What Brings You In Today?

Calling all nurses and future nurses! In this episode, we sit down with Cherise Giddens, Chief Nursing Officer at SGMC Health, who started her journey here 35 years ago and worked her way up to lead our incredible nursing team. She shares what first inspired her to become a nurse, what makes a great one, and how SGMC Health is innovating with virtual nursing and beyond. From career tips...

Cardiothoracic surgeon Patrick Murrah, MD, joins us for a heart-to-heart (literally) in this unforgettable episode! From his journey to becoming a surgeon to the incredible patients and cases that shaped his career, Dr. Murrah gives us a behind-the-scenes look at life in the operating room. He dishes out some hilarious and heartfelt stories, lifts the curtain on SGMC Health's tight-knit physician...

Get ready to scrub in for a special episode featuring Mercer University School of Medicine students Chris Harvey and now officially Dr. Elizabeth Pittman, who spent their 3rd and 4th years doing clinical rotations right here at SGMC Health! These two rising stars share what sparked their journey into medicine, how they picked their specialties, and what made Valdosta...

Get ready for an engaging and eye-opening episode as we dive into the incredible work happening at SGMC Health's Level III Trauma Center! We chat with Chelsea Carter, Trauma Program Manager, who shares the inside scoop on what it takes to earn a trauma designation and the types of traumatic injuries the team tackles every day. Learn practical injury prevention tips to keep kids...

Today's episode is a heartfelt and entertaining trip down memory lane! Hear from Shirley Garland, a retired SGMC Health nurse with decades of experience, now serving as a proud member of the Hospital Authority Board. Mrs. Shirley shares stories from her nursing days, back when medical charts were color-coded by hand with trusty pens. We explore how nursing has evolved, the groundbreaking advanceme...

Join us as we chat with Madison Hill, DO, about all things Family Medicine—what it is, how it compares to Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and what MD and DO really mean. We’ll also dive into Lifestyle Medicine and how she’s helping patients live healthier lives. Plus, Dr. Hill shares her exciting role in training more family physicians right here in South Georgia through a brand-new residency pr...

He's back! Mr. Dean returns to the podcast to talk about how SGMC Health’s 3,200 all-star team members are creating a culture of excellence that’s changing lives across South Georgia. From bragging on the team to breaking down the growing residency program, Mr. Dean gives us the inside scoop on why SGMC Health is the place to be for patients, families, employees, and physicians. Hit play and...

Got headaches? We’ve got answers! In this episode of  What Brings You In Today , we’re joined by Hernan Posas, MD, neurologist at SGMC Health and migraine expert (and sufferer!). We’re diving deep into the world of headaches—especially migraines. Learn about the causes, different types, and common triggers like weather, MSG, red wine, and even too much (or too little) sleep. Curious about tre...

Get ready for a dose of fun and insight with Shug Pleas, RN, the self-proclaimed "fun aunt" of SGMC Health’s Nurse Residency Program! In this episode, Shug takes us on a journey through the diverse career paths in nursing, from hospitals to clinics to home care. We discuss the qualities that make a great nurse and how SGMC Health’s specialized training program helps new nurses thrive in...

Guess who’s back? It’s What Brings You In Today’s first-ever two-time guest, Dr. Joseph Hayes! We couldn’t resist inviting him back to tackle some of the most Googled health questions of 2024—plus a few fun surprises! From why we get motion sickness and hiccups to the truth about snoring and swallowing gum, we’re busting myths and having a blast. Is the 5-second rule really a thing? Spoi...

Today we're joined by Anna Scott, a dietician at SGMC Health, who dishes out tasty tips and tricks for healthy living! We're talking everything from building a plate that makes your taste buds dance to mastering portion control without sacrificing your favorites. Need to meal prep like a boss or make smarter choices at the drive-thru? We've got you covered! Kickstart your new year with a fresh, fu...

In this episode, we dive into all things digestive health with Jeff Anucha, MD, a gastroenterologist at SGMC Health. While GI issues might be awkward, your gut is in great hands with Dr. Anucha! We break down the ins and outs of gut health, probiotics, and food intolerances, plus tackle big topics like the rise in colon cancer among younger people and what could be behind it. We even explore the f...

Today, we’re joined by not one but two remarkable podcast guests! Anna Ledford, MD, and Samuel Edusa, MD, internal medicine resident physicians at SGMC Health, take us behind the scenes of their journeys to becoming doctors—each one with its own twists and turns. They also give us an inside look at a day in the life of a resident, from hospital rounds to clinic care, and share why having a pr...

On today's episode, we’re joined by Colby Ruiz, MD, vascular surgeon at SGMC Health, for a fun and inspiring trip down memory lane. Dr. Ruiz takes us back to his days as a teenager in the SGMC Health Volunteen program, where his journey into medicine began, and how it eventually led him to specialize in the fascinating world of vascular surgery. Now, he's back in South Georgia, caring for the same...

On this episode of What Brings You In Today, we're joined by Eli Metts, Nurse Practitioner at Hospice of South Georgia (HOSG), for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about hospice care. Eli shares what it's really like to care for patients at the end of life, offering a unique perspective on the compassion and expertise required in this field. We break down common misconceptions about hospic...

Ready to bust some myths about healthy living? Join us for a fun and informative chat with Brian Pisula, MD, an emergency medicine physician and healthy habits guru! Dr. Pisula debunks common misconceptions about dieting and healthy foods, and dives into the world of nutrition labels, food marketing, and how our brains process hunger. He’s all about balance—eat what you love, just make sure most o...

Listen in for an inspiring conversation with Leslie Holmes, MD, a radiation oncologist at SGMC Health's Pearlman Cancer Center. Learn about the groundbreaking cancer treatments available right here in South Georgia, so patients can receive extraordinary cancer care close to home. Dr. Holmes breaks down the differences between radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, and how every patient gets a...

Get ready for a heart-to-heart with Luke Seibolt, MD, an interventional cardiologist inspired by his dad’s own heart journey. In this episode, Dr. Seibolt shares everyday tips to keep your heart healthy—from simple walks around the block to smart food choices. We also dive into the game-changing TAVR procedure (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) and how it’s transforming patients' lives. Plus...

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Laura Guadiana Sanchez, MD, a Family Medicine physician and among the 1% of doctors board-certified in Obesity Medicine. With obesity recognized as a disease, Dr. Guadiana Sanchez is on a mission to break down the stigma around weight and empower her patients to achieve better health. We dive into hot topics in weight loss, including GLP1s, societal sta...

It's not rocket science; it's just neurosurgery! Dive into the world of neurosurgery with Kimberly Mackey, MD! Join us as we discuss common reasons patients seek her expertise, the types of procedures she performs, and her unique journey to the field. Discover what she finds most rewarding in her career and how she's breaking barriers as one of the few women in neurosurgery! Tune in to our captiva...

Join us for a heartwarming episode with Brian Griner, MD, a cherished community physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Growing up around healthcare, Dr. Griner found his calling early on. He’s here to share insights on the common medical issues he tackles daily, both in his private practice and during hospital rounds. Learn about his tireless dedication to the community, from...

Get ready for a fascinating episode with Robert Kirtley, MD, an Interventional Physiatrist and former US Army hero who is on a mission to conquer pain! Dr. Kirtley spills the secrets of his specialty, sharing how he uses ultrasound as a "cheat code" to zap pain at its source. We dive into cutting-edge treatments and groundbreaking procedures, like a micro-invasive carpal tunnel release a...

Tune in as we sit down with Joe Morgan, MD, Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Dogwood Senior Behavioral Health, to explore the landscape of mental health. Dr. Morgan delves into hot topics like therapy, anxiety, and depression, and shares his expertise on working with aging populations suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's, including key risk factors and warning signs. We also address li...

Join us for an insightful episode with Clark Connell, MD, Co-Medical Director of the Emergency Departments at SGMC Health Main and Smith Northview. Discover a day in the life of the ER, learn when to choose the ER vs. Urgent Care, and explore the innovative "express care" system designed to reduce wait times for more minor concerns. Dr. Connell addresses common complaints, emphasizes the...

Safety first! Join the insightful Pankaj Agrawal, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at SGMC Health as he joins us on today's episode! The "Top Doc" sheds light on the evolution of hospital medicine, also known as hospitalists, and its benefit for both patients and doctors. From sharing his own experiences as a resident physician to discussing critical topics like organ donation a...