About Us
Rheumatology Experts in Waycross, Georgia
Your Trusted Rheumatology Experts in Waycross, Georgia
Dr. Charles Galea is a board-certified Rheumatologist and a board-certified Internist. He is the Founder of Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Galea received his medical degree from the University of Malta, Europe in 1995 and completed his internship and residency in Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY and his Rheumatology fellowship training at the University of Connecticut, CT.
He has been practicing rheumatology in Georgia since 2005 and provides individualized care, assisted by his rheumatology trained Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Dr. Keisha Maloney also joined the practice in 2021, after relocating to Waycross from Orlando, Florida.
Dr. Galea's medical practice motto has always been “They do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine was established in 2010 and has expanded throughout the years, now providing services in the main office in Waycross, but also in offices in Baxley, Alma, and Douglas, thus being able to provide the best rheumatology care to a larger patient population in Southeast Georgia.
In addition to rheumatology consultation services and maintenance visits, additional services are provided including x-ray, phlebotomy services, infusion of biologic medications, osteoporosis screening by DEXA Scanning, body composition assessment by DEXA scanning, and acupuncture. Here at SRIM we strive to provide the best of care to our local rural communities.
Throughout the years, Dr. Galea has provided rheumatology consulting services at Satilla Regional Medical Center, the Mayo Clinic in Waycross, as well as Memorial Satilla Hospital.
Dr. Galea is a member of the
Georgia Society of Rheumatology and the
Florida Society of Rheumatology. He is very active in the community, providing support to local schools and other institutions and charities. When not at the office, Dr. Galea enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, and giving back to the community. His hobbies are playing soccer and chess, as well as traveling in the U.S and abroad.
At Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, we are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our community. Founded in 2010, Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine has grown to serve Waycross, Baxley and Douglas, making top-tier rheumatology care more accessible across Southeast Georgia.
Comprehensive range of services includes:
- Rheumatology consultations & maintenance visits
- X-ray and phlebotomy services
- Infusion therapy for biologic medications
- DEXA scanning for Osteoporosis screening and Body composition analysis
- Pelvic therapy
- Non-surgical facelift treatment
- Facial and Body rejuvenation and toning services
- RF microneedling treatment
- Body sculpting for aesthetic and functional therapy
At Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, we take pride in our mission to deliver exceptional care to our local rural Communities, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. WE are honored to be your trusted partner in health. Let us help you feel your best!
Meet Dr. Charles Galea
Board-Certified Rheumatologist & Board-Certified Internist
Dr. Charles Galea is a board-certified Rheumatologist and a board-certified Internist. He is the Founder of Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Galea received his medical degree from the University of Malta, Europe in 1995 and completed his internship and residency in Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY and his Rheumatology fellowship training at the University of Connecticut, CT.
He has been practicing rheumatology in Georgia since 2005 and provides individualized care, assisted by his rheumatology trained Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Dr. Keisha Maloney also joined the practice in 2021, after relocating to Waycross from Orlando, Florida.
Dr. Galea's medical practice motto has always been “They do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine was established in 2010 and has expanded throughout the years, now providing services in the main office in Waycross, but also in offices in Baxley, Alma, and Douglas, thus being able to provide the best rheumatology care to a larger patient population in Southeast Georgia.
In addition to rheumatology consultation services and maintenance visits, additional services are provided including x-ray, phlebotomy services, infusion of biologic medications, osteoporosis screening by DEXA Scanning, body composition assessment by DEXA scanning, and acupuncture. Here at SRIM we strive to provide the best of care to our local rural communities.
Throughout the years, Dr. Galea has provided rheumatology consulting services at Satilla Regional Medical Center, the Mayo Clinic in Waycross, as well as Memorial Satilla Hospital.
Dr. Galea is a member of the
Georgia Society of Rheumatology and the
Florida Society of Rheumatology. He is very active in the community, providing support to local schools and other institutions and charities. When not at the office, Dr. Galea enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, and giving back to the community. His hobbies are playing soccer and chess, as well as traveling in the U.S and abroad.
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
Dr. Charles Galea is a board-certified Rheumatologist and a board-certified Internist. He is the Founder of Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Galea received his medical degree from the University of Malta, Europe in 1995 and completed his internship and residency in Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY and his Rheumatology fellowship training at the University of Connecticut, CT.
He has been practicing rheumatology in Georgia since 2005 and provides individualized care, assisted by his rheumatology trained Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Dr. Keisha Maloney also joined the practice in 2021, after relocating to Waycross from Orlando, Florida.
Dr. Galea's medical practice motto has always been “They do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine was established in 2010 and has expanded throughout the years, now providing services in the main office in Waycross, but also in offices in Baxley, Alma, and Douglas, thus being able to provide the best rheumatology care to a larger patient population in Southeast Georgia.
In addition to rheumatology consultation services and maintenance visits, additional services are provided including x-ray, phlebotomy services, infusion of biologic medications, osteoporosis screening by DEXA Scanning, body composition assessment by DEXA scanning, and acupuncture. Here at SRIM we strive to provide the best of care to our local rural communities.
Throughout the years, Dr. Galea has provided rheumatology consulting services at Satilla Regional Medical Center, the Mayo Clinic in Waycross, as well as Memorial Satilla Hospital.
Dr. Galea is a member of the
Georgia Society of Rheumatology and the
Florida Society of Rheumatology. He is very active in the community, providing support to local schools and other institutions and charities. When not at the office, Dr. Galea enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, and giving back to the community. His hobbies are playing soccer and chess, as well as traveling in the U.S and abroad.
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Betsy Tanner, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
We are delighted to introduce Betsy Tanner, the newest member of our Satilla Rheumatology & Internal Medicine practice! With eight 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.
Taylor Swinea, RN, BSN, MSN, NP-C
Taylor Swinea is a highly skilled and experienced Nurse Practitioner with a combined 11 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.
Pushpa Singh, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP-C
Pushpa Singh is a dedicated and highly experienced Family Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of professional expertise. She joined Satilla Rheumatology and Internal Medicine in February 2017, where she has continued to provide compassionate care and outstanding medical services to her patients. Prior to this, she gained valuable experience working at renowned healthcare facilities, including Tifton Regional Medical Center from 2011-2014 and the Mayo Clinic in Waycross from 2014-2017
Pushpa holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and is a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). She also has earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a Family Nurse practitioner (MSN-FNP). Additionally, she is a Registered Nurse in Advanced Practice with expertise in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine.
Her guiding philosophy is centered on using her expertise to uplift the community by helping patients achieve optimal health and access to quality medical care. Pushpa’s heartfelt advice to her patient is: “If there's any suspicion of autoimmune-related issues, do not delay seeking care. We
are here to help”.
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.
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.
