By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Nurkin resigns as president of Northeast Ga. Medical Center
Brad Nurkin
Brad Nurkin

Brad Nurkin has resigned as president of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, citing personal reasons, Northeast Georgia Health System President and CEO Carol Burrell said Tuesday.

Nurkin joined the hospital, which is at 743 Spring St., Gainesville, in August 2012.

He oversaw daily operations of the hospital and continued development of its Heart & Vascular and Oncology Services.

In a news release, Burrell said Nurkin’s responsibilities have been divided among senior management. She said the search for a new president will begin during the coming days.

Burrell couldn’t be reached for comment.

Nurkin was arrested and charged with DUI on Oct. 27, 2012, a few months after joining the medical center, after the Georgia State Patrol said he crashed his Jeep into a sign, mailbox and culvert.

Before joining the hospital, he was president and CEO of Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee.

Nurkin, who couldn’t be reached for comment, also served as CEO of Charlotte Regional Medical Center in Punta Gorda, Fla.; CEO of Lancaster Regional Medical Center in Lancaster, Pa.; CEO of East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro; and interim CEO and chief operating officer of Crossgates River Oaks Hospital in Brandon, Miss.

According to several recent media reports, while Nurkin was at the Charlotte hospital, he was the “whistle-blower” in a federal lawsuit in Florida alleging Health Management Associates Inc. was involved in submitting false Medicaid and Medicare claims.

He was fired in March 2010 after launching an investigation, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Health Management Associates Inc. operates 71 hospitals in 15 states, including Georgia, with locations in Statesboro, Monroe and Winder.

The company, based in Naples, Fla., has said it will contest the allegations and seek to have the suit dismissed, according to the Business Journal.

Northeast Georgia Health System spokeswoman Melissa Tymchuk said the lawsuit “is unrelated to Northeast Georgia Medical Center and was separate from Brad’s responsibilities as president of NGMC.”