At Phoebe, superheroes walk the hallways every day. These real-life heroes are dedicated to caring for our patients and saving lives. Last week in recognition of National Superheroes Day on Saturday, April 28, the doctors and a therapist at Radiation Oncology Associates were honored with their own superhero kit from Everfan, a Thomasville, GA company that works to inspire wonder and happiness by recognizing everyday superheroes.

Nikki Bryant, a healthcare colleague and patient, nominated Dr. Charles Mendenhall, Dr. William McAfee, Dr. Adam Jones, and Missi Durham, chief radiation therapist, for their continuous dedication to patients. According to Nikki, who is a pharmacist, she hears daily through patient testimonies about the accessibility to each of them. “They go out of their way to make sure each patient is personally cared for,” said Nikki.

Below are Nikki’s comments and why she nominated each:

Dr. Jones and I have a mutual patient who told me of how he calls to check on her after hours and on the weekends. She feels so loved and cared for by his extra effort.

Dr. Mcafee has a patient in my pharmacy that was experiencing complications on a Saturday. After calling him, he asked if my technician could go to the patient’s home and FaceTime him so he could visually see his problem to better address his care.

Almost four years ago, I discovered a mass in my jaw line. I called Dr. Mendenhall on a Saturday and he examined me at the gate of his farm. He explained the possible outcomes and referred me to the best surgeon at Emory who performed my surgery.

Missi Durham is my sister and a radiation therapist. I see her dedication and commitment to her patients every day. She does extra deeds to make each patient feel special. Her love for them is so apparent through her actions.

“This region is so extremely fortunate to have these physicians and therapists to care for us. There is no other place to find a group so loving and caring. I’m truly thankful for their acts of heroism,” continued Nikki.