Growing up in Dawsonville, Karlie Bearden saw how her parents, who operated an independent pharmacy, made a positive impact on the community through their care and dedication. This inspired her to pursue a career as a physician assistant so she could apply that same passion for helping others. Karlie recently joined Georgia Heart Institute to serve patients in her hometown of Dawsonville as well as Cumming and Dahlonega.

Karlie started her career at a hospital in Augusta, working in the pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit.

“That experience really got me interested in cardiology, because I was able to see first-hand how a heart surgery can save a little child’s life,” said Karlie. “I was also excited by how much there is to learn in this field and by how lifestyle changes and medical management can help patients improve their overall health.”

Now that she is seeing adult patients, Karlie says open and honest communication is essential to building a trusting relationship.

It’s all about being there for your patients, listening to their concerns and their goals for care, and then implementing that into a treatment plan that suits their unique situation.”

Karlie earned her Master of Physician Assistant degree from Augusta University. Before that, she was a scholarship basketball player at Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina.

Outside of work, Karlie is planning her wedding for this October. She and her fiancé like to travel, take trips to the beach and spend days at the lake with friends, family and their dog named Ollie.

To schedule an appointment with Karlie Bearden, PA-C, call 770-534-2020 or visit georgiaheartinstitute.org/bearden.