Congratulations to our Employee, APP and Physician of the Month winners for October 2023!

Published: Friday, October 27, 2023

Sung Lee, MD

Physician of the Month

Dr. Sung Lee is a neurointerventionalist with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group specializing in complex cerebrovascular disease. Dr. Lee serves as the Medical Director of Neurointerventional Surgery at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Respectful Compassion: Dr. Lee loves and cares for people in a big way! Patients and families are constantly bragging on Dr. Lee and exude their appreciation of his kindness, and excellent bedside manner. Multiple patients have quoted “It was like he had all the time in the world.”  We often see patients and families in their worst, most frightening seasons of life, and Dr. Lee’s selfless approach gives them exactly what they need.

Responsible Stewardship: Dr. Lee operates in the details. From operational cost to staffing models, and programmatic efficiency, Dr. Lee takes the time to be invested in the daily operations of our Neuroscience service line. In fact, Dr. Lee is an active participant, and often leads our morning huddles to ensure that there is transparency and uniform understanding within the team. Simply put, he cares, and serves in this capacity to ensure sustainability.

Deep Interdependence: When joining our NGHS team in 2020, Neurointerventional services was a new service line to our organization. He has spent tremendous time and continues investing countless hours in those who are around him to ensure that all team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to give patients the best treatment and outcomes. It’s a blessing to step back and watch others perform at a high level, in large part because Dr. Lee believed in them and equipped them with the tools to be successful. 

Passion for Excellence: Dr. Lee’s character and daily behaviors radiate a passion for excellence. Most importantly though, I think it is the culture of excellence that Dr. Lee has built here that carries the greatest impact. Because Dr. Lee has high standards and leads so well, others want to follow. He serves as a wonderful role model to bring your best daily.


Lauren Ayala, AGACNP

Advanced Practice Provider of the Month

Lauren Ayala is a provider with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group specializing in Neurology. Lauren obtained her clinical education from Emory University and she is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

Lauren always goes above and beyond for the team and her patients. She cares for this organization and the community. She puts patients first and is always the first to jump in and lend a helping hand for the good of the team. She truly embodies the NGHS’ mission statement each and every day. Patients regularly compliment Lauren and one recently commented that she touched their lives in a way they will always remember.


Sandy Alaniz

Employee of the Month

Sandy Alaniz recently joined Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Family Medicine in Winder as the office manager. In a short time, she is rocking it and making a difference with her team! She always has a positive attitude and is willing to help and tackle any task placed in front of her. She is a wonderful asset to the office, and her staff feels lucky to have her!