Atlanta, Ga. (June 12, 2025) – Piedmont Oncology recently recognized its oncologists and local cancer program team members for their efforts to grow Piedmont’s oncology program and provide exceptional cancer care across the state. The inaugural Piedmont Oncology Physician and Staff Recognition Awards recognized 30 recipients in eight award categories.

Piedmont Oncology is a premier community-based cancer care program—providing compassionate, quality care that is fully aligned with research and innovation. This enables access to clinical trials that not only evaluate the safety and efficacy of new therapies, but also provide patients with access to therapies that are not yet widely available.

“Congratulations to all our physicians and team members who were recognized for putting their patients and colleagues first and for delivering high-quality patient-centered care,” said Walter J. “Wally” Curran, Jr., M.D., FACR, FASCO, Whitaker Endowed Chief of Piedmont Oncology.

The inaugural awards included:

Clinical Research Champion Award, recognizing physicians for high clinical trial enrollment, was awarded to the following:

• Erin Dunbar, M.D. and Aaron Mammoser, M.D. – Neuro Oncology Team, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
• Adam Nowlan, M.D. – Radiation Oncologist, Piedmont Physicians Group Radiation Oncology, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
• Eyal Meiri, M.D. – Medical Oncologist, Piedmont Physicians Group Medical Oncology Atlanta, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
• Andrew Page, M.D. – Surgical Oncologist, Piedmont Physicians Group Surgical Oncology/HPB Surgery Atlanta, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
• Windy Dean-Colomb, M.D. – Medical Oncologist, Piedmont Physicians Group Medical Oncology Newnan, Piedmont Newnan Hospital
   

The “OG” Award, recognizing physicians and staff who have been with Piedmont for the greatest amount of time, demonstrating dedication and commitment to patients and team members, was presented to:

• Randy Cooper, M.D. – Surgical Oncologist, Piedmont Physicians Group Surgical Oncology Augusta, Piedmont Augusta Hospital
• John Giesler, M.D. – Radiation Oncologist, Piedmont Henry Hospital Radiation Oncology
• Michelle Wells – Manager, Regional Physics, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital

The Rookie Rockstar Award, which recognized new physicians and staff rocking patient care, was presented to:

• Priya Vishnubhotla, M.D. – Medical Oncologist, Piedmont Physicians Group Medical Oncology Rockdale, Piedmont Rockdale Hospital
• Aubrey Surian – Genetic Counselor, Piedmont Augusta Hospital
• Bridgette Youngblood – Cancer Navigator, Piedmont Macon Medical Center

The Unsung Hero Award, which recognized physicians and staff who consistently go above and beyond for each patient, was presented to:

• Keith Martin, M.D. – Breast Surgeon, Piedmont Physicians Group Surgical Specialists Macon, Piedmont Macon Medical Center
• Nicole Sroka, M.D. – Breast Surgeon, Piedmont Physicians Group Breast Surgery Fayetteville, Piedmont Fayette Hospital
• Keely Gage – Clinical Resource Coordinator, Piedmont Cartersville Hospital
• Niya Hurt – Staff Nurse, Piedmont Physicians Group Medical Oncology Atlanta, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital

The Mentorship Award, which recognized physicians who are always willing to mentor young and/or new physicians, was presented to Earl Mullis, M.D., general surgeon, Piedmont Physicians Group Specialists Macon, Piedmont Macon Medical Center.

The Patient Whisperer Award, which recognized physicians and staff who calm any situation, bringing peace and understanding to patients and team members was awarded to:

• Stephen Szabo, M.D. – Medical Oncologist, Piedmont Physicians Group Medical Oncology Rockdale, Piedmont Rockdale Hospital
• Tracy Darden – Clinical Supervisor, Outpatient Infusion, Piedmont Henry Hospital
• Brandy Durham – Oncology Social Worker, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
• Anne Hopkins, MSN, FNP-C – Nurse Practitioner, Piedmont Physicians Group Medical Oncology Atlanta, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
• Tina Wiggins – Staff Nurse, Radiation Oncology, Piedmont Fayette Hospital

The Mission Impossible Award, which recognized staff members who achieve the impossible, consistently tackling and completing challenging tasks that seem unattainable to others, was presented to:

• Chasica Bankston – Lung Screening Coordinator, Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital
• Michelle Baird – Manager, Outpatient Infusion Services, Piedmont Newton Hospital
• Jennifer Palmer – Program Coordinator, Cancer Wellness, Piedmont Newnan Hospital
• Shauna Serchion – Medical Assistant, Cancer Genetics Program, Piedmont Oncology
• Mendy Whitworth – Manager, Radiation Oncology Operations, Piedmont Henry Hospital

The Head Cheerleader Award, which recognized staff members who always support their colleagues and foster a positive team environment, was awarded to:

• Shay Lorick – Procedure Coordinator, Piedmont Physicians Group Gynecologic Oncology Atlanta, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
• Henrietta Myers – Certified Physician Office Float, Piedmont Physicians Group Medical Oncology Fayetteville
• Barbara Powell – Program Coordinator, Breast Health Center, Piedmont Augusta Hospital
• Mary Williams – Cancer Navigator, John B. Amos Cancer Center, Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital

“The work we do at Piedmont Oncology matters, and these awards recognize those that truly rose to the challenge this year,” said Dr. Curran. “We are proud of our team’s exceptional contributions to leading real change in oncology care across Georgia.”

For more information, visit piedmont.org/oncology.