Unimpeachable Credentials (1)
Annual Report FY2024

Unimpeachable Credentials

A Standard of Safety: Meet SGMC Health's HRO Champions

At SGMC Health, patient safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a promise. As the health system continues its transformation into a High Reliability Organization (HRO), it is embedding a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and zero-harm practices into every level of care. By implementing evidence-based safety protocols, empowering staff to speak up about potential risks, and fostering open communication, SGMC Health ensures that every patient receives care rooted in precision and excellence. 

This steadfast commitment to safety and quality has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, SGMC Health was honored with multiple patient safety awards, recognizing its dedication to minimizing errors, enhancing patient outcomes, and setting new benchmarks in clinical excellence. From the emergency department to surgical suites, every initiative and investment is driven by a singular goal: delivering the safest, highest-quality care possible. 

As SGMC Health continues its HRO journey, it remains focused on innovation, education, and collaboration—ensuring that its hospitals not only meet but exceed the highest standards of reliability. Through this unwavering commitment, SGMC Health is shaping a future where healthcare is safer, smarter, and stronger for every patient it serves. 
 
Meet our HRO Champions who play a pivotal role in promoting and implementing the principles and practices of high reliability within our health system.

  • Brittany Pych

  • Christina Okuma

  • Bryant Alonso

  • Chantel Williams

  • Bobbie Brooks

  • Shug Pleas

  • Geoff Hardy

  • Kayla Turner

  • Niki Tyre

  • Marquez Roney

  • Elijah Jones

  • Brett Richardson

  • Michael Spence

  • Lynn Seymour

  • Jennifer Peavy

Brittany Pych

Brittany is a Women and Children's Nurse Educator at SGMC Health Main. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville University and is currently completing a Masters in Nursing Leadership at South University. She loves helping nurses grow in their knowledge and finds it extremely rewarding to witness them becoming more confident and competent healthcare professionals. As an HRO Champion supporting and continuing to build relationships with her fellow employees is very important to her. 

Outside of work, she loves to travel, cook, spend time with her family, and run a small hobby farm which is home to goats, chickens, and peacocks. Fun fact, she was a Division I Softball pitcher at Jacksonville University!

Christina Okuma
Christina is the Phlebotomy, Client Services, & Point of Care Clinical Manager at SGMC Health Main. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science with a certification through American Medical Technologists. She enjoys getting to educate and build relationships with all the operators for point of care within our health system. Her passion for patient care comes from her personal experience with kidney cancer. Now, two years cancer free she strives to make patients feel supported and cared for everyday.
Bryant Alonso
Bryant is the Occupational Therapist and Acute Rehab Team Leader at SGMC Health Main. He holds a Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy from Augusta University. One of the things he enjoys about his work is not knowing exactly what his day is going to bring. As an HRO Champion he hopes to foster patient and employee safety and satisfaction that leads to long term relationships with SGMC Health. In his free time you can find him playing golf or sweating it up at Orangetheory Fitness
Chantel Williams
Chantel is a Medical Assistant at SGMC Women’s Health Oak St. She holds an associate's degree in Health Care Administration. As a self-described social butterfly, she enjoys being able to interact with people on a daily basis and putting smiles on their faces. As an HRO Champion, she hopes to make the environment she works in as safe as she possibly can for her patients. When she isn’t at work you can find her spending time with her husband and children and working out, which she finds relaxing
Bobbie Brooks
Bobbie is a Medical/Surgical Services Nurse Educator at SGMC Health! With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, she's dedicated to ensuring our staff has the knowledge and resources for top-notch patient care. A passionate HRO Champion, Bobbie's goal is excellence in healthcare. Outside of work, she cherishes family time, exploring vintage shops, and bird hunting!
Shug Pleas

Shug is a Nurse Residency Program Manager, Health Occupations Coordinator, and Nurse and Student Intern Manager at SGMC Health! She holds a Bachelors in Nursing from Valdosta State University and a Masters in Nursing Education from Thomas University. 

She enjoys watching new nurses advance into other areas and roles saying that it is "like watching flowers bloom, witnessing where they start to where they grow is very heartwarming for me." 

Having witnessed personal family challenges stemming from communication gaps, she's passionate about fostering a sense of safety and confidence in others' skill sets. Serving as an HRO champion is her way of giving back to nursing and contributing to SGMC Health’s goal of achieving zero harm. In her free time, she enjoys laughing with people she loves and giving back to the community through volunteer work.

Geoff Hardy
Geoff is the Campus Administrator at SGMC Health Lanier. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. Geoff enjoys having the opportunity to provide access to care in his community where it might otherwise not be available. He is passionate about facilitating open and honest communication about reliable and safe care. Outside of work, he likes to spend time with his family and dogs and pursue his hobby of custom fitting and repairing golf clubs
Kayla Turner

Kayla is a Medical/Surgical Nurse Educator at SGMC Health. She holds a Bachelors in Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She loves being able to act as an educational resource for her team and is passionate about being excellent at healthcare education. 

In her time away from work she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two boys. Fun fact, she has been skydiving twice in one day and completed a half marathon!

Niki Tyre

Niki is an Epic Resolute Professional Billing Analyst at SGMC Health Main. She holds an Associate's degree in the field of Medical Office Management Administration, a Specialized degree in Medical Insurance Coding/Billing, as well as an Epic Certification in Resolute Professional Billing Administration. 

She delights in being able to collaborate with our entire health system to ensure that billing processes function seamlessly to benefit our patients. She is happy to be an HRO Champion because it allows her to nurture safe practices by our employees therefore keeping our patients safe. In her downtime she enjoys crafting, reading, baking, and loves solving a good crossword puzzle!

Marquez Roney

Marquez is an Administrative Coordinator of Nursing at SGMC Health Main. He holds an ASN from ABAC, a BSN from Columbus State University, and is currently completing his MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration at Capella University. He loves getting to build relationships among the various departments within our organization and helping nursing units ensure patient safety is a priority by providing them with the necessary tools needed. 

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and traveling!

Elijah Jones
Elijah is a Service Excellence Coordinator in Patient Relations. He is a proud graduate of Valdosta High School currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at Morehouse College. He enjoys the opportunity to interact with just about every department within SGMC Health as part of his role in Patient Relations. In his free time, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or painting. Fun fact, he can sing and play piano!
Brett Richardson

Brett is a Patient Care Coordinator in the Emergency Department at SGMC Health Berrien. He is certified as a Registered Nurse and an Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic. He finds joy in helping patients as well as his fellow employees in his everyday work. He was excited about the chance to be an HRO Champion and have the opportunity to make a difference in the health system. 

In his free time, he enjoys golfing and spending time in the great outdoors with his family!

Michael Spence

As Director of Project Management, Michael has dedicated 27 years to SGMC Health, helping teams bring value to their ideas and plans. He holds an MBA from the Keller School of Management and a Project Management Professional certification. He is passionate about supporting our mission and driving a culture focused on safety for all.

Outside of work, you’ll find him kayaking, fishing, or enjoying game nights and travel with his wife, Chrissi. Fun fact, he recently bought a tractor and finds working around the house with it incredibly therapeutic!

Lynn Seymour

Meet Lynn Seymour, RN, one of our High Reliability Organization (HRO) Champions! Lynn now serves as the Director of SGMC Health Smith Northview and Urgent Care, bringing with her over 15 years of experience in emergency medicine. She has been part of our health system for nearly 12 years. Lynn earned her associate degree in nursing from Excelsior University and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s in healthcare administration.

Fun fact, before joining SGMC Health, she served as a flight medic! 

Jennifer Peavy

Meet Jennifer Peavy, one of our High Reliability Organization (HRO) Champions! As a Quality Excellence Specialist, Jennifer has been a valuable part of SGMC Health since November 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in business administration from Troy University and is passionate about educating staff on High Reliability to help our organization grow stronger and safer. Jennifer is dedicated to creating a safer environment for both patients and employees, and she sees her role as an opportunity to make a wide-reaching impact.

Fun fact, before joining healthcare, she spent nearly 15 years working in the legal field!

Raising the Standard for Cardiac Care in South Georgia

SGMC Health has long been at the heart of healthcare excellence in South Georgia. In 2024, the health system reached a new milestone—earning designation as Georgia’s newest and the region’s only Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center. This prestigious recognition, awarded by the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH), is the highest level of emergency cardiac care designation in the state, underscoring SGMC Health’s unwavering commitment to saving lives and improving outcomes for heart patients. 

For SGMC Health’s team of cardiac specialists, the Level I designation is more than an achievement—it is a reflection of years of dedication, investment, and innovation in cardiac care. 

“Achieving the Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center designation is a testament to the relentless dedication and expertise of our entire team at SGMC Health,” said Luke Seibolt, MD, Interventional Cardiologist and Chief of Cardiology Services.

“We are honored to serve our community and will continue to strive for excellence in every aspect of cardiac care.” 

SGMC Health’s cardiac program has evolved into a center of excellence, with continued expansion in cutting-edge procedures and services. The launch of a Structural Heart Center, the addition of Level III Trauma Center status, and the integration of advanced cardiac procedures such as Impella heart pumps and Watchman Implant devices all contribute to the health system’s comprehensive and life-saving approach to heart care. 

During the rigorous evaluation process, GDPH surveyors commended SGMC Health for its remarkable growth and commitment to cardiac care. One observation stood out: the unmistakable passion of SGMC Health’s team members, from cardiologists and emergency physicians to EMS professionals. This shared commitment ensures patients receive the fastest, most effective care when seconds matter most. 
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SGMC Health’s strong partnerships with local EMS and first responder agencies are a critical piece of the puzzle. These collaborations mean heart attack and cardiac arrest patients receive immediate, expert care from the moment a 911 call is made, dramatically improving survival rates and recovery outcomes. 

Kathleen Toomey, Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner, praised SGMC Health for its role in strengthening emergency cardiac care in Georgia. She emphasized the importance of a systems approach, one that connects emergency responders, hospitals, and specialists to create a seamless chain of care. 

“Improving survival rates from heart attacks and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests requires coordination at every level,” Toomey noted.

“SGMC Health’s designation as an Emergency Cardiac Care Center positions it as a leader in this growing statewide system, ensuring more lives are saved through rapid and comprehensive response.” 

As the region’s only provider of open-heart surgery, structural heart procedures, and cardiac electrophysiology services, SGMC Health stands at the forefront of cardiac care. This latest achievement as a Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center is not just a recognition; it is a promise. A promise to continue leading, innovating, and delivering the highest standard of heart care to the people of South Georgia. 

Because when it comes to matters of the heart, every second—and every decision—counts. 

From Our Podcast

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Training Tomorrow’s Physicians:

How SGMC Health and Mercer are Shaping Rural Healthcare

In the heart of South Georgia, a powerful partnership is unfolding that’s set to reshape the future of healthcare. SGMC Health and Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) have joined forces in a dynamic collaboration that is transforming medical education and improving healthcare access in rural communities. By establishing a cutting-edge clinical campus and simulation lab in Valdosta, this alliance is creating lasting change, ensuring a brighter future for both the region’s medical workforce and its underserved populations.

With a service area spanning 15 counties, many of which are medically underserved, SGMC Health’s affiliation with MUSM directly addresses the growing need for well-trained physicians in rural regions. The Valdosta campus provides third- and fourth-year medical students with critical clinical experiences designed to prepare them for the real-world challenges of rural healthcare settings. The first cohort of 17 third-year medical students has begun clinical rotations, learning under the mentorship of SGMC Health’s experienced medical staff. 

SGMC Health President and CEO Ronald E. Dean underscored the significance of this initiative. 

"Creating access to needed healthcare is often about having an adequate number of physicians. Our partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine is about developing a more robust pipeline of available physicians who will choose to train in South Georgia and hopefully remain in South Georgia," Dean said.

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Jean Sumner, MD, FACP, Dean of MUSM, emphasized the school’s longstanding mission to serve Georgia’s rural communities. 

"We are here to serve this state in areas of need and are deeply honored to have SGMC Health as our partner," she stated. "There's a spirit of concern and care in this hospital that gives our students the opportunity to see high-quality healthcare in a rural community." 

By admitting only Georgia residents and prioritizing students from rural areas, MUSM is uniquely positioned to train physicians who understand the challenges these communities face. The Valdosta campus expands the school’s reach, providing students with hands-on experience in a critical healthcare setting and increasing the likelihood that they will continue serving rural populations after graduation. 

The clinical campus features a state-of-the-art simulation lab that allows students to refine their skills through standardized patient encounters and realistic medical scenarios. This facility enhances the quality of medical education while ensuring students are well-prepared to handle real-life medical situations. 

Additionally, SGMC Health’s partnership with Valdosta State University offers interdisciplinary training opportunities, fostering collaboration among future healthcare professionals. 

"The integration of medical education within SGMC Health strengthens our commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care," said Joseph Hayes, MD, associate dean of the Valdosta campus. 

The partnership between SGMC Health and MUSM represents a significant step forward in improving healthcare in South Georgia. By training future physicians in a region with a critical need for medical professionals, this collaboration is ensuring a sustainable healthcare workforce that will serve communities for generations to come. 

Through this initiative, SGMC Health and MUSM are not just educating students—they are building a future where rural Georgia has greater access to quality medical care, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and fostering a new generation of skilled and compassionate physicians. 
HOSG Honors Elite Award
A Legacy of Compassion:

Hospice of South Georgia’s Commitment to Excellence

For families in South Georgia facing one of life’s most difficult journeys, Hospice of South Georgia (HOSG) has long been a beacon of comfort and care. This year, that unwavering dedication was recognized on a national level as HOSG received the 2024 Hospice CAHPS Honors Elite Award from HEALTHCAREfirst. Among only eight hospices in Georgia to earn this distinction, HOSG’s recognition underscores its commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality end-of-life care to patients and their families. 

The Honors Elite designation is awarded based on the Hospice Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, which measures patient and family satisfaction. To qualify, agencies must excel in key quality indicators, including willingness to recommend, communication with families, and emotional and spiritual support. HOSG’s ability to exceed national benchmarks across all categories is a testament to the dedication and expertise of its team. 

Amanda Mason, Director of Hospice of South Georgia, reflected on this achievement, “This award is more than just a recognition. It is a reflection of the love and commitment our staff pours into every patient and family we serve. Providing compassionate care is our mission, and we are honored that our community continues to place their trust in us.” 

HOSG’s approach to hospice care extends beyond medical treatment. It is about embracing patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments, ensuring they are surrounded by dignity, respect, and unwavering support. The Langdale Hospice House, the region’s only inpatient hospice facility, plays a crucial role in this mission, offering a serene and comforting environment for patients in their final days. 

For decades, Hospice of South Georgia has been a pillar of hope for families navigating the challenges of terminal illness. This latest recognition reinforces its legacy of excellence and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of care, no matter their circumstances. 

As HOSG looks to the future, its mission remains the same: to walk alongside patients and families with compassion, expertise, and a deep sense of purpose. The Honors Elite Award is not just an accolade—it is a promise to continue delivering the very best in hospice care to the community it serves. 

For more information about Hospice of South Georgia and its services, visit hospiceofsouthgeorgia.org. 

SGMC Health: A Champion for Community Healthcare

For generations, SGMC Health has been the cornerstone of healthcare in South Georgia, providing compassionate, high-quality care to the communities it serves.

In 2024, this unwavering commitment was recognized with one of the highest honors in the state—being named "Large Hospital of the Year" by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. This distinction reflects not only SGMC Health’s innovation and growth but also its deep-rooted mission to improve lives across the region. 
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What began as a single hospital in Valdosta has flourished into a dynamic, four-hospital health system, touching lives in 15 counties across Georgia and North Florida. This transformation is not merely about expansion but about a relentless pursuit of excellence—ensuring that advanced, patient-centered healthcare is accessible to all, from bustling urban centers to the most rural communities. 

At the heart of SGMC Health’s evolution is the $150 million redevelopment of its flagship Valdosta campus, an investment that will redefine the patient experience. The addition of a state-of-the-art women and infants tower, an expanded emergency department and trauma center, and a comprehensive campus redesign is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a promise to provide world-class care to families for generations to come. 

Meanwhile, the $15 million expansion of SGMC Health’s Berrien campus, completed in Winter 2024, underscores the system’s dedication to rural healthcare access. By more than doubling the emergency department’s capacity, this project ensures that life-saving services are available to smaller communities, bringing critical care closer to home. 

Excellence in healthcare goes beyond buildings. It is built upon the knowledge, skill, and dedication of those who provide care. Recognizing this, SGMC Health has partnered with Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) to shape the future of medicine. As an accredited clinical training site, SGMC Health’s Valdosta Clinical Campus offers medical students hands-on experience in real-world settings, preparing them to meet the unique challenges of rural healthcare. 

In addition, SGMC Health is expanding its graduate medical education programs, ensuring a pipeline of highly trained physicians for South Georgia. Beyond its thriving internal medicine residency, the system is introducing Family Medicine and Transitional Year residencies—programs designed not only to train doctors but to encourage them to establish lifelong careers in the region. 

Healthcare isn’t just about treating illness; it’s about preventing it. SGMC Health is deeply invested in community outreach initiatives that promote early detection, education, and life-saving interventions. Free mammography screenings, the widespread placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and public health seminars are just a few ways the health system actively works to improve health outcomes beyond the hospital walls. 

These initiatives are further strengthened by the SGMC Health Foundation, which plays a crucial role in securing funds for cutting-edge medical advancements and expanding access to care. From advanced cancer treatment technologies to enhanced emergency response tools, the Foundation ensures that SGMC Health remains a leader in innovation while addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations. 

SGMC Health has become a beacon of excellence in emergency and specialized care. As a Level III Trauma Center and a Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center, the system provides rapid, expert intervention when seconds matter most. Its heart and vascular program continues to push the boundaries of innovation, offering Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), robotic thoracic surgery, and other cutting-edge procedures that place it at the forefront of cardiovascular care. 

Healthcare is built on trust, and SGMC Health’s commitment to patient safety and quality is unwavering. By pursuing High Reliability Organization (HRO) status, the system is fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and zero-harm practices, ensuring that patients receive the safest and most effective care possible. 

“This award is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team,” said SGMC Health President and CEO Ronald Dean.

“At SGMC Health, we are driven to improve the lives of all we serve, and I am pleased our team has been recognized by peer organizations for the purposeful work they do every day.” 

SGMC Health’s recognition as Georgia’s 2024 Large Hospital of the Year is a reflection of its relentless drive to set new standards in healthcare. From groundbreaking infrastructure investments to pioneering medical education programs, from expanding specialized services to championing community health initiatives, SGMC Health remains steadfast in its mission: to improve the lives of all they serve. 

As SGMC Health looks ahead, its vision is clear: to continue transforming healthcare in South Georgia, ensuring that every patient, every family, and every community it serves has access to the very best in medical care, today, and for generations to come. 

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