University Health Alliance

10/31/2025

A big shout-out to Dr. Steven Chesser and our incredible nurses for the 10-star care!

At University Health Alliance, our goal is to provide a comprehensive, compassionate, and positive experience for every patient, every time. 💙

To schedule an appointment with our primary care team, give us a call at 762-356-4933.

10/29/2025

When the weather gets cooler and leaves begin to fall, you may notice an increase in runny noses and watery eyes in your household. But since fall and winter are also known for increases in the common cold and the flu, how do you know what’s causing these symptoms?

If you live in Georgia and your symptoms start in early September and continue into January, they may be a result of the following allergens:

🍁 Ragweed
🍁 Goldenrod
🍁 Sagebrush
🍁 Leaf piles
🍁 Mold spores
🍁 Dust

To learn more about how we can help you and your family identify, treat, and navigate fall allergies or any other condition, call us at 762-356-4933!

Fall and winter are known for increases in the common cold and the flu, as well as allergen triggers such as ragweed and pine trees.

10/28/2025

Get to know board-certified gastroenterologist and advanced endoscopist Dr. Vikas Sangwan! 💙

Dr. Sangwan brought his expertise to University Health Alliance in 2023. He says the idea of taking care of sick people and helping those in need was cultivated in him from a very early age by watching his father, a family medicine physician, take care of patients.

Dr. Sangwan received his medical degree from Pune, India. He then completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York. Dr. Sangwan completed a fellowship in gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition, followed by an additional fellowship in therapeutic endoscopy at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Sangwan is proficient in taking care of patients afflicted by a wide variety of gastrointestinal illnesses. He specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures such as Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), therapy of Barrett’s esophagus and complex colon polyps among many other GI tract conditions.

Dr. Sangwan has a proven track record as a clinician educator. He has been actively involved in teaching medical students, residents, as well as gastroenterology and advanced endoscopy fellows. He is an accomplished researcher and has presented at many international conferences. He has published numerous articles in well-reputed journals like GI Endoscopy, Endoscopic Ultrasound, etc. He is a member of several professional societies, including the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the American Gastroenterological Association.

Dr. Sangwan cherishes family time and is an avid sports and film fan.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sangwan, please call our office at 762-356-4785!

10/23/2025

Get to know board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Minesh Mehta! 💙

An Athens native, Dr. Mehta joined University Health Alliance in 2022.

Dr. Mehta received his doctoral degree in medicine at the American University of Antigua/Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. Additionally, he completed his advanced endoscopy fellowship at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania and his general gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition fellowship at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky.

While leading UHA’s gastroenterology service line, he provides state-of-the-art medical care for patients affected by both benign and malignant gastrointestinal illnesses. Dr. Mehta specializes in interventional endoscopic therapies for complex esophageal, gastric, intestinal, colonic, liver, and pancreaticobiliary diseases. He performs EGD, colonoscopy, endoscopic myotomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures.

Dr. Mehta is an active member of the Association of Bariatric Endoscopy and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He has vast research experience, and has co-authored a variety of publications, clinical vignettes, abstracts, and poster presentations.

In his spare time, Dr. Mehta channels his compassion for patients by serving as a board member for Unified Healthcare for the Rural Underserved. This non-profit provides treatment for colon cancer, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, and breast and cervical cancer to the underserved in Georgia and India.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mehta, please call our office at 762-356-4785!

10/21/2025

Your health is our priority! University Health Alliance is proud to offer our patients primary care services, including the following:

▶️ Wellness Checks
▶️ Acute Illness Care
▶️ Chronic Condition Care
▶️ Annual Physicals
▶️ Medicare Wellness Exams

Call 762-356-4933 to schedule a primary care appointment today!

10/17/2025

Today is National Mammography day! 💗

Screening mammograms are used to look for signs of breast cancer in women who don’t have any breast symptoms or problems, and help to detect breast cancer early, sometimes up to 3 years before it can be felt.

The goal of regular screening mammograms is to detect breast cancer when it's small, and most treatable!

Schedule your mammogram with our sibling organization, University Cancer & Blood Center, as they are offering extended hours: https://bit.ly/4gEae3N

10/15/2025

Get to know certified Physician Assistant Jacob Wolfe, who works on our colorectal services team! 💙

Jacob earned his Master's degree as a Physician Assistant from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. He grew up in Watkinsville, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia where he met his wife, Elizabeth. They reside in Oconee County with their two boys.

Jacob enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and cheering on the Dawgs.

To schedule an appointment with Jacob, call us at 762-316-2035!

10/14/2025

As with most cancers, GI cancers offer the best chances for successful treatment when identified in their early stages. That’s why it’s important to be aware of your health history, family history, and risk factors associated with GI cancer development.

Some factors that increase your risk:
▶️ Helicobacter Pylori/ulcers
▶️ Liver Cirrhosis
▶️ Chronic Pancreatitis
▶️ Pancreatic Cysts
▶️ Precancerous GI polyps
▶️ Fatty Liver Disease
▶️ Indeterminate liver lesions
▶️ Family History of GI diseases and cancer
▶️ Inherited cancer risk/gene mutation

The High-Risk GI Clinic at UCBC & UHA collaborates closely with patients who possess underlying pre-cancerous conditions or genetic predispositions that elevate their susceptibility to GI cancers.

If you have any of the above risk factors, call our office at 706-715-2006 to schedule a GI cancer risk assessment appointment with our team.

10/10/2025

Did you know your Primary Care Provider (P*P) is one of the most accessible resources for mental health support?

Your P*P is an essential first step. They can:
✅ Screen for conditions like depression and anxiety during a regular check-up.
✅ Treat mild to moderate symptoms with initial guidance and medication.
✅ Refer you to specialists like therapists and psychiatrists when you need more specialized care.

This World Mental Health Day, we encourage you to talk to your trusted provider about any stress, anxiety, sadness, or hopelessness that you might be feeling. They are here to help you take that important first step toward wellness.

Take the first step: schedule a check-up with your P*P today by calling 762-356-4933!

10/09/2025

At University Health Alliance, we believe that world-class health starts with prevention and early detection. Kimberly's breast cancer journey is a powerful reminder that regular screenings and mammograms are vital for everyone.

Schedule your mammogram with our sibling organization, University Cancer & Blood Center here: https://bit.ly/4gEae3N"

10/07/2025

Get to know board-certified family nurse practitioner Caroline Hamrick, who works on our colorectal services team! 💙

Caroline graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and after moving to Georgia, she pursued her goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.

She returned to graduate school at Kennesaw State University, earning a Master’s in Nursing in 2005, and obtained board certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Since obtaining her degree, she has worked in the field of colorectal surgery, and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

She lives in the Athens area with her husband and three children.

To schedule an appointment with Caroline, call us at 762-316-2035!

10/06/2025

In honor of National Physician Assistant Week, join us in celebrating our incredible PAs! Thank you for all that you do to provide our patients with world-class care, straight .