Our Team
It is our mission to provide the highest quality, compassionate and skilled urological care to enable people to stay healthy and be well. We work in partnership with individuals in crafting a personalized, focused approach to address conditions and a wellness program by taking into consideration each patient’s physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. Dr. Blankenship is on the medical staffs of Piedmont Athens Regional and Saint Mary’s Hospital in Athens, and can perform surgeries in these facilities.
Our team has strong local roots and operates “high-touch, high tech” with some of the most unique leading-edge technology in the state. Meet the Urology Group of Athens team and learn about how other individuals like you are teaming up with us to further embrace life!
Dr. John Blankenship
Dr. Blankenship has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia and a Medical Doctorate degree from Medical College of Georgia. He served residencies in general surgery and urology at University of Tennessee and is American Board of Urology board certified.
A fascination for anatomy is what led Dr. Blankenship to pursue a medical degree. “I remembered my brother who was in dental school taking me to see his anatomy lab. I thought it was the coolest thing. I knew that was my destiny. I knew standing in that lab at Medical College of Georgia that I would later be standing there learning to be a doctor.”
Stephanie Johnson, NP-C
Stephanie is a veteran nurse practitioner with more than 20 years of experience as a skilled clinician. Stephanie’s family health history led her to pursue her passion of helping others, and is dedicated to serving her patients and her community.
Stephanie has her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Medical College of Georgia, and completed the Nurse Practitioner Program at Emory University in Atlanta.
Tina Hale, NP-C
Tina is originally from Louisiana where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Northwestern State University. Tina relocated to Bogart with her husband and family after spending over 20 years as a nurse at Northside Hospital in Atlanta. She has incredible experience and insight into patient care and diagnostics, and enjoys being part of the team dynamic at Urology Group of Athens.
Patients have the opportunity to choose between seeing a physician or nurse practitioner when they make their appointment. Stephanie and Tina, our two nurse practitioners, often have more freedom in their schedules than our physicians; they are able to take patients more quickly, care for any needs they have, spend more time on educational needs, and be a liaison with our physician team if needed.
Liz Seamon, RN & Nurse Navigator
Liz Seamon has been with Urology Group since September 2015. Liz is our Prostate Cancer Nurse Navigator and Treatment Center Nurse. In this role she helps coordinate care for our prostate cancer patients, does our bladder cancer treatments and several other testing and treatments for incontinence and overactive bladder.
Liz has been a Registered Nurse in several different roles since 1999 and has now had almost 10 years of urology experience. Liz is compassionate and professional, and is an integral part of our team.