WellStar’s Guillermo Pierluisi, M.D., Helps Raise the Bar for the Georgia Army National Guard’s Medical Readiness

One of WellStar’s own is the highest ranking medical officer in our state’s Army National Guard. Guillermo Pierluisi, M.D., vice president of Medical Affairs for WellStar Paulding and Douglas hospitals, is the state surgeon for the Georgia Army National Guard (GAARNG), responsible for keeping more than 10,000 citizen-soldiers healthy and ready to serve.
In 2011, the GAARNG achieved the highest level of medical readiness ever in the history of the Army Guard.  In 2012, the GAARNG again ranked first in the nation for medical readiness.
Colonel Pierluisi has served in the National Guard and the Army Reserves for more than 24 years and as the Medical Command, GAARNG - Commanding /State Surgeon for two years.  His service has taken him around the world – from Africa, Asia and the Middle East to Central and South America. He has served in austere field environments like Afghanistan and Iraq, provided medical aid during disaster responses, and helped transport and oversee the first combat emergency department in Afghanistan in 2002.  He also served in the Army's Special Operations community for three years.  His honors include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and induction in the Order of Military Medical Merit in 2012.
With more than 20 years of healthcare experience, Dr. Pierluisi specializes in emergency medicine, pre-hospital care medicine and healthcare services administration. He joined WellStar in March 2013.
“I knew of WellStar’s world-class care because more than 1,000 National Guard soldiers are seen in WellStar facilities or by WellStar physician partners each year,” said Pierluisi. “I am grateful WellStar is WellStar – it’s distinguished by its quality of care and I’m proud to be a part of this outstanding System.
“The leadership and management skills I’ve learned in the Guard serve me well at WellStar,” he added. “I appreciate how senior and operational management are extremely supportive of my military commitment.”
Dr. Pierluisi spends about two hours a day fulfilling Guard responsibilities (before 7 a.m. and at night), drills one weekend a month and serves an additional 30-40 active duty days a year (mostly on weekends),  in Washington, D.C., and visiting other states and organizations.
“I’m proud to play a role in ensuring that those who protect us receive the same level of high-quality medical care whether they are here at home or far away from family and friends," he said.
Georgia’s Army National Guard is the eighth largest in the nation and includes combat, combat support and combat service support units. National Guard service is usually one weekend a month and one two-week training period each year.