Our Team
It is our mission to provide the highest quality, compassionate and skilled urological care to enable people to stay healthy and be well. We work in partnership with individuals in crafting a personalized, focused approach to address conditions and a wellness program by taking into consideration each patient’s physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. Dr. Blankenship is on the medical staffs of Piedmont Athens Regional and Saint Mary’s Hospital in Athens, and can perform surgeries in these facilities.
Our team has strong local roots and operates “high-touch, high tech” with some of the most unique leading-edge technology in the state. Meet the Urology Group of Athens team and learn about how other individuals like you are teaming up with us to further embrace life!
Marie Anderson, PA-C
Marie Anderson PA-C
Marie Anderson is a lifelong resident of the Athens area and grew up in Danielsville. She currently resides with her husband and enjoys spending as much time as possible with their three grown children and their families.
Marie began her career in healthcare after earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Southern University in 1985. She went on to graduate from Medical College of Georgia’s Physician Assistant program in 1987.
Marie has been board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) since 1989) and brings more than 32 years of experience in urology to her practice.
We are honored to have Marie as a valued member of our team. Her extensive urological expertise, dedication to her patients, and compassionate approach to care make her an integral part of our practice and the community we serve.
Jay Rains, PA-C
Jay Rains, PA-C
Jay Rains is a lifelong resident of the Athens area and is proud to serve the community he has called home throughout his life. He resides in Athens with his wife and their three children. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid University of Georgia fan.
Jay is a Physician Assistant with nine years of experience in urology. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia in 2012 and his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Gardner-Webb University in 2017.
He has been board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) since 2017.
Jay is dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and patient-centered urological care to individuals and families throughout the Athens area.
Tina Hale, NP-C
Tina Hale, NP-C
Tina Hale, NP-C is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of experience practicing in urology. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in 1985 and completed her Nurse Practitioner program at the Medical College of Georgia in 2012.
Originally from Louisiana, Tina moved to Georgia in 1988 and has called Georgia home ever since. She is passionate about providing compassionate, personalized care and values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with her patients.
Outside of medicine, Tina enjoys spending time with her husband Joe, with whom she has shared 38 years of marriage. They have two grown, children, both married, and four wonderful grandchildren who are a very special part of their lives. Tina loves spending time with her family and enjoys an active lifestyle, including hiking, gardening, skiing and anything that gets her outdoors.
Dr. John Blankenship
Dr. Blankenship has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia and a Medical Doctorate degree from Medical College of Georgia. He served residencies in general surgery and urology at University of Tennessee and is American Board of Urology board certified.
A fascination for anatomy is what led Dr. Blankenship to pursue a medical degree. “I remembered my brother who was in dental school taking me to see his anatomy lab. I thought it was the coolest thing. I knew that was my destiny. I knew standing in that lab at Medical College of Georgia that I would later be standing there learning to be a doctor.”
Angie Lance, LPN
Angie has been with Urology Group since September 2013. Angie is our Prostate Cancer Nurse Navigator and Treatment Center Nurse. In this role she helps coordinate care for our prostate cancer patients, does our bladder cancer treatments and several other testing and treatments for incontinence and overactive bladder.
Angie has been a Nurse in several different roles since 2008 with over 18 years of experience. Angie is compassionate and professional, and is an integral part of our team.