Patient Navigators

Meet Our Patient Navigators

Going to a hospital can be a scary experience for some, especially after a diagnosis. At Doctors Hospital we understand that and want our patients to have a comforting and pleasant experience from diagnosis to discharge and everything in between.

We know that often the most stressful times in a person's life come when they or a family member is ill with a chronic disease or catastrophic illness. Patients may be alone, confused, and suddenly facing an unfamiliar world of providers, tests, and treatment options. Some are unfamiliar with seeking medical care, struggle to understand medical information, and may face financial pressures or cultural barriers.

To help our patients and caregivers understand the sometimes confusing world of healthcare, Doctors Hospital has implemented a Patient Navigator program to help you every step of the way.  The goal is to have seamless, coordinated care. Whether this assistance comes in the form of scheduling an appointment, answering questions about treatment, or further explanation of a diagnosis or treatment plan, our Patient Navigators are here for you.

Brenda McGarr, RN - Cancer Care Center

Brenda McGarr, RN is here to help you get the answers you need. With more than 12 years of healthcare experience, Brenda serves as a vital resource to cancer patients and their families. As a patient navigator for the Cancer Care Center, Brenda assists patients with referrals, appointments, as well as helping to locate necessary resources. In addition to educating the patient, Brenda is active in educating the community as a whole. With a background in chemotherapy administration and Case Management, she has an intense passion for helping cancer patients receive all the information and support they need to help heal their body, mind and spirit.

Learn more about the Cancer Care Center:  http://doctors-hospital.net/our-services/cancer/
Contact Brenda McGarr:
Brenda.McGarr@hcahealthcare.com
(706) 651-4567
 

Sandra Linker, RN, BSN – The Healthy Living Center

Sandra Linker, RN, BSN, knows first-hand about the journey of surgical weight loss.  In 2011, Sandra had bariatric surgery and since that life milestone, she has wanted to help others live the healthy lifestyle that she has come to know.  Sandra received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the Medical College of Georgia. Her nursing background includes surgery, intensive care, and home health care arenas.  Sandra has been the Bariatric Coordinator at Doctors Hospital since 2011.  Should you choose the option of surgical weight loss, Sandra will be there for you every step of the way, helping to answer all of your questions and making sure that you are taking the right steps to a healthier, happier life.

Learn more about The Healthy Living Center:  www.doctors-hospital.net/weightloss
Contact Sandra Linker:
Sandra.Linker@hcahealthcare.com
(706) 651-LIVE (5483)
 

Beth Norton, MSM – Joint and Spine Center

Beth Norton, MSM, has worked in the healthcare field for more than ten years. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion and Education, Beth decided to specialize in healthcare navigation with a focus in orthopedics.   An avid patient advocate, Beth completed her Master of Science degree in Healthcare Management in order to better provide patients with an understanding of the facets of healthcare in addition to ensuring that patient rights are being exercised and followed.  Beth is passionate about patient education and sees her role as making sure that each joint and spine customer has the best experience possible while at Doctors Hospital.

Learn more about the Joint and Spine Center:  www.doctors-hospital.net/HMI
Contact Beth Norton:
Elizabeth.Norton@hcahealthcare.com
(706) 651-4798
 

Sally Wood, BSN, RN, IBCLC, LCCE – Clyde A. Burgamy, M.D. Center for Women

Sally Wood, BSN, RN, IBCLC, LCCE, has been a registered nurse for 17 years and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and serves as co-chair for the CSRA Breastfeeding Coalition.  She is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and coordinates the prenatal education classes, also known as The Cradle Club, at Doctors Hospital.  Sally’s passion is, and always has been, caring for mothers and their newborn babies, helping them to get the best start possible in life.

Sally answers any lactation questions new moms have and supports them every step of the way.
Learn more about the Clyde A. Burgamy, M.D. Center for Women: www.doctorsdelivers.com
Contact Sally Wood:
Sally.Wood@hcahealthcare.com
(706) 651-6515

Michele Dewyngaert – Inpatient Rehab

Michele Dewyngaert has been an integral part of the inpatient physical rehabilitation center at Doctors Hospital for more than 15 years.  She helps guide thousands of patients through the maze of rehab admission and Medicare and insurance questions and approvals.   Michele’s professional background includes management responsibilities for a large, privately owned Health Maintenance Organization, (HMO), medical records management and physician and patient billing.  As rehab patient navigator, she combines her previous experience as well as a passion for helping people to answer your questions and make the transition from the acute care setting to the rehab setting as seamless as possible. 

Learn more about Inpatient Rehab: www.doctors-hospital.net
Contact Michele Dewyngaert:
Michele.Dewyngaert@hcahealthcare.com
(706) 651-6160