system’s robotic arms, performing delicate minimially-invasive procedures that significantly improve – or save – the lives of his patients.

Away from the hospital, he uses those same steady hands and eye for detail to craft miniature characters for Warhammer 40,000, a game popular worldwide in which players enact battles using models of warriors and fighting vehicles.

“It involves small-scale models that you actually build and paint yourself.  The game is kind of a combination of Risk, chess and Dungeons and Dragons.  You can create a backstory for your army that you’re moving around the table,” Dr. Langer said.  “I’ve gotten to travel to events around the country to play the game, and I’ve met some incredible people from all around the world.”

Now, Dr. Langer is combining his gaming passion with his professional passion.  This Saturday, he’ll kick off a 24-hour marathon game of Warhammer 40,000 as part of Children’s Miracle Network’s (CMN) Extra Life campaign that encourages gamers, creators, artists and other passionate individuals to support their local communities.  November 2 is Extra Life Game Day, the campaign’s main annual event when participants play games to raise money to help neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric patients at CMN hospitals.

“Extra Life melds my hobby world and my work world, so I get to play a game that I use as part of my escape, and I’m able to raise money for CMN for local patients to help our miracle babies at Phoebe,” Dr. Langer said.

He got involved with Extra Life a few years ago and played video games on Game Day two years ago.  Last year, he collected donations from his Warhammer friends, but this year he’s going all out, lining up about 10 of his Warhammer enthusiast friends to take part in a 24-hour game.

“We’ll basically be using every model we have.  I’ll probably have close to 500 models myself that I’ll be playing with.  Each player will have plenty of time for breaks, but there will be action going on at all times,” Dr. Langer said.

Dr. Langer will be playing at The Nerd Store in Hunters Mill Shopping Center at 2610 Dawson Road in Albany beginning at noon on Saturday and will stream the game live on Twitch.

“The Nerd Store is a great place for the gaming community.  As soon as I talked to the owner about this, he said, ‘please do it here.’  He was super excited and willing to support this.  I hope people will come by and watch in person, and they can donate from the Extra Life page as well.”

Dr. Langer set a personal goal of raising $5,000 and team goal of $6,000.  “I think with support from the community, we can reach that goal,” he said.

All of that money will stay at Phoebe to support programs and services for local pediatric and NICU patients.  You can visit www.extra-life.org/participant/JasonLanger to make a donation and to watch the livestream of Dr. Langer’s game.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:  Attached photos – headshot of Dr. Langer, Dr. Langer using the da Vinci robot, Dr. Langer at a da Vinci training event, Dr. Langer on a gaming stream, some of Dr. Langer’s Warhammer models, and Dr. Langer with some of his gaming friends.

 

THE ALBANY SYMPHONY presents “Halloween: Symphonic Spooktacular Concert”

Saturday, November 2, 2024, 6:30 pm at the Albany Municipal Auditorium

No Admission Charge/$15 Suggested Donation

Grace Notes: 10:00 am

Join the Albany Symphony Orchestra for the first concert of the 24-25 Season, featuring Halloween themed music by John Williams, Grieg, St. Saens, Mussorgsky, and others.  Come dressed in your favorite costume and join the orchestra members as they dress in theirs!  For more information go to www.albanysymphony.org  or by calling 229-430-8933.

“This will be such a fun way to kick off the ASO’s new season.  Once again, this year, we are not selling tickets to performances because we don’t want cost to keep any families away.  We do encourage those who can donate to do so, but we will not charge admission because we want everyone in the community to be able to enjoy the symphony,” says Board President, Ben Roberts.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor : Webstaurant Store and our Gold Sponsors : Upland Wealth Advisors, Phoebe Putney Health Systems, Sunnyland Farms, WALB, Albany Air Conditioning & Heating and In the Light Creative Studio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For any additional information and/or details please feel free to contact:

 

 

Claire Fox Hillard                                       (229) 669-3191

Music Director & Conductor                    chillard@albanysymphony.org

 

Ben Roberts, President

Albany Symphony Association              bfrobert@phoebehealth.com

 

Phoebe Audiologist Uses Her Personal Experience to Serve Others

Albany, Ga. – As a teenager, Abi Askew saw her future in a dream.

“I know it sounds a strange, but when I was in high school, I had a dream one night that I was an audiologist,” she said.  “My grandmother always told me that I was going to be an audiologist, but I never actually believed her because I didn’t think I could do it.  And then I had that dream, and I was like, ‘let’s do it.’”

The initial source of Askew’s lack of self-confidence was also the thing that motivated her to help others – her own profound hearing loss.

“I was born with hearing loss, so that’s what kind of got me interested in the field of audiology.  I always knew I wanted to help people, and I did not let it stop me.  I did overcome it,” she said.

Askew’s family lived in the small town of Arlington, and she was born at Phoebe.  She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss when she was 15 months old.

“Growing up in a small town, it was a lot for my family to have to travel to Atlanta all those years to get me the care I needed.  I knew I wanted to become an audiologist one day so I could bring this service to southwest Georgia.”

She received a cochlear implant in one ear at age two and the other ear at age 14.  Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices that may improve hearing for individuals with specific forms of severe hearing loss.  While no one in Albany currently implants the devices, Askew can work with physicians on initial hearing tests and can provide post-surgery support such as activation, routine maintenance and device adjustments to ensure optimal hearing performance.  She also provides additional testing following newborn hearing screenings, various diagnostic testing for children and adults, auditory processing disorder evaluations and fittings for hearing aids.

“To me, all hearing loss needs to be treated,” Askew said.  “If it’s starting to affect your quality of life, it needs to be addressed.  It’s not normal not to be able to hear when there’s background noise.  It’s not normal for you to feel like you have to strain to hear conversations or turn up the TV every time you try to listen to your favorite TV show.”

Askew attended Valdosta State University, then earned her Doctorate in Audiology from the University of South Alabama before joining Phoebe Audiology earlier this year.  She sees patients at the Phoebe Northwest Rehabilitation Center and believes her empathy helps her serve patients well.

“I don’t make it about my history during an appointment.  It’s all about the patient, and that’s how it should be.  Then, if I tell them about my hearing loss, it makes them feel comfortable to open up to me,” she said.

Askew is excited to be back home in southwest Georgia where she is close to loved ones and is helping families like hers.

“I find it especially rewarding when I can make a difference in the life of a child and the parents tell me that I’ve made them feel a lot better about their situation,” she said.  “I believe that God puts you in the right place at the right time.  It kind of feels like it’s meant to be.”

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EDITOR’S NOTE:  Attached photos show Abi Askew, Au.D., Phoebe Audiologist.

 

Phoebe to Host 2024 Women’s Health Fair: Roots of Wellness

Albany, Ga – Phoebe Putney Health System will host its 2024 Women’s Health Fair, themed “Roots of Wellness,” on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Albany State University, West Campus Gym, located at 2400 Gillionville Road.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals, learn more about their health risks and receive valuable health screenings and information. The free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes will be from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

“Our goal is to help women understand how their genetics and lifestyle choices intersect to impact their overall wellness. By empowering women with knowledge and tools, we hope to inspire healthier futures for them and their families,” said Keisa Mansfield, Phoebe Clinical Research Manager.

Whether you’re looking to make changes for yourself or support the women in your life, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore the latest in women’s health and wellness. All are welcome to attend.

Phoebe thanks its partners who are helping put on the fair, including Albany State University, Albany Technical College, Flint River Fresh, Morehouse School of Medicine and the Southwest Public Health District.

Craft Axe Throwing Honors First Responders with Special Discount

Craft Axe Throwing Honors First Responders with Special Discount

First Responders Receive 20% Off Axe Throwing October 27th, 30th & 31st

Albany, GA – October 14th, 2024 – Craft Axe Throwing is excited to announce special days of appreciation for first responders, offering 20% off axe throwing October 27th, 30th, and 31st, 2024. This discount is a small token of gratitude for the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.

First responders, including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and paramedics, can enjoy a fun and thrilling experience at any Craft Axe Throwing location during this special week. Just show your valid ID, and you’ll receive 20% off your axe throwing session.

“At Craft Axe Throwing, we recognize the invaluable service that first responders provide every day,” said Ashlie Shelley, Operations Coordinator at Craft Axe Throwing. “We wanted to create a week where they can unwind, have fun, and enjoy a well-deserved break on us. This is our way of saying thank you for their dedication and sacrifices.”

Event Details:

  • What: 20% off axe throwing for first responders
  • When: October 27th, 30th, and 31st, 2024
  • Where: All Craft Axe Throwing locations
  • Who: First responders (with valid ID)

To book your time, visit craftaxethrowing.com and discounts are applied at check-in.

 

About Craft Axe Throwing: Craft Axe Throwing is a premier entertainment destination providing a safe and exciting environment for axe throwing and other activities. With locations nationwide, Craft Axe Throwing is the perfect spot for parties, corporate events, and more.

Phoebe Names Physician and Advanced Practice Provider of the Year

Albany, Ga. – A physician whose passion for raising awareness about prostate cancer led him to help organize screening events around the country and a nurse practitioner with an extraordinary commitment to improving mental health have been named Phoebe’s Physician of the Year and Advanced Practice Provider of the Year.  John McGill, MD, and Victoria Jones, DNP, were honored at a banquet hosted by Phoebe Physicians Thursday night.

Dr. McGill, a urologist at Phoebe Urology, was nominated for the award by more individuals than any other physician.  He is “the very best of the best,” noted one nominator.  “He is an incredible physician and person.  He is so kind to every patient.  Although, he stays tremendously busy, he takes time with each one and truly listens to them,” wrote another.

Dr. McGill attended the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, graduated from the urology residency program at Case Western Reserve University and completed fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic.  After joining the Phoebe Family, he was an early proponent and the medical lead for Project Elevation, a partnership between Phoebe, Morehouse School of Medicine and area churches.  The innovative project trains “champions” at participating churches to educate men – especially Black men who are more likely to develop prostate cancer and less likely to be screened for it – about prostate cancer.  The churches then host health fairs at which blood tests to screen for prostate cancer are offered.  In less than three years, Project Elevation has provided free screenings to 831 men.

“Lives can be changed, and we can do it together,” Dr. McGill said in the early stages of Project Elevation.  “This is the core of what we need to be doing in this community.”

In his role as Director of Community Engagement for the R. Frank Jones Urological Society, a national organization of Black urologists, Dr. McGill has taken aspects of the Project Elevation model nationwide.  In conjunction with conferences and meetings associated with the National Medical Association, Dr. McGill has organized prostate cancer education and screening events in New Orleans, Chicago and Harlem, with more events planned.  Dr. McGill has also traveled twice recently to Liberia to help expand surgical services in the west African country.  But his greatest impact may be right here at home where his passion is serving his patients.

“He treats everyone with kindness and respect,” wrote a Phoebe Urology staff member who noted in the nomination for physician of the year that several of Dr. McGill’s patients make long drives, even from out of state, to see him.  “He has formed strong relationships with his patients.  He listens to them, and they are confident in his decisions.”

APP of the Year Victoria Jones is an Albany native who earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Columbus State University and her Doctorate as a Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Tennessee Health & Science Center.  She returned to Albany in 2018 after working as a nurse practitioner in Bartlett, TN; Atlanta, GA; and Hiram, GA.

“She is well-respected and loved by her peers and by the staff that support her daily,” wrote one person who nominated her.  Another said, “She deserves to be the APP of the Year because of the dedication she has to all patients and to the healing of those with mental health issues.”

In her role with Phoebe Behavioral Health, Jones treats patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings and also sees patients in the clinic at the Dougherty County Jail.  One nominator pointed out her willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure patients get the care they need.  “She is a dedicated employee who goes above and beyond to support the physicians as well as all the medical providers,” the nomination read.  “When one of the physicians was out (with an illness), she stepped in and saw all the patients on the inpatient unit as well as did consults and took call every night.”

Thursday night’s recognition event also served as a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the creation of Phoebe’s provider group.  Phoebe Physicians currently employs 185 physicians and 183 APPs.  Those clinicians work in Phoebe’s hospitals, as well as primary care, urgent care and specialty care clinics throughout southwest Georgia.  Phoebe Physicians President Dr. Estrellita Redmon congratulated Dr. McGill and Jones, and all the physicians and APPs who were nominated for the awards.

“John and Victoria are talented and experienced healthcare professionals who provide exceptional care and superior service to every one of their patients.  Their commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care is exemplary,” Dr. Redmon said.  “Our winners represent a large, diverse and outstanding group of physicians and advanced practice providers at Phoebe Physicians.  It is my privilege to work with them to ensure the people of southwest Georgia have access to the advanced, quality care they need, and I am proud to honor John and Victoria as fine examples of what it means to be a Phoebe Physicians provider,” she added.

More than four dozen physicians and APPs received nominations for the calendar year 2023 awards.  Anyone, from co-workers to patients to patients’ family members, may nominate providers for the honors.  Nominations for the 2024 awards will open soon on Phoebe’s website.

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 EDITOR’S NOTE:  Attached photos show Phoebe Physician of the Year Dr. John McGill, Phoebe Physicians President Dr. Estrellita Redmon, and Phoebe APP of the Year Victoria Jones.

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Phoebe Announces Hiring of New Physicians and Stresses Importance of Primary Care During National Primary Care Week

Albany, Ga – Phoebe Physicians recently added four new physicians to its team of primary care providers who serve patients throughout southwest Georgia. Two of the new primary care doctors are recent graduates of the Phoebe Family Medicine Residency.
Dr. Uchechi Aguwa, practicing at Phoebe Primary Care at Meredyth, is board-certified in family medicine. Dr. Aguwa completed her medical degree at the College of Medicine University of Nigeria and practiced in her home country of Nigeria before continuing her education in the U.S. and graduating from the Phoebe Family Medicine Residency.
Dr. Karen Campbell, practicing at Phoebe Primary Care of Albany, is an internal medicine specialist. She earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and completed her residency at the Tinsley-Harrison Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Albama-Birmingham.
Dr. Shivan Patel, practicing at Phoebe Worth Family Medicine, is board-certified in family medicine. Dr. Patel obtained his medical degree from St. George University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Phoebe Family Medicine Residency, and he says he is passionate about providing patient-centered care.
Dr. Kayla Suma, serving at Phoebe Primary Care at Northwest, is board-certified in family medicine. Dr. Suma earned her medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and seeks to provide comprehensive care to patients.
The addition of these talented physicians is part of Phoebe’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality primary care and ensuring patients receive routine checkups, manage chronic illnesses and get the preventive care they need.
“Primary care physicians are essential in guiding patients to make informed decisions about their health. They help identify potential risks early on, allowing for better outcomes in the long run. At Phoebe, we are committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the best primary care, with a focus on prevention and overall wellbeing,” said Estrellita Redmon, MD, President of Phoebe Physicians.
October 8-12 is National Primary Care Week, a time to highlight the critical role primary care physicians play in maintaining the health and wellbeing of our community. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of regular checkups, health screenings, and early intervention to prevent chronic diseases and promote long-term wellness.
A primary care physician is often the first point of contact between patients and the healthcare system, offering a holistic approach to managing health and addressing various medical concerns before they become more serious.
“Primary care is not just about treating illness, but about helping individuals stay healthy through prevention and ongoing care. When you have a strong relationship with your primary care doctor, you’re much more likely to catch potential health issues early, which can save lives. At Phoebe, we encourage everyone in our community to schedule their annual checkups and make their health a priority this National Primary Care Week,” said Derek Heard, MD, Phoebe Physicians Medical Director for Primary Care.
Regular visits to a primary care physician are essential for early detection and management of health issues such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, primary care doctors focus on preventive care, guiding patients through immunizations, screenings and lifestyle changes that can improve overall health.
To support our community’s health, Phoebe offers a wide range of primary care services across multiple locations, making it easier for patients to access the care they need close to home. Patients can find a primary care physician and schedule an appointment by visiting www.choosephoebe.com.
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Phoebe Opens Region’s Most Advanced and Safest Angiography Suite

Albany, Ga. – Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital recently reopened its completely renovated and updated angiography suite which includes new technology that paves the way for more advanced procedures and improves safety for patients and providers.

The angio suite is typically used by vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists for a wide range of procedures to diagnose and treat conditions such as blockages, aneurysms, vascular malformations, tumors, growths, internal hemorrhage and cancer.  It includes specialized imaging equipment that provides high-quality, real-time images that allow physicians to precisely target areas of concern.

“In my specialty, seeing is treating.  You can’t treat what you can’t see.  The high-resolution image quality in our new angio suite allows me to hone in directly on the tiniest vessel for better precision targeted treatment,” said Sima Banerjee, MD, Phoebe Interventional Radiologist.

The renovation project replaced all the equipment in the old angio suite with the latest and most advanced technology and added new equipment such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), a medical imaging device that uses a cone-shaped x-ray beam to create high-quality 3D images.  That technology will allow Phoebe’s interventional radiologists to be the first in the region to provide additional highly-specialized procedures such as prostate artery embolization, transarterial chemoembolization and Y90 for liver cancer treatment.

Dr. Banerjee, who is specialty and subspecialty trained, board certified and experienced in advanced interventional radiology and endovascular oncologic therapies, is excited to bring these advanced treatments to southwest Georgia.

“Interventional radiology is a sub-specialty that includes many minimally-invasive, image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system.  There’s so much we can do to improve the lives of patients, and that’s why I came to Phoebe – to offer that care to people in this part of Georgia so they don’t have to travel elsewhere for those advanced treatments,” Dr. Banerjee said.

Phoebe’s vascular surgeons will also perform numerous procedures in the angio suite such as peripheral vascular stenting to improve blood flow and removal of dangerous and potentially deadly blood clots.  The improvements in the angio suite will also free up Phoebe’s hybrid OR – which includes angio capabilities as well as traditional surgical services – for more surgeries since some procedures that have been performed there will move to the angio suite.

“This really is an investment in our community.  We are fortunate to have administrators and board members at the hospital who support us and make sure we have the most advanced technology, and I am grateful to work with an exceptional team of experts who are committed to providing great care to every patient,” said Daniel Martin, MD, Phoebe Vascular Surgeon.

The enhancements also include the installation of the EggNest in the angio suite and in the hybrid OR and cath lab.  The EggNest is a lead-lined mattress and shield that dramatically reduces the amount of radiation – almost down to zero – that patients and care teams are exposed to as images are being taken during procedures.  Phoebe is the first hospital in Georgia to invest in this safety technology.  Eventually, Phoebe providers may be able to discontinue using lead vests that are currently mandated during procedures to protect against radiation exposure; however, the vests are heavy and uncomfortable and can lead to musculoskeletal disorders in those who must wear them often.

 

Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital President Deb Angerami said, “We are excited to be at the forefront of this technological advancement which shows our commitment to our patients and our staff.  The upgrades are a testament to our pledge to provide a safe and healthy work environment for our team, while also ensuring the best possible care for our patients.  This was a wise investment for Phoebe and one we were pleased to make.”

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EDITOR’S NOTE:  Attached photos show Phoebe’s new angiography suite, including the EggNest system that protects patients and staff from radiation.  Headshots of Dr. Sima Banerjee and Dr. Daniel Martin are also included.