Margaret “Nikki” Catt, MD, was only four years old when her father received a life-saving heart transplant, but the procedure had a lasting impact on her life as well. In the years after the transplant, she went with him to many follow-up doctors’ appointments and visited him during several hospital stays – and she witnessed the profound impact doctors can have on a family. That’s exactly what led her to become a doctor and join Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Lavonia Clinic.
“Growing up around medicine made me recognize its magic early on,” Dr. Catt said. “It’s not just about treating someone’s sickness. It’s about walking with people through every chapter of their lives.”
Dr. Catt grew up in the small town of Bainbridge, Georgia. After graduating high school and spending time in larger cities, she realized the things Bainbridge had that she didn’t appreciate at the time – family, small businesses and community.
“Lavonia has all those same positives of living in a small town, and it reminds me of home in many ways,” Dr. Catt said. “I want to improve the lives of everyone I can help, especially women and children here in Franklin County.”
Dr. Catt earned her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Southern Illinois University before earning her medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia. She completed her family medicine residency at the University of South Alabama in Mobile.
When she’s not at work, Dr. Catt enjoys puzzles and reading – she read more than 70 books in 2024 alone. She loves exploring new restaurants with friends and family and spending time with all the animals in her life.
NGPG Lavonia Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is located at 12192 Augusta Road. Call 706-356-1072 to schedule an appointment or visit ngpg.org/catt to learn more.
NGPG is an affiliate of Northeast Georgia Health System.