Padmanaidu Karnam, M.D., and St. Mary's Medical Group are opening a new rheumatology practice on July 18 to serve patients across Northeast Georgia who are living with arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.

Rheumatology Center of Athens will be located at 1622 C Mars Hill Road, Watkinsville, with office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday except 8 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesdays. New patient appointments are now being accepted with a referral from a primary care physician or another medical specialist.

Dr. Karnam comes to St. Mary's from the University of Massachusetts Medical School Memorial Medical Center in Worchester, where he recently completed his fellowship in rheumatology. Before that, he completed his internal medicine residency at Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital in Mount Vernon, NY, where he served as Chief Resident in 2013-2014. He received his U.S. medical degree in 2014 from the University of the State of New York, Albany, after completing all requirements for his U.S. Medical Licensing Examination in 2011. At Montefiore Mount Vernon, he received the 2011-2012 Best Intern Award and also the 2014 Chief Resident Award.

Before coming to the U.S., Dr. Karnam received his medical education in India and practiced extensively as a primary care physician and orthopedic surgeon in India and Jamaica from 1992 to 2009, when he was accepted into his residency in the U.S.

As a rheumatologist, Dr. Karnam treats patients with a variety of complex diseases and autoimmune conditions that affect the joints, muscles and bones, including arthritis, lupus, chronic back pain, gout, and tendinitis. For many patients, proper treatment can lessen pain and reduce the risk of permanent damage.

As part of St. Mary's, Dr. Karnam will accept most major health insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid, and private pay, with financial assistance available for patients who qualify. For more information, call 706.769.9931.