University Health Alliance

University Health Alliance From primary-care to gastroenterology and more, we provide comprehensive coordinated care for all.

Being diagnosed with cancer is life-changing. While oncologists will oversee all of your needs related to cancer treatme...
02/16/2026

Being diagnosed with cancer is life-changing. While oncologists will oversee all of your needs related to cancer treatment, there may still be elements of your health that are best addressed through primary care.

That's why University Health Alliance is proud to partner with our sibling organization University Cancer & Blood Center to provide patients with the best possible care.

For example, your primary care provider can:

▶️ Provide ongoing holistic care to address any other new or pre-existing medical ️ conditions that may arise from or be impacted by treatment
▶️ Coordinate care with other specialists
▶️ Offer urgent care and prescription refills
▶️ Ensure you’re receiving emotional support

When PCPs and oncologists collaborate together, both providers can give you the complete answers and support you need during a challenging time. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Po7yuI

“Keeping secrets can kill.”In honor of Black History Month, we are sharing this powerful message from colorectal cancer ...
02/11/2026

“Keeping secrets can kill.”

In honor of Black History Month, we are sharing this powerful message from colorectal cancer survivor and UCBC/UHA patient Pam Allen!

For many Black Americans, historical experiences have led to a lack of trust in medical institutions. This often results in murky family medical histories, which can be a significant barrier to receiving life-saving referrals and genetic testing.

At University Cancer & Blood Center and University Health Alliance, we are committed to earning your trust through compassionate, patient-centered care. This month, we encourage you to follow Pam’s lead:

➡️ Talk to your family: Share your medical history across generations. Knowing your family history is empowering for you and the next generation.

➡️ Take control: Don't wait for symptoms. Discuss your risks with your doctor to determine when you should begin screenings.

➡️ Get screened: The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone begin regular colorectal screenings at age 45. This is especially critical for Black Americans, who are statistically more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages and more advanced stages.

Early detection changes outcomes. Call 762-356-4785 to schedule a screening colonoscopy or at 762-356-4933 to start the conversation with a primary care provider today!

Did you know that nearly 90–95% of cancers may be preventable? While some risks are beyond our control, many are linked ...
02/10/2026

Did you know that nearly 90–95% of cancers may be preventable? While some risks are beyond our control, many are linked to lifestyle and environmental factors we can manage every day.

In honor of National Cancer Prevention Month, we're highlighting a few measures you can take to reduce your risk:

🔹 Maintain a healthy diet. Focus on "cancer-fighting" foods like kale, spinach, and berries, while limiting processed meats.

🔹 Embrace exercise. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week to help reduce the risk of several cancers, including colon and lung.

🔹 Be aware of your family history: Note the age and type of diagnosis for immediate family members to help your doctor determine specific preventative steps.

🔹 Avoid toxins. Reduce exposure to carcinogens found in cigarette smoke and certain household additives.

🔹 Receive regular screenings. Routine physicals and screenings, like mammograms and prostate exams, are the best way to catch cancer early.

Schedule an appointment with our primary care team to learn more the personalized steps you can take to reduce your cancer risk!

Call 762-356-4933 to schedule, and learn more about staying proactive from our sibling organization, University Cancer & Blood Center, here: https://bit.ly/3WFQQM9.

Early detection for GI cancers is crucial for positive outcomes! The High-Risk GI Clinic at University Cancer & Blood Ce...
02/09/2026

Early detection for GI cancers is crucial for positive outcomes! The High-Risk GI Clinic at University Cancer & Blood Center and University Health Alliance combines state-of-the-art technology to help identify GI cancers in high-risk patients.

We offer GI cancer risk assessments, screening, and surveillance care that’s custom-fit just for you!

Our full-scale, interdisciplinary approach is lead by specialists in Gastroenterology, Surgical Oncology, and Cancer Genetics:

▶️ Minesh Mehta, MD, Gastroenterologist at UHA
▶️ Vikas Sangwan, MD, Gastroenterologist at UHA
▶️ James Griffin, MD, Surgical Oncologist at UCBC
▶️ Kristina Schultz-Tanner, FNP-C, ACGN, Family Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Clinical Genomics Nurse at UCBC

You do not need a referral to the High-Risk GI Clinic. While you may be referred by your physician, you can also refer yourself by calling (706) 715-2006.

Learn more about the program here: https://bit.ly/3ww28sH

02/04/2026

In honor of World Cancer Day and National Cancer Prevention Month, University Health Alliance primary care physician Dr. Steven Chesser is sharing the importance of primary care annual exams for cancer detection and prevention!

During your annual exam, you will receive the following types of cancer screenings:

➡️ Genetic Risk Assessment: Reviewing family history to identify genetic predispositions to specific cancers.
➡️ Social and Lifestyle Review: Evaluating habits and potential workplace exposures that could increase cancer risk.
➡️ Physical Evaluation: Conducting a thorough physical exam to detect any early physical abnormalities.
➡️ Vaccinations: Discussing vaccines, such as those that can help prevent certain types of cancer.

Although it can be frightening to think about cancer screenings, they are absolutely critical for your health. If cancer is detected early, you will be able to pursue easier treatment options and your chances of positive outcomes dramatically improve.

To schedule a primary care annual exam with our team, call 762-356-4933!

Happy National Women Physicians Day!This date honors the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, who in 1849 became the fir...
02/03/2026

Happy National Women Physicians Day!

This date honors the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, who in 1849 became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States.

We are incredibly proud to continue that legacy today. Our medical teams are home to talented, dedicated women physicians who lead with compassion and an unwavering commitment to our patients across all of our specialties.

Join us in thanking the women physicians of University Cancer & Blood Center and University Health Alliance for their leadership and for the life-changing care they provide every day:

▶️ Ashley Ray, MD (UCBC)
▶️ Cynthia L. Shepherd, MD (UCBC)
▶️ T. Jane Huang, MD, MS (UCBC)
▶️ Addie A. Hill, MD (UCBC)
▶️ Amanda Hathaway, MD (UCBC)
▶️ Priyanka Pathak, MD (UCBC)
▶️ Fia Yi, M.D., FACS, FASCRS (UHA)

This Patient Recognition Week, we want to take a moment to thank our patients for choosing UHA to be a part of your heal...
02/02/2026

This Patient Recognition Week, we want to take a moment to thank our patients for choosing UHA to be a part of your healthcare team.

Whether you are seeing us for primary care or visiting our specialists in gastroenterology, our high-risk GI clinic, or colorectal services team, we are proud to provide the expert care you deserve right here close to home. 💙

We are proud to provide our patients with convenient and comprehensive care, . Thank you to Jana Bailey, NP-C, for maki...
01/29/2026

We are proud to provide our patients with convenient and comprehensive care, . Thank you to Jana Bailey, NP-C, for making this visit extra special!

To schedule an appointment with Jana or our Gastroenterology team, call our office at 762-356-4785.

Colonoscopies are a critical tool in screening for colon cancer. By helping us detect and treat cancer early, colonoscop...
01/27/2026

Colonoscopies are a critical tool in screening for colon cancer. By helping us detect and treat cancer early, colonoscopies can give us many more smiles, hugs, and memories with those we love!

Most people should receive their first colonoscopy around age 45 and repeat the procedure early 10 years, but if you have a family history of IBD, you might need to schedule colonoscopies earlier and more often.

Call our gastroenterology team to schedule at 762-356-4785!

For the safety of our patients and staff, all University Cancer & Blood Center and University Health Alliance offices wi...
01/26/2026

For the safety of our patients and staff, all University Cancer & Blood Center and University Health Alliance offices will delay opening to 11 AM on Tuesday, January 27. All patients will be notified if we experience further closures or delays.

Today marks the start of HPV Prevention Week, a time to spread awareness about Human papillomavirus (HPV) and how you ca...
01/26/2026

Today marks the start of HPV Prevention Week, a time to spread awareness about Human papillomavirus (HPV) and how you can prevent it!

As University Cancer & Blood Center medical oncologist Dr. Aaron Chang explains, HPV is the strongest risk factor for head and neck cancers.

The good news? HPV is potentially preventable with vaccinations! By receiving the HPV vaccine, you can significantly lower your risk of developing an HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.

While the HPV vaccine is most effective in children and young adults, there are significant benefits to receiving it in your mid-20s, and some adults may even benefit from receiving the vaccine into their mid-40s.

We recommend discussing the HPV vaccine with your University Health Alliance primary care provider to see if it's right for you at your age!

All University Cancer & Blood Center and University Health Alliance offices will be closed Monday, January 26, due to in...
01/25/2026

All University Cancer & Blood Center and University Health Alliance offices will be closed Monday, January 26, due to inclement weather. In the event of further closures this week, we will update all patients.

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3320 Old Jefferson Road Building #600
Athens, GA
30607

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