James Ashford, MD
Dr. James Ashford is a board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist who leads the team at Ashford Pain Solutions in Athens, Georgia. His goal is to help his patients feel like themselves again by using medically sound treatment practices and a patient-focused approach to therapy that relieves discomfort and addresses the underlying cause of their pain.
During medical school, Dr. Ashford became interested in the physiology and biochemistry of anesthesia, as well as the many different interventional procedures involved in pain management. This interest, coupled with a strong desire to help people dealing with chronic or new-onset painful conditions, led him to specialize in pain management.
Dr. Ashford attended the University of Georgia in Athens for his undergraduate studies and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biology. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and completed residency training in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida.
Dr. Ashford then underwent fellowship training in pain management at the University of Florida in Gainesville before returning to Athens to establish his practice. He grew up in Athens, remains committed to this North Georgia community, and makes his Christian faith and family a priority in his daily life. Dr. Ashford is an accomplished pianist and enjoys traveling and playing golf, basketball, and tennis during his free time.
Board Certifications
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Board Certified in Anesthesiology
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Board Certified in Pain Medicine
Education
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Pain Medicine Fellowship – University of Florida.
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Anesthesiology Residency – University of Miami.
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Doctor of Medicine (MD) – Medical College of Georgia
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Bachelor of Science in Biology – University of Georgia
Our Providers
Ashford Pain Solutions, located in Athens, Georgia, is led by Dr. James Ashford and his team of compassionate, knowledgeable providers. We serve patients from all over Georgia and the Southeast who are looking for expert pain relief from compassionate professionals. We're here for our patients, and we're here for you. You don't have to live in pain - get some relief and get back to living!
Meet the Providers
Jeremy Bagge, PA-C
Jeremy D. Bagge, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in interventional pain management. He completed his Master of Science & Medicine in Physician Assistant Studies at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee.
With more than a decade of experience in pain management, Jeremy has helped patients with a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions. His diverse background also includes work in primary care, urgent care, and international medical service in England and Haiti, which provides him with a well-rounded approach to patient care. Jeremy is dedicated to helping patients understand the cause of their pain by reviewing imaging and diagnostic results and developing individualized treatment plans. These plans often include interventional procedures, medication management, and coordination with other specialists. His goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that restores function and improves quality of life.
Credentials
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Board-Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)
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Master of Science & Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies — Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, TN
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B.F.A., Illustration — Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
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Over 10 years of experience in pain management
Julia Ashford, PA-C
Julia Ashford, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in interventional pain management. She earned her B.S. in Psychology with a Neuroscience emphasis from the University of Georgia and her M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Since 2021, Julia has focused on helping patients not only manage their pain but also understand the cause of it. She takes time to explain imaging results, review diagnoses, and outline both conservative and interventional treatment options. Her goal is to empower patients with knowledge, guide them through their choices, and provide meaningful pain relief—allowing them to return to the activities they enjoy.
Outside of work, Julia enjoys traveling, cooking, and trying new restaurants. She also treasures spending time with her family—her husband, their two dogs, Lady and Pippa, and their baby girl on the way. In the fall, you can often find her cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.
Credentials
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Board-Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)
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M.S., Physician Assistant Studies — Medical University of South Carolina
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B.S., Psychology (Neuroscience emphasis) — University of Georgia
Gentry Tolbert, NP-C
Gentry B. Tolbert, MSN, NP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over twelve years of experience in patient care. She began her career as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department before completing her Master of Science in Nursing at Georgia Regents University (formerly the Medical College of Georgia).
Gentry has spent much of her career focused on pain management, caring for patients in both outpatient clinics and hospital settings. She enjoys taking time to educate patients about the causes of their pain, reviewing diagnostic testing, and guiding them through treatment options that may include interventional procedures, medication management, and referrals to supportive services. Her goal is to empower patients with knowledge and provide compassionate, evidence-based care to improve both quality of life and function.
Credentials
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Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (NP-C)
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M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner — Georgia Regents University (formerly Medical College of Georgia)
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B.S.N. — Georgia Regents University (formerly Medical College of Georgia)
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Over 12 years of patient care experience, including 6+ years in chronic pain management
