CareSouth Carolina’s Tracy George Earns National Fellowship Honor

CareSouth Carolina is proud to celebrate one of its newest providers, Tracy George, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, whose dedication to expanding access to behavioral health care has already earned national recognition. 

Tracy George was recently inducted as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) during the 2026 American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) National Conference, one of the profession's highest honors.

George, who provides psychiatric mental health services at CareSouth Carolina's Dillon location while continuing to teach nursing students at Francis Marion University, was selected for the prestigious fellowship after being nominated by two fellow nurse practitioners. 

The FAANP designation recognizes nurse practitioner leaders who have made outstanding contributions to clinical practice, education, research, policy, and community service. Only 14 in South Carolina currently hold the distinction.

"It was truly an honor just to be nominated," said George. "To then be recognized as a Fellow is incredibly meaningful. I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue serving patients while also helping educate the next generation of nurse practitioners."

George earned her Post-Master's Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Francis Marion University, expanding her ability to care for patients facing conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns.

Her addition strengthens CareSouth Carolina's ongoing commitment to increasing access to behavioral health services, particularly in rural communities where mental health resources are often limited.

"So many patients in rural counties simply don't have enough options when it comes to mental health care," George said. "Through CareSouth Carolina, I'm able to provide another option for patients who may otherwise have difficulty accessing these services. It's incredibly satisfying to know we're expanding access to care, and I look forward to seeing patients improve over time. Everyone has been so welcoming, and the patients have been wonderful and appreciative."

CareSouth Carolina's integrated approach to care ensures patients can receive both primary and behavioral health services through a coordinated team focused on treating the whole person.

For George, joining CareSouth Carolina was also a chance to serve the community she calls home.

"I live in Latta, so this allows me to bring care back to my own community," she said. "CareSouth Carolina has a strong reputation, and many of the providers have been here for years. That stability really stood out to me, and everyone has made me feel welcome. It just felt like the right fit."

In addition to caring for patients, George serves as an associate professor at Francis Marion University, where she enjoys preparing future healthcare professionals for successful careers.

"Not everyone gets to wake up and truly enjoy what they do every day," she said. "Whether I'm caring for patients or teaching students, I feel like I'm making a difference. That's what motivates me."

Outside of work, George enjoys spending time with her family, walking, reading, gardening, cooking, participating in church activities, and staying connected with her children. She hopes her work at CareSouth Carolina will continue making a lasting impact on patients throughout the Pee Dee region.

CareSouth Carolina is a private, non-profit community health center delivering patient-centered health and life services in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CareSouth Carolina operates centers in Bennettsville, Bishopville, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake View, Latta, McColl and Society Hill.

Services provided by CareSouth Carolina include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's services, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS primary care, infectious disease primary care, IV therapy, substance abuse prevention, dental, chiropractic services, pharmacy, senior support services, family support services, clinical counseling, laboratory, ultrasound, X-Ray, agricultural worker health services, podiatry, and veterans choice provider.