Fareha Rahim MD FACP earned her medical degree from The AGA Khan University Karachi Pakistan and completed her residency in Internal Medicine and Chief Resident year at New York Medical College program, Sound Shore Medical Center, New Rochelle, New York. She also did a partial fellowship training in Rheumatology, from Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York. She is board certified in Internal Medicine.Dr. Rahim has been practicing medicine for 20 years. Prior to joining Piedmont Athens Regional, Dr. Rahim was part of Private Practice group, Hawthorne Medical Associates, Athens GA.Presently she is Faculty for Piedmont Athens Regional Internal Medicine Residency Program, Clinical Assistant Professor Augusta University /UGA Medical Partnership. She is also Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Faculty of Medical Sciences, College of Public Health, UGA 9/2016.Dr. Rahim enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 kids. She enjoys travel and food.She is a recipient of Charles A. Foreman M.D Humanitarian Award and Chief Resident Award.Dr. Rahim welcomes most major insurance plans. Dr. Rahim is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, and High Cholesterol.

Dr. Wells earned his medical degree from Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency at Medical College of Georgia. He is board certified with American Board of Internal Medicine.Dr. Wells has been practicing medicine for 26 years. He specializes in internal medicine. He enjoys the entire spectrum of adult medicine while developing a personal relationship with the patients in his care. Prior to joining Piedmont Hawthorne OHC, Dr. Wells was a practicing partner at Hawthorne Medical Associates.In his spare time, Dr. Wells enjoys spending time with his family. He enjoys sports and back-packing. He is active in Boy Scouts, local high school football and church activities. Dr. Wells is not accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans. Dr. Wells is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Familial Hypertension, Hypertension, and Hypothyroidism.

Aliya Safwan, M.D. received her medical degree from Fatima Jinnah Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan. She completed her internal medicine residency at Piedmont Athens Regional in 2019. Dr. Safwan treats patients ages 18 and above and has a special interest in preventive medicine and diabetes.In her spare time, Dr. Safwan enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.Dr. Safwan welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans. Dr. Safwan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, Xanthoma, Cirrhosis, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

Dr. Akhila Madala, MD, earned her medical degree from Naryana Medical college, NTR University and completed her residency at Medical Partnership of Augusta University and University of Georgia. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine.Dr. Madala specializes in Primary care. Her special interests include Preventive medicine and treatment of Diabetes medicine. Dr Madala offers treatment for Obesity, Hypertension, Depression and anxiety etc.In her spare time, Dr. Madala enjoys spending time with her family and hiking.Dr. Madala is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans. Dr. Madala is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Multiple Carboxylase Deficiency, Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia, Folate Deficiency, and Subacute Combined Degeneration.

Dr. Bullock specializes in family medicine. He provides ongoing medical management for all members of a family including geriatrics, adults, adolescents and pediatrics. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.Dr. Bullock is married with four children. In his spare time, he enjoys going on family trips, reading, playing chess, hunting and fishing. He is a fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and enjoys attending games when possible. Dr. Bullock is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Glossitis, Pernicious Anemia, Subacute Combined Degeneration, and Vitamin B12 Deficiency.

Julio Polanco is an Internal Medicine specialist and a Nephrologist in Watkinsville, Georgia. Dr. Polanco is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Kidney Disease, Acute Kidney Failure, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and Minimal Change Disease. Dr. Polanco is currently accepting new patients.

Rene Mackay is a Nephrologist in Watkinsville, Georgia. Dr. Mackay is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Kidney Disease, Acute Kidney Failure, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and Necrosis. Dr. Mackay is currently accepting new patients.

Raghda Al Anbari, MD, earned her medical degree from Al-Mustansiriyah University - College of Medicine and completed her residency at Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University. Dr. Al Anbari is fellowship trained in Endocrinology from University of Florida. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and brings with her more than five years of experience.Dr. Al Anbari specializes in Endocrinology. Her special interests include diabetes mellitus, thyroid and osteoporosis and has done research in thyroid disease.Dr. Al Anbari is proficient in Arabic.In her spare time, Dr. Al Anbari enjoys her time in outdoor activities with her family. Dr. Al Anbari is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans.PLEASE NOTE:Dr. Al Anbari is in the office on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dr. Anbari is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Thyroid Storm, Diabetic Nephropathy, Hyperthyroidism, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).

Malek Mushref, MD, FACE; earned his medical degree from the University of Aleppo and completed his residency at Piedmont Athens Regional. Dr. Mushref is fellowship trained in Endocrinology from the Medical University of South Carolina. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology; with a special interest in thyroid diseases including thyroid cancer. He is also a Fellow of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology.In his spare time, Dr. Mushref enjoys spending time with family. He enjoys playing chess and music.Dr. Mushref is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans.Note: Physicians and medical staff are not available on Thursdays; but administrative staff will be available to answer phone calls. Dr. Mushref is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Hyperthyroidism, Thyroid Storm, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), and Thyroidectomy.

Dr. Downs earned her medical degree from The Medical College of Georgia and completed her residency at The Medical College of Georgia. She received her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from The University of Georgia and is board certified in Internal Medicine.Dr. Downs has been practicing medicine for 24 years. Prior to joining PPG Hawthorne Medical, Dr. Downs was a practicing partner of Hawthorne Medical Associates.In her spare time, Dr. Downs enjoys spending time with her family. She enjoys playing tennis. Dr. Downs is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Kidney Disease, Hypothyroidism, Vitamin D Deficiency, and Familial Hypertension.

Vandana Setia is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Watkinsville, Georgia. Dr. Setia is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Urinary Incontinence, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), High Cholesterol, and Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia. Dr. Setia is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Braucher earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency at the University of Arkansas. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Georgia and is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Hospice and Palliative Care.Dr. Braucher has been practicing medicine for 32 years. Prior to joining Piedmont Physician Group, Dr. Braucher was a member of the Athens Regional Physician Group. He has historically been in private practice as well.In his spare time, Dr. Braucher enjoys spending time with his family. He enjoys landscaping, canoeing, hiking, and swimming. Please call the office to inquire about becoming a new patient. Dr. Braucher is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Glossitis, Pernicious Anemia, Melorheostosis with Osteopoikilosis, and Melorheostosis.

Dr. Patrick Lucas earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed his residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. He earned his Associates of Science in Biology from Middle Georgia College and his Bachelors of Science in Biology from The University of Georgia. Dr. Lucas is board certified in Internal Medicine.Dr. Lucas has been practicing medicine in Athens for 15 years. In additional to practicing Internal Medicine, Dr. Lucas serves as the Medical Director of a local Hospice company.Dr. Lucas was chosen as a Harry S. Truman Scholar in 1997 while attending the University of Georgia. He was also chosen one of UGA's 40 Under 40 outstanding alumni in 2013. He and his wife, Julie, were members of the 2016 Class of Leadership Georgia. Dr. Lucas has served on the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees since 2018. The also serves on the Board of Directors of his home Methodist church.In his spare time, Dr. Lucas enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. He also teaches youth Sunday School and has coached his son and daughter in various youth sports. He also enjoys painting, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Dr. Lucas is not accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans. Dr. Lucas is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Sitosterolemia, Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Hypertension.

Dr. McElhannon specializes in family medicine. As a family medicine physician, he is uniquely trained to treat both males and females of all ages. In addition to treating acute and chronic illnesses, Dr. McElhannon also provides routine health screenings and counseling on lifestyle changes in an effort to prevent illnesses before they develop.In his spare time, Dr. McElhannon enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He enjoys the outdoors, gardening, old tractors and UGA athletics. Dr. Mcelhannon is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Osteomyelitis in Children, Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Hypertension.

Dr. Zimmerman received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1984. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at The Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia in 1987. He is certified by The American Board of Family Medicine.He treats adolescents and adults with a broad range of conditions.In his spare time, Dr. Zimmerman is an amateur musician with classical piano and organ as his main instruments. Dr. Zimmerman is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Bronchitis, Hypertension, Familial Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

Cary Hefty, MD, earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed her residency at Greenville Health System. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Berry College and is board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.Dr. Hefty has been practicing medicine for 12 years. Prior to joining Piedmont, Dr. Hefty worked with the University of Georgia's Student Health Center.Dr. Hefty offers care for all ages. Her special interests include exercise and nutrition in preventative medicine and helping patients manage chronic conditions.In her spare time, Dr. Hefty enjoys outdoor activities, traveling with family, and reading. She is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans. Dr. Hefty is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Vitamin D Deficiency, Infant Hyperglycemia, Folate Deficiency, and Multiple Carboxylase Deficiency.

Bryce A. Kerr, MD, earned his medical degree from The Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Colorado Family Medicine Residency in Fort Collins, Colorado. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from The Ohio State University and is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Kerr has been practicing medicine since 2017. Prior to joining Piedmont, Dr. Kerr was working for Duke University Health Systems. Dr. Kerr specializes in primary care. His special interests include preventative medicine, adolescent medicine and transgender care. Dr. Kerr offers treatments for most common chronic conditions as well as acute illness and injury. He also performs procedures including skin biopsies, joint injections, laceration repair, IUD insertion/removal and contraceptive implant insertion/removal.In his spare time, Dr. Kerr enjoys spending time with family, hiking, camping and rock climbing.Dr. Kerr is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans. Dr. Kerr is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are CAPOS Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Brucellosis, and Hypertension.

Sudha Lagudu is a Nephrologist in Watkinsville, Georgia. Dr. Lagudu is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Acute Kidney Failure, Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), Milk-Alkali Syndrome, and Hypercalcemia. Dr. Lagudu is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Felicia S. Lacksen earned her medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, in New Jersey, and completed her residency at Duke University. She received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Italian Studies from Fordham University, and is board certified in Internal Medicine.Dr. Lacksen has been practicing medicine for 23 years. Prior to joining Hawthorne Medical Associates/Piedmont Physicians Group, Dr. Lacksen was an attending at Duke University Medical Center.In her spare time, Dr. Lacksen enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs. She enjoys swimming, reading and knitting.Dr. Lacksen is not accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans. Dr. Lacksen is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Memory Loss, Vitamin D Deficiency, Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

Dr. Kalpana Kugathasan specializes in Internal Medicine. Her special interests include providing evidence-based medicine, patient education and ensure everyone gets equal quality healthcare. Dr Kugathasan treats conditions such as Acute & Chronic conditions, Hypertension, Diabetes and Obesity.In her free time, Dr. Kugathasan enjoys cooking, practicing yoga, and spending time with her loving husband & three children. Dr. Kugathasan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Folate Deficiency, Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia, Multiple Carboxylase Deficiency, and Subacute Combined Degeneration.