Piedmont Athens Regional names Terri Watts Promise 360 Champion
Athens, Ga. (July 27, 2026) — Piedmont Athens Regional has named Terri Watts, an occupational therapist, its Promise 360 Annual Champion, recognizing her commitment to patient-centered care and her ability to create meaningful connections that improve the patient experience.
The Promise 360 award honors team members who go above and beyond to exemplify Piedmont’s values through compassionate care, service excellence and dedication to patients and families.
Watts received the recognition for her care of a patient who suffered a spinal cord injury that resulted in complete quadriplegia. During the weeks she worked with the patient as he recovered and prepared to transfer to Shepherd Center for rehabilitation, Watts learned that he had served as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Her own father is also a Vietnam veteran and helicopter pilot.
With the patient's permission, Watts arranged a FaceTime call between the two veterans, creating an opportunity for the patient to connect with someone who shared a similar life experience. Watts held the phone at the patient's bedside throughout the 25-minute conversation.
What began as a therapeutic intervention became a powerful moment of encouragement and human connection. The patient was noticeably more alert, engaged and oriented following the conversation, and benefited from the emotional support and camaraderie the call provided.
"Terri's actions demonstrate the profound impact healthcare professionals can have when they care for the whole person, not just the condition," said Piedmont Athens Regional CEO Michael Burnett. "She recognized an opportunity to bring comfort and connection to a patient facing unimaginable challenges, and her compassion made a lasting difference."
Watts' nomination highlighted her commitment to providing personalized care, creating an experience that supported both the patient's recovery and emotional well-being.
The Promise 360 program recognizes team members who make a positive difference in the lives of patients, families, co-workers and the community while exemplifying Piedmont's values. Throughout the fiscal year, employees are nominated for acts that champion patient-centered care, exemplify teamwork and connections, demonstrate ownership and embrace the future. Monthly honorees are recognized, and annual spotlight recipients and a champion are selected from among those nominees.
Piedmont Athens recognizes and thanks all fiscal year 2026 Promise 360 honorees for their dedication, compassion and service. Their actions represent the organization's commitment to delivering exceptional care and supporting one another both inside and outside the hospital.Connect with our media team
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