Dr. Hammond is excited about the creation of Hammond Urology which is the culmination of 24 years of Urologic experience and clinical research . The practice is devoted to the care of our patients with a focus on complex Urologic problems. Every effort is made to compress the time between diagnosis and treatment to a resolution of the presenting problem. Visiting patients will have their evaluation and diagnosis scheduled for the same day as a potential treatment when appropriate. The goal is that all modalities and options for treatment be available to accomplish the required outcome with a single procedure when possible

Gaines W. Hammond, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Hammond received his medical degree in 1974 from the Medical University of South Carolina following a B.S. degree from Washington and Lee University. Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Hammond proceeded to Methodist Hospital and Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana for his surgery and urology residencies. Dr. Hammond is certified by the American Board of Urology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

In 1984, Dr. Hammond founded Medstone International (Hammond Technologies) to develop the first dry second-generation lithotripter. He led the research and development resulting in FDA approval of the IDE application for the treatment of kidney stones.

Currently, Dr. Hammond practices urologic surgery with an emphasis on large complex urologic surgical cases and serves as Chief of the Department of Surgery at Mary Black Health System in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He has one of the largest series in the world for the Targis microwave treatment of prostate conditions. He has pioneered the urologic applications for the use of the Harmonic Scalpel by Ethicon. His radical prostate surgery techniques are unique and progressive in the establishment of nerve and bladder neck preservation using this harmonic scalpel. He has developed new surgical techniques for pelvic and bladder reconstruction.

He has authored numerous articles and chapters in textbooks, as well as, lectured internationally in Europe and the Middle East. He serves on numerous private and public Boards.  His outside interests focus around his wife and their four children.

Staff Profiles

	Summer S. Tappan Office Manager Summer joined Dr. Hammond eight years ago and has over 10 years experience in the Healthcare industry. She holds an associate’s degree in Business Management & Marketing. She takes particular pride in the Misys EMR implementation that Hammond Urology has completed with great success. Summer’s interests include traveling, reading, flying planes with her husband, Chris, and spending time with their two dogs.
	Nancy P. Bridgeman Billing Specialist Nancy joined Hammond Urology in March 2004. She has over 24 years experience in the medical field with coding and insurance. Nancy holds a Certificate as a Hospital Ward Clerk from Isothermal Community College.  Nancy is married with two daughters and two grandsons. Her interests include spending time with her family camping and at the beach.
	Peggy S. Poole, RN Clinical Coordinator Peggy joined Hammond Urology in October 2005 and has worked in the medical industry for 18 years. Peggy received an associate’s degree in nursing from USC in 1994. She is member of the Society for Urologic Nurses. In 2003, Peggy received the Palmetto Gold Award, which is given to the top 100 nurses in South Carolina who “exemplify excellence in nursing practice”. She has one daughter and one granddaughter.
	Anita Spears Medical Assistant Anita joined Hammond Urology in August 2004. She has over five years experience in the Healthcare industry. Anita is currently attending Spartanburg Technical College in the ADN program, pursuing an associate’s degree as a Registered Nurse. She received her Medical Assistant Certificate from Spartanburg Technical College in 2003 and is certified in Basic Life Support and CPR/AED. Anita worked for the Charles Lea Center for two years prior to her employment at Hammond Urology. Anita’s interests include reading African-American novels, taking long walks, and spending time with her four children.