A better night’s sleep is within reach for more patients in Southeast Georgia, thanks to innovative care and a patient-centered approach. Sherman Stevenson, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates–Ear, Nose & Throat, and Sarah Mobbs, FNP, FCCP, a board-certified nurse practitioner at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates–Pulmonary Medicine, have been recognized as Inspire Excellence Members for delivering exceptional care and clinical outcomes in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Inspire, an FDA-approved therapy for OSA, offers an innovative alternative for patients who are unable to tolerate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. OSA affects an estimated 22 million Americans and is associated with serious health and safety risks, including daytime fatigue, impaired memory and mood, increased risk of vehicle and workplace accidents, and life-threatening conditions such as stroke and heart disease.
While CPAP remains the first-line treatment, many patients struggle with adherence or do not experience adequate relief. Dr. Stevenson and Ms. Mobbs offer Inspire therapy to meet the needs of these patients and have earned the Excellence designation for advancing care pathways and improving outcomes.
Sherman Stevenson, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates–Ear, Nose & Throat, and Sarah Mobbs, FNP, FCCP, a board-certified nurse practitioner at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates–Pulmonary Medicine
“We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to patients who have not found success with traditional CPAP therapy,” says Dr. Stevenson. “Earning Inspire Excellence status reflects our team’s focus on delivering timely access to care, thorough patient education, and personalized treatment plans that lead to meaningful, lasting improvements in quality of life.”
Ms. Mobbs emphasized the collaborative and patient-centered nature of the program. “This recognition highlights the strength of our multidisciplinary approach to treating sleep apnea,” she says. “We work closely with each patient to ensure they understand their options and feel confident in their care. Seeing patients regain restful sleep and improve their overall health is incredibly rewarding.”
Inspire works by synchronizing with a patient’s natural breathing patterns during sleep. The system delivers mild stimulation to keep the airway open, allowing for normal airflow. Patients control the device with a small handheld remote, turning it on before sleep and off upon waking.
The Inspire system is implanted during a brief outpatient procedure involving two small incisions in the neck and chest. Most patients return home the same day and manage any discomfort with over-the-counter medication.
“We’re proud to offer a therapy that is not only clinically proven to reduce sleep apnea events, but also demonstrates high patient satisfaction and long-term adherence,” adds Dr. Stevenson. “Inspire is transforming the way we care for patients with sleep apnea.”
For more information about the Inspire procedure, watch the "Sleep Reclaimed: Living Better With Inspire" podcast at sghs.org/podcast.
