AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After leadership upheaval and Office of Inspector General investigations that flagged staffing shortages and a workplace where some employees feared retaliation, VA Augusta says it is rebuilding trust and rebuilding its workforce.

VA Augusta has spent the past year under scrutiny. Inside the dental clinic, Dr. Nicole Boudau found the residency offers volume and hands-on experience.

“Our lab guy is amazing. His name’s Rico. He really does so much for us. And he teaches us a lot, too. He’s very hands-on with us,” Boudau said.

The Lakeside graduate came to VA Augusta immediately after finishing dental school in Augusta.

“One of the best things that it offers is you don’t have to sell treatment. You actually get to treat the patient to the best you can, and they can make their own choices,” Boudau said.

Workforce improvements

Boudau said in private practice, care can get boxed in by coverage and cost. At VA Augusta, residents see more cases, do more procedures, and sharpen skills faster.

Interim Director James Doelling said the progress is showing up in the numbers. Employee vacancy rates are down from about 20% to 12%, and more staff now feel safe speaking up.

“You have satisfaction. You have psychological safety. We’re not robots. Humans aren’t robots. So if you’re happy, you’re going to do a better job,” Doelling said.

The improvements reflect in Medicare’s most recent rating for the Augusta VA, from two stars in 2024 to three stars last year to four stars this year.

“It’s amazing. It’s an honor. It taught me so much about me as a dentist,” Boudau said.

Boudau is staying in Augusta and moving into private practice. Doelling said the facility’s push continues.

VA Augusta’s job fair is Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Uptown Campus Auditorium, Room 3B-111. The VA is hiring physicians, RNs, LPNs, CRNAs, medical supply and surgical techs, dietitians, and radiology techs. Many clinical positions come with bonuses and incentives.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.

Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.

While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.

Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.

The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.

The following individuals were indicted:

(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)

• Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.