Local OB/GYN Exposes Shortage of Women's Health Providers in SWGA, Hospital Responds

A Growing Concern Over Women’s Health Care Access in South Georgia

A well-respected gynecologist in South Georgia recently voiced concerns about the lack of women’s health providers in the region. Dr. Paul Smurda, who has spent decades building relationships with his patients, shared his experiences in a Facebook post that has sparked significant discussion.

In his post titled “When a Hospital System Turns Its Back on the Community,” Dr. Smurda explained how his private practice, Women’s Health Professionals (WHP), was forced to sell to Phoebe Putney Health System due to financial pressures. He described the decision as one made out of necessity rather than choice.

Dr. Smurda highlighted several issues he encountered after the sale. One of the most concerning was the loss of his successful local weight loss clinic, which had helped many patients achieve better health. According to him, this program did not align with Phoebe’s corporate agenda, leading to its shutdown.

The consequences of this consolidation have become apparent. The area now has only two board-certified OB/GYN providers, excluding local RHC (Miriam Worthy). This shortage is placing an unsustainable burden on the remaining providers and putting patients at risk.

To address the crisis, Dr. Smurda accepted a position with OBHG, an independent company that staffs laborists in hospitals across the country. This role would allow him to continue caring for patients at Phoebe while also running his local clinic in Sylvester. However, he was recently informed by OBHG that Phoebe did not want him to work in their hospital and canceled his upcoming call assignments on labor and delivery.

Dr. Smurda believes this action is part of a larger issue where healthcare systems prioritize control over collaboration and profit over patient safety. He emphasized that physicians should be treated with respect, not retaliation.

Phoebe Putty Health System responded to Dr. Smurda’s post, stating that they had offered every opportunity for him to continue serving his patients as part of the Phoebe Family. They mentioned that Dr. Thomas Talley, who joined Phoebe, made a personal decision to retire. In his place, they welcomed other excellent members of the Women’s Health Professionals team, including Certified Midwives and Nurse Practitioners.

Phoebe also highlighted the addition of Dr. Kayla Suma, who will expand her practice to see OB/GYN patients at Women’s Health Professionals. They announced the arrival of Dr. Lindsey Wells in September and noted the presence of Dr. Kelly Albrecht, the region’s only Maternal-Fetal medicine specialist.

Additionally, Phoebe invested in an OB ER, separate from their main emergency center, that is staffed 24/7 with OB specialists. As part of a new partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine, they have OB residents training in their facilities and are actively recruiting physicians and advanced practice providers.

Despite these efforts, the community continues to face challenges in accessing quality women’s healthcare. The situation underscores the need for a healthcare system that values the well-being of patients over bureaucracy and ensures that providers can continue to serve their communities effectively.

The ongoing dialogue between Dr. Smurda and Phoebe Putty Health System highlights the complexities of healthcare consolidation and the impact it can have on both providers and patients. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how these challenges will be addressed and what steps will be taken to ensure adequate access to women’s health care in the region.