Christy Payne has every reason to look back on the year 2023 with sorrow and anxiety: She was still healing from the grief of her mother’s passing just two years prior when she was shocked with her own diagnosis of breast cancer.
When she thinks back on that time now, however, alongside the painful memories there is also optimism – and T-shirts, lots of T-shirts.
“I came into the office one day, and everyone was wearing ‘Team Christy’ T-shirts, even people I didn’t know were wearing them; I was shocked. It was such a humbling experience. I felt so much love, support, and generosity that I can’t even adequately explain it,” said Christy, who is now cancer free. “But that’s what it’s like to work at Longstreet Clinic.”
Since Longstreet Clinic’s founding in 1995, doctors, staff, and leadership determined that their work was about more than medicine – it was about people and creating an atmosphere where everyone felt cared for, whether that was patients, providers, or staff. That is why acts like the T-shirts that Christy, the Practice Analytics and Contracting Director for Longstreet Clinic, experienced are not uncommon. They are simple but powerful reminders that everyone involved with Longstreet Clinic is part of a family, and that health care works better when delivered with warmth and compassion.
That mindful approach was at the forefront when the clinic developed its Breast Center: To ensure that every breast cancer patient receives not only the best in treatment, but also the best in physical comfort and emotional support. And when that patient is also a staff member, Longstreet Clinic providers don’t do anything different than they would for a “regular” patient – that patient just feels support from every aspect of their care and their work life.
“There’s a different environment here than anywhere I’ve ever worked,” said Kim Kermode, a Re-Credentialing and Expirables Specialist in Longstreet Clinic’s provider relations department. Kim received her own breast cancer diagnosis in November 2024 and is now cancer free. “Here you really feel like everyone cares for you. I had so many doctors say prayers with me after my diagnosis – my faith is a big part of who I am – and they made an uncomfortable situation as comfortable as it could be.”
What to Expect at the Breast Center
At Longstreet Clinic Breast Center, patients can expect a committed team of experts utilizing the most modern tools available to perform 3D screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, and ultrasounds – including 3D Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) to screen dense breast tissue. If these screening methods reveal any abnormalities, patients are then quickly directed to the next phase of discovery, including additional scans, biopsies (stereotactic and/or ultrasound) for any potential tumor, as well as a full risk assessment program. Each step in the procedure is led by a team of surgeons, oncologists, and advanced practice providers working toward the goal of expedited accurate diagnosis, effective, evidence-based treatment and – ultimately – cure.
Meanwhile, special touches that the Breast Center provides can make all the difference for someone in a stressful situation. For instance, while waiting to meet with providers, patients are treated to a spa-like atmosphere, including warm gowns when they change clothes. Complimentary snacks and drinks are also available.
“What makes the breast center special is the combination of people who care, the latest in updated technology, as well as highly skilled health care professionals,” said Longstreet Clinic surgeon Geary Bush, M.D., FACS. “It helps the patient through what can be an anxious time, while also getting high quality and expedited care.”
Employees as Patients
When colleagues become patients, providers in the Breast Center don’t change their approach. However, it is impossible for them not to feel added emotional weight.
“Caring for one another means that we share in each other’s joys and sorrows,” Dr. Bush said. “When a colleague is facing challenges, we are quick to offer prayers and assistance. It is an honor to be entrusted with the surgical care of a Longstreet colleague, as it allows me to support a friend and coworker in a deeply personal way. This dual role of being both a colleague and a healthcare provider is a unique privilege that enhances the trust and bond we share.”
Both Christy and Kim – and their families – noticed and appreciated that bond, as well as the speed and precision of care at the Breast Center.
“I had an ABUS screening and then got the notification that same day on MyChart that doctors were concerned by something they saw, so they got me in for an ultrasound on the same day,” Kim said. “Then I received notification pretty quickly after that that I needed to come in for a biopsy. Within a few more days I had all the results. It was pretty crazy how fast it all happened, but when it did, Dr. (Daniel) Mullis sat me down and explained everything to me, told me my options, and was just fantastic about everything. All the providers involved were like that. They kept on top of it and were so quick.”
Christy was also reassured by the approach, as well as the caring that she saw around her every day – even before her diagnosis.
“I never thought I would experience being treated for cancer, but when I did it was nice to have one place to go to handle every aspect of the diagnosis and immediate treatment discussion,” Christy said. “Everyone who works with the Breast Center is great. But it’s what I expected. When my mom got really sick, I had already experienced the extra compassion from people like Dr. (Margaret Alisa) Davis and Danny Webb (FNP-C, DNP-C) who were a tremendous help to me and my family with their guidance and support”
That close knit interaction continues throughout immediate treatment and beyond, as patients progress through oncology care and post-cancer maintenance.
“It is an honor to care for every patient who comes through our doors. However, when a colleague or one of our Longstreet Clinic employees entrusts you with their care, it is something I am very grateful for,” said Longstreet Clinic oncologist Andrew Johnson, M.D. “This lets me know that I have gained their trust in some way. This may have been through mutual patient care, personal interaction, or patient feedback. And, just as we do with patients outside our work force, we work hard to provide excellent patient care for everyone who works at our clinic.”
Those results are made clear daily to patients from throughout northeast Georgia – including colleagues like Kim and Christy.
“I want to thank all of my care team that I dealt with and continue to deal with,” Kim said. “They listen when I ask questions, and they always make me feel like I’m part of the care team – not just another number or case to get through. I could not ask for a better group of people to work with.”
Christy too cannot speak highly enough of her care team – or coworkers.
“I had a meal train that was six weeks long after my first surgery; I had so many thank you notes to write!” she chuckled. “But the main thing is that I never felt alone, and that’s intentional.
“I’ve worked here since Longstreet Clinic was founded, and my passion is working hard for the physicians and advanced practice providers – because they work so hard for others, people like me. The whole point of Longstreet is to fight hard for the patients and the health of the community.”
