Sincerely,
Resident Spotlight

Kinley Shook-Chacon, MD
Birth place: Georgia, USA ๐บ๐ธ
Fun fact: As a resident physician, Iโve learned that coffee has become one of my essential food groups.
Favorite dish: Paneer Makhani with Garlic Naan and top it off with Masala Chai afterward โ๏ธ
Interests: Attending church, spending time with my family and our dogs, exploring self-sustainability (gardening, housing, food), enjoying nature, maintaining fitness, Korean beauty products (new obsession), and investing.
Post-residency plans: I plan to dedicate time to my family, travel, and work as a PRN/locum hospitalist for one year while I explore my long-term career direction.
About the Program

SGMC Health's Internal Medicine Residency Program, partnering with Mercer University School of Medicine, delivers academic excellence and hands-on training to address primary care needs in rural and underserved Georgia communities.
Interesting Facts
- Number of current residents: 37
- Our diversity: Residents from more than 10 different countries
- Number of languages: We speak more than 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.
The Chiefs' Corner

Mariya Tom, MD

Brandon Rockwell, MD
Rounds To Vows
Two Ceremonies, One Community Celebration

This past month brought double the joy as we celebrated two beautiful weddings within our residency family! Dr. Brandon Rockwell and his lovely bride Kara Hope Hanson tied the knot in an elegant celebration stateside, while Dr. Sandyia Lakkireddy's traditional Indian wedding brought vibrant color and rich cultural traditions to life across the globe in India.
From classic Western elegance to stunning South Asian ceremonies complete with intricate garlands and golden dรฉcor, these celebrations remind us that love transcends borders and brings people together in the most beautiful ways. Both couples radiated pure happiness on their special days, surrounded by friends, family, and the promise of bright futures ahead.
Congratulations to both couples! We're thrilled to see our residents beginning this exciting new chapter of their lives. Here's to love, partnership, and many years of happiness! ๐ฅ
Intern Spotlight

Genesis Muรฑoz, MD

Jay Patel, DO
GME Corner
Third Annual South Georgia Regional GME Conference

SGMC Health hosted its 3rd Annual South Georgia Regional GME Conference on September 13, bringing together resident physicians and medical educators from five regional programs across Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, and Transitional Year specialties.
The conference featured a keynote by Will Kemp, Chairman of the Georgia Board of Healthcare Workers, on innovation in medical education, followed by twelve physician-led lectures on topics including AI in medicine, infectious disease, and mentorship.
Highlights included 39 research poster presentations. Dr. Sarah Sabol (SGMC Health) won 1st place for her poster on metabolic pseudolocked-in syndrome, with runners-up including Dr. Asma Yasin (SGMC Health) for "Malignant Cardiac Tamponade as a Complication of Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma." ๐๐ฝ Congratulations to everyone who participated! ๐๐
Conference Highlights
































House Staff Diaries
Finding Your Footing - A Message to Our Interns

Welcome to the beginning of an extraordinary journey. As you start your year, remember that every expert was once a beginner, and every mentor around you was once exactly where you are today.
Learning to Walk Before You Run
Medicine is not a sprintโit's learning to walk before you run. Right now, everything feels overwhelming. Epic seems impossible, lab values blur together, and the responsibility feels immense. This is not just normal; it's necessary. Every uncertain moment, every question you're afraid to askโthese aren't signs of inadequacy. They're the building blocks of the physician...
Podcasts
What Brings You In Today? - Featured Podcasts
Episode #5 - Joseph Hayes, MD
Culturosity
Ghana ๐ฌ๐ญ vs Nigeria ๐ณ๐ฌ: A Feast Of Two Nations

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...
Through the Lens: Residency Highlights
Capturing the Smiles, Milestones, and Unforgettable Moments










































































Graduation pose
Upcoming Events
- Oct 14-16, 2025 - Sunbelt AG Expo (Moultrie, GA)
- October 24-26, 2025 - GA ACP Conference (Atlanta, GA)
- October 28th, 2025 - Trunk Or Treat (SGMC Health, Main Campus)
Birthdays
No birthdays this month ๐
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 MoreValdosta Wake Compound
Open seasonally
Experience wakeboarding and other water sports at this state-of-the-art facility.
Learn MoreSouth Georgia Military Aviation Museum
Open Tuesday-Saturday
Explore aviation history with vintage aircraft and memorabilia.
Learn MoreGrand Bay Wildlife Management Area
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Hike, bird watch, and enjoy nature in this diverse ecosystem.
Learn MoreValdosta State University Fine Arts Gallery
Check website for current exhibitions
View rotating exhibitions of contemporary art by regional and national artists.
Learn More
News From The Clinic

Tameshia Footman
Licensed Practical Nurse
Employee Spotlight
Tameshia Footman has been an integral clinical team member at SGMC Internal Medicine - Park Avenue for four years, bringing compassion and dedication to her role as a Licensed Practical Nurse. What drives her is simple yet profound: making a genuine difference in patients' lives through attentive care and a listening ear. Away from the clinic, Tameshia's world revolves around her children, who inspire and energize her daily. She's also an avid bargain hunter with a knack for discovering hidden gems on clearance racks. While Tameshia describes herself as an introvert who values quiet moments, she has a special gift for forming deep, meaningful relationships with patients, families, and colleagues alike. Her blend of thoughtful professionalism and genuine warmth makes her an essential part of our compassionate care team.
Wellness Corner
Finding Humor in the Hard Days: A Reminder About Emotional Well-being

Those charming "Emotional Support" plushies you might have spotted scattered throughout our hospital corridors capture the often-unspoken reality of medical residency perfectly. These whimsical crochet creations, shaped like teacups with wisps of steam rising from their rims, hold a telling message: "It's fine, I'm fine. Everything is fine!"
While these delightful companions make us smile, they also open an important dialogue about how we, as healthcare professionals, process stress and emotions. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes saying "I'm fine" three times doesn't make it true, and that's okay.
Remember: Our residency program offers confidential counseling services and peer support groups. Taking care of yourself isn't just fineโit's essential.