News from Piedmont Physicians Group

Piedmont Heart Institute Draws Internationally Recognized Cardiovascular Specialists to Atlanta

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Dr. David Dean to launch Piedmont’s first heart transplant program.
Dr. David Kandzari to lead national clinical trials from Atlanta base.

ATLANTA, Ga (August 19, 2010) – With a vision to deliver the highest standards in cardiovascular care, Piedmont Heart Institute (PHI) welcomes two experts in the field of cardiovascular medicine this month -- David Dean, M.D., cardiothoracic, heart transplant and ventricular assist device surgeon as well as a nationally recognized thought leader and researcher; and David Kandzari, M.D., internationally renowned clinical interventional cardiologist and researcher. As leaders in cardiovascular surgery and medicine, Doctors Dean and Kandzari will continue to draw the national spotlight to PHI as a recognized destination for cardiovascular excellence in the Southeast.

Piedmont Heart Institute is a cardiovascular care program headquartered at Piedmont Hospital, which was the recipient of a 2010 HealthGrades® award for Best in Atlanta for Overall Cardiac Care, Cardiac Surgery and Coronary Intervention. Piedmont Heart Institute also receives top patient satisfaction scores, averaging in the 87th percentile for the first four months of 2010.

“The addition of Doctors Dean and Kandzari signifies a critical milestone in our vision – moving from a tertiary to a quaternary cardiovascular care center,” said William D. Knopf, M.D., chief operating officer of Piedmont Heart Institute and vice president of Cardiovascular Services at Piedmont Hospital. “Combined with our existing clinical capabilities and research program, the addition of these exemplary physicians creates an unparalleled level of quality in the metro Atlanta market.”

David Dean, M.D.
Joining Piedmont Heart Institute from Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa., Dr. Dean will launch PHI’s heart transplant program. The addition of this acclaimed transplant surgeon, who sits on the heart review board of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/ United Network for Organ Sharing, moves PHI from a tertiary cardiac care provider to a quaternary one.

There are only three other hospitals in Georgia which perform heart transplants, and no others that have a physician primarily devoted to adult heart transplantation, as Dr. Dean will be. The start of heart transplant expands on the services currently being offered through the Piedmont Hospital Transplant Institute, which includes kidney, pancreas and liver transplantation. This foundation in transplant enables Piedmont physicians to draw upon their overall transplant experience to deliver best-in-class care.
Dr. Dean is passionate about the use of new cardiovascular technologies to prolong life and has gained national recognition for his research. A principle investigator and prominent expert in the area of ventricular assist devices, which allow a pump to assist and augment a failing heart, Dr. Dean is able to sustain the life of those patients who are awaiting heart transplants, as well as those who are not deemed candidates for heart transplant. With Dr. Dean’s arrival, patients will gain further access to advanced technology in ventricular assist devices and be able to have these procedures at Piedmont Healthcare’s flagship cardiovascular center, the Fuqua Heart Center of Atlanta at Piedmont Hospital.

David Kandzari, M.D.
Dr. Kandzari has achieved international recognition for his work in the field of interventional cardiology. A former professor at Duke University’s Cardiovascular Research Institute and former chief medical officer at Johnson & Johnson’s Cordis Corporation, Dr. Kandzari is also an ad hoc medical reviewer to the FDA and committee member on the FDA Circulatory Systems Devices Panel. As a national principal investigator for a number of multi-center cardiovascular trials, Dr. Kandzari has been responsible for leading numerous studies related to drug-eluting stents, antithrombotic therapies and additional novel therapies in both coronary and peripheral artery disease. His highly-regarded work puts him at the forefront of designing and shepherding new treatments and technologies, which he will bring to the patients served by PHI.

In his role, Dr. Kandzari will split his focus equally between clinical patient care and developing and leading a robust national research program. His tremendous research experience and his world-renowned expertise opens the way for PHI to take a leading role in current and future clinical trials – even expanding beyond cardiovascular care and treatment.

Piedmont Physicians at Hickory Flat Moves to Canton

Mon, 9 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Piedmont Physicians at Hickory Flat will be moving its offices approximately seven miles to 104 Prominence Point Parkway in Canton, Ga., Suite 104. Jeffrey N. Haller, M.D. will begin seeing patients at the new location August 30. The new location’s name is Piedmont Physicians at Canton. Office hours and contact information remain the same.

Existing patients should make a note of the new location for upcoming appointments on or after August 30. Dr. Haller will continue to see patients scheduled for appointments at the existing location at 6175 Hickory Flat Highway until August 27. Dr. Haller is earned his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Fla. He completed his residency in family practice at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, Tenn.

Dr. Haller accepts most major insurance plans. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. To schedule an appointment, call 770-704-6988. For more information visit piedmontphysicians.org.

Surgeon Performs Surgery First At Piedmont Hospital

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Thoracic surgeon Saeid Khansarinia, M.D., joins Piedmont Heart Institute

ATLANTA, Ga. (July 28, 2010)—June 11, 2010, marked a medical first for Piedmont Hospital as thoracic surgeon Saeid Khansarinia, M.D., implanted a diaphragm pacing system using a minimally invasive thoracic surgery technique, as opposed to an abdominal procedure due to the patient’s specific needs. The modified surgical method will make it possible for Lynn Wheeler of Fayetteville, Ga., to breathe more naturally using an implanted diaphragm pacer instead of a ventilator.

Diaphragm pacing first gained national attention in 2003, when Raymond Onders, M.D., of University Hospitals Case Medical Center implanted a diaphragm pacing system in actor Christopher Reeve via an abdominal surgery. The device eventually enabled Reeve to breathe without the use of a ventilator.

Dr. Khansarinia is one of the latest additions to Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians as part of its expanding cardiothoracic surgery services. He is one of only 18 surgeons performing this procedure through the abdomen and the only surgeon who has performed this operation through the chest. Specializing in thoracic surgery, Dr. Khansarinia is a graduate of St. Louis University and completed his residency at the University of Florida Health Science Center. He is board certified in both general and thoracic surgery.

“Dr. Khansarinia is a valuable addition to the growing wealth of expertise within Piedmont Heart Institute,” said Charles L. Brown III, M.D., chief medical officer for Piedmont Heart Institute. “His expertise in diaphragm pacing and thoracic surgery enhances the services we already offer related to overall cardiothoracic health.”

Functioning in a way similar to heart pacemakers, small electrodes are placed on the diaphragm where they stimulate the muscle to contract, pulling in air through the lungs. The patient carries a small external device that allows them more mobility than the larger machines and breathing tube necessary with a ventilator.

Wheeler, now 63 years old, was left paralyzed after a car accident five years ago and has required the assistance of a breathing tube. However, abdominal surgery was not an option for her. Unfortunately, due to multiple previous surgeries on her abdomen and the nature of her injuries, access to the diaphragm through the chest was the only option for this kind of procedure.

Dr. Khansarinia talks about the benefits of a diaphragm pacing system (DPS).

Determined to find a way to help his patient achieve a better quality of life, Dr. Khansarinia and his team in collaboration with Dr. Onders, developed a method to implant a diaphragm pacer through the chest.

As Wheeler’s diaphragm learns to contract and relax again over the next few months, she will be able to rest at home while the diaphragm pacing device works along with the ventilator. Eventually patients with diaphragm pacers are weaned off their ventilators as the diaphragm strengthens and breathing occurs more normally.

“Mrs. Wheeler is doing well. Currently she is off the ventilator and breathing with the pacer over four hours per day,” Dr. Khansarinia said. “She is very happy with her outcome and within a few months to a year, we hope she will be able to breathe without the need of a ventilator.”

For patients with quadriplegia, a diaphragm pacing system can mean a greatly improved quality of life. Communication becomes easier as speech is no longer hindered with the operation of a breathing tube. Sense of taste and smell will also improve for many patients. The risk of infection and pneumonia is significantly decreased for patients who are not dependent on a ventilator.

“What we’ve found is that the sooner we can approach patients with quadriplegia and implant the device, the quicker they recover to a more normal breathing state,” Dr. Khansarinia said. “With older patients and with patients that have been on a ventilator for a longer period of time, it will take a little longer for their diaphragm to relearn its original function with the assistance of a diaphragm pacing system.”

“This procedure has a lasting effect patients’ quality of life,” Dr. Khansirania said. “Their sense of smell and taste often return as air is no longer being forced into the lungs and can now flow freely through the nose and mouth. Most importantly, it gives them an improved sense of self and freedom as their speech pattern returns and they are able to communicate more naturally.”

Dr. Khansarinia is now seeing patients in the Piedmont Heart Institute location at 95 Collier Road in Atlanta, Ga., and accepts most major insurance plans. To schedule an appointment, call 404-603-9100.

For more information and to take a free, online heart risk assessment, visit piedmontheart.org.

Piedmont Physicians Group Welcomes Joseph W. Boecker, D.O.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

ATLANTA, Ga. (July 29, 2010) – Piedmont Physicians Group welcomes family physician Joseph W. Boecker, D.O. to its healthcare team at 4465 Lemon Street in Acworth, Ga. Existing patients should note there is no location change for upcoming appointments.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. Boecker,” said Berney Crane, CEO of Piedmont Medical Care Corporation, the administrative parent corporation of the Piedmont Physicians Group. “His practice and expertise are an asset to Piedmont.”

Dr. Boecker earned his medical degree at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, Penn. He completed his internship at Doctors Hospital in Tucker, Ga.

Dr. Boecker accepts most major insurance plans. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call 770-974-6500. For more information visit piedmontphysicians.org.

Piedmont Physicians Group Welcomes Julie Economos, M.D.

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

ATLANTA, Ga. (July 19, 2010) – Piedmont Physicians Group welcomes internist Julie Economos, M.D to its healthcare team at 35 Collier Rd. on the Piedmont Hospital campus, in Suite 775 beginning August 23.

“Dr. Economos is a welcome addition to Piedmont,” said Berney Crane, CEO of Piedmont Medical Care Corporation, the administrative parent corporation of the Piedmont Physicians Group. “Her talents will no doubt serve her patients and this office well.”

Economos earned her medical degree and completed her residency at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga.

Dr. Economos accepts most major insurance plans and will begin seeing patients Monday, August 23. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call 404-350-1122. For more information, visit piedmontphysicians.org.

Piedmont Physicians Group Welcomes Pediatrician, Robert L. Whipple IV, M.D.

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EDT

ATLANTA, Ga. (June 18, 2010) – Piedmont Physicians Group welcomes pediatrician, Robert L. Whipple IV, M.D., to its healthcare team beginning June 1. Dr. Whipple, who was formerly with Newnan Pediatrics, will temporarily be seeing patients at Piedmont Physicians at Newnan located at 38 Hospital Road. He will move to his permanent location at 37 Calumet Parkway, once the construction of his office is complete.

“As the new medical director of Piedmont Newnan Hospital’s Newborn and Nursery Services, Dr. Whipple has worked tirelessly with our staff to elevate those services to even higher levels of scope and quality”, said Michael Bass, president and CEO of Piedmont Newnan Hospital. “Under his direction, our round-the-clock, on-the-premises coverage by exceptional neonatal nurse practitioners ensures that resuscitation and stabilization care is readily available for obstetrical deliveries.”

Dr. Whipple comes to Piedmont from PAPP Clinic in Newnan, Ga. He earned his medical degree at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga. He completed his residency at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, Ga.

“In the local community, Dr. Whipple is a dedicated pediatrician and respected children’s advocate,” said Berney Crane, CEO of Piedmont Medical Care Corporation, the administrative parent corporation of the Piedmont Physicians Group. “We are fortunate to bring his talent and expertise to Piedmont Physicians Pediatrics at Newnan.”

An active member of the community, Dr. Whipple donates his time and services to Angel’s House, the Newnan Special Olympics and the Georgia Baptist Children's Home, Palmetto campus.

Dr. Whipple accepts most major insurance plans and will begin seeing patients Tuesday, June 1. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call 678-633-3333. For more information, visit piedmontphysicians.org.

Physicians at Dallas Welcome Ketan Desai, D.O., and Druenell E. Linton, M.D.

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EDT

ATLANTA, Ga. (June 11, 2010) – Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians at Dallas welcome Druenell E. Linton, M.D., and Ketan Desai, D.O., to their medical team. They are now seeing patients at 296 Merchants Square, in Dallas, Ga.

Dr. Desai specializes in consultative cardiology, cardiac catheterization, echocardiography including TEE and stress echo, nuclear cardiology, pacemaker implantation and follow-up. A graduate of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Desai completed both his residency in internal medicine and his cardiology subspecialty fellowship at Botsford General Hospital in Farmington Hills, Mich. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, nuclear medicine, echocardiology, pacemaker, defibrillator and CT angiography.

Dr. Linton earned her medical degree from the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga. She completed her residency at Duke University Medical Center and cardiology fellowship at Emory University. She is board certified in general cardiology, nuclear cardiology and internal medicine. Dr. Linton is trained in invasive diagnostic procedures including left and right heart catheterization and transesophageal echocardiography.

Dr. Linton is skilled in a variety of cardiac imaging modalities including transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac CT angiography, vascular and nuclear imaging. Dr. Linton has been involved with several cardiology research projects and is a member of the American College of Cardiology, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Association of Black Cardiologists and American Medical Association.

“We are proud to bring the talents of Dr. Desai and Dr. Linton to the Dallas community,” said Charles L. Brown III, M.D., chief medical officer for Piedmont Heart Institute. “Their background and experience are assets to the Piedmont Healthcare family and the patients we serve in Paulding County.”

Dr. Desai and Dr. Linton accept most major insurance plans. To schedule an appointment, please call 678-363-3200.

For more information and to take a free, online heart risk assessment, visit piedmontheart.org.

Piedmont Physicians Group Welcomes Three New Physicians

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT

ATLANTA (April 9, 2010) – Piedmont Physicians Group (PPG) welcomes Jodi Chitwood, M.D.; Adrian Douglass, M.D. and Brooks Lide, III, M.D. to its healthcare team at 35 Collier Rd. on the Piedmont Hospital campus, in Suite 500 beginning April 1. Existing patients should note there is no location change for upcoming appointments.

Dr. Chitwood earned her medical degree from Weill Medical College at Cornell University and completed her internship and residency at Emory University Department of Internal Medicine in Atlanta, Ga.

Dr. Douglass earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and completed his internship and residency at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals in Atlanta, Ga.

Dr. Lide earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga. and completed his internship and residency at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Va.

Prior to PPG, Drs. Chitwood, Douglass and Lide practiced at Peachtree Internal Medicine in Atlanta, GA. Together they have over 45 years experience in internal medicine. All three are certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

“We are proud to welcome these physicians to Piedmont,” said Berney Crane, CEO of Piedmont Medical Care Corporation, the administrative parent corporation of the Piedmont Physicians Group. “Their diverse experience and background will be an asset to the practice.”

All three doctors accept most major insurance plans and will begin seeing patients Monday, April 1. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, please call 404-350-1010. For more information visit piedmontphysicians.org.

Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians Welcome Sashi Guthikonda, M.D. To Fayetteville

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EDT

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (March 25, 2010) – Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians welcome Sashi Guthikonda, M.D., MPH, FACC, to their medical team beginning Monday, March 8. Dr. Guthikonda will be joining Drs. Bleuez, Dan, Dhruva, Gradek, Kantipudi, Murthy, Olubi, Pettus, Sangha, Sarin and Vellanikaran in the Fayetteville office at 1267 Highway 54 West, Suite 2200.

Dr. Guthikonda earned his medical degree from Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, India. He earned his master of public health degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. He then completed his internship at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, Penn. and residency in internal medicine at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa. Dr. Guthikonda is a member of the American Heart Association, and a fellow with the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.

Prior to joining the Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians, Dr. Guthikonda was a cardiologist with Methodist DeBakey Heart Center at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. In an academic capacity, he has served as interventional cardiologist with Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates; clinical assistant professor at The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; assistant professor, department of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York and was a member of The Methodist Hospital Research Institute in Houston, Texas.

“Dr. Guthikonda’s wealth of experience in all aspects of interventional cardiology, and extensive training from a great academic center are a great complement to the Piedmont Healthcare family,” said Charles L. Brown III, M.D., chief medical officer of Piedmont Heart Institute. “His work at Piedmont will no doubt be a valuable asset to the organization and the community it serves.”

Dr. Guthikonda accepts most major insurance plans. To schedule an appointment, please call 770-716-0051.

Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians Partner with US AGAINST ATHERO to Educate on Heart Disease

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (March 9, 2010) – Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians have teamed up with US AGAINST ATHERO, to bring the Artery Explorer experience to its office at 20 Francis Way, Suite 101 in Sharpsburg. In addition to this unique educational experience, visitors will have a chance to tour the facility, meet the cardiologists, have their blood pressure checked and learn their body mass index (BMI) for free on site. The event is Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As part of US AGAINST ATHERO, the Artery Explorer is touring the country to increase awareness of atherosclerosis—the dangerous buildup of plaque in the arteries. This incredible virtual experience allows viewers to surf through arteries on a journey deep inside the body. The movie demonstrates how risk factors like high levels of bad cholesterol, smoking and high blood pressure can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries.

Coronary heart disease and stroke kill more Americans every year than all cancers combined. Atherosclerosis, or athero for short, is often the leading cause. It is the progressive buildup of plaque in the arteries linked to about one in four deaths in the United States each year.

All are encouraged to stop by for their free blood pressure check and body mass index (BMI) analysis. Artery Explorer will be available for viewing throughout the day in addition to face painting for children. Refreshments will be served.

For more information call 770-716-2008 ext. 1606 or visit www.athero.com.

Piedmont Physicians Group Welcomes Julio Schwartzman, M.D., CMD, RMM, MRO

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST

ELLIJAY, Ga. (March 1, 2010) - Piedmont Physicians Group (PPG) welcomes Julio Schwartzman, M.D., CMD, RMM, MRO, to its healthcare team beginning Thursday, April 1. Dr. Schwartzman will be practicing at Piedmont Physicians at East Ellijay located at 97 Hefner Street, Suite 202, Ellijay, Ga., and will be joined by his physician’s assistant, David Sprinkle, PA-C.

Dr. Schwartzman earned his medical degree from the University Of Guadalajara School of Medicine. He then completed his internship in internal medicine at Franklin Square Hospital Center in Baltimore, Md., and his residency in family practice at Social Security Hospital in Aguascalientes, Mexico. He is board-certified in internal medicine and a registered medical manager.

Prior to joining PPG, Dr. Schwartzman practiced at Laurel Medical Center in Ellijay, Ga. He is the treasurer of the Georgia Medical Director’s Association and also serves as the current medical director for Twelve Oaks Hospice in Ellijay.

Joining Dr. Schwartzman will be his physician’s assistant, David Sprinkle, PA-C., who earned his master’s degree in medical science from Emory University in Atlanta, ranking first in his class. Sprinkle earned his bachelor’s degree from Citadel and was a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“Dr. Schwartzman has more than 30 years of experience in providing top quality healthcare,” said Berney Crane, CEO of Piedmont Medical Care Corporation, the administrative parent corporation of the Piedmont Physicians Group. “He is a man of many talents and we are excited to have such a professional in the Piedmont Healthcare family.”

Dr. Schwartzman accepts most forms of insurance. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call 706-635-1400. For more information visit www.piedmontphysicians.org.

Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians Welcome Francis Nullet, M.D.

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. (Feb. 01, 2010) – Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians welcome Francis Nullet, M.D. to their medical team beginning Monday, Feb. 1. Dr. Nullet will be joining John Walter Kelley, M.D., Michael Sabom, M.D. and Sammy Arnold Gammenthaler, M.D., FACC in the Blairsville office at 123 Weaver Road, Suite B.

Dr. Nullet earned his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in New York, N.Y. He then completed his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in cardiovascular disease at West Virginia University Hospital in Morgantown, W. Va. Dr. Nullet also completed training in nuclear cardiology at Presbyterian Hospital at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Penn. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Medical Association, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and American Society of Echocardiography.

Prior to joining the Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians, Dr. Nullet was a cardiologist with Southern Tier Health Associates at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, N.Y. He was also a cardiologist with Medicor Associates at Harnot Medical Center in Erie, Penn. and served as medical director of Monongalia County Emergency Services, Inc. in Morgantown, W. Va. Dr. Nullet is board certified in internal medicine and has a subspecialty certification in cardiovascular disease. His professional interests include transesophageal echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiac pacing and cardiac CT.

“We are excited to have Dr. Nullet join the Piedmont Healthcare family,” said Charles L. Brown III, M.D., chief medical officer of Piedmont Heart Institute. “With more than 30 years of experience, his vast knowledge and skill set will be an asset to the community. We are fortunate to have him.”

Dr. Nullet accepts most major insurance plans. Office hours in Blairsville are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call 706-439-6380.

PIEDMONT HEART INSTITUTE WELCOMES CARDIOVASCULAR CONSULTANTS OF GEORGIA

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

ATLANTA, Ga. (January 29, 2010) — Cardiovascular Consultants of Georgia (CCG) has joined Piedmont Heart Institute (PHI) effective today, solidifying PHI Physicians’ prominence as one of the largest groups of cardiovascular specialists in the Southeast.

"The addition of Cardiovascular Consultants of Georgia complements our existing group of cardiovascular specialists who are revolutionizing heart care across the Southeast,” said Michele M. Molden, president and CEO of the Piedmont Heart Institute. “We are proud to have this distinguished group of cardiac specialists on our team serving area residents in Fayette and Coweta Counties.”

Previously, CCG physicians were part of Cardiac Disease Specialists (which joined PHI in June 2008), and are members of the medical staffs of Piedmont Fayette Hospital and Piedmont Newnan Hospital. The nine-member practice has four office locations including Fayetteville (two locations), Newnan and Sharpsburg.

CCG will continue to serve its patients and our communities and also work with Piedmont Fayette and Piedmont Newnan hospitals to further develop their expertise and capabilities in cardiovascular medicine. Both hospitals already offer cardiology services including general cardiology, adult diagnostic cardiac cath, EKG, EEG, echocardiography, stress testing, cardiac imaging and cardiac rehabilitation. Soon, Piedmont Fayette Hospital will add interventional cardiology to its collection of cardiac services.

"Cardiovascular Consultants of Georgia has always been committed to the delivery of high quality cardiovascular care,” said George Vellanikaran, M.D., managing partner of CCG. “Our membership in the Piedmont Heart Institute continues our legacy of care, while enhancing and providing world-class services by bringing together the resources of leading cardiovascular specialists, award-winning care, research, innovation and technology."

The Piedmont Heart Institute, the first of its kind affiliated with a community hospital system in greater Atlanta, includes more than 85 cardiovascular specialists and continues to initiate new programs in cardiovascular research, education and excellence in prevention, arrhythmias, coronary and vascular intervention, cardiothoracic surgery, stroke and cardiac imaging. Seeking greater alignment of the physicians and our hospitals, Piedmont Heart Institute has implemented a new care delivery model in Atlanta that eliminates the barriers to working more closely together and creates a platform where leadership is shared with enhanced care and services for the community. This fully integrated financial model will ultimately improve the patient experience, care efficiencies, quality and outcomes.

Piedmont Physicians at East Cobb Welcomes Emily Ellis Richardson, M.D.

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

ATLANTA, Ga. (Jan. 25, 2010) – Piedmont Physicians at East Cobb welcomed Emily Ellis Richardson, M.D., to its healthcare team full time on Monday, Jan. 18. A family practitioner, Dr. Richardson will be joining Dr. Louis V. Cohen and taking over Dr. Brad Rohr’s practice as he enters retirement.

Dr. Richardson earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C., and then completed her residency in family medicine with the Spartanburg Family Medicine Residency Program in Spartanburg, S.C., where she also served as chief resident. She is also a diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine.

Dr. Richardson has been with Piedmont Physicians Group (PPG) since 2007. Prior to joining the PPG family, she practiced with the Barnett Family Practice in Lancaster, S.C.

“As we wish Dr. Rohr a happy transition into his retirement after his many years of service to patients in East Cobb, we are thrilled to have Dr. Richardson join the PPG family full time,” said Berney Crane, CEO of Piedmont Medical Care Corporation, the administrative parent corporation of the Piedmont Physicians Group. “She is talented, dedicated and will continue to provide excellent care to the East Cobb community.”

Dr. Richardson accepts most major insurance plans and is available for appointments at 1230 Johnson Ferry Place, Suite A10, Marietta, GA 30068. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call 678-560-0511. For more information visit piedmontphysicians.org.

Piedmont Physicians Group Names James C. Sams, M.D., As New Medical Director

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

ATLANTA, Ga. (Jan. 14, 2010) –James C. Sams, M.D. was recently named the new medical director of the Piedmont Physicians Group (PPG), a member of Piedmont Healthcare.

Dr. Sams earned his Bachelor of Science in biology from Southwestern at Memphis, now Rhodes College, in Memphis, Tenn. He attended graduate school at the University of Georgia in Athens prior to receiving his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Sams is board-certified in internal medicine and is a member of the American College of Physicians.

“We are excited that Dr. Sams has accepted the role as Piedmont Physician Group’s new medical director,” said Berney Crane, president and CEO of Piedmont Medical Care Corporation, the administrative parent corporation of the Piedmont Physicians Group. “He has been an asset to the Piedmont Physicians Group for a number of years and a vital role of the Executive Committee for both PPG and Piedmont Clinic. We could not be more pleased to continue our relationship with Dr. Sams.”

Dr. Sams began his private practice with the Sams Clinic in 1982. His practice merged with Fayette Medical Clinic in 1987 and the physicians of Fayette Medical Clinic joined Piedmont Physicians Group in 2004. Since then, Dr. Sams has been practicing at Piedmont Physicians at Yorktown in Fayetteville, Ga.

Dr. Sams is a lifelong resident of Fayette County. He is a member of Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Joseph Sams School, a school for children with special needs. He has been Chairman of the Executive Committee for Piedmont Physicians Group and is currently in his second term on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for Piedmont Clinic.