Northeast Georgia Health System has named Kevin Matson as its vice president of regional hospitals. Matson currently serves as interim president of Habersham Medical Center. The move means Matson will continue to have primary oversight of the hospital as it becomes Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Habersham on July 1.
Matson will eventually take on primary oversight of the nearby NGMC Lumpkin hospital as well once the Habersham transition is complete and stabilized, a news release from NGHS states.
Matson also continues to lead system-wide orthopedic and oncology service line operations and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.
“I’ve greatly enjoyed getting to know Habersham employees, medical staff and the local community during the past two months,” Matson says. “I think my unique experience working at all levels across NGHS is already helping create a smooth transition for NGMC Habersham to join our system.”
The new regional vice president says he looks forward to “continuing to improve care coordination between Habersham, Lumpkin, Gainesville and locations in between.”
Matson joined NGHS in 2000. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Brenau University and earned his master’s degree in Health Administration from Ohio University. Kevin, his wife April, and their four children live in Hall County.
New surgeon joins Habersham hospital
In Monday’s announcement about Matson’s new role, NGHS also announced it has recruited a general surgeon to be dedicated to NGMC Habersham later this fall.
Joseph Rondina, MD, earned his medical degree from Boston University; completed his residency at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia; and has two decades of experience as a general surgeon.
“His passion for rural healthcare led him to spend the last 18 months rotating through a group of community hospitals across five states – including Habersham Medical Center,” the news release states.
“I’ve fallen in love with this area and the people, and I can see the wave of positivity that’s come with NGHS’ commitment to investing in Habersham,” Dr. Rondina says. “I’m excited about putting down roots and calling this community home.”
Dr. Rondina is the third dedicated physician NGHS has brought to Habersham County. Amy Howard, MD, joined Northeast Georgia Physicians Group OB/GYN in Demorest earlier this month. A new cardiologist – Alan Opsahl, MD – will join Georgia Heart Institute’s Demorest office and see patients five days a week starting July 31.
The health system has planned a public event to celebrate NGMC Habersham joining NGHS next month.
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