BROOKS KEEL: Investment in our future: Augusta University remains committed to rural Georgia

As the academic year approaches, we at Augusta University look toward the future of Georgia’s health care landscape with great anticipation for what lies ahead. While we acknowledge the challenges that face our state, we also see the immense potential for growth and progress for our rural health care providers and the patients they serve.

One of our most pressing challenges is the physician shortage plaguing Georgia. Despite a rapidly growing population, we currently rank 40th in physicians per capita. Astonishingly, several counties lack essential medical professionals, with no physicians in nine counties, no family medicine physicians in 18 counties, and no pediatricians in 65 counties, among many other shortages.

To address this critical issue, the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, the state’s only public academic medical center, has introduced the MCG 3+ Primary Care Pathway. This innovative program incentivizes future physicians to serve in rural areas by offering scholarships to cover their tuition in exchange for a service commitment to underserved regions. Graduating in three years, these students will enter Georgia’s primary care residency programs, ensuring future access to quality health care for rural communities.

MCG’s commitment to diverse educational and clinical experiences spans more than 350 urban and rural sites across the state. The overwhelming interest in Georgia’s public medical school is evident from the nearly 3,500 applications received for just 264 positions in the class of 2026. The sheer number of applications reflects a strong desire to make a difference in the health care landscape of our state.

With such a large medical student class, we depend highly on our regional branch campuses across the state to partner with us in the training of these students. The Southwest Campus based in Albany was MCG’s first regional campus. We are thankful for the steadfast support of the Phoebe Putney Health System and its CEO, Scott Steiner. The Albany community has always supported our medical students. We are grateful to the many volunteer faculty at Phoebe Putney and in the Albany area who selflessly train our medical students and provide clinical experience.

Through the unwavering support of legislators such as Congressman Sanford Bishop, MCG’s Southwest Campus is now poised to grow. His efforts recently garnered $2 million for the campus through the FY ‘23 federal funding bill. These funds will provide work force training and expanded opportunities for our students in this region, enabling us to further enhance our contribution to Georgia’s physician work force.

Additionally, the recently established MCG Center for Telehealth is set for expansion, with $1 million in federal funding secured with the support of U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter. Using technology to connect patients and providers to MCG’s academic health care resources, the center is dedicated to providing services to all patients, regardless of their location in the state. Among many other benefits, this project will keep rural patients closer to home and family support while simultaneously creating a strong network of resources for rural hospitals.

We are excited about the future prospects and the positive impact our efforts will have on the health and economic prosperity of all Georgians, especially those residing in rural areas.

Augusta University strives to be a hub for education, health care, discovery, creativity and innovation, and we are growing. Our commitment to students extends beyond their enrollment, as evidenced by the launch of our strategic plan, “Creating a Legacy Like No Other.” This plan sets the stage for continued growth, ensuring that our students not only graduate successfully but also embark on prosperous careers across our state.

We are proud that more than 750 Augusta University alumni live and work in the Columbus and Albany areas, and we are excited to keep growing that number as physicians trained on our Southwest Campus return to serve this region.

As we envision the future, we see tremendous opportunity for Augusta University and the entire state of Georgia. Our commitment to addressing the physician shortage, nurturing health care access, and fostering a culture of innovation will undoubtedly shape the next decade and beyond. Together, we will create a brighter and healthier future for all Georgians.