Northeast Georgia Health System announced Monday afternoon it recently hired a new general surgeon dedicated to Habersham Medical Center as the hospital prepares to join NGHS on July 1.
According to a press release from the health system, Joseph Rondina, MD, will begin working at Habersham Medical Center in the fall of 2023.
Dr. Rondina earned his medical degree from Boston University, completed his residency at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah, and has two decades of experience as a general surgeon. Dr. Rondina has spent the past 18 months rotating through a group of community hospitals across five states -- including Habersham Medical Center.
“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 said. “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 early in June. Additionally, cardiologist Alan Opsahl, MD, will join Georgia Heart Institute's Demorest office and will see patients five days a week starting July 31.
The health system also announced Friday that Habersham Medical Center will have consistent leadership as it joins the health system.
Kevin Matson, who currently serves as interim president of Habersham Medical Center, was named NGHS' vice president of regional hospitals. He will continue to have primary oversight of the hospital as it becomes Northeast Georgia Medical Center 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. He also leads 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 said. “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, and I look 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.
