SGMC Health honors Foster as health system hero

SGMC Health recognized Anthony Foster, orthopedic technician in the Traction Department, as a health system hero at its monthly board of directors meeting. Foster was honored for his exemplary character and service.

Foster has been with SGMC Health for 41 years, serving in several departments. A colleague took the time to formally nominate Foster for this recognition, sharing how he is continually impressed with how Foster interacts with patients, techs, nurses, doctors, and administrators.

SGMC Health Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Randy Smith presented the award, stating that Foster is known for making patients feel like they are home and not in a hospital setting.

“Treating patients with the utmost respect and as if they are his family, Anthony calms any fears and makes them comfortable,” said Smith. “He is loyal and committed to the mission of SGMC Health, which is to improve the lives of all we serve.”

Foster received a standing ovation from those in attendance.

SGMC Health is proud to participate in an array of recognition programs that honor employees who exemplify these values. To learn more about these initiatives, please visit sgmc.org/recognition.

 

SGMC Health honors Pisula with Excellence in Care Provider Award

SGMC Health leadership recognized Brian Pisula, MD, an emergency medicine physician, with its biannual Excellence in Care Provider Award. The award was presented during the October meeting of the Board of Trustees, alongside the Medical Executive Committee.

Established by SGMC Health’s Physician Wellness Committee in the Fall of 2022, this award recognizes physicians who demonstrate clinical excellence and provide compassionate care to patients. Dr. Pisula was selected from over 65 nominations submitted by both patients and SGMC Health team members.

Among the many heartfelt nominations, one patient shared a powerful story about Dr. Pisula’s life-saving actions. “I brought in my three-month-old to the emergency room because he was extremely lethargic. Dr. Pisula took his vitals, ran basic tests, and evaluated my son. Although externally there seemed to be no cause for concern, Dr. Pisula trusted his instincts and ordered additional tests, including a CT scan. The scan revealed that my son had hydrocephalus, or fluid in the brain. Dr. Pisula took his time to explain the diagnosis, consoled my husband and me, and arranged for our son to be transferred to Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital for further care. He even called later that day to ensure we had arrived safely. Thanks to Dr. Pisula’s care and thoroughness, my son’s life was saved.”

Another nomination praised Dr. Pisula for his exceptional diagnostic abilities: “A couple of years ago, Dr. Pisula treated a patient who was weeks postpartum and experiencing incontinence. Her concerns had been dismissed by other physicians as typical postpartum symptoms. Dr. Pisula, however, did not overlook her worries. His diligence revealed that she had a brain tumor. Thanks to his care and concern, the true cause of her symptoms was identified. I would trust my health and life to him any day.”

“Dr. Pisula exemplifies the high standards of patient care that this award seeks to celebrate,” said Elizabeth Flail, DO, Chief of Staff Elect at SGMC Health. “His dedication to both his patients and our health system is truly remarkable.”

In addition to his role in emergency medicine, Dr. Pisula serves as a core faculty member for SGMC Health’s Transitional Year Residency Program, helping to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.

SGMC Health boasts a medical staff of over 600 providers and a Physician Network with more than 100 specialists across a wide range of fields. The Excellence in Care Provider Award is just one way the health system highlights the significant contributions of its physicians.

To nominate a physician for future Excellence in Care Provider Awards, visit sgmc.org.

Hobbs selected to serve on VSU advisory board

Southern Georgia Regional Commission Executive Director Kimberly Hobbs has joined the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Community Advisory Board at Valdosta State University. As a new member, Hobbs will have an opportunity to work with the board as an important connection between public administration faculty, students, and practitioners.

The MPA Community Advisory Board at VSU is comprised of leaders from across Georgia who provide assistance in a variety of areas including recruitment, internship and job placement, and curriculum advice.

“Joining Valdosta State University’s Master of Public Administration Community Advisory Board is a profound honor. Collaborating with esteemed leaders to enhance recruitment, internship opportunities, and curriculum development is a commitment to fostering the next generation of public service professionals. Together, we will build a stronger future for our communities,” Hobbs said.

Hobbs has a rich background in community and economic development, starting her career with the Southern Georgia Regional Commission in 1997. Recently appointed as executive director, she brings valuable experience and a strong educational foundation, holding a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Public Administration from Valdosta State University. Her dedication to driving positive change in Southern Georgia is evident in her leadership and initiatives.

VSU’s nationally accredited MPA is designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in public service. The fully online program offers courses in three concentrations — public sector management, public sector human resource management, and public policy. For more information about the program, visit https://www.valdosta.edu/pa/ or email pa@valdosta.edu.