Nicole Hardeman, DO, says she chose to work in family medicine because she “loves getting to know people, hearing their stories and sharing ways they can optimize their health. I believe a great physician is a great listener.”
She attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Suwanee, Ga., and completed her residency training in family medicine at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Her family medicine residency training focused on outpatient primary care, osteopathic manipulative medicine and the business of medicine. Her training program also allowed her to focus her elective training in community medicine and obesity medicine.
Outside of family medicine, Hardeman says she loves spending time with her husband and two sons. She also enjoys running, exercise and finding ways to become involved in the community.
“I chose to work at Hamilton because it provided me with an opportunity to not only serve the community through direct medical care but also to work directly with the next generation of new physicians training in the Hamilton Family Medicine Residency program,” she says.
To schedule an appointment with Hardeman, call 706.686.8015.
Chelsea Forrester, DO, says she enjoys building long-term relationships with her patients. She emphasizes preventative medicine to help them reach their health goals.
Chelsea Forrester, DO
“I have a special place in my heart for preventative medicine,” Dr. Forrester says. “I love it. “How can I help you on your journey to be the healthiest and happiest you?”
She believes primary care is the foundation of healthcare. “I enjoy all aspects of medicine, and primary care allows me the ability to treat patients of all different ages and backgrounds,” she says.
Hamilton Health Care System will host a back-to-school celebration at Hamilton Physician Group – Murray Campus, 800 GI Maddox Parkway in Chatsworth on Thursday, Sept 2nd. from 1 to 4 p.m.
Children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade may pick up school supplies while supplies last. Each child must be present to receive the supplies.
Free ice cream will also be provided to children who attend the event.
The patient-centered medical home is a model of care that puts patients at the forefront of care. PCMHs build better relationships between patients and their clinical care teams. In this setting, patients are encouraged to be more involved in their treatment and care, inspiring them to engage in healthy behaviors in their day-to-day activities. Practices that earn recognition have made a commitment to continuous quality improvement and a patient-centered approach to care.
The HPG locations with PCMH certification include Hamilton Primary Care in Dalton, HPG – Murray Campus in Chatsworth and HPG – Calhoun Primary Care in Calhoun.
PCMH facilities within HPG include:
• Team-based care with improved communication and coordination of care
• Enhanced wellness visits, preventative care, referrals and chronic care management with improved long-term outcomes
• Same-day appointments available for acute illnesses like colds, flu, stomach problems and infections
• 24-hour access for medical issues
• Customized treatment plans and goal setting
Some of the main benefits of PCMH are higher quality care, improved patient and provider experience, better prevention and management of disease, and a reduction in the overall costs of care by improving patient outcomes.
PCMH standards are based on five core attributes, including:
• Patient-centered care – PCMH practices are required to educate, support and engage patients in their own care through care plan development, goal setting and family/caregiver participation.
• Comprehensive care – PCMH practices must offer whole person care and be accountable for preventative care, acute care and chronic care management.
• Coordinated care – PCMH practices take the lead on organizing and communicating across all care team members and care settings.
• Accessible care – PCMH practices deliver care that is convenient to their patients.
• Commitment to quality and safety – PCMH practices use analytics and electronic medical records as a resource to identify care needs. They ensure that the patient’s record of care is complete with all of the information needed to provide safe, high-quality care.
Murray Campus: In the front, from left Carley Smith, PA, Alison Peden, NP-C, Kaitlyn Moneymaker, Erica Kennedy, Meredith Reynolds and Lis Ocegueda. In the back are Wayne Straw, Blaine Minor, MD, Holly Lynch, DO, Melissa Whorton, Kacey Thompson and Tina Collins. Not pictured are Breann Young, Kelly Smith, Cynthia Walker, Stacy Smith, Jessica Sanders, FNP, Rachel Goode, NP, and Ashley Franks.Calhoun Primary Care: From left are Tracy Taylor, Michelle Little, MD, and Brittany Davenport. Not pictured are Jennifer Smith, FNP, Mandy Fontaine and Amber Cochran.Hamilton Primary Care: In the front, from left, are Mandy Fontaine, Mariela Hurtadgo, Marie Moore, Rebeca Ortega, Jill Edwards and Danielle Epanchin, DO. In the back are Lisa Thomas, Sydnie Hall, Brittany Rankin, Rod Lewis, FNP and Jeri Fuller. Not pictured are Natalie Bessom, DO, Payton Smith and Amber Cochran.
Holly Lynch, DO, says that as a child, she aspired to be a teacher. That goal, she says, carried her through years of school and training and guided her toward the path of family medicine.
“I hope to act as a teacher to my patients to help them understand all aspects of their care, including the importance of preventive care and understanding their diagnoses and treatments,” says Lynch. “I want to encourage patients to be advocates for their own health.”
Lynch completed medical training at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tenn. She completed her residency at Houston Healthcare Family Medicine in Warner Robbins, Ga.
“As a primary care provider, patients will rely on me to coordinate their care and explain their conditions or illnesses with honest responses and in a way they can understand,” Lynch says. “I believe it is important to open up the lines of communication from the very first visit.”
Lynch says she chose family medicine because she always loved learning how and why things work.
“In the healthcare field, I get to apply these principles to the human body and teach patients some of the things I have learned,” says Lynch. “In return, I can learn even more from the patients.”
Lynch’s favorite hobby since childhood, is getting lost in a good book. She also enjoys cooking, traveling and exploring and supporting local businesses. She says she and her husband cherish their time together as well as spending time with friends and family.
