Archbold’s continued commitment to integrated, high-quality breast cancer care has earned the health system accreditation under the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). This designation recognizes centers that provide the highest level of multidisciplinary, patient-focused breast cancer care. For patients, it means Archbold meets rigorous standards for excellence in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. By setting high standards, NAPBC accreditation guides breast centers in providing comprehensive breast care based on scientific data.
Archbold general and bariatric surgeon Katie Hanisee, MD, FACS, FASMBS, recently celebrated her 1000th da Vinci robotic surgery.
Archbold treats thousands of patients in its surgical department each year, including approximately 250 children. For many children, surgery can be an experience associated with fear, anxiety and emotional distress. A new partnership between the Archbold Auxiliary volunteer organization and the Archbold Surgical Department is bringing comfort to these patients when they need it most. Pediatric surgery patients at Archbold now receive a stuffed bear to provide emotional support prior to their surgery. Each bear, appropriately named “Archie,” is funded by a donation from the Archbold Auxiliary.
Archbold Pulmonology offers patients state-of-the-art technology with the Intuitive Ion robotic bronchoscopy system—a cutting-edge platform that enables pulmonologists to reach hard-to-access lung nodules with unprecedented precision. The team of pulmonologists—Ronald S. Batin, MD; Christian J. Trujillo, MD; and Luis Wulff, MD—completed their 500th robotic-assisted lung biopsy using the Ion system on February 11, 2026. This milestone reflects Archbold’s continued commitment to investing in advanced diagnostic capabilities, supporting earlier detection and faster treatment for patients across Southwest Georgia. “The Ion system has been transformational for our practice and for this community,” said Dr. Batin. “It allows us to access all 18 segments of the lungs to obtain tissue safely and accurately. When lung nodules are found to be cancerous, performing biopsy locally with the Ion system at Archbold often allows treatment to begin earlier and with greater confidence.”
Archbold recently introduced da Vinci 5, the most powerful and fully integrated da Vinci system available. This advancement, the result of a decade of research, is designed to transform surgery and enable better patient outcomes. Da Vinci robotic surgery is an advanced, minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. Unlike open surgery, which often requires large incisions, the da Vinci surgical system enables surgeons to perform even the most complex operations through very small incisions, using computer technology and specially designed instruments. Redesigned from the inside out, da Vinci 5 brings more than 150 design innovations and 10,000x the computing power to enable enhanced surgical senses, greater surgeon autonomy, more streamlined operating room workflow, and cutting-edge data analytics.
Archbold is pleased to announce that Marlie Brown, RN, has been promoted to Director of Nursing at Archbold Mitchell. “Marlie has demonstrated clinical expertise, strong leadership skills, and exceptional dedication to patient care,” said Archbold Mitchell Administrator Carla Beasley. “She has consistently served as a leader, and she strives to make a positive impact within our organization.” A graduate of Darton College, Brown has worked at Archbold Mitchell since 2017. After beginning her career in the Emergency Department, she transitioned to the Medical-Surgical floor at Archbold Mitchell. In 2019, Brown was promoted to Nurse Manager of the Med-Surg floor, a role she excelled in for six years. Archbold recognized Brown’s leadership last summer when she was named the system-wide Leader of the Quarter. “Marlie will tell you that Archbold Mitchell is a family of people who are here to care for their community,” her nomination for the award read. “She is a leader who makes Archbold Mitchell a great place to work!” Brown began her new role in October.
Archbold Grady has introduced a Withdrawal Management Service, a voluntary inpatient program for adults seeking to medically withdraw from prolonged substance or alcohol abuse. The program aids withdrawals from the abuse of alcohol, opiates and benzodiazepines, also known as anxiety medications. “Our goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment by providing 24-hour medical care, medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms, and private rooms for patients,” shared Program Director David Griner. “Our motto is simple: help is a phone call away.”
Archbold is pleased to announce it is increasing pay rates for nursing staff at several facilities around the region following a comprehensive market review. The increases will affect RN, LPN, and CNA roles at Archbold Living facilities and Med/Surg nursing roles at Archbold Memorial in Thomasville. “Our goal is to ensure Archbold’s pay practices remain competitive, support retention of our valued team members, and strengthen our ability to staff safely and consistently,” shared Amy Griffin, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Archbold. “When our team feels supported in the critical work they do, it benefits everyone involved—patients, fellow team members, and our community as a whole.”
Throughout 2025, Archbold celebrated our 100th anniversary with employee celebrations, community events, and recognitions of our organization’s storied history. Our organization is grateful for the support this community has shown us in the last 100 years, the participation of our employees and community members during our centennial celebrations, and the trust families across the region put in Archbold to care for their families. On behalf of the entire Archbold team, thank you for making the celebrations of our 100th anniversary so special. We look forward to serving you and your family with safe, innovative, and compassionate care for the next century and beyond.
Georgia Trend Magazine has named Archbold Memorial as one of the best large hospitals in the state. The hospital in Thomasville is ranked as one of the top three large hospitals located south of Macon. Georgia Trend Magazine defines a large hospital as one with more than 250 patient beds. Archbold Memorial has made the magazine’s prestigious list for five consecutive years and 11 of the last 13 years. “Our hospitals consistent presence among the state’s top hospitals shows our long-term commitment to patient quality and satisfaction,” said Darcy Craven, Archbold President/CEO. “We’re proud to be ranked in the company of facilities in Metro Atlanta while offering expert care with small town compassion that can only be found in a place like Thomasville.”