SGMC Health is expanding access to care for families in South Georgia with the addition of pediatric services and family appointments at SGMC Primary Care – Connell, now welcoming patients of all ages—from newborns to seniors. Located at 410 Connell Rd in Valdosta, the clinic is now accepting new patients and offering expanded services designed to meet the growing needs of the community.

The expansion comes at a critical time as many communities across the region face a shortage of pediatric providers. At the same time, it directly supports the training requirements of SGMC Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program, where physicians are required to care for and follow pediatric patients as part of their education. By integrating pediatric care into the clinic, SGMC Health is both increasing access for local families and ensuring resident physicians receive comprehensive, real-world training in caring for patients across the lifespan.

SGMC Primary Care – Connell operates as a continuity clinic for the health system’s Family Medicine Residency Program, providing a unique model of care that combines medical education with high-quality, patient-centered services. Visits are led by Family Medicine resident physicians—fully licensed doctors completing advanced training—and supported by experienced attending physicians, including Madison Hill, DO; Erin Parker, DO; and William Courson, DO.

“Family Medicine is designed to care for patients across the entire lifespan,” said Dr. Hill, Family Medicine Residency Program Director. “By expanding pediatric services at our clinic, we are not only increasing access to care in our community, but also training the next generation of physicians to meet the needs of families right here in South Georgia.”

Family Medicine physicians are trained to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages and treat a wide range of health needs, including preventive care such as checkups, vaccines, and screenings; acute illnesses like colds, infections, and injuries; and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. Because pediatric care is a required component of their training, providers at SGMC Primary Care – Connell are actively seeing and following children over time—offering newborn care, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for common childhood illnesses. Unlike pediatric-only practices, Family Medicine providers can serve as a single, trusted physician for the entire family, offering continuity and convenience across every stage of life.

One of the clinic’s most unique offerings is the ability to schedule family appointments, allowing multiple family members to be seen together during the same visit. This approach improves convenience for patients while strengthening relationships between providers and families—something not widely available at other clinics in the region.

As a continuity clinic, SGMC Primary Care – Connell also offers patients additional benefits, including care reviewed by both a resident and an attending physician for added oversight. Patients also play a vital role in helping train the next generation of physicians, supporting long-term access to care in rural and underserved communities.

SGMC Primary Care – Connell is now accepting new patients, including children, and offers family scheduling options for added convenience. To schedule an appointment, visit sgmc.org/connell or call 229-242-9565.