Radiation Oncology Associates staff honored as heroes

ALBANY — At Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, superheroes walk the hallways every day. These real-life heroes are dedicated to caring for patients and saving lives.

Last week, in recognition of National Superheroes Day on Saturday, three doctors and a therapist at Radiation Oncology Associates were honored with their own superhero kit from Everfan, a Thomasville company that works to bring out the everyday superhero in children and adults.

Nikki Bryant, a healthcare colleague and patient, nominated Drs. Charles Mendenhall, Jay McAfee and Adam Jones along with Missi Durham, chief radiation therapist, for their commitment to patients.

Bryant, who is a pharmacist, said she hears daily through patient testimonies about the accessibility to each of them.

“They go out of their way to make sure each patient is personally cared for,” she said.

On Jones, she spoke of his commitment to his patients.

“Dr. Jones and I have a mutual patient who told me of how he calls to check on her after hours and on the weekends. She feels so loved and cared for by his extra effort,” Bryant said.

On McAfee, she addresses his willingness to go the extra mile.

“Dr. McAfee has a patient in my pharmacy that was experiencing complications on a Saturday,” Bryant said. “After calling him, he asked if my technician could go to the patient’s home and FaceTime him so he could visually see his problem to better address his care.”

For Mendenhall, Bryant drew on a personal experience with him and the dedication he displayed in making sure she had the proper care.

“Almost four years ago, I discovered a mass in my jaw line. I called Dr. Mendenhall on a Saturday and he examined me at the gate of his farm,” Bryant said. “He explained the possible outcomes and referred me to the best surgeon at Emory who performed my surgery.”

Durham is Bryant’s sister, allowing her a unique perspective on the devotion she has to her patients.

“She does extra deeds to make each patient feel special. Her love for them is so apparent through her actions.” Bryant said.“This region is so extremely fortunate to have these physicians and therapists to care for us.

“There is no other place to find a group so loving and caring. I’m truly thankful for their acts of heroism.”

More information on Everfan can be found at www.everfan.com.

Jennifer Parks