Atrium Health Navicent’s Dr. Herschel Kessler Receives National Award

Dr. Herschel Kessler, emergency department medical director at Atrium Heath Navicent Peach and Monroe County Hospital, an Atrium Health Navicent partner, received the Excellence in Leadership Award from SCP Health at its annual Medical Leadership Conference in May.

The 12 nationwide Excellence in Leadership award winners were nominated by SCP leaders and were chosen for their constant demonstration of exceptional leadership and proven results at their hospitals. The award honors leaders who have achieved the highest level of leadership and performance in their role and recognizes their commitment to taking care of their colleagues and leading by example.

“Dr. Kessler exemplifies excellence in leadership in his interactions with teammates and patients,” said Atrium Health Navicent Peach CEO Laura Gentry. “We are so fortunate to have him leading our emergency department and we congratulate him on this recognition.”

Kessler began his career in medicine as a paramedic. Prior to joining the Atrium Health Navicent team in 2017, he servedas chief resident physician of family medicine in East Meadow, New York, an emergency medicine physician at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper and an emergency medicine physician for West Georgia Health System. In his role as emergency medical director, Kessler oversees emergency department clinicians, ensuring the standard ofcare and patient experience is top notch. He works closely with nursing leadership, medical staff and hospital administration.

Kessler also serves as emergency department medical director for Atrium Health Navicent partner Putnam General Hospital, an emergency department physician for Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin and medical director for American Medical Response in Troup County.“Dr. Herschel Kessler is a talented physician who serves in so many capacities,” said Lorraine Smith, CEO of Monroe County Hospital, an Atrium Health Navicent partner. “He is so deserving of this recognition.”

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.