Memorial Satilla Health’s medical staff recently recognized two longtime community physicians who retired this year.
Dr. Don Waters, primary care physician, and Dr. John Michaels, family psychiatrist, were both presented with an engraved chair commemorating their years of service.
Dr. Waters’ years of service span 47 years from January 1977 to July 2024, while Dr. Michaels was a member of the medical staff for nearly 30 years, from July 1995 to May 2024.
“These physicians’ commitment to their patients and the community has left an indelible mark,” said MSH Chief Executive Officer Dale Neely. “We wish them the very best in this new chapter of their lives, and thank them for their immeasurable contributions to the health and well-being of those we serve.”
Dr. Roberto Lopez, president of medical staff, presented the chairs to each retiring physician. Dr. Michaels was unable to attend.
Dr. Waters is best known in the community for his long tenure at Blackshear Family Practice. Waters also was instrumental in establishing a local family medicine residency program affiliated with the Medical College of Georgia.
More than 400 medical students have rotated through his clinic in the last 40 years, and many have stayed in the community to practice.
Waters has remained dedicated to Hospice Satilla as their medical consultant and advisor for many years. He’s received dozens of awards and recognitions throughout his career, including Georgia’s Family Physician of the Year in 2003.
Dr. Michaels earned a bachelor’s of science from Boston College and completed his medical degree at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He finished residency at St. Louis University Hospitals.
In addition to practicing psychiatry, Dr. Michaels was a professor of psychiatry at St. Louis School of Medicine and an assistant professor of family medicine at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He practiced family psychiatry for Mayo Clinic Health System and then with Memorial Satilla Specialists — Psychiatric Care after HCA Healthcare acquired the hospital in 2017.
