August 21, 2025, marked a milestone day of celebration and recognition for East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro. Though an afternoon downpour shifted the festivities from the hospital courtyard to the cafeteria, the spirit of the occasion remained undampened.
A tremendous turnout of hospital employees, community leaders, and Chamber of Commerce members gathered to commemorate 25 years of excellence in healthcare during a special Chamber Business After Hours event.
EGRMC’s journey began in October 1995, when Health Management Associates purchased Bulloch Memorial Hospital with a vision. A groundbreaking took place on August 21, 1998, and on July 14, 2000, the ‘new hospital’ opened on Fair Road as a state-of-the-art center that quickly became the trusted healthcare destination for Statesboro and surrounding counties.
From early days to today, the growth of the 'new hospital' has been remarkable. EGRMC served more than 300,000 patients last year. The Emergency Department, one of the busiest in the region with 51,500 visits, ensures urgent care is within reach. EGRMC offers specialized care, including gastroenterology, pulmonary and sleep medicine, pain management, urology, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, wound care, and robotic-assisted surgery.
At the heart of the 25th Anniversary celebration were the 75 team members who have served at East Georgia Regional Medical Center for more than 25 years.
The evening was dedicated to honoring their longevity, teamwork, and the daily inspiration they provide, ensuring that every person who enters the hospital is treated with kindness and care.
Dr. Johnny Martin, Medical Director of the East Georgia Wound Healing Center and a respected surgeon with over 40 years of practice, captured the spirit of the evening in his remarks. Reflecting on the employees’ enduring service, Martin said:
“Talk about dedication. Look at the people standing, individuals who, year after year, have shared one purpose: to serve the patients of Bulloch County and the surrounding region and to ensure their healing. To be able to work alongside such a team is an honor.”
Before the anniversary presentations, the 375+ guests were treated to a “Taste of East Georgia” reception hosted by EGRMC with Divine Elegance Catering, (owned by Lisa Linen, a new Chamber of Commerce member) to create a menu highlighting local Southern cuisine.
Guests enjoyed smoked brisket, burnt ends, shrimp and grits, divine greens, and mac-and-cheese bites, a custom fruit sorbet station, local peach and peanut delicacies, and peach white chocolate cupcakes, alongside signature beverages including a peach mocktail, paradise lemonade, and Southern sweet tea.
The anniversary celebration began with welcoming remarks from Alan Scott, M.D., Director of Medical Affairs, Joey Fennell, Patient Peer Advocate, and Board of Trustees Chairman Kenny Stone.
Comments from 25 + team members added a personal touch. Shirley Lipsey, LPN, (whose hospital career began in 1972) spoke from the perspective of the Medical-Surgical Unit. Francis Walker, RN, (who started part-time in 1971) and is known as the “face of surgery,” reminded the audience: “When you enjoy what you do, it’s not a job.”
As he introduced Kathy Holmes, Director of Medical Staff Services (hospital career start date: 7/11/1979!), Dr. Scott shared with humor: “If you want to know what’s happening in East Georgia or have a question, Kathy is the go-to. If she doesn’t have the answer, it doesn’t exist.”
Johnny Martin, M.D., delivered a message to the medical community, emphasizing the dedication of the staff and Rev. Alex Smith, Volunteer Chaplain, a touching benediction; he said Rev. Smith provides “prescriptions for the soul.”
Music by Stephen Jones and Mandy Fowler carried through to the final farewell, adding a touch of elegance and ambiance throughout.
The celebration of EGRMC’s 25th Anniversary highlighted the remarkable men and women whose steadfast service has shaped its legacy. The evening concluded with laughter, applause, and heartfelt gratitude.
Thank you to everyone who joined the celebration! Here's to 25 years!
