Dr. Pettiford was born in South Georgia, Albany specifically.  He grew up wanting to be a physician, which he accomplished through blood, sweat and tears as many of you have.  He underwent his residency training across the street at the Medical College of Georgia, now Wellstar MCG.  Dr. Pettiford cut his teeth in private practice as a Trauma Medical Director at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, West Virginia after finishing his fellowship at the  Medical College of Central Georgia in Macon, now Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center.  While in Beckley, he took Raleigh General Hospital from a busy level 4 trauma center to a bustling level 3 center, where it remains today.

Dr. Pettiford would eventually find his way to Doctors Hospital of Augusta as a Trauma/ECG surgeon.  Here, by a series of events, he would find himself again in the position of Trauma Medical Director.  He has successfully led the program through 2 American College of Surgeons reviews as a level 2 trauma facility with zero deficiencies both times.

Fun fact, Dr. Pettiford and Dr. Homsombath went to medical school together and serendipitously found themselves working together as excellent physicians in two different fields.  They are excited to bring you today’s symposium.