About Us
Rheumatology Experts in Waycross, Georgia
A rheumatologist is a physician with specialized training in diagnosing and managing conditions that affect joints, muscles, bones, and the immune system. At Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, we:
- Provide accurate diagnosis of complex autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions.
- Offer state-of-the-art treatments, including medications, infusions and supportive therapies.
- Create personalized care plans that help patients manage chronic illness and prevent long-term complications.
- Focus on education and support, ensuring patients understand their condition and feel confident in managing it.
Conditions We Treat
Inflammatory Arthritis & Joint Diseases
- Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Pseudogout, Spondyloarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Reactive Arthritis and other Arthritidis
Connective Tissue Diseases & Vasculitis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE / Lupus), Sjögren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma), Autoimmune-Mediated Myositis, Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD), Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) , Vasculitis, ANCA-Associated Vasculitis, Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis), Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS)
Bone & Metabolic Disorders
- Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, Vitamin D Deficiency
Other Chronic Conditions
- Fibromyalgia
Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine
“Your partner in joint health, strength, and total body wellness – because thriving means
more than just managing disease.”
Meet Dr. Charles Galea
Board-Certified Rheumatologist & Board-Certified Internist
Dr. Charles Galea, founder of Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, is a board-certified rheumatologist and a board-certified internist with decades of experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of Malta, Europe in 1995, completed his internship and residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, and pursued specialized training through his Rheumatology fellowship at the University of Connecticut.
Since 2005, Dr. Galea has been providing personalized, expert care in Georgia, supported by a dedicated team of rheumatology-trained Nurse practitioners. Guided by his medical practice belief: “They do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care,” Dr. Galea and his team are committed to ensuring every patient feels heard, valued, and cared for.
Commitment Beyond the Clinic
Over the years, Dr. Galea has provided
rheumatology consulting services at Satilla Regional Medical Center, the Mayo Clinic in Waycross, and Memorial Satilla Hospital. A proud member of the
Georgia Society of Rheumatology and the
Florida Society of Rheumatology, Dr. Galea is deeply involved in the community – supporting local schools, institutions, and charities. Outside of the clinic, he cherished time with family and friends and enjoys soccer, chess, and traveling across the U.S and abroad.
Meet the Team
Your Trusted Providers
Barbara Denise Pittman, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP-C
Denise Pittman possesses an impressive 34 years of extensive experience in various roles within the healthcare field, including Nursing, Clinical Management, Relief Patient Care Director, and serving as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Driven by her profound dedication to service, she believes that “a life devoted to helping others is a life imbued with purpose” – a sentiment that serves as her guiding principle.
Her distinguished career commenced upon graduating from South University in Savannah, GA, with a Master of Science in Nursing and Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She holds esteemed professional designations as RN, MSN, and FNP-C. Denise embarked on her journey in 1991 as a medical-surgical nurse at Jennie Stuart Health in Hopkinsville, KY. She later advanced her career at Coffee Regional Medical Center, contributing her expertise in both Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the Emergency Room (ER) departments. During this period, she also extended her services to the Atkinson County Health Department for two years, while concurrently serving as a school nurse for Atkinson county schools.
On January 5, 2015, Denise joined Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine as a Family Nurse Practitioner, delivering compassionate care to her patients. Throughout her career, Denise Pittman has remained committed to providing high-quality care and clinical excellence. Her guiding philosophy is rooted in treating each patient as she would her own family, exemplifying her unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.
Kymberly Dawn Anderson, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP-BC
Kymberly Dawn Anderson, brings over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, with a steadfast commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.
She earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Western Governors University and completed her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree at South University, and became board certified in 2015. Shortly thereafter, she joined Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, where she has proudly served the community for over eight years.
Kym began her nursing journey in 2000 as a Medical Staff Nurse at Coffee Regional Medical Center. In 2002, she transitioned into education, serving as Lead Medical Assisting Instructor at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, shaping and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Over the years, she has expanded her experience by serving at Bacon County Hospital, Appling Healthcare System, and Genesis Healthcare: Hazlehurst Center, caring for patients across multiple communities including Douglas, Alma, Baxley, Hazlehurst and Waycross.
Kym’s motto, “Your Health, My Priority,” guides every aspect of her patient care. She believes healthcare begins with listening, understanding, and meeting patients where they are in their journey. Whether managing chronic rheumatology conditions, developing treatment plans, or offering support, Kym provides expertise, compassion, and encouragement at every step. Through this philosophy, Kym has earned the trust and gratitude of the communities she serves—because for her, your health truly is her priority.
Pushpa Singh, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP-C
Pushpa Singh, MSN, FNP-BC is a dedicated and highly experienced Family Nurse Practitioner with nearly 15 years of expertise in healthcare. She joined Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine in February 2017, where she has continued to provide compassionate care and exceptional medical services to her patients. Prior to this, Pushpa gained valuable experience at prominent healthcare facilities, including Tifton Regional Medical Center (2011–2014) and the Mayo Clinic in Waycross (2014–2017).
Pushpa holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and is a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). She also earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP). In addition, she is a Registered Nurse in Advanced Practice with specialized expertise in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine.
Her professional philosophy is grounded in using her knowledge and skills to empower patients and support the community in achieving optimal health. She is passionate about providing personalized care and ensuring patients have access to the highest quality medical services. Pushpa’s heartfelt advice to her patients is: “If there’s any suspicion of autoimmune-related issues, do not delay seeking care. We are here to help.”
Taylor Swinea, RN, BSN, MSN, NP-C
Taylor Swinea is a highly skilled and experienced Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of professional expertise. His career began with four years in critical care nursing, where he honed his ability to manage complex medical cases and provide compassionate, patient-centered care. Transitioning into advanced practice nursing, Taylor has spent the past seven years specializing in Rheumatology, where he continues to excel in delivering quality care to patients with autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions.
In January 2018, Taylor joined Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, where he has been an integral part of the team ever since. His passion for patient care is evident in his dedication to addressing the individual concerns of those he serves. Taylor lives by the motto, “To live with integrity”, which guides his approach to both personal and professional life. He believes in building trust and empowering his patients through compassionate care and clear communication.
Taylor earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA, which laid the foundation for his nursing career. He then completed his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at South University in Savannah, GA , where he further developed his expertise as a Nurse Practitioner. This combination of hands-on experience, specialized knowledge in Rheumatology, and a commitment to integrity makes Taylor a highly respected and valued member of the Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine practice.
Amanda Petty, RN, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Amanda Petty is a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional with over 21 years of nursing experience, including four years as a nurse practitioner. She earned her nursing degree from College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, GA, and later pursued her Master of Science in Nursing at the South University in Savannah, GA.
With a diverse background in patient care, Amanda has spent three years specializing in primary care, three years in chronic care management, and one year in urgent care. Her passion for helping others achieve optimal health is deeply rooted in her own journey as a lupus patient, giving her a unique perspective on the importance of comprehensive, patient-centered care.
In October 2024, Amanda joined Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, where she expanded her expertise in rheumatology-related diseases. She continues to receive specialized training in this field, further strengthening her ability to provide exceptional care to patients with complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Amanda strives to empower her patients to improve their health and well-being, enabling them to enjoy quality time with their families and lead fulfilling lives. She is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves through personalized care, education, and support.
Betsy Tanner, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
We are delighted to introduce Betsy Tanner, the newest member of our Satilla Rheumatology & Internal Medicine practice! With 26 years of extensive medical experience, including Emergency room care, Family Practice, and Internal Medicine, Betsy is ready to provide top-tier primary care tailored to your needs. Since joining the practice in January 2025, she has quickly become a trusted and sought-after provider among her loyal patients in Waycross and the surrounding counties.
Guided by her motto, “Compassion, care, and expertise always”, Betsy brings unparalleled dedication and professionalism to every patient she serves. Her mission is to ensure that you receive personalized care with a focus on your well-being and health goals.
Betsy is exceptionally qualified, having completed her education at Columbus State University in Columbus, GA, where she earned credentials as an RRT, RN MSN, APRN, and FNP-BC. Her impressive background makes her uniquely equipped to address a wide range of medical concerns with skill and compassion. Whether you’re seeking expert advice, managing chronic conditions, or simply looking for a trusted provider, Betsy is here for you.
