the offices of
Bram Wieskopf, MD
Ruby Appiah, MD
Elizabeth Vandel, PA-C
Laura Bayani, PA-C
Chris Cottle, FNP-C
Latoya Etheridge, MD (January 2024)
About Us
About the medical clinic
North Georgia Internal Medicine was established in 2002 to create a center of excellence for comprehensive and compassionate care of adult patients. We are committed to a highly individualized approach as we partner with our patients to maximize their health and sense of well being. Our providers participate in the Medicare program and are contracted with major health plans.
As we continuously strive to improve the pathways of communication with our patients and their specialists, we have adopted a completely paperless system of charting. Importantly, it allows for our patients to communicate by e-mail with the office to obtain answers to their non-urgent medical questions or request medication refills, referrals or billing information.
North Georgia Internal Medicine is extremely pleased to offer our services to the WellStar employee family as in-network providers.
If we may answer any questions for you, please contact our Practice Administrator, Tami, at 678-494-4450.
Thank you.
Please think of North Georgia Internal Medicine when your family members, friends and neighbors ask about a primary care provider
Bram Wieskopf, MD is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Wieskopf trained at Emory University Department of Internal Medicine, completed medical school at McGill University (Montreal, Canada) and brings over 20 years of clinical experience to our practice. Dr. Wieskopf's approach to patient care involves promoting a partnership with each and every patient in order to make improvements in quality of life and health, building on principles of self-care, ownership of ones' health and maximizing physical and psychological wellbeing each and every day. He enjoys partnering and closely communicating with superb subspecialists in the area. Areas of interest include promoting and optimizing health, maximizing recovery from life events or injuries, preventing diseases before they occur, diabetes, arthritis, cholesterol, blood pressure, osteoporosis, and mental health. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Wieskopf enjoys being active with his family hiking, cycling, skiing and traveling. Dr. Wieskopf is also involved in many areas of clinical research that provide cutting edge options in the care of his patients.
Ruby Appiah, MD
We are excited to welcome our newest provider to join North Georgia Internal Medicine. Dr. Appiah is board-certified in Internal Medicine and completed her residency in New York at SUNY Upstate Medical University, New York in 2016 including a year as Chief Resident. She comes to NGIM after practicing over 7 years of internal medicine in the surrounding Atlanta areas. Dr. Appiah is an advocate for providing patients with healthcare services that exceed the standard of care. She is well-versed in managing complex diseases, offering lifestyle adjustments and coaching. Dr. Appiah enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, as well as her involvement with Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta
Chris Cottle is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. He received his undergraduate degree at Valdosta State University. He spent his nursing career working in the Emergency Department until obtaining his master's degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Mercer University. He is also an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Chris's medical interest is in BEING an advocate for preventative medicine. He believes everyone is unique and enjoys working together with each patient individually as a team to help reach the best health goal outcomes. In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, playing guitar and being outdoors.
Elizabeth Vandel, PA-C has over 10 years of clinical background in primary care that includes experience in both the Piedmont and WellStar health systems. Elizabeth completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Columbus State University and Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at South University in Savannah. Elizabeth's approach to patient care involves a collaborative effort between patient and provider. This approach incorporates not only providing individualized and compassionate care, but also educating patients on how best to help themselves with regards to positive lifestyle changes. Areas of interest include diabetes and cardiovascular disease. When not practicing medicine, Elizabeth enjoys traveling, hiking, cross training classes, and spending time with her family.
Laura Bayani, PA-C has over 20 years of clinical background experience in primary care settings. Laura completed her Bachelor of Science and Physician Assistant degrees at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. Laura's approach to patient care involves a collaborative effort between patient and provider. She strives to provide our patients with the resources necessary to achieve optimal health, and she is excited to serve the patients of this practice. Areas of interest include Rheumatology and Chronic Illnesses. When not practicing medicine, Laura enjoys yoga, reading and spending time with her family and friends.