Inpatient Medical Group Services

Palliative Care
Palliative care is the area of medicine focused on reducing symptoms to improve quality of life. Our palliative care division helps patients preserve their dignity and comfort in the face of complex medical illnesses. While often thought of as care for patients approaching the end of life, palliative care is appropriate for many patients with chronic illnesses. Palliative care can help them with medical decision-making and prepare for advancing illness.

Palliative Care Physicians
Murtaza Cassoobhoy, MD, Palliative Care Co-Medical Director
James Lee, MD, Palliative Care Co-Medical Director

Surgical Evaluation Center (IMPACT)
Gwinnett Medical Center provides a comprehensive perioperative medical assessment program for patients undergoing elective surgery. This program, called the Surgical Evaluation Center (SEC), is designed to reduce the incidence of complications. The SEC program is a service of the GMC Inpatient Medical Group and is available at both the Lawrenceville and Duluth campuses.

SEC Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Martin Austin, MD, Medical Director
Susan Eldred, MSN, RN, NPC
Susan Fleming, MSN, RN, NPC

Type of SEC Patients
Any patient who will be having surgery may be referred to the SEC program. It is particularly valuable for high-risk patients, including those with:

  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Hypertension
  • CHF
  • Previous stroke
  • COPD
  • Diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Reduced renal function

Surgeons may schedule patients for the SEC Clinic at Lawrenceville or Duluth by calling the surgery scheduling phone number, 678-312-4170.

Frequently asked questions about the Surgical Evaluation Center.
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