Hospital Welcomes New Surgeons

Stephens County Hospital is welcoming its new surgeons.

At last week’s Hospital Authority meeting, hospital officials introduced general surgeons Dr. Dearl Birdsong and Dr. Mark Herndon to the Hospital Authority.

The two surgeons started practicing about a month ago.

Hospital Administrator Ed Gambrell said everything is running very smoothly so far.

“I am so excited because both are going to do great,” said Gambrell. “They are enthusiastic. They have both gotten training in wound care. They are working at our Wound Care Center. They are both taking ER call already and have both done a number of cases. I really think they, along with Dr. Stephen Pinkerton, are going to meet the surgical needs of Stephens County for years to come.”

Gambrell went on to say that the hospital is pleased to be able to serve the community with these surgeons after operating shorthanded for a while.

“A patient that comes to the emergency room and needs surgery can be treated here instead of having to be transferred elsewhere,” said Gambrell. “We are fully staffed in terms of surgery.”

Gambrell also said the hospital is hopeful that having three surgeons will have a positive impact on the hospital’s bottom line.

Their office is located on Falls Road.

Stephens County Hospital purchased the office space earlier this year and runs the surgical practice for the two surgeons, who are considered employees of the hospital.

Gambrell said that is a growing trend in the hospital industry.