During National Nurses Week, we’re proud to recognize the nurses who make a lasting impact on the families we serve. For many of our patients delivering at Piedmont Newton Hospital, that includes the familiar and compassionate care of Susann Whittle, BSN, RN, Clinical Manager of Women’s Services.

With more than 31 years of experience as a labor and delivery nurse in Covington, GA, Susann has helped guide thousands of families through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, often becoming a memorable part of their story for years to come.

A Lifelong Calling Rooted in Community

Susann’s journey into nursing began right here in Newton County. As a high school student enrolled in a health occupations program, she discovered her passion for patient care while volunteering at Newton General Hospital.

“I enjoyed helping people through stressful times,” she says. “Seeing healthcare in action made me realize this was the path for me.”

That path has come full circle in more ways than one. Susann now works alongside providers she’s known since childhood, including Dr. Farrow.

“Our families go way back,” Susann shares. “Our parents grew up in the same neighborhood.”

That deep-rooted connection to the community continues to shape the way she cares for patients today.

Finding Her Passion in Labor and Delivery

Although she originally planned to work in medical-surgical nursing, Susann found her calling in labor and delivery nursing almost by accident.

After working in the ER and as a CNA, she joined the float pool at Piedmont Newton and was consistently assigned to Women’s Services. Over time, she realized she had found the right place. More than three decades later, her passion hasn’t faded.

Creating Meaningful Birth Experiences for Families

As an experienced labor and delivery nurse, Susann knows that no two births are the same. Her focus is always on helping mothers feel supported, safe, and empowered, no matter how their experience unfolds.

“Helping women have the best experience possible, even during a difficult time, fills my cup,” she says.

Her work spans both the joyful and the heartbreaking. From celebrating healthy deliveries to supporting families through loss, she approaches each moment with empathy and honesty.

She’s coached moms through hours of labor, helped partners stay involved, and even delivered babies in unexpected moments, sometimes before there was time to fully prepare.

Through it all, she’s known for meeting patients where they are, whether that means offering encouragement, hands-on support, or simply saying, “I know this is hard.”

A Familiar Face for Generations of Families

As a Covington native, Susann takes pride in providing high-quality maternity care close to home.

“I want women to know they don’t have to drive to Atlanta for excellent care and that it’s right here in Newton County,” she says.

Over the years, she’s built lasting relationships with patients and families and often runs into them around town, at the grocery store, or even while camping. Those connections are a testament to the trust she’s built within the community.

Leading a Strong, Compassionate Team

Today, Susann serves as Clinical Manager of Women’s Services, where she leads and mentors a team of nurses trained across the full spectrum of care from labor and delivery to postpartum and newborn support.

“I’m most proud of the team we’ve built,” she says. “They’re compassionate, eager to learn, and truly committed to giving our patients a wonderful experience.”

She’s also passionate about continuing education and improving maternal health outcomes, helping ensure patients in Covington have access to the highest standard of care.

The Reality—and Joy—of Nursing

Susann is candid about the demands of labor and delivery nursing. The role requires not only clinical skill, but emotional resilience and adaptability.

“We’re caring for the mom, the baby, and the entire support system,” she explains. “It’s more than people expect.”

In the middle of especially busy or overwhelming shifts, she’s even developed her own way of staying grounded.

“I’ll grab a Diet Coke and sing ‘Jesus Loves the Little Children’ while the unit feels like it’s on fire,” she laughs.

It’s a small ritual, but one that reflects her ability to find calm and perspective, even in high-pressure moments.

Life Outside the Hospital

When she’s not at the hospital, Susann enjoys giving back to the community and spending time with her family. Over the years, she’s been involved in activities like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and archery with her children.

Today, she volunteers at her church’s food pantry and loves to go camping whenever she can and she’ll likely run into former patients there, too. And when she has the chance, she heads to the beach to recharge.

Advice for Future Nurses

For those considering a career in nursing, Susann offers straightforward advice:

“You have to love what you do,” she says. “It’s not just about the pay. It’s about the passion behind the care.”

She encourages future nurses to be prepared for both the emotional highs and lows and to make time to recharge so they can continue showing up for their patients.

What Nursing Means to Her

After more than 30 years, Susann’s definition of nursing remains rooted in compassion and advocacy.

“It’s about caring for your patients, supporting them, educating them, and helping them feel less afraid,” she says. “It’s about empowering them to believe and let them know that they’ve got this.”

To Susann, and to every nurse who shows up with heart, strength, and unwavering dedication, thank you. You help guide families through moments they will never forget, and we are honored to celebrate you this National Nurses Week.

Understanding goals and treatment options for managing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal condition

Written By Rachel Manciagli, NP

Being diagnosed with PCOS can bring some mixed feelings. Sometimes people feel relieved that they have an explanation for their symptoms and other times people are overwhelmed or confused about what this means for their health and future. Let’s explore some options for what the next steps can look like. 

Our Goal: Helping You Understand the Health Implications of PCOS

Endometrial health — The inner lining of your uterus is called the endometrium. In a “normal” menstrual period, the endometrium builds up and thickens throughout the month, then sheds itself leading to menstrual bleeding. With PCOS this process is not always occurring on a regular basis. The endometrial lining being too thick for too long can lead to endometrial changes, the most concerning of which is endometrial cancer. To protect the health of the endometrium it is important for the endometrium to remain a normal thickness either through regular shedding with menstrual periods or by suppressing its growth through the use of medications. 

Metabolic health — People with PCOS have a higher risk of developing other medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is especially important in this population, whether through diet and exercise or the use of medications. Your OBGYN team along with your other healthcare providers such as primary care, cardiology, and/ or endocrinology, can help to work towards these goals. 

What Is Your Goal?

For some people a PCOS diagnosis comes while trying for pregnancy. PCOS can sometimes show up as irregular menstrual periods or not ovulating on a predictable schedule. Taking at-home Ovulation Prediction Tests can help to get an idea of if your body is releasing an egg every month. A common first line treatment for folks with PCOS who desire pregnancy is the use of a daily medication called Metformin. Metformin is working to change the way your body processes insulin, which in turn has an effect on the reproductive hormones and can help promote regular ovulation. If pregnancy is not achieved within a few months of starting Metformin, then we can move on to other steps. 

For others with PCOS the most troublesome symptom is irregular or absent menstrual periods. While maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle can help with regulating cycles, hormonal contraception is a common tool for folks who do not desire pregnancy in the immediate future. Hormonal birth control is used to either make periods more predictable or to suppress your menstrual cycles altogether. Options include pills, patches, rings, Depo Provera injections, or a hormonal IUD. 

Finally, others find the cosmetic effects of PCOS to be distressing. Some people with PCOS can have more hair growth or acne on the face, chest, or stomach, and sometimes PCOS can make maintaining a healthy weight more difficult. Medications like spironolactone can help with acne and unwanted hair growth and weight loss medications like GLP1s or oral options can be useful tools, though these sometimes require the use of reliable birth control due to risks of use during pregnancy and will need to be managed by your primary care provider. 

Wrap Up

PCOS can have an effect in many areas of your life and can span a lifetime. Covington Women’s Health Specialists is here to help on your journey to diagnosis and management and will help on the journey to your healthiest, happiest life. If you have a diagnosis of PCOS or suspect you may have it, schedule an appointment with one of our women’s health providers today so we can begin your care together!

Previously, we discussed how menopause brings changes to your muscles. As we continue exploring the ways menopause affects the body, it is important to highlight its impact on bone health, another significant change that often happens quietly behind the scenes.

Bone loss during menopause is common, but it is not inevitable. Understanding what happens and how to respond can help you protect your strength and independence for years to come.

Why Does Menopause Affect Bone Health?

Estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining bone density. Throughout our reproductive years, estrogen helps keep a healthy balance between bone breakdown and bone rebuilding.

When estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, that balance shifts. Bone is broken down more quickly than it is rebuilt. As a result, women can lose bone density at an accelerated rate, particularly in the first several years after menopause.

This natural process increases the risk of osteopenia (mild bone loss) and osteoporosis (more significant bone thinning), which can raise the likelihood of fractures.

How Much Bone Loss Is Normal?

Some bone loss is expected with aging. However, women can lose up to 20% of their bone density in the first five years after menopause. After that, bone loss continues at a slower pace.

Because bone loss does not cause symptoms, many women are unaware it is happening until a fracture occurs. That is why screening and prevention are so important.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

While menopause itself is a major risk factor, other factors can increase a woman’s risk of bone loss, including:

• Family history of osteoporosis
• Small body frame
• Smoking
• Excess alcohol use
• Low calcium or vitamin D intake
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Certain medications, including long-term steroid use

Understanding your personal risk factors helps guide decisions about screening and prevention.

The Importance of Bone Density Testing

A bone density scan (DEXA scan) is a simple, noninvasive test that measures bone strength. Most women are advised to begin screening at age 65, but earlier testing may be recommended if risk factors are present.

This test allows us to detect bone loss early — before fractures occur — and create a plan to protect your long-term health.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Bones

The good news is that there are effective strategies to support bone health during and after menopause.

Strength Training and Weight-Bearing Exercise

Just as muscles respond to resistance, bones do as well. Weight-bearing activities such as walking, strength training, and resistance exercises stimulate bone formation and help maintain bone density.

Adequate Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium provides the building blocks for bone, while vitamin D helps the body absorb it. Many women do not get enough of either. We can help determine whether dietary changes or supplementation may be appropriate.

Lifestyle Choices

Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight all contribute to stronger bones.

Medical Therapies

For some women, medication may be recommended to slow bone loss or reduce fracture risk. Hormone therapy may also be considered in appropriate candidates, as estrogen plays a direct role in bone preservation.

Treatment decisions are individualized and based on overall health, risk factors, and personal preferences.

A Long-Term View of Women’s Health

Bone health is not just about preventing fractures, but also about preserving mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Menopause is a natural transition, but it is also an important time to reassess long-term health strategies. By addressing bone health early, we can help prevent complications later.

If you are approaching menopause, currently experiencing it, or have questions about your bone health, we encourage you to schedule a visit. Together, we can evaluate your risk factors, discuss screening, and create a personalized plan to support your strength for years to come.

Week Four: Shaping the Next Generation

As we enter the final week of our Black History Month series, we reflect on the enduring impact of Black pioneers, advocates, and innovators whose contributions continue to shape medicine, public health, veterinary science, and research today.

Through our partnership with the Fort Valley State University MANRRS Chapter, we are honored to share this final collection of student-written tributes. These stories highlight scientific excellence, ethical leadership, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to expanding access and equity in healthcare.

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Day 22: Evelyn Nicol

Born in Little Rock, Kentucky, on June 2, 1930, Evelyn Carmon Nicol was an African American immunologist and microbiologist who made groundbreaking contributions to the medical field. In her early years, Evelyn was expected to lead a traditional life and study home economics. However, she instead chose to pursue studies in chemistry and mathematics at Tuskegee University, soon graduating at the top of her class. It was after her collegiate journey that she began her career at the Carver Research Foundation, where she significantly contributed to culturing HeLa cells that helped develop the early polio vaccine. In 1985, she led the retrovirology division, which produced testing kits for blood-borne diseases such as HIV and human T-cell lymphotropic virus. Her work in virology and immunology gained recognition, leading to further research opportunities at major medical centers. She joined Abbott Laboratories in 1962 and advanced to become a molecular biologist and authored several scientific publications.

On January 6, 1976, Nicol was awarded a patent in molecular biology for developing an alternative method to produce urokinase, an enzyme that had previously been produced only from kidney tissue. She later developed a screening test to determine whether pregnant women were exposed to infection or parasites. Evelyn Nicol left a significant scientific legacy for future Black women.

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Day 23: Dr. Cherice Roth

Dr. Cherice Roth is known as a Black veterinarian whose career reflects leadership, innovation, and a commitment to equity within the medical field of veterinary science. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine after completing a master’s degree in biochemistry at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. To further strengthen her medical skills, Roth trained in exotic animal medicine and surgery in Australia. After returning to the United States, she worked in companion animal hospitals, where she mentored veterinary assistants and fellow doctors. These experiences helped establish her as both a skilled clinician and an influential leader in veterinary medicine. 

Dr. Roth later expanded her impact through clinical, industry, and administrative roles, eventually becoming a chief veterinary officer. She helped develop RACE-approved Virtual Care University and the MyPetDoc platform, which improved access to veterinary care through virtual and remote veterinary services. Roth believes this model of care can reduce health disparities in pets and help address mental health challenges faced by veterinary professionals. In addition to her leadership work, she serves on advisory boards for the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association and Veterinary Professionals Instilling Black Excellence. Her contributions have modernized veterinary medicine while promoting diversity, accessibility, and health equity within the field.

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Day 24: Dr. Beverley Ann Townsend

Dr. Beverley Ann Townsend is a native of Winona, Mississippi. She graduated college from Jackson State University in Jackson, MS with a B.S. in Chemistry. She then received a Master’s in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Purdue University and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Mississippi. Dr. Townsend completed a residency in Family Medicine at the Medical Center in Columbus, GA. Lastly, she received her MBA from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA.

Dr. Townsend has worked in the Chattahoochee Valley in various practice settings including rural medicine, multispecialty practice, and solo private practice for nearly 25 years. Currently, Dr. Townsend is the Columbus, GA Commissioner of Public Health and the he District Health Director for the West Central Health District (District 7); additionally, she is the Interim Health Director for the District 4 Health District, District 4 in LaGrange, GA.

She has received numerous awards including two Presidential Rosa Parks Women of Courage awards, the Black History Maker award, the American Public Health Award, the Physician’s Award for Community Service from the Medical Association of Georgia, the Nikki T. Randall Servant Leader award from the Georgia House of Representatives, and is recognized in the 50 Most Influential African Americans in Columbus, GA.

Dr. Townsend is dedicated to serving populations in rural, underserved and underprivileged areas.

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Day 25: Dr. Jane Hinton

Dr. Jane Hinton was a pioneering Black woman in medicine whose work made a lasting impact on both human and animal health. She was a veterinarian and medical researcher who helped develop Mueller–Hinton agar, a laboratory growth medium still widely used today. This agar plays a critical role in testing antibiotic effectiveness in both medical and veterinary settings. Dr. Hinton’s work strengthened the connection between scientific research and real-world medical treatment. Her contributions continue to support advancements in microbiology and animal health.

Dr. Hinton earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1949, a time when very few Black women had access to veterinary or medical education. This achievement is especially striking because it was not that long ago in history. Today, Black veterinarians remain significantly underrepresented, making up only about 1.2 to 2.2 percent of individuals holding a DVM degree. This highlights how barriers to access in veterinary medicine still exist. Dr. Hinton’s legacy continues to inspire students pursuing animal science and veterinary careers to help close that gap.

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Day 26: Dr. Lillian Beard 

Dr. Lillian Beard is a pediatrician who uses modern media to make “house calls,” reaching an audience of patients at home. These house calls are her use of mass communication (television, internet, print media) to provide health education to a broad audience in their homes, rather than physically visiting patients’ residences.

Her contributions to the medical field were as a national spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, representing the academy’s 48,000 members on issues relating to the health and welfare of children and adolescents. She also has practiced pediatrics for over 50 years, primarily in the Washington, D.C., and Silver Spring, Maryland, areas, including serving as the Physician Director at Children’s Pediatricians and Associates. She has held leadership roles within the National Medical Association (NMA)—where she is a Hall of Fame member—and the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA). Dr. Beard is also one of fifteen women to graduate from the Howard University College of Medicine in class of 100 (Class of 1970), and she is considered a pioneer for women of color in the field. Dr. Beard published Salt in Your Sock and Other Tried-and-True Home Remedies, which combines traditional holistic treatments with medically sound evidence. She has appeared as a health expert on major programs including Good Morning America, CNN’s Health Accent, and ABC’s Home Show. Dr. Beard has also received eight AMA Physician Recognition Awards between 1973 and 2000. Dr. Beard was also awarded the “Global Initiative for Telemedicine Award of Merit” in 1998 for her contributions to digital health communication.

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Day 27: Dr. Raven Jackson-Jewett  

Dr. Raven Jackson-Jewett is a prominent veterinarian who serves as the attending veterinarian and Director of Veterinary Care at Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary located in Keithville, Louisiana. Since 2010, she has overseen the medical care of more than 300 chimpanzees, many of whom are considered “retirees” after transitioning from biomedical research, the pet trade, or the entertainment industry. Her compassionate and nurturing approach to animal care reflects her deep commitment to animal welfare and ethical science. Dr. Jackson-Jewett is especially known for her pioneering work using antiretroviral therapy to treat chimpanzees previously infected with HIV/AIDS during research, allowing them to live healthy, long-term lives at the sanctuary.

Dr. Jackson-Jewett’s work and dedication were highlighted in the six-part National Geographic documentary series Meet the Chimps, which premiered on Disney+ in 2020. As a Black woman in a field where nearly 90% of veterinarians are white, she actively uses her platform to inspire underrepresented youth and advocate for diversity in STEM careers. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 and later contributed a chapter to Chimpanzee Memoirs (2022), sharing personal stories and professional insights from her career. Overall, her work continues to advance animal welfare, representation in science, and compassionate care in veterinary medicine.

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Day 28: Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha Days of Recognition

As Black History Month comes to a close and Women’s History Month begins, we pause to acknowledge Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha, three enslaved Black women whose suffering and exploitation were used in the name of medical advancement.

On February 28 and March 1, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) formally recognizes their lives and the lasting impact their experiences had on the field of obstetrics and gynecology. The care millions receive today is connected to their story — one that calls us to practice medicine with humility, ethics, and equity.

We honor their memory by committing to compassionate, respectful care for every patient, always.

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We are deeply grateful to the students of Fort Valley State University for honoring these legacies through thoughtful research and powerful storytelling. Their voices represent the next generation of leaders who will continue advancing equity, compassion, and excellence in their respective fields.

Black history is not confined to a single month. It is a living legacy carried forward through action, advocacy, and commitment. May these stories inspire us all to contribute meaningfully to the future of healthcare.