Welcome πŸ‘‹πŸΌ to the Azalea Report - the digital newsletter of South Georgia Health's Internal Medicine Residency program in Valdosta, Georgia. Named after our city's beloved azaleas, this resident-led publication aims to showcase our program's achievements, spotlight outstanding residents, and share updates from our residency program. We look forward to bringing you stories of excellence in medical education from the Azalea City.

Sincerely,
The Azalea Report team

Resident Spotlight

Dwayne Mohan, MD

Dwayne Mohan, MD

Birth place: Jamaica

Fun fact: I can cook 3 different types of cuisine πŸ›

Favorite dish: Sushi is my go to. Love Uni

Interests: I like trying new things and experiences. Surprise me.

Post-residency plans: Operate a local clinic and hopefully have a community outreach program in place to give back.

Advice to the incoming class: Keep moving forward! Everyone had to start somewhere, though that somewhere may oftentimes be the same place. Your beginning is your own. Your experiences will be your own. Conquer it in your own way! We may be the same, but we are also very different. Embrace your differences, learn from everyone around you, and always remember: Keep moving forward!

About the Program

SGMC BuildingAerial view of SGMC in Valdosta, GA

SGMC Health's Internal Medicine Residency Program, in partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine, combines academic excellence with hands-on experience, leveraging SGMC Health's highly capable healthcare delivery system to meet the primary care and healthcare needs of rural and medically underserved areas of Georgia.

Interesting Facts

  • Number of current residents: 24
  • Our diversity: Residents from 10 different countries
  • Number of languages: We speak 12 different languages
  • Partnership: SGMC's internal medicine residency program is a partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM)
  • Continuity clinic: The program operates a continuity clinic at SGMC Internal Medicine on Park Avenue in Valdosta. This clinic allows residents to learn how to manage outpatient conditions and follow patients over time.

Message from the Assistant Program Director

Leslie Lamptey, MD

Leslie Lamptey, MD

Assistant Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency

Our internal medicine residents continue to excel, delivering outstanding patient care while mastering core medical competencies in rural South Georgia. They have quickly become integral members of our community, understanding and addressing its unique healthcare needs with compassion and skill.

Our dedicated faculty and Graduate Medical Education team provide a supportive environment that promotes both academic excellence and personal growth. As we prepare to expand with new residency programs, we remain committed to our mission: providing exceptional training and advancing rural healthcare.

I'm deeply grateful to our residents, faculty, and staff for their dedication to our program's success and to shaping healthcare's future in South Georgia.

Recent Success

SGMC Residents Shine Bright at recent Georgia ACP Conference in Savannah, GA

Recent SuccessResidents, leadership and faculty at the Georgia ACP conference

Our residents shone brightly at the Georgia ACP conference in Savannah! Poster presenters wowed audiences with their research and clinical insights, while our Jeopardy team - Drs. McSweeney, Silverio-Lopez, and Mohan - clinched an impressive 5th place out of 15, surpassing several highly-ranked programs. The SGMC Internal Medicine Residency Program couldn't be prouder of all participants. Their outstanding performance has not only brought recognition to our program but also set a new benchmark for future residents. As we celebrate this year's achievements, we're already excited for an even stronger showing next year. Strong work πŸ’ͺ🏼 everyone!


Poster Presentation Highlights

House Staff Diaries

Musings Of A Resident

By: Hala Sharma, MD PGY-2
musings-image

As November looms ahead, the intern is four months into their residency, a fledgling, who can now retrospectively analyze and reminisce the bygone days from medical school while simultaneously establishing their identity as a physician. November also means interview season is once again overhead however, it feels strange observing from the other side. There is a sense of relief that washes over one to know the tumultuous journey of participating in the Match is behind you. Unless that is, the journey as a physician-in-training in the residency life cycle is just beginning and there are thoughts about fellowship. The prospect of this...

Community Service Corner

Addressing Farmer Health at the 46th Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition

Community Service CornerAerial view of the expo (Source: Farm Monitor)

As a healthcare professional, I, together with a few colleagues, recently had the privilege of volunteering and presenting short talks on pertinent health topics at the 46th Annual Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition in Moultrie, Georgia. This event, held from October 15–17, 2024, at Spence Field, is truly a spectacle to behold β€” rightfully crowned as "North America's Premier Farm Show."

The Sunbelt Ag Expo is a massive undertaking, spanning 93 acres and featuring over 850 exhibitors. It’s a melting pot of farmers, educators, policymakers, and ag-enthusiasts, all gathered to witness the latest innovations in agriculture. From...

Podcasts

What Brings You In Today? - Featured Podcasts

A Podcast from SGMC Health

Episode #5 - Joseph Hayes, MD

This episode of the podcast features Dr. Hayes, Medical Director at SGMC Internal Medicine and Assistant Professor at Mercer Medical School. From chief resident to program architect, he now leads South Georgia's newest medical residency program, training the next generation of physicians.

Culturosity

Welcome To Ghana: Where Proverbs Dance with Paradise πŸ‡¬πŸ‡­

By: Samuel Edusa, MD
CulturosityAkwaaba = Welcome

In the heart of West Africa lies Ghanaβ€”a vibrant nation that shed its colonial name "the Gold Coast" upon gaining independence in 1957. From the bustling streets of coastal Accra to the storied palaces of Ashanti kingdoms, this land pulses with a cultural tapestry woven from over 100 ethnic groups, colorful festivals, and time-honored traditions that breathe life into every corner of this enchanting country..

"Ɛte sΙ›n?", (How are you?) is the melodious greeting that floats through the air, where life moves to the rhythm of dunun drums and basks in the warmth of endless summer sun. In Ghana's bustling capital Accra,...

Through the Lens: Residency Highlights

Capturing the Smiles, Milestones, and Unforgettable Moments

Upcoming Events

  • Nov 9, 2024 - Dr. Bipin Patel's retirement party
  • Nov 13, 2024 - Open enrollment for medical staff ends
  • Nov 28, 2024 - Thanksgiving Luncheon
  • Dec 4, 2024 - Meet and Greet
  • Dec 5, 2024 - Physician's Christmas Party

Birthdays

No birthdays this month 😞

Things To Do In Valdosta

  • Wild Adventures Theme Park

    Open year-round

    Enjoy thrilling rides, exotic animals, and live entertainment at this popular theme park.

    Learn More
  • Valdosta Wake Compound

    Open seasonally

    Experience wakeboarding and other water sports at this state-of-the-art facility.

    Learn More
  • South Georgia Military Aviation Museum

    Open Tuesday-Saturday

    Explore aviation history with vintage aircraft and memorabilia.

    Learn More
  • Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area

    Open daily, sunrise to sunset

    Hike, bird watch, and enjoy nature in this diverse ecosystem.

    Learn More
  • Valdosta State University Fine Arts Gallery

    Check website for current exhibitions

    View rotating exhibitions of contemporary art by regional and national artists.

    Learn More
Spotlight

News From The Clinic

Cathy Dean

Cathy Dean

Medical Assistant

Employee Spotlight

Meet Cathy Dean, a skilled, always-smiling medical assistant. She transferred here last year after serving 24 distinguished years at the SGMC Health Emergency Department. Cathy offers significant clinical proficiency and exhibits genuine enthusiasm and dedication to patient care. She is very passionate about her work and goes above and beyond to help in any way she can. She is equally devoted to her husband, family, and friends. Her interests include Georgia football, beaches, traveling, holiday celebrations, spoiling her six grandchildren, and spending quality time with family and friends. Cathy's 25 years of unwavering dedication, commitment, and service to SGMC Health make her an invaluable member of our team.

Wellness Corner

Recognizing and Preventing Burnout During Residency

Health eating
Burnout is a common challenge in residency that can affect both your well-being and patient care. Learning to recognize and address burnout early is crucial for a sustainable medical career:

Key warning signs of burnout include:

  1. Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained after shifts, detached from patients.
  2. Physical fatigue: Trouble sleeping, frequent illnesses, persistent tiredness
  3. Mental fog: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details
  4. Loss of purpose: Questioning career choice or feeling cynical about medicine

Practical steps to prevent burnout:

  • Set boundaries: Stay in touch with family and friends outside medicine.
  • Practice micro-breaks: Take short moments between patients to breathe and reset
  • Seek support early: Talk to chief residents, mentors, or professional counselors
  • Prioritize basics: Protect your sleep, exercise, and meal times

  • Remember: Taking care of yourself isn't selfishβ€”it's essential for providing the best care to your patients. If you're struggling, reach out. You're not alone in this journey.

    Β© 2024 Azalea Report - SGMC Health Internal Medicine Residency Newsletter