Phoebe Names Outstanding Physician and APP of the Year

 

Three people pose indoors at an event. The woman on the left wears a colorful dress and holds the APP of the Year award. The woman in the center wears a red dress. The bearded man on the right holds his Outstanding Physician award amid elegant décor.Albany, GA | April 17, 2026 – A psychiatrist at Phoebe Behavioral Health and a nurse practitioner in the Phoebe Cancer Center have been named Phoebe’s Physician and Advanced Practice Provider of the Year. Eric Ragazino, MD, and Julianna Muggridge Patrick, FNP, earned the titles for their dedication to excellence, compassionate care, and professional achievements and for embodying Phoebe’s vision, “to make every life we touch, better.”

“Both Eric and Julianna represent the very best of Phoebe Physicians. Their dedication to their patients, their colleagues, and our mission is extraordinary, and we are proud to honor their achievements,” said Phoebe Physicians President Dr. Estrellita Redmon.

A man with a beard, wearing a black blazer, stands indoors holding an Outstanding Physician award. Behind him are ornate wallpaper, framed art, a fireplace, and a lit chandelier in Phoebe’s elegant and formal setting.Dr. Ragazino joined Phoebe Behavioral Health in 2023 as an outpatient psychiatrist and has since become a respected leader and advocate for patients, staff, and the broader mental health community. He was nominated by multiple colleagues who highlighted both his clinical expertise and the genuine compassion he brings to every patient interaction.

“Dr. Ragazino truly listens to his patients and meets them where they are. He makes people feel understood, respected, and hopeful, even when they’ve been struggling for a long time. His care goes far beyond prescriptions. It’s human, thoughtful, and deeply impactful,” said one nominator.

Dr. Ragazino began his career in medicine a bit later in life after working in the banking industry. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and completed his psychiatry residency at Emory University School of Medicine. He is board certified in psychiatry and holds a Master of Business Administration degree, bringing a unique blend of clinical and leadership expertise to his role.

A woman in a red dress, stands next to a man in a black jacket holding the APP of the Year glass award, both smiling in an elegant, warmly lit room with patterned wallpaper and framed art.In his role as Medical Director of Outpatient Psychiatric Services at Phoebe, Dr. Ragazino focuses on improving patient and staff safety, strengthening care delivery, and expanding access to innovative, evidence based treatments. Over the past year, he reintroduced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) services and is leading efforts to expand ketamine therapy for patients with treatment resistant depression.

“Dr. Ragazino is always looking for ways to improve care and outcomes. He stays current on research, brings new ideas forward, and leads by example. He cares deeply about patients, staff, and the future of mental health care in our community,” said another nominator.

Dr. Ragazino is also deeply committed to medical education. As a clinical faculty member and Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship Director, he mentors medical students and residents, helping shape the next generation of physicians.

A smiling woman with long blonde hair holds a clear APP of the Year award indoors, with chandelier, white mantle, and green wallpaper.Advanced Practice Provider of the Year Julianna Patrick serves as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Phoebe Cancer Center, where she is widely recognized for her clinical excellence, warmth, and commitment to patient centered oncology care. In every nomination letter, colleagues emphasized the meaningful connections she builds with patients and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

“Julianna has an incredible gift for making patients feel informed, supported, and cared for. She takes the time to explain what’s happening, answers questions without ever making anyone feel rushed, and truly involves patients in their care,” wrote one nominator.

Julianna earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University, graduating with a 3.9 GPA. Her background includes emergency medicine, behavioral health, and inpatient care, providing her with a broad clinical foundation that allows her to confidently manage complex oncology patients with both skill and compassion.

Two women stand side by side in a warmly lit, elegant room. The woman on the left holds an APP of the Year glass award and wears a colorful dress, while the woman on the right wears a red outfit beneath a chandelier.Beyond her work with patients, Julianna is known as a trusted mentor and collaborator among nursing and clinical staff. She is always willing to teach, answer questions, and step in where needed to support her team and ensure seamless care.

“Her compassion doesn’t stop at clinical care. Julianna has held hands, given hugs, cried with patients, and offered comfort when it mattered most. She treats every patient like family, and that makes an enormous difference,” said another nominator.

Phoebe Physicians includes more than 350 physicians and advanced practice providers caring for patients at four hospital campuses and nearly 50 primary care, urgent care, and specialty clinics across southwest Georgia. Award recipients exemplify clinical excellence, compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to patient centered care.

A woman in a colorful dress and a man in a dark jacket, honored as Outstanding Physician, hold glass awards and smile while standing in a warmly lit room with patterned wallpaper, framed art, and a chandelier in the background.The Physician of the Year and APP of the Year Awards were presented Thursday evening at the Phoebe Physicians banquet at Resora. Any physician or advanced practice provider employed by Phoebe Physicians is eligible for nomination by patients or colleagues. This year, 195 total nominations were received. They were de identified and reviewed by an awards committee who chose the winners.