Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
When a small group of Savannah physicians joined forces to form SouthCoast Health in 1996, they knew they were building a new model of collaborative care. What they couldn’t have foreseen was just how deeply the organization would become woven into the fabric of the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.
Throughout our 30-year history, SouthCoast Health’s journey has been marked by major clinical advancements, deep community partnerships, and moments of incredible resilience. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re looking back at some of the key milestones and "greatest hits" that have defined our practice over the past three decades.
Innovation has always been at the heart of SouthCoast Health’s mission. Long before it became standard practice, SouthCoast Health became the first multi-specialty practice in the region to adopt Electronic Medical Records (EMR) in the early 2000s. Moving to a single, unified digital platform allowed providers across every specialty and location to access a complete view of a patient’s medical history and it dramatically improved care coordination, safety, and efficiency.
That drive to innovate reached another milestone in 2019 when SouthCoast Health partnered with Privia Health, a premier national physician network. This strategic alliance allowed SouthCoast Health to retain its independent, local autonomy while harnessing advanced technology and IT resources. The result? A modern patient experience featuring online appointment scheduling, flexible virtual care options, and a streamlined patient portal that makes managing health easier for local families.
Providing best-in-class, outcome-driven care is a promise SouthCoast Health has kept for 30 years. Over the years, our commitment to quality has earned top honors from local publications like Savannah Magazine, but our greatest pride comes from clinical benchmarks that directly impact patient health.
A major highlight in our clinical journey was earning recognition through the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Diabetes Recognition Program. This prestigious designation placed SouthCoast Health among an elite group of clinicians recognized for using evidence-based measures to provide superior, proactive care to patients living with diabetes. A commitment to chronic disease management that remains a cornerstone of our practice today.
For SouthCoast Health, promoting health extends far beyond the walls of our clinics. We believe a healthy community requires active, hands-on investment. A prime example of that commitment is our long-standing partnership with the United Way Turkey Trot.
Serving as the title sponsor of this annual four-mile road race since its inception in 2009, SouthCoast Health helps bring thousands of neighbors together every Thanksgiving in Daffin Park. The event raises vital funds for Savannah-area charities and causes while encouraging active, healthy living for participants of all ages. As CEO John Marrero puts it, "Our mission is to ensure better living for those we can impact, and the Turkey Trot does just that."
A healthcare organization’s true strength is revealed during times of crisis. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit our region, SouthCoast Health swiftly pivoted to make sure care was never interrupted.
Our team immediately expanded telehealth services to keep patients connected to their doctors from home and established the community’s very first drive-up, mobile COVID-19 testing facility. Later, when vaccines became available, SouthCoast Health was among the first to administer doses to patients, partnering with local leaders, university systems, and health organizations to operate a mass vaccination site in Savannah. It was a powerful testament to our deep-rooted commitment to protecting our neighbors when it mattered most.
While these milestones reflect 30 years of history, SouthCoast Health’s focus remains firmly fixed on what comes next. As healthcare continues to evolve, we are actively preparing for the future, along with thoughtfully integrating emerging digital tools and smart clinical technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce administrative burdens on our doctors.
By letting technology handle the paperwork, our providers can devote even more time to what has truly defined SouthCoast Health for three decades: building lasting, personal relationships with our patients and delivering compassionate care that puts people first.
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 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.
