Comprehensive Care When You Need It Most
June 8, 2020
In the midst of a medical emergency, it’s comforting to know that those taking care of you are family, friends or neighbors from the Aiken community. We are proud to introduce you to our amazing team of emergency providers whose mission is to help people in our community and make a difference in their lives.
Charles Dees, MD
Director of the Emergency Medicine
Dr. Dees has been in emergency medicine for 20 years. Earlier in his career, he thrived on the action and procedures. But through the years, he has found that he enjoys the personal interactions with his patients and hearing their stories. The opportunity to grow and lead by encouragement brought him to Aiken a little over a year ago. Dr. Dees greatly values family time, playing tennis with his teenage son and walking his dogs with his wife. He and his family attend church together, and his faith provides a foundation for the care he provides in the ER.
Medical School: University of Virginia
Residency: Brooke Army Medical Center
Board Certification: American Board of Emergency Medicine
Aaron High, MD
Dr. High has been in emergency medicine for nine years. He enjoys the variety of patients he cares for, that every day is unpredictable and that his job allows him to help people. He chose Aiken as his home because of the relaxed community. Dr. High has been at Aiken Regional for six years and stays active as an instructor for Aiken Technical Colleges paramedic and EMT students. In his spare time, he enjoys saltwater fishing and woodworking.
Medical School: University of Missouri-Kansas City
Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Board Certification: American Board of Emergency Medicine
Brad Irvin, PA-C
Irvin has been in emergency medicine for four years. Originally from the Smokey Mountains, he and his family moved to Aiken two years ago so they could be close to the beach, but not be too far from the mountains. He likes having the ability to treat a wide variety of medical issues and provide a positive impact on people’s lives. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children.
Education: South College, Masters of Health Science, Physician Assistant Studies
Certification: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Rosalita Kirkland, MSN, FNP-C
Kirkland has been in emergency medicine for two years. Her father is prior military, so she grew up around the world. When she came to Aiken Regional as an RN 14 years ago, she decided to pursue her Family Nurse Practitioner degree. She went into medicine to help people and believes that teaching patients empowers them to take control of their health. She loves that she gets to use her skills and knowledge daily, and every day is a different experience. Kirkland is a team mom for her son’s baseball team, loves to cook and enjoys traveling with her family.
Education: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing
Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Kristen Paysinger, MD
Dr. Paysinger has been in emergency medicine for 11 years and with Aiken Regional for four. She grew up in Columbia, S.C., attended Clemson University and is a huge Tigers fan. She moved to Aiken to be closer to family and as an avid equestrienne, she participates in local horse shows and fox hunts. Dr. Paysinger says every day in the ER is different and there is never a dull moment. She says there is nothing better than saving someone’s life and can't imagine a better job. In addition to being an accomplished equestrienne, Dr. Paysinger enjoys water sports and spending time with her family on Lake Murray.
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Residency: Orlando Health
Board Certification: American Board of Emergency Medicine
Alyssa Polson, MD
Dr. Polson has been in emergency medicine for four years. As a resident of Cordova, S.C., she enjoys working in Aiken because it's close to home. As a teenager, she became passionate about internal medicine, which led her to pursue emergency medicine. Dr. Polson enjoys the daily challenge and excitement of the ER. She finds it rewarding and gratifying to help both patients and their families during some of their most difficult times, and providing the best care and support she can. Dr. Polson enjoys traveling, running and spending time with family.
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Board Certification: American Board of Emergency Medicine
Sarah Rustin, MD
Dr. Rustin has been in emergency medicine for six years. Originally from Charleston, S.C., she and her husband, a pediatric specialist, moved to the area to be closer to his job. She loves the pace and diversity of the ER because she can help so many people when they are truly ill and need immediate life-saving measures. Dr. Rustin is grateful that her career enables her to spend time with her husband and two small children. When not at work, she spends time outdoors, at her local YMCA and tailgating at Clemson football games with her husband.
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Board Certification: American Board of Emergency Medicine