Stockbridge, Ga. (December 16, 2025) – Vijay Rathinam, M.D., started this week as Piedmont Henry Hospital’s new Chief Medical Officer.
Dr. Rathinam joined Piedmont Athens Regional as their Medical Director for Hospital Medicine in 2016. In this role, he managed 34 physicians and four mid-level providers while educating medical students and residents on teaching rounds. In addition to this role, he also served as Chief Medical Officer for Piedmont Walton. Dr. Rathinam attended North Carolina State University for his undergraduate and master's degrees before getting his medical degree at East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine. He completed his residency at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation before joining Mt. Sinai Hospital in Chicago and is board-certified in internal medicine.
“We are incredibly grateful to have Dr. Rathinam’s leadership and guidance in this role,” said Kent. “He ensures clinical quality and safety are never compromised, while consistently finding ways to improve patient flow, physician relations and creating a culture of collaboration.”
Dr. Rathinam takes over for William Watkins, M.D.
Dr. Watkins served as CMO at Piedmont Henry since 2019, after serving as the medical director of the emergency department and Chief Quality Officer among other roles.
“Dr. Watkins’ vast experience in emergency medicine and healthcare has been integral as we improved the quality of our care, clinical performance, and service for Henry County and surrounding communities,” said Piedmont Henry CEO David Kent. “There is no doubt that me made a positive impact at Piedmont Henry through every life he touched.”
For more information on Piedmont Henry, visit piedmont.org/henry.
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