Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
In honor of National Kidney Month, learn about Dr. Garrett White, a nephrologist with SouthCoast Health.
When did you decide to become a physician?
I first thought about becoming a doctor in high school, but it did not become a reality until my second year in college when I was influenced by a classmate to pursue pre-medicine along with electrical engineering.
What is the best part of your job?
The thing I enjoy most is the opportunity to establish long term relationships with patients and help them understand and, hopefully, lessen the fear and stigma of kidney disease.
Also, I appreciate that nephrology requires a holistic approach for successful management. It is sometimes said regarding nephrology, “You have to know a little bit about every organ system in the body”.
Tell us about a patient that has a special place in your heart.
All my patients have a special place in my heart, especially those who have been cast aside or marginalized. Unfortunately, kidney disease disproportionately impacts the African American community. As an African American physician the opportunity to improve and be a part of the lives of those so greatly affected has been the most rewarding for me.
Do you have a mentor who has had a profound influence on your life?
There is no one person who I would consider a mentor, but I could definitely point to many people who have greatly contributed to my successes and accomplishments, most importantly of which is my wife who has been there from the beginning, encouraging and supporting me.
What does the future of medicine look like in your area of interest?
Chronic kidney disease, like many other areas in medicine, will require a more collaborative and multidisciplinary management approach to achieve better outcomes. With this approach, we will successfully limit and even prevent progression to kidney failure (e.g. dialysis and transplants). Ultimately, long-term survival with renal failure will be a reality!
How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as an advocate, encourager, and educator!
Learn more about Dr. White and schedule an appointment.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Sleep Medicine, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
