Meet the People Behind Aiken Hospital’s Top-Notch Care

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Since its founding more than a century ago to serve its community, Aiken Regional Medical Centers has grown to become an acute care hospital licensed for 273 beds. The Aiken hospital offers comprehensive care, such as emergency, oncology and internal medicine services, to the people of Aiken and Western South Carolina.

The hospital is a Certified Primary Heart Attack Center and a Certified Primary Stroke Center, plus it has Advanced Heart Failure Certification from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. 

Fostering a Vibrant Community 

Dr. Richard Marks, who serves on the medical staff at Aiken Regional, joined Aiken Physicians Alliance Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in 2023, moving from Columbia, South Carolina. He is fellowship-trained in orthopedic surgery foot and ankle, a subspecialty he says has previously not been available to the Aiken community and surrounding region. 

His wife is an equestrienne and longtime resident of the area. 

“The Aiken community is extremely welcoming, largely due to a population that tends to be more international in nature yet keeping Aiken’s small-town Southern charm. It is cosmopolitan, yet quaint,” he says.

“The equestrian community adds so much to the fabric of Aiken. Outdoor activities abound, and Hitchcock Woods is a central part of Aiken. We are also becoming a golf destination, with a number of world-class golf courses.” 

A typical day for Marks involves either seeing patients in clinic or performing surgeries. 

“I have also been able to help educate the primary care residents both in the clinical setting and classroom,” he says.

“Aiken Regional strives to allow physicians, staff and leadership to collaboratively provide patients from Aiken and the larger region with the highest standard of medical care. The Orthopedics and Sports Medicine group is an anchor specialty at Aiken Regional, and we are proud to be part of the growth initiative, striving to bring world-class care to a community setting.” 

Transformative Work at Aiken Hospital

Dr. Sireesha Vemuri-Reddy wears several hats, serving as Aiken Regional’s chief hospitalist, designated institutional official for graduate medical education and physician adviser for quality.

She has been with the hospital for more than three years and says she was drawn to the area for its weather, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and work environment. 

“You can see all terrains within the span of a few hours and experience Southern hospitality combined with an amazing work family,” she says.

“I have a unique opportunity to tie the work of three departments together to move the organization’s vision forward. Hospital medicine touches 90% of patients admitted to the hospital, and the department is also engaged in training future generations of physicians to bridge gaps in health care access. Both departments work with our quality team at the forefront to impact high quality, evidence-based patient care.” 

Caring Connections and Welcoming Nature

Paul Hanna relocated to the area and has been Aiken Regional’s director of human resources for more than seven years. 

“Staff here at Aiken Regional comment regularly about how much they appreciate the team atmosphere,” Hanna says. “New associates feel welcomed and supported, and those with longevity value their ‘work families.’” 

He says he enjoys his role because there is no typical day in health care or human resources.

“My role is geared toward making Aiken Regional a great place to work so that it is a great place to receive care. I take pride in being part of the care we provide to our community,” he says. 

Of that community, Hanna says, Aiken is a gem. 

“My wife and I had visited relatives in the area for 20 years and recognized it would be an ideal location to raise our three sons. We have a vibrant community with amazing locally owned businesses and restaurants,” Hanna says. “An individual can be as busy as they want to be with social events, activities and volunteer opportunities. The welcoming community and culture are exceptional.”