Five years later, Piedmont Macon expanding health care. Published: August 4, 2026 Macon, Ga. (August 5, 2026) - Five years after joining Piedmont Healthcare, Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital are celebrating a milestone that leaders say has transformed healthcare delivery across Middle Georgia through expanded access, major facility investments and enhanced patient care services. On Aug. 1, 2021, the former Coliseum Medical Centers and Coliseum Northside Hospital officially became part of Piedmont, beginning a new chapter for healthcare in the region. In the years since, the two Piedmont hospitals in Macon have evolved into a broader network of care that includes primary care practices, urgent care centers and occupational medicine services that are available to communities across Middle Georgia. "Our story over the last five years is about much more than a name change," said Stephen J. Daugherty, CEO of Piedmont Macon Medical and Piedmont Macon North. "It is a story of investing in our people, our patients and our communities while building a stronger healthcare system for the future." One of the most significant changes was the transition from a for-profit hospital system to a not-for-profit organization. Hospital leaders say that change has allowed resources to be reinvested directly into facilities, technology, workforce development and community health initiatives. The past five years also have brought major technological advancements. Piedmont Macon successfully transitioned to Epic - Piedmont Healthcare's electronic medical record platform - that connects patients to a statewide health system and enables more coordinated care across the organization. Piedmont has invested approximately $45 million in capital improvements and advanced medical technology in Macon, including a hybrid operating room, MRI and CT equipment as well as other critical upgrades across both hospital campuses. Those investments have expanded access to advanced care close to home for Middle Georgia residents. Meanwhile, Piedmont has expanded its physician network in Macon, adding specialists in cardiology, surgery, oncology, pulmonology and other healthcare disciplines. New partnerships with Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta and Piedmont Radiology have further strengthened specialty services available locally. Additionally, Piedmont has created new access points for patients by expanding its primary care and urgent care services, while continuing to invest in advanced hospital-based care. As Piedmont reflects on five years of progress, Daugherty says the focus remains on patient-centered care, ensuring that they remain the focus of every decision while delivering high-quality care to meet the needs of Middle Georgia. Looking to the future, Daugherty said Piedmont Macon has plans to break ground on a new facility outside of Macon. "We'll be making an announcement soon about an exciting project that will serve one of Georgia's fastest-growing communities," he said. "We're nowhere near done. The best is yet to come."

Piedmont Henry welcomes hematologist/medical oncologist. Published: August 4, 2026 Stockbridge, Ga. (August 4, 2026) - Piedmont Henry Hospital welcomes Mohamed Issa, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist, to its oncology team. Dr. Issa specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of both malignant and benign hematologic disorders, as well as a broad spectrum of solid tumors. His clinical interests include breast cancer, thoracic malignancies, gastrointestinal cancers, genitourinary cancers, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and supportive oncology. "Our oncology program continues to grow and the addition of Dr. Issa to our care team will be incredibly beneficial to members of our community with a cancer diagnosis," said David Kent, CEO of Piedmont Henry. "By adding expertise, as well as advanced technology, new facilities, and additional support staff, our patients can be confident that they are getting high-quality cancer care close to home." He is experienced in delivering advanced systemic cancer therapies, including immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and precision oncology. His procedural expertise includes bone marrow aspiration and biopsy as well as point-of-care ultrasound. Dr. Issa is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care while tailoring treatment plans to each patient's individual needs and goals. Dr. Mohamed Issa completed his Diagnostic Radiology residency at Suez Canal University before pursuing an Internal Medicine residency and a Hematology and Medical Oncology fellowship at Henry Ford St. John Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Issa has a strong interest in clinical research, quality improvement, and medical education, with a focus on advancing evidence-based cancer care and improving patient outcomes.

Partnership creates healthcare career pathway for local students. Published: July 30, 2026 Cartersville, Ga. (July 31, 2026) - Leaders from Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center, Georgia Highlands College, the Georgia Highlands College Foundation and Cartersville City Schools gathered July 30 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Piedmont Cartersville Pre-Healthcare Pathway. The partnership will help local students begin their healthcare education earlier while supporting the growing need for healthcare professionals across Northwest Georgia. Through the dual enrollment program, Cartersville High School students will be able to complete college-level healthcare prerequisites before graduating from high school. Coursework will include anatomy and physiology, microbiology and other foundational classes that prepare students to pursue nursing, health sciences, medicine, physician assistant studies and other healthcare professions. The program is expected to initially serve approximately 20 to 25 students annually, with plans to expand enrollment to 40 to 50 students per year as the pathway grows. As part of the partnership, Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center will provide funding for student educational expenses, instructional resources, faculty support and the development of a medical laboratory at Georgia Highlands College. A medical laboratory on the college's Cartersville campus also will be named in recognition of Piedmont's commitment to healthcare education and workforce development. "This partnership represents an investment in the future of healthcare in our community," said Lori Rakes, CEO of Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center. "By creating opportunities for local students to begin their healthcare education earlier, we are helping remove barriers to career advancement while building a stronger pipeline of talented healthcare professionals who may one day care for patients right here in our region." The initiative reflects Piedmont's commitment to making a positive difference in the communities it serves. By working collaboratively, supporting education and investing in the next generation of caregivers, the participating organizations are creating meaningful opportunities for students while strengthening the future healthcare workforce. The pathway also offers students a more affordable and efficient route into healthcare careers by allowing them to earn college credit while still in high school. In turn, the program will help develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals prepared to care for patients throughout Northwest Georgia. The signing marks the beginning of a collaborative effort connecting education and healthcare to create new opportunities for students, support workforce development and improve the health and well-being of the communities the organizations serve.