Cogent HMG, a national leader in hospitalist and intensivist services for hospitals and post-acute care facilities, today announced the launch of the company’s latest full-service hospitalist program at South Georgia Medical Center, a 285-bed not-for-profit acute care hospital and its 55-bed Smith Northview Campus, both located in Valdosta, Ga.

SGMC is outsourcing their current hospitalist program to Cogent HMG. The program which began June 12, is designed to further the facility’s efforts to enhance the quality of care and the patient experience for the communities they serve in South Georgia and North Florida.

“We have made a commitment to our communities to provide patient-centered, compassionate, and cost-effective care,” said Randy Sauls, SGMC CEO. “Our partnership with Cogent HMG will allow us to fulfill that commitment and further the quality care already provided at South Georgia Medical Center and Smith Northview.”

Scott McLavy, MD, has been named Interim Program Medical Director for the program and also serves as a Regional Medical Director. Together, Cogent HMG and SGMC will work to develop a hospitalist program of the highest caliber.  Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kimberly Megow said, “Hospitalists provide a very valuable service to our patients.  These physicians cover the hospital 24-hours a day admitting and caring for many patients requiring inpatient treatment. The hospitalists primarily treat patients who are admitted through the emergency department who do not have a regular private physician to provide their inpatient hospital care.”

“The leadership and physicians at SGMC value excellence and collaboration in their work,” said John Donahue, President and CEO of Cogent HMG. “These qualities are the foundation of our partnership which will allow us, together, to continue to improve the quality of care we provide and enhance the patient experience.”