Piedmont Heart expands access to care with new Waynesboro location

Augusta, Ga. (January 13, 2026) – Piedmont Heart today announced the grand opening of its newest location at 411 W. 4th St., Waynesboro, Ga. The practice celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 7 in partnership with the Burke County Chamber of Commerce.

The new Piedmont Heart Institute of Waynesboro represents a significant milestone in Piedmont’s long-standing commitment to serve Burke County. For decades, many local residents have had to travel to Augusta for specialized cardiovascular care. This new practice brings world-class heart services closer to home, reducing travel time for patients and ensuring that lifesaving care is available where families live, work, and raise their children.

“This practice is about more than bricks and mortar — it’s about expanding access to high-quality, compassionate care,” said Lily Henson, CEO of Piedmont Augusta. “By bringing Piedmont Heart to Waynesboro, we’re ensuring more Georgians can receive the cardiovascular expertise they deserve without traveling long distances. This is a meaningful step in keeping our communities healthy.”

The Waynesboro clinic offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment services designed to help patients manage and improve their heart health. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming a life every 34 seconds. With the opening of this location, Piedmont is working to change that story for the residents of Burke County.

Providers at Piedmont Heart of Waynesboro

Rakesh Baman, M.D., specializes in cardiovascular diseases. His special interests include preventative cardiology, nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. Dr Baman offers treatments for conditions such as chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Dr. Baman has over 26 years of experience in practice and is board certified in Cardiology.

Joseph Lightsey, M.D., specializes in Electrophysiology. He is board certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, echocardiography by the National Board of Echocardiography, and cardiovascular diseases by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Arthur Chandler, Jr., M.D., specializes in cardiovascular disease. His special interests include congestive heart failure. Dr. Chandler offers treatment for/treats conditions such as coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure. He completed his cardiology Fellowship in 1990 and is board certified in cardiology and advanced heart failure.

Hannah Woodard, FNP-C, specializes in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. Her special interests include Interventional cardiology and structural heart conditions. Mrs. Woodard offers treatment for coronary artery disease, aortic and mitral valve disease, atrial fibrillation and various other structural heart conditions. She is board certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

A physician referral is required for an appointment at Piedmont Heart Institute of Waynesboro. To learn more, visit piedmont.org/heart.