Joseph Derrick Hayes, MD

Dr. Hayes graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He received his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Memorial Hospital University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia, where he served as chief resident and then a faculty member in the Internal Medicine department. He joined SGMC’s medical staff in 2021 as a hospitalist.

Dr. Hayes played a vital role in developing SGMC’s internal medicine residency program in partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine. The program launched in 2021, making SGMC an official teaching facility. The health system welcomed its first class of internal medicine residents in 2022 and Dr. Hayes, who previously served as a hospitalist, became the Medical Director for SGMC Internal Medicine at Park Avenue. This practice serves as a continuity clinic for physicians completing their internal medicine residency. He oversees patient care and clinical skills development for the resident physicians in a primary care setting.

He also serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine and is a member of the American College of Physicians and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Internal Medicine physician Joseph Hayes, MD, joins us on SGMC Health’s “What Brings You in Today?” podcast for a wide-ranging medical marathon of charisma. Hear about his unconventional journey to becoming a doctor and his opinion on patients consulting “Dr. Google” for answers. Delve into insightful discussions as Dr. Hayes tackles listener-submitted questions on everything from the efficacy of supplements to managing anxiety and excessive sweating. Grab a healthy snack and join us to learn about the importance of a primary care doc in your health journey!