SGMC News & Events

For high school students curious about healthcare, spending a summer at SGMC Health can be a first step toward a future career. The SGMC Health Volunteen Summer Program is now accepting applications for 2026, offering students the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in a hospital setting while supporting patients, visitors, and staff across the health […]

SGMC Health is welcoming four Family Medicine resident physicians who will join the health system as current postgraduate year‑one (PGY‑1) residents, finishing out their intern year and completing their second and third years of residency training in Valdosta. The incoming residents — Alexander Gardner, DO; Omid Hassanpour, MD; Varoon Kakiaya, MD; and Akshay Patel, DO — will […]

SGMC Health announces the promotion of Luke Parks to Administrative Director, Physician & Perioperative Business Services. In this expanded leadership role, Parks will provide oversight of perioperative business services across the health system, while continuing to lead hospital physician operations.  Parks is responsible for hospital-based physicians and hospital-based contract groups, along with anesthesia services, sterile processing, and […]

SGMC Health has relocated SGMC Orthopedics to a brand new, expanded location at 2310 N. Patterson St., Suite B, in Valdosta, enhancing access to comprehensive orthopedic care for patients across South Georgia.   The new clinic offers a modern, patient‑focused environment designed to support a wide range of orthopedic needs—from everyday joint pain to advanced surgical care. The practice is […]

SGMC Health recognized Shantonitt Wallace, Patient Care Technician, as the recipient of the Being Extraordinary Everyday (BEE) Award, a monthly honor that celebrates non‑nursing team members who demonstrate extraordinary dedication, teamwork, and compassion in support of patient care.   Wallace was nominated for the exceptional compassion and calming presence she provided to a patient who was feeling anxious […]

SGMC Health announces that SGMC Interventional Physiatry under the leadership of Robert Kirtley, MD, has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by Sonex Health, honoring Dr. Kirtley’s expertise in ultrasound‑guided carpal tunnel release and trigger finger release. The Center of Excellence designation is awarded to physicians and practices that demonstrate advanced training, experience, and […]

SGMC Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has received the American Heart Association (AHA) Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Achievement Award, recognizing excellence in the rapid, evidence-based treatment of patients experiencing severe heart attacks and strokes. The Mission: Lifeline® EMS Recognition program honors emergency medical services that demonstrate a sustained commitment to nationally accepted, evidence-based guidelines for […]

SGMC Health has named Dee Dee Carswell, a cook at SGMC Health Lanier, as its February Health System Hero, recognizing her unwavering dedication, strong work ethic, and positive impact on patients, residents, visitors, and fellow team members across the Lanier campus.  Known for her dependability and commitment to excellence, Carswell consistently goes above and beyond […]

SGMC Health announces the promotion of Libby Kostelecky to Director of Patient Business in the Patient Financial Services department. In this role, Kostelecky will oversee customer service, financial counseling, patient refunds, and self‑pay vendor management, supporting the health system’s continued focus on access, clarity, and an exceptional patient experience.  Kostelecky brings nearly 20 years of […]

SGMC Health is expanding access to high‑quality rehabilitation care with the opening of its new Outpatient Therapy Services clinic in Valdosta. Located at 4274 N. Valdosta Rd., Suite B, the clinic will serve patients across South Georgia seeking specialized, clinic‑based rehabilitation.  The new location further strengthens SGMC Health’s full continuum of rehabilitation services, which spans from acute […]