Carrollton, Georgia Jun 9, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Cody Wayne Connell, MSN, ACNP-AG, BC, is an accomplished Nurse Practitioner whose dedication to critical care, cardiology, and cardiothoracic surgery has helped transform cardiac healthcare delivery for patients throughout Georgia. With more than 11 years of nursing experience and six years in advanced practice, Connell has established himself as a respected leader in hospital-based critical care, combining clinical expertise, innovation, and patient advocacy to improve outcomes for individuals facing complex cardiac conditions.
Currently practicing with Emory Health System in Atlanta while maintaining his longstanding role as a Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Connell specializes in the management of high-acuity patients requiring advanced cardiovascular and surgical care. His expertise spans cardiology, interventional cardiology, and cardiothoracic surgery, where he works closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive treatment for some of the most medically complex cases.
One of the most significant accomplishments of Connell’s career has been his leadership in helping establish a comprehensive open-heart surgery program at Tanner Medical Center. Working alongside a cardiothoracic surgeon, he played a pivotal role in developing the program from its inception, bringing advanced cardiac services closer to patients within the local community. The program has grown to provide a broad range of procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement surgeries, ascending aortic aneurysm repair and replacement, pacemaker implantation, as well as thoracic and thoracic oncologic surgeries.
Connell has also been instrumental in expanding the hospital’s capabilities through the implementation of ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) services. As ECMO Coordinator, he helped introduce this advanced form of cardiopulmonary support to the facility, significantly enhancing the region’s ability to care for critically ill patients experiencing severe cardiac or respiratory failure. His efforts have contributed to increased access to life-saving interventions while strengthening the hospital’s position as a provider of advanced cardiovascular care.
Committed to lifelong learning and professional development, Connell earned his Associate Degree from Gadsden State Community College before completing both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Jacksonville State University. In 2023, he further expanded his leadership knowledge through a postgraduate program at Harvard. Beyond his clinical practice, he remains actively involved in education through a monthly cardiothoracic lecture series that incorporates peer review, mentorship, and public speaking.
What makes Connell’s commitment to cardiac care particularly meaningful is the personal journey that helped shape his professional path. His son was born with congenital cardiac defects and required two open-heart surgeries along with ECMO support. Witnessing the challenges faced by patients and families firsthand deepened his passion for advancing cardiac medicine and providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
Throughout his career, Connell has remained focused on building trust with patients and serving as a strong advocate during their most vulnerable moments. His work continues to reflect a commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and meaningful human connection.
“I appreciate the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients while making a tangible difference in their lives,” expresses Connell. “I strive to be their voice of advocacy when they are vulnerable. If you lose yourself in doing what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life—that’s what I enjoy most about practicing medicine: the love, the joy, and the human connection.”
Learn more about Cody Wayne Connell:
Through his America’s Best in Medicine profile: https://americasbestinmedicine.com/providers/cody-connell
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