Dr. Douglas Joyner named top Phoebe physician for 2016

ALBANY — Dr. Douglas Joyner, a general surgeon at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center who is in his 28th year of practice in the Americus area, has been named 2016 Phoebe Physician of the Year.

Phoebe officials say the award is given to a physician employed by Phoebe Physician Group who exemplifies a compassionate commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities that he or she serves.

“Dr. Joyner is an exceptional general surgeon, and we are proud to honor him for his continued commitment,” said Dr. Suresh Lakhanpal, president of Phoebe Physician Group. “He embodies everything a patient and colleague should expect from a physician – making him an invaluable member of the Phoebe family.”

Numerous nominations cited Joyner for his compassion and dedication, officials said, noting one nomination that stated, “He sets a standard that all of his fellow surgeons aspire to. He is as dedicated today as when he first began his career.”

Phoebe officials said Joyner is known by staff and patients to go beyond his duties to provide high-quality, personalized care. A nomination from a patient who needed emergency surgery said, “At all times, Dr. Joyner exemplified a genuine care and concern for me. He epitomizes the highest standards and practices of the medical profession.”

Joyner graduated from medical school in 1977 and completed his residency in general surgery at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. After leaving the Army, he moved to Americus, where he has been a surgeon since 1988.

At Americus, he has served as chief of surgery (1990-92) and chief of staff (1995-97). Joyner also has served as chief of surgery at Flint River Hospital in Montezuma. He travels weekly to Montezuma, Cuthbert and Fitzgerald to see patients.

Joyner is the second recipient of Phoebe’s Physician of the Year award. Recipients are chosen by a committee from nominations made by patients, community members and fellow employees throughout the health system. More than 130 nominations were submitted this year.