South Georgia Medical Center honored Dr. Jerthitia Taylor Grate, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at SGMC Women's Health, with its biannual Excellence in Care provider award for 2023. 

This award was developed by SGMC's Physician Wellness Committee in fall 2022. According to Dr. Elizabeth Flail, who serves on the leadership team, SGMC reviewed more than 30 nominations for the award, which serves to highlight the role physicians play in providing compassionate care and clinical excellence to patients at SGMC.   

According to SGMC's Women's Health Practice Manager Niki Tyre, "Dr. Taylor is adored by her patients and staff. We all feel recognized and loved with each encounter we have with her. As a patient of hers, there is never a moment where I have not appreciated her. Her calm demeanor is very comforting and trusting. Dr. Taylor goes above and beyond for her patients, and she makes sure you are listened to and heard with every appointment you have."  

SGMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Dawson presented Dr. Taylor with the award at the April meeting of the Hospital Authority Board of Trustees.   

Dr. Taylor expressed her gratitude, thanking her husband, Courtney, for being her rock. "It is not easy being married to someone that is on this career path, but he supports me in everything I do."   

She took the opportunity to thank Tyre, "Niki has always been there for me and made sure my business and practice ran smoothly; she is like family."   

Dr. Taylor ended her comments by crediting for father, Dr. Samuel Taylor, for teaching and leading her to her career. "My dad has been the best mentor. I wouldn't be where I am today without his love, support, and guidance."  

Dr. Taylor is a native of Valdosta and a graduate of Lowndes High School. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed her residency at the University of Florida Health Shands Hospital. In addition to delivering babies, Dr. Taylor is certified in the daVinci Robotic Surgical System which she uses to perform minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries for hysterectomies, myomectomies, endometriosis resections, and pelvic organ prolapse. She has been practicing in Valdosta since 2006.   

SGMC has a medical staff of more than 400 providers and a Physician Network of more than 60 physicians who provide care in a vast array of specialties.  

SGMC has been designated by the American Medical Association for its Joy in Medicine Recognition Program which seeks to improve physician satisfaction and engagement while reducing rates of burnout.  

To nominate a physician for the Excellence in Care provider award, visit sgmc.org.