Immediate Care,
When You Need It Most

Dr. Wingate is a Georgia native who has been a member of the Oconee community for a number of years. Dr. Wingate is a 1984 cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a 1988 graduate of the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine. Dr. Wingate is a 1990 graduate of the Medical College of Georgia Family Practice Residency Program and holds board certifications in both Family Practice and Emergency Medicine. Dr. Wingate has over 25 years of experience in emergency medicine and family practice and is the founder and associate editor of the Journal of Rural Emergency Medicine and past chair of the American College of Emergency Physicians section of rural emergency medicine. Dr. Wingate has held numerous leadership positions in professional organizations nationally and in rural hospitals throughout northeast Georgia. Dr. Wingate and his wife Ann are the parents of ten children, live in Watkinsville and are proud to be part of a vibrant and growing community.

Jeff is a Rome, Georgia native who has lived in Oconee area for nearly 30 years. He is a 1991 graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science/Sports Medicine. Jeff went on to earn a Masters Degree in Health Promotion from the University of Georgia in 1998. In 2000, he graduated from Emory University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program with an MMSC. Jeff has worked in both emergency medicine and orthopedics over the past 25 years. He holds board certifications in primary care medicine and a certificate of added qualification in general surgery and orthopedic surgery. Jeff’s experience prior to physician assistant school included serving as an athletic trainer for the University of Georgia and the Minnesota Twins. Jeff has also worked numerous years with local high school athletic teams providing sports medicine services, and with emergency departments in both civilian and military environments leveraging his extensive medical training in trauma. Jeff served as a Lt. Col. in the United States Air Force Air National Guard with the 187th Fighter Wing from 2014-2025 where he served as commander of the Alabama Air National Guard disaster response team. Jeff currently serves with the United States Air Force Georgia Air National Guard where he serves as Chief of Staff for the 165th Airlift Wing medical group in Savannah, GA.  Jeff, and his wife Jennifer, have three boys who are graduates of the Oconee school system and are proud to be part of the Oconee community.

Chandler Freeman, a Leesburg, GA native, earned his B.S. in Exercise Science from Georgia Southern before completing his Master of Medical Science at Emory University’s PA program. A former firefighter/paramedic, he has experience in 911 emergency services, critical care transport, and family medicine. Passionate about patient care and community service, he is excited to serve the Athens area. Outside of work, Chandler enjoys pickleball, golf, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs with his wife, Joyner.

Crystal received her Degree of Physician Assistant from The Medical College of Georgia. Prior to MCG, she graduated from Lagrange College in Biology as a collegiate athlete playing softball. Crystal's areas of interest are Orthopedics and Family Medicine. She has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. She is married to her college sweetheart. They have 4 children with whom they love to spend time together with outdoors.

Daniel is from Atlanta, Georgia. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in biology from Berry College and a Master’s Degree in Health Science from Lincoln Memorial University. Previously, Daniel worked as a Student Athletic Trainer for the Berry College of Sports Medicine Department. Daniel previously worked at the Urgent Care of Oconee as a Medial Assistant. Daniel enjoys rowing, rugby, hiking and camping.

Ellen Ortlip, from Cumming, GA, earned her Biology degree with a Psychology minor from Covenant College and completed her PA studies at South College in Atlanta. She previously worked as a physical therapy aide and a medical assistant at Urgent Care of Oconee. Passionate about women’s health, psychiatry, and nutrition, Ellen is dedicated to serving all patients. She enjoys Pilates, Creed fitness, outdoor activities, and creative projects with her husband.