 In April 2008, St. Mary's and cardiologists John Layher, M.D., and L. Steven Lowman, M.D., teamed up to create Northeast Georgia's newest cardiology practice: Oconee Heart and Vascular Center. They were joined a few months later by Charles B. Neckman, M.D., and Harvey G. Ouzts, M.D. Together, they provide a complete continuum of heart and blood vessel care, including:
Oconee Heart and Vascular Center temporarily is located on the 2nd Floor of St. Mary's Hospital, 1230 Baxter St., Athens, Ga., where it shares space with Athens Cardiac Arrhythmia Center. Testing and treatment services are available in the office and at St. Mary’s Hospital. Patients coming to Oconee Heart and Vascular Center do NOT need to sign in at St. Mary's Registration Department; please go directly to the OHVC/ACAC office to register. For most patients, treatment is provided by referral from your primary physician. For more information, talk to your doctor or call OHVC at 706-389-3440. Parking is free, and valet parking services are available until mid-afternoon on weekdays. Closest parking is in St. Mary’s parking deck, located in front of the hospital. The closest patient drop-off/valet parking reception area is at the Emergency Department on the west side of St. Mary's. In fall 2008, OHVC will move to state-of-the-art office facilites at The Exchange, 2470 Daniells Bridge Road, next to St. Mary's Outpatient Diagnostic, Rehab and Wellness Center. The office will be conveniently located just off Ga. 316 less than a mile from the Athens Perimeter, with plenty of front door parking. Diagnostic capabilities will include on-site EKG, stress testing, nuclear medicine and more. Drs. Layher, Lowman and Neckman maintain privileges to practice at both Athens area acute care hospitals. Phone: 706-389-3440 John W. Layher, MD Dr. Layher received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1986 from Indiana State University and Master of Science degree in 1987 from Indiana State University. He received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1991. Dr. Layher completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Vanderbilt University in 1994. Dr. Layher went on to complete his fellowship training in Cardiology at Indiana University School of Medicine/Krannert Institute of Cardiology in 1997. Dr. Layher is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease. Dr. Layher is also a Fellow of the American College of Cardiologists. Dr. Layher was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1966. He is married and has two children. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising and spending time with his family. L. Steven Lowman, MD Dr. Lowman received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia in 1988. Afterwards, he went to the Medical College of Georgia where he earned a degree in medicine in 1992. Dr. Lowman then attended the University of Kentucky and completed an internship in Internal Medicine in 1993. He returned back to the Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency and chief residency in 1996. Following residency, Dr. Lowman was employed as an internist with the Toccoa Clinic in Toccoa, Ga., until 1999. He then returned to the Medical College of Georgia for further training and pursued a fellowship in Cardiology, which he completed in 2002. Dr. Lowman is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease, as well as Nuclear Cardiology. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Cardiologists. Dr. Lowman was born in Atlanta in 1965. He is married and has two children. In his spare time, Dr. Lowman enjoys reading, swimming, traveling and spending as much time as he can with his family. Charles B. Neckman, MD Dr. Neckman received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1977 from the University of Florida. He graduated with high honors and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received his medical degree from the Emory University School of Medicine in 1981. Dr. Neckman completed his residency in internal medicine at Emory in 1984 and went on to complete his cardiology fellowship at Emory in 1987. Dr. Neckman lived and practiced in Atlanta and Gainesville, Ga., before joining Drs. Layher and Lowman in Athens in June of 2008. Dr. Neckman specializes in coronary interventions (angioplasty and stents) and practices general and invasive cardiology. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. Dr. Neckman is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. Dr. Neckman was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1956. He is married and has three children. In his spare time, he enjoys bicycling, sport shooting, jet skiing and spending time with his family. Harvey G. Ouzts, MD Dr. Ouzts received his AB degree from the University of Chattanooga in 1967. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1971. Dr. Ouzts completed his internship in Internal Medicine at Grady Memorial Hospital in 1972. He went on to complete his residency training in Cardiology at Emory University Hospital in 1976. Dr. Ouzts was an instructor in medicine at the Emory School of Medicine from 1977-1978. Dr. Ouzts has practiced Medicine in Athens for over 30 years. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease and is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Cardiologists. Dr. Ouzts was born in Manchester, Ga. He and his wife, Lili, have six children and two grandchildren. In his spare time, Dr. Ouzts enjoys woodworking and outdoor activities. |
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