Watkinsville

+1(706) 310-0324

Madison

+1(706) 343-4043

Athens

+1(706) 567-6151

Experts in Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative Medicine is a new way to treat a range of diseases and conditions, including chronic pain. Urgent Care of Oconee utilizes the latest science and technology to stimulate the healing of ligaments, tendons, cartilage and muscles so that you can get back to painless activity.

Biological Treatments

Urgent Care of Oconee offers PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and Stem Cell Regeneration Treatments. These methods use a persons own blood or bone marrow to heal the site of an injury.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is concentrated from your own blood, which contains healing factors, such as white blood cells and bioactive proteins, called growth factors and stem cell markers. These cells are vital for tissue regeneration and repair.

Platelets once thought of being responsible for only clotting, have been scientifically proven to be a reservoir of these vital healing components. With advanced techniques, we are able to concentrate these regenerative healing cells in a simple outpatient setting.

Obtaining PRP
A small amount of peripheral blood is taken from the patient and placed into an FDA medically approved container. This sterile disposable container is placed in a specialized centrifuge, for spinning, to separate the whole blood sample into ‘layers’ of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and red blood cells.

The PRP layer is aspirated from the red blood cells and is injected or applied, under sterile conditions, into the localized area of abnormality. After centrifugation, the whole blood is separated into a PRP layer and red blood cell layer.

Little to No Risk Factors
PRP is from your own blood, autologous, so there is little to no risk when conducted by a trained professional. Since the cells are autologous, there is no risk for an allergic or immune reaction. Side effects or complications with PRP are extremely rare.
The Healing Process
PRP signals for Stem cells and regenerative cells to repair and rebuild the damaged tissue. This accelerated healing process reduces pain, promotes increased strength, and improves overall function. The process, called the healing cascade, can be active and take place over a 4-6 week period.
Procedure Time
The Total Process Can Last Up To 30 Minutes. However, The Majority Of Time Will Be Used For Processing By A Trained Medical Specialist.
Long-Term Outcome
Patients can expect to see significant improvement in symptoms throughout the healing time. This procedure may eliminate the need for further invasive treatments, such as surgery or prolonged use of medications.

While other treatments such as corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief and stop inflammation, PRP injections stimulate healing of the injury over a shorter time period with fewer side effects.

Patients usually report a gradual improvement in symptoms and return of function. Many patients require two to three treatments to obtain optimal results and may even experience a dramatic return of function and relief within 2-3 months.

Recovery After Treatment

The anesthetic used to numb the skin generally wears off in 1-2 hours. Mild pain and swelling may occur at the injection site. However, the majority of patients are able to return to usual activities with NO downtime.

Post-Treatment Care

You must be particularly careful not to traumatize the area during this post-treatment time frame. Initially, the procedure may cause some localized soreness and discomfort. Patients can apply ice and elevation as needed.

Use the area as tolerated since restricting movement for an extended time can cause stiffening. Movement and massages promote circulation in the area and also assist with healing. After a week, the patient will likely begin a rehabilitation program with physical therapy. Pain medication will be prescribed if needed.

Stem Cell Regeneration

What Is Bone Marrow?
Bone marrow is the soft spongy tissue that is found in the center of your bones. In adults, marrow in the large bones is the producing center of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma components. Since this is the location of production, immature forms of these cells called stem cells will be found here.
What Are Bone Marrow Stem Cell?
The immature cells found inside the bone marrow have the potential to develop into various mature cells such as a muscle cell, the cells of a vessel, cells of cartilage, or even bone cells. Two of the main stems cells found in bone marrow include:

Hematopoietic cells give rise to the three classes of blood cells that are found in circulation: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. These are the cells that actually drive tissue regeneration and create supportive circulation.

Mesenchymal cells are also known as marrow stromal cells. These cells have the capacity to form osteoblasts or bone structure, chondrocytes or cartilage, and myocytes or muscles.

Is The Process Experimental Or New?
Bone marrow extractions have been accepted and are used in fields such as oncology and hematology. The vital components in bone marrow were initially used for transplant purposes in patients with an immune deficiency, such as caused by blood cancers or disorders. The skill of extracting has not changed, but the donor is YOU, and the recipient is YOU preventing any rejection or allergic reactions.

Is The Process Experimental Or New?
Bone marrow extractions have been accepted and are used in fields such as oncology and hematology. The vital components in bone marrow were initially used for transplant purposes in patients with an immune deficiency, such as caused by blood cancers or disorders. The skill of extracting has not changed, but the donor is YOU, and the recipient is YOU preventing any rejection or allergic reactions.
Are There Any Risks?
Bone marrow extractions are safe procedures when conducted by a trained professional in a sterile environment.

Complications Are Rare But Can Include

  • Bleeding, particularly in patients with a low platelet count or clotting disorder.
  • Infection in patients with weakened immune systems. Antibiotics are given post-extraction to prevent infection.

Harry Wingate IV

X-Ray Technician

Harry Wingate IV is a Georgia native, graduating from North Oconee High School in 2007. He served in the Army National Guard for six years and graduated in 2015 from the Athens Technical College Radiography program. Harry loves watching the Georgia Bulldogs with family and friends.

Vanessa Cartwright

Front Desk

Vanessa is from Canton, Georgia. She has lived in Athens for the past eleven years. She is working in her degree in Biology from the University of Georgia. She has six years of experience in customer service. Vanessa loves spending time with her family and spending time outdoors with her two dogs.

Tammy

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Samantha

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Natalie Moseley

PA-C

Natalie is from Springfield, MO, however, she has lived all over the world, including Africa. Natalie made Georgia her home 20 years ago. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia College and State University and her Physician Assistant Master’s Degree from the Medical College of Georgia. Natalie previously worked in Orthopedic Surgery Primary Care and Emergency Medicine. Her interests include music, reading, hiking, camping and traveling. Natalie is an avid gardener. She volunteers her time with ACC-SANE, which is an organization that specializes in helping victims of sexual assault.

Michelle Fletcher

Front Desk

Michelle is a Georgia native from McDonough. Michelle began her career as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines before working part time and raising her children. She has served our community through teaching at First Presbyterian Preschool and volunteering at her church and in her children's school.

Kara Whyte

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Kara Whyte is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) since 1994. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wagner College, while concurrently earning her certificate of completion from Bayley Seton Hospital PA program in Staten Island, New York. For the past 25 years, Kara has worked in Family Practice, College Health, Interventional Radiology and Neurosurgery prior to joining the Urgent Care of Oconee. She was raised in Connecticut, went to school in New York and has happily spent her entire career in the south. Kara enjoys time laughing with her husband Brad as they venture into life with two children in college.

Jonathan

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Joe Hwang

PA-C

Joe grew up in Huntsville, Alabama. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology with a Minor in Clarinet Performance. Joe earned a Master of Education in Physical Activity and Health. While attending Auburn University, he met his wife, Sarah. Joe worked in three different hospital systems as a medical laboratory scientist, with a focus on hematology and blood banking. In 2016 he moved to Atlanta to attend Mercer University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Public Health and Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies and received the Distinguished Graduate Award for his PA cohort. Joe's current hobby is powerlifting, and he holds over a dozen national records and four world records. His best lift is a 584lb deadlift at 163lb body weight. Joe is a prolific board gamer, with Settlers of Catan and chess intramural championships under his belt. He is also undefeated (3-0) in university talent shows. His favorite book series is the Color series by Ted Dekker. Joe enjoys anything to do with Winshape Camps, mission trips, and working with the children’s ministry at his local church.

Ebony

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Crystal Cotrell

PA-C

Crystal received her Masters Degree of Physician Assistant from 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 14 years. Crystal loves practicing medicine and helping others. She is married to Steve Cotrell, Commerce High School Baseball coach, and they have 4 children. They love to travel and camp as a family.

Chad Hull

Chief Operating Officer

Chad is originally from the Midwest. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Shorter College in Music. Chad went on to earn a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. Prior to working at the Urgent Care of Oconee, he spent time in nephrology and oral surgery and general dentistry. He moved to Athens seven years ago from metro Atlanta, where he lived for nearly 20 years. Chad main interests are reading and the culture of literary as well as cooking.

Ashley Milligan

Front Desk

Ashley is from Madison, Georgia. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She has several years of experience in customer service. Ashley enjoys traveling, hiking, and loving on her dogs in her spare time.

John Campbell

PA-C

John received his master degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Emory University in Atlanta. John became interested in Sports Medicine after suffering a collegiate sports ending knee injury and decided to enter the field of sports medicine. While serving as an athletic trainer for the University of Central Missouri, John graduated with honors receiving a bachelor's degree in fitness/wellness and a masters degree in Sports and Exercise Science. While at Central, he was the head graduate assistant athletic trainer for baseball, wrestling and volleyball and assisted other trainers in football, basketball, track and sports rehabilitation. While at Emory, John was able to work in many different facets of medicine including emergency medicine, pediatrics and orthopedics. John currently volunteers his services to the ARC Disaster Services to help boost efforts to help individuals and families in need of assistance during difficult and trying times. He is a member of the Air National Guard training with a search and rescue medical group in Alabama. John’s areas of interest include family medicine, sports medicine, orthopedic trauma and pediatric care. He and his wife, Ivy, are parents of 2 children, a boy and a girl.

Jeff Chambers

PA-C

Jeff is a Rome, Georgia native who has lived in Oconee area for over 25 years. Jeff is a 1991 graduate of the University of Georgia with a BSeD in Exercise Science/Sports Medicine, a 1998 graduate of the University of Georgia Graduate School with a MeD in Health Promotion, and a 2000 graduate of the Emory University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program with an MMSC. Jeff has worked in both emergency medicine and orthopedics over the past 17 years and 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, the Minnesota Twins and numerous years with local high school athletic teams. Jeff currently serves as a Lt. Col. in the United States Air Force Air National Guard with the 187th Fighter Wing and has extensive medical training in trauma as the executive officer of the Alabama Air National Guard’s CERFP disaster team. Jeff and his wife Jennifer have three boys in the Oconee school system and are proud to be part of the Oconee community.

Dr. Wingate

Harry “Tripp” Wingate, MD, FACEP

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.