AZALEA REPORT

The Chiefs' Corner

Mariya Tom, MD

Meet our Chief Resident, Dr. Mariya Tom, who brings the heart of Atlanta and a dancer's grace to our program. Her journey into medicine began with family—uncles and aunties whose tireless work in healthcare shaped her understanding of what it truly means to be a physician. Their stories of patient care and the fulfillment found in saving lives became the foundation of her medical calling. A trained professional Indian classical dancer with a...
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Brandon Rockwell, MD

Meet Dr. Brandon Rockwell, our Chief Resident from Warner Robins, Georgia, who discovered his calling at the intersection of his fascination with the natural world and desire to help others thrive. Internal medicine represents the perfect convergence of intellectual curiosity and meaningful human connection, allowing him to channel his analytical nature into creating positive change in patients' lives. An avid sports enthusiast, Dr. Rockwell...
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Recent Success

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

Residents with Dr. Sobukonla at the Georgia ACP conference in Atlanta

Our residents shone brightly at the Georgia ACP conference in Atlanta! They presented compelling posters, delivered captivating oral podium presentations, and competed in the always-intense Jeopardy competition. The SGMC Internal Medicine Residency Program couldn't be prouder. Their outstanding performance brought recognition to our program and 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 💪🏼 everyone!

Poster/Podium Presentation Highlights

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Residents with Dr. Hayes

Intern Spotlight

Amal Akhtar, DO

Miami raised with Pakistani roots running deep, she's fluent in multiple languages and even more fluent in staying connected — FaceTime with family is non-negotiable. This year's mission? Survive intern year and match into anesthesia, with her eyes on cardiac and critical care where the patients are the sickest and the stakes are highest. That's her kind of medicine. 🩺 If the stethoscope hadn't happened, she'd probably be running her own...
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Rawa Salih, MD

Born in Germany with Kurdish roots, this future cardiologist somehow fits piano playing into his residency schedule — not your typical resident hobby, but he makes it work. He's laser-focused on matching into Cardiology, though his life philosophy is surprisingly zen. Just chill. Keep it balanced, stay grounded, don't overthink it. If medicine hadn't panned out, he's convinced politics would've been his calling—turns out he's got a real talent...
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Community Service Corner

Addressing Farmer Health at the 47th Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition

Drs. Shaikh and Yasin with Dr. Beale at the Expo

This year, SGMC Health had excellent representation at the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition in Moultrie, Georgia. The Sunbelt Ag Expo is truly a spectacle to behold — rightfully crowned as "North America's Premier Farm Show." It's a melting pot of farmers, educators, policymakers, and ag-enthusiasts, all gathered to witness the latest innovations in agriculture. From cutting-edge technology demonstrations to the naming of the Southeastern Farmer of the Year, the expo is a celebration of all things agriculture.

As part of the healthcare initiatives at this year's expo, SGMC Health residents delivered presentations on pertinent...

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House Staff Diaries

A Mid-Year Reflection for Our Interns

By: Samuel Edusa, MD PGY-2

Look how far you've come.

Four months ago, I wrote to you about finding your footing—about those tentative first steps, the wobbles, and the falls that would teach you balance. Today, I'm writing to celebrate the progress you've made and to help you navigate what many call "intern winter" — that challenging middle stretch where the initial excitement has faded, but the finish line still feels distant.

You're No Longer Walking — You're Stepping Forward

Remember when Epic seemed like an impossible maze? Now you navigate it with muscle memory. Remember when every lab value required frantic...

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Podcasts

What Brings You In Today? - Featured Podcasts

Culturosity

Ghana 🇬🇭 vs Nigeria 🇳🇬: A Feast Of Two Nations

By: Samuel Edusa, MD

Traditional Ghanaian and Nigerian dishes

In the basement classrooms of SGMC Health, an extraordinary cultural exchange unfolded as medical residents gathered for "Culturosity: Ghana vs. Nigeria," transforming a typical lunch hour into a vibrant celebration of West African heritage. The event, far from being a competition as its playful title might suggest, showcased the rich culinary traditions that bind these two influential African nations.

The spread was a visual and aromatic testament to the depth of both cultures' cuisines. Traditional Ghanaian and Nigerian dishes filled the serving tables, from aromatic jollof rice displaying its characteristic orange-red hue to...

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Through the Lens: Residency Highlights

Capturing the Smiles, Milestones, and Unforgettable Moments

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Night medicine: After Hour Heroes

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.

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• Valdosta Wake Compound

  Open seasonally

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

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• South Georgia Military Aviation Museum

  Open Tuesday-Saturday

  Explore aviation history with vintage aircraft and memorabilia.

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• Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area

  Open daily, sunrise to sunset

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

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• Valdosta State University Fine Arts Gallery

  Check website for current exhibitions

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

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