Cartersville Medical Center Honors Residents With Top Company Award

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A physician, employee and volunteer were recently named Frist Humanitarian Award winners at Cartersville Medical Center.

Created in 1971, the award honors outstanding individuals for their humanitarian and volunteer activities. Those recognized this year were: Dr. Ed Atwell, Wendy Bailey, RN and Gary James.

Named in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr. (1910-1998), a founder of HCA (parent company of Cartersville Medical Center), the award “recognizes individuals who serve the community and those in need and whose daily dedication and care giving epitomize the highest standards of quality and personal commitment,” the hospital said in its news release.

Physician Recipient

In addition to the employee and volunteer categories, the physician award honors a HCA-affiliated physician who “displays a concern for the well-being of others beyond his/her day-to-day physician responsibilities,” the medical center added.

An orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Georgia Bone & Joint Surgeons, P.C., Dr. Atwell has been in Cartersville for over 25 years, following four years of service in the U.S. Navy, medical school and a sports medicine fellowship in southern California.

Though he maintains a busy practice and surgery schedule, Dr. Atwell’s passion for foreign missions led to his development of Medical Outreach of America, a multi-tiered organization dedicated to delivering international medical care, education, disease prevention strategies, and improving resources vital to healthier living. Atwell has organized medical teams to serve individuals with complex surgical needs in Peru, Bolivia, Nepal, Vietnam and Guatemala. He spends countless hours gathering donated supplies and equipment to help patients who otherwise may never get a chance for improved health care.

Atwell appreciates and recognizes others for their contributions to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. “It doesn’t matter about the position or the title you have, everyone is important on the team,” says Atwell.

Atwell is married to Sandy and is the father of two daughters, Kristen and Allison. A pilot, he enjoys flying his plane to Dog Island for quick get-a-ways.

Employee Recipient

The employee award recognizes a HCA-affiliated employee who goes beyond day-to-day responsibilities in his/her overall service to the community. A nurse with over 30 years of experience, Wendy Bailey was named the employee recipient of the Frist Humanitarian Award.

Bailey serves as oncology nurse navigator at The Hope Center, where she effectively assists cancer patients with service, resources and advocacy. Resources obtained by Bailey on her patients’ behalf have included enteral feedings, mammograms for uninsured patients, dental evaluations, gas cards, financial aid and even housing repairs. She has applied for and received thousands of dollars in grants and in-kind donations in support of cancer patients and their caregivers.

Bailey serves on the Hope Center Foundation Board of Directors and the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition. She is a member of Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Navigation and Cancer Navigators of Georgia. She often attends and represents Cartersville Medical Center and The Hope Center at community and employee health fairs.

“Wendy gives selflessly of her time and energy to the care of the patients we touch,” said Dr. William Thoms, radiation oncologist at The Hope Center. “Humble servant leaders such as she are a true gift to our healthcare community.”

Bailey and her husband, Brian have two grown sons, Dylan and Joshua, and a granddaughter, Savannah Kate. A self-described “foodie,” Bailey loves trying new restaurants and traveling with friends and family.

Volunteer Recipient

A volunteer at Cartersville Medical Center for almost two years, Gary James was named the volunteer recipient of the Frist Humanitarian Award. While he’s technically retired, James may be busier now than ever. He is serving a second term as president of the Auxiliary and works in the hospital gift shop.

James’s volunteer work in the community is extensive. For 15 months he has — on a volunteer basis — efficiently operated Bartow Health Access, a non-profit clinic providing healthcare services for people who are uninsured or underinsured. Always dependable to complete any task to perfection, James has been instrumental with fundraising events including the Pond and Garden tour and charity auctions. He’s a faithful friend to many and a quiet servant in the community.

James and his partner of 16 years, Mark Ceravolo, live in Cartersville and attend Sam Jones Memorial United Methodist Church.

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Photo 1: Dr. Ed Atwell, physician recipient, with wife and daughter
Photo 2: Gary James and Mark Ceravolo
Photo 3: Wendy and Brian Bailey
Credits: Cartersville Medical Center