BRUNSWICK, Georgia: March 2, 2022 – Southeast Georgia Health System is pleased to welcome Charles W. Callender, M.D., to Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Pulmonary Medicine.
After graduating from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in biology, Callender decided to combine his love of science and desire to help people by becoming a physician. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia, and completed his internal medicine residency training in his native hometown, Washington, D.C., at Washington Hospital Center. It was during his fellowships at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, that he realized his true passion, which he credits to the guidance of his incredible mentors, and began working towards becoming a pulmonary and critical care physician.
Callender treats patients for a variety of lung related illnesses, such as respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension sarcoidosis (inflammation of the lungs), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and tuberculosis. He describes his approach to practicing medicine as treating people like family. “I treat my patients the way I would want to be treated or have my family members treated,” Callender says. “I enjoy looking at a complex problem, finding a solution and fighting for my patients to get better. At the end of the day, I’m happiest when I have helped somebody.”
Callender’s first experience working at the Health System was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I really admired the Health System’s approach to patient care,” he explains. “Everyone, from respiratory therapists to physicians to nurses, were all very focused on what was best for the patient. To remember to do that during such a challenging time is impressive and that is why I wanted to return to join Southeast Georgia Health System.”
Prior to joining the Health System, Callender was a pulmonary and critical care physician at Navicent Health in Macon, Georgia. While in Macon, he also served as Professor of Medicine at Mercer University Medical School. Additionally, Callender has extensively researched, written and presented several medical journal articles domestically and internationally.
In his free time, Callender enjoys being outdoors, playing tennis or hiking with his wife and son. He also makes sure he saves some time for one of his favorite passions–playing video games.
Callender joins a three-member team of providers at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Pulmonary Medicine in Brunswick. To learn more, visit sghs.org/pulmonary-medicine or call 912-466-5504.