SouthernMED Pediatrics has integrated NiteOwl Pediatric Urgent Care into its network, creating SouthernMED Pediatrics + NiteOwl Extended Hours at 616 Edgefield Road, Suite 180 in North Augusta. This move represents SouthernMED's first entry into North Augusta, one of South Carolina's fastest-growing regions, and establishes one of only two dedicated pediatric practices in the city.
The integration, effective since November 17, 2025, will continue through the end of the year with existing services and operating hours. Beginning January 2026, the practice will significantly expand its scope by transitioning from primarily after-hours urgent care to offering comprehensive primary pediatric care with extended daytime hours alongside evening and weekend availability. This enhancement allows both established and new patient families to access full-day pediatric services in one convenient location.
"We could not be more excited about NiteOwl joining the SouthernMED family of practices," said Dr. R. Kyle Guyton, MD, FAAP, Co-Founder of SouthernMED Pediatrics. "With a strong presence already in the Aiken area, we've witnessed the continued growth of surrounding regions and the increasing need for high-quality pediatric providers. By expanding service hours and access to care, we are setting a new standard for family-centered pediatric services in North Augusta."
Under the continued leadership of Carlee Leopard, the practice will implement new operating hours starting in early January: Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This schedule represents a substantial increase in accessibility compared to traditional pediatric practices.
The North Augusta location will strengthen SouthernMED's statewide network by offering telemedicine, behavioral health integration, online appointment scheduling, and coordinated family communication tools. SouthernMED has already begun accepting appointments for primary care and well visits at this location starting in January. For additional details on SouthernMED Pediatrics and its mission to deliver comprehensive, family-centered pediatric care, please visit https://www.southernmedpeds.com.
This expansion addresses critical healthcare gaps in a rapidly growing community where pediatric services have been limited. By providing both urgent and primary care with extended hours, SouthernMED is responding to the documented need for more accessible pediatric providers in the region. The integration represents a strategic approach to pediatric healthcare delivery that prioritizes convenience for families while maintaining high-quality medical standards.
The practice's enhanced services come at a time when many communities face pediatric provider shortages, particularly in after-hours and weekend care. SouthernMED's model of combining urgent and primary care in a single location with extended hours could serve as a template for addressing similar healthcare access challenges in other growing regions across the state and beyond.
