Macon Magazine

18 l MACON MAGAZINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 What is the latest project that Mercer Medicine nephrologists are doing to improve health care for dialysis patients in Central Georgia? Ajay Srivastava, MD, and Nnamdi K. Nwaohiri, MD, are nephrologists with Mercer Medicine, the multi-specialty physician practice and clinical component of the Mercer University School of Medicine. The project that both Dr. Srivastava and Dr. Nwaohiri are most excited about is a collaborative effort between the Mercer University School of Medicine and the Piedmont Transplant Institute of Atlanta to open a satellite transplant clinic in Macon. The clinic, which will initially focus on kidney transplants, is scheduled to open in April 2013 and operate out of the Mercer Medicine Internal Medicine Clinic at 707 Pine Street. Who would benefit from these advancements? With the best kidney transplant survival rates in the state of Georgia and among the country—for both the transplanted organ and patient—the accessibility of a Piedmont Transplant satellite clinic in Macon could literally be a lifesaver for both dialysis patients and those nearing dialysis in the Central Georgia community. With this satellite clinic, patients can have their transplant evaluations performed here in Macon. Although the actual transplant would be performed in Atlanta, the pre- and post- transplant evaluations and follow-up could be completed within affordable driving distance to patients' homes. Also through this collaboration, the School of Medicine has the opportunity to create landmark training fellowships in both Infectious Disease and Nephrology that will expand subspecialty training for medical residents and elevate the caliber of physicians Mercer graduates into Georgia communities. Why are these advancements important to Macon and the Central Georgia community? According to Dr. Srivastava, Chief of the Nephrology Division for the School of Medicine, the combination of tough economic conditions and little or no insurance coverage doesn't leave many options for patients needing treatment for kidney or renal diseases. "Therefore, it is not uncommon for patients to drive an hour or longer to Macon to receive that much needed specialized care provided by specialists with Mercer Medicine. That's why it's important that we as practicing physicians and teachers of medicine make advanced and innovative health care accessible to all those in need," he explains. Where can patients get more information? For more information about Mercer Medicine, its physicians, and the new transplant clinic, please call (478) 301-2528. Mercer Medicine currently employs more than 80 full-time physicians, nurse clinicians, and support staff at clinic locations in downtown Macon. 6 5 7 H e m l o c k S t r e e t , S u i t e 2 0 0 | M a c o n , G A 3 1 2 0 1 | ( 4 7 8 ) 3 0 1 - 2 1 0 9 Mercer Medicine Pictured left to right is Ajay Srivastava, MD, and Nnamdi K. Nwaohiri, MD. new Faces in medicine A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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