Dr. Alberto Garcia and Dr. Vera Garcia of G&G Family Medicine in Hahira recently hired a new certified family nurse practitioner — Melanie Thompson — to help with patient flow.

“She started here two months ago but has been a practitioner for 13 years,” Dr. Alberto Garcia said. “She is also from the area and has a specialty in female health care. I thought she’d be a good fit for this community.”

The Garcias specialize in pediatric and geriatric family care.

Previously, they had two offices, one in Adel and one in Hahira. However, they moved to a new one in Hahira two years ago.

It was hard to meet the demands of patients from Valdosta and Hahira — especially since Dr. Alberto Garcia works at Smith Northview Hospital, as well.

Thompson joined just in time, and now they are able to handle a larger flow of walk-in patients and patients with appointments.

“This way we keep people out of the emergency room for somebody who really needs it,” Thompson said.

Dr. Alberto Garcia explained that he also needed help because the doctors like to spend more time with the patients, making them feel like they are in good hands.

“We really care about our patients,” he said.

G& G Family Medicine is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to noon.

They are located at 209 E. Main St. in Hahira. To find out more, call (229) 794-1794.