Stephen Shirlock, RN, MSN, CNL, MSM, RRT, RCP, LNHA
Director of Nursing Operations

South Georgia Medical Center welcomes Stephen Shirlock as the new director of Nursing Operations for the SGMC Main Campus. Shirlock most recently served as nurse manager of the Ortho/Neurosurgery Unit on 5-Tower. He has over 14 years of leadership experience and has been employed with SGMC since 2013. His prior work experiences include serving as an assistant professor of Nursing at Valdosta State University, as a nursing home administrator at Sunrise Nursing Home and health services administrator for Georgia Correctional Healthcare.

In his new role, Shirlock will be responsible for the day-to -day nursing operations at the SGMC Main Campus including regulatory compliance, nursing quality and performance improvement. He will also supervise the administrative coordinators and the glycemic and stroke coordinators.

Shirlock is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Administration degree from Valdosta State University. He holds a Master of Science in Nursing Degree from Valdosta State University and a Master of Science in Management from Troy University. He also holds certification as a clinical nurse leader from the Commission on Nurse Certification. Shirlock began his healthcare career as a respiratory therapist and holds a respiratory therapy diploma from Thomas Technical Institute.

Mickey Whatley, BS, RRT, RCP
Director of Pulmonary Services

South Georgia Medical Center welcomes Mickey Whatley to his new role as director of Pulmonary Services. Previously, Whatley served as the clinical manager of Respiratory Services at SGMC. He has 13 years of leadership experience and has been employed with SGMC 1996. His prior positions include working as a clinical specialist, clinical coordinator, and clinical manager of respiratory services.

Mickey holds a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Degree from Medical College of Georgia/Georgia Regents University at Augusta, Georgia. He brings an extensive amount of clinical experience and expertise to his new job role. Whatley’s responsibilities will include the day to day operations of SGMC’s Pulmonary Services department, process and quality improvement, as well as direct supervision of respiratory therapy supervisors, sleep lab coordinator, pulmonary function lab and neurology department personnel.