It was recently announced that Dr. Trey Powell, Dr. Joel Cohen and Dr. Glenn Evans have decided to leave their cardiology practice at the Valdosta Medical Clinic, effective January 1, 2018. While these physicians are not employees of South Georgia Medical Center, they have been affiliated with the Department of Cardiology at SGMC and, as such, the hospital would like to thank them for their invaluable service to the Valdosta community.

“Experienced physicians have countless opportunities at their fingertips and are highly recruited,” explained Sam Allen, Chairman of the Hospital Authority. “While we are sad to see these three cardiologists leave the community, we are committed to having highly skilled, board-certified cardiologists available 24-7.  In fact, when our plans fully materialize, we will exceed the community’s expectations and provide additional opportunities for cardiac care.”

The hospital has assembled a multi-disciplinary recruitment team comprised of Cardiologist Dr. Sid Staton of South Georgia Medical Associates and Internist Dr. Tommy Hobby from Valdosta Medical Clinic. According to SGMC CEO C. Ross Berry, “This group is working together to recruit cardiologists to meet the patient care needs of the community. A recent Physicians’ Needs Assessment shows that the hospital’s 13-county service area should have eight cardiologists. Having the right number and variety of medical specialties is a key strategic initiative at SGMC.”

“We have a significant interest in partnering with SGMC to ensure the cardiology needs of the community continue to be met,” added Dr. Staton.  South Georgia Medical Associates is recruiting two new cardiologists, while SGMC plans to offer employment to a team of up to four cardiologists. SGMC’s future plans include the hiring of an electrophysiologist, a cardiologist which specializes in the electrical activity, or timing, of the heart beat.