Class of 2026 Healthcare Day Sponsored by Georgia Cancer Center
What an incredible Healthcare Day!
We began our morning at Piedmont Augusta Heart & Vascular Institute, where Jimel Carpenter, Director of Piedmont Augusta's Cardiovascular Services, led a powerful and informative tour. He brought out their leadership team and the passion in each department as we explored cardiac and pulmonary rehab, visited the cath lab, and learned where stress tests, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic procedures take place. One of the most meaningful moments was learning about the bell patients ring after completing therapy, a tradition started when a former patient donated the bell to celebrate their own recovery. Piedmont truly is the destination for heart & vascular care.
Next, we traveled to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, where we were welcomed by Jennifer Miller, AVP Strategy & Business Development (WMCG). The NICU manager, Mandy Poole, guided us through an impressive tour of the facility, including the 45-bed Level IV NICU. We learned about their ECMO machines and discussed what it means to be a Level 1 trauma center for adults and a Level 4 trauma center for children, a clear sign that Wellstar Augusta is among the best of the best in critical care. From there, Jim Cooley, AVP of Ambulatory Business Operations (WMCG) took us through the Medical Office Building and Mobile Unit before we headed to the Georgia Cancer Center. Al Dallas, Administrator & Chief of Staff, gave us an insightful overview of how they educate, mentor, and recruit so many future healthcare leaders.
We ended our day at Doctors Hospital with a visit to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center, guided by Jane Echols, VP of Burn Services. We enjoyed informative presentations from the Chief Nursing Officer of Doctors Hospital, Jeffery Harden; JMS Burn Center’s Outreach Services Coordinator Paul Aenchbacher (and snacks!); as well as the Burn Foundation of America's President & CEO, Steve Chalker. We toured the Burn Center’s state-of-the-art facility, including the debridement area, Burn ICU, and ambulance bay. The center is intentionally designed for quick access to the OR, ER, ICU, and all major treatment areas. From wound care to burn treatment, it’s clear why this is the nation’s largest and most trusted burn center.
A full day of learning, behind-the-scenes access, and inspiration. Grateful for the opportunity and for all the incredible healthcare professionals who keep our community safe, healthy, and supported.
A special shout out to our Day Chairs, Al Dallas and Steve Chalker for guiding us through the day, our Class Chairs Sarah Childers and Taylor Lamb for planning this day for us and Leadership Coordinator Miranda Ewing for everything in between. They put together an amazing experience that gave us a deep look into some of the strongest healthcare resources right here in our community.
Written by Alexis Williams, Class of 2026
