Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Monday, September 7, 2026
Thirty years ago, a small group of visionary physicians came together with a shared belief: patients deserve coordinated, high-quality healthcare close to home. Today, SouthCoast Health has grown into one of the region’s multi-specialty healthcare organizations, serving families throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.
While the practice has expanded significantly since 1996, CEO John Marrero emphasizes that its success has never been about growth for growth’s sake. Instead, every expansion, new location, and added specialty has been guided by a single principle of improving healthcare access and quality for the communities we serve.
"When people look at SouthCoast Health today, they see a much larger organization than the one we started 30 years ago," Marrero says. "But every single step of our growth has been intentional. Healthcare shouldn't lag behind community growth, but it should grow with it."
As the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry experienced rapid population growth, SouthCoast Health has strategically expanded alongside it. Communities like Bryan County offer a clear illustration of that philosophy. As thousands of new families moved into these areas, SouthCoast Health steadily introduced primary care, pediatrics, and specialty services locally, ensuring patients receive high-quality care in their own backyards rather than traveling long distances across the region.
While opening new doors is important, Marrero notes that SouthCoast Health ultimately measures its success on a deeper level.
"One of our greatest accomplishments has been our unwavering commitment to outcome-driven healthcare," Marrero explains. "We don't measure success by the volume of patients walking through our doors. We measure it by whether our patients are living healthier lives because of the care they receive."
Through participation in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), SouthCoast Health continuously monitors preventive screenings, chronic disease management, diabetes care, and other evidence-based quality metrics. That dedication earned national recognition when SouthCoast Health received the prestigious Jim Sams Clinical Excellence Award from Privia Health, honoring the organization as a top-performing care center nationally for value-based care and outstanding diabetic patient outcomes.
"Quality should never be assumed," Marrero adds. "It should be measured, validated, and continuously improved."
Throughout its history, SouthCoast Health has embraced technology. Not simply because it is new, but because it removes friction for patients. From becoming one of the first medical groups in the region to adopt Electronic Medical Records to launching online scheduling, secure portal messaging, and virtual visits, technology has consistently been used to enhance communication.
Looking ahead, Marrero sees the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence (AI) as the next natural evolution.
"AI has tremendous potential to streamline administrative tasks, assist with data analysis, and enhance clinical decision support," Marrero says. "Most importantly, it gives our providers more time back for what matters most in building meaningful, personal relationships with their patients."
As SouthCoast Health celebrates 30 years, Marrero believes the organization is exceptionally well-positioned for the future. Population growth will continue creating demand for accessible care, and new tools will change how medicine is delivered. Yet amid all that evolution, SouthCoast Health’s focus remains anchored to the people at the center of every decision.
See how 30 years of purpose-driven growth is shaping the future of the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. Visit our 30th Anniversary Page to explore more.
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. Founded in 1996, SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 16 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, 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.
