Dear Medical College of Georgia Friends,

Another new admissions pathway aimed at helping students from underserved areas and backgrounds

Educating the next generation of physicians and physician/scientists for Georgia and beyond is what MCG exists to do. Each year, our Admissions Committee works tirelessly to matriculate the best possible class to meet the needs of this medical school and the state of Georgia. It’s a significant obligation, and one they don’t take lightly – I’ve heard that some members even call into committee meetings from their trips to far off places like Nepal. Their overarching goal is to seat a class that’s reflective of our state’s population, including those underrepresented in medicine, whether that be because of financial and educational disadvantages and/or because they are from rural and underserved areas of Georgia. That’s important for a myriad of reasons – because underserved areas need more physicians and because research tells us that patients who have backgrounds similar to their physicians have improved communication and trust and are more likely to adhere to treatment, which leads to better health outcomes.

Assurance in Medicine, or AIM, will help support students at seven USG institutions

To help us accomplish this, our Admissions Office, under the leadership of our senior associate dean, Dr. Kelli Braun (an MCG grad and OB/GYN who hails from underserved Liberty County herself), has introduced a new admissions pathway program called AIM, or Assurance in Medicine. This longitudinal undergraduate program will provide educational and experiential support to qualified pre-health college students, who are Georgia residents from underserved areas and underserved backgrounds. The aim, no pun intended, is to prepare junior and senior undergraduate students to successfully matriculate into MCG​. These students will receive summer MCAT prep, clinical exposure, mentoring and early identity formation​ throughout college. They’ll have monthly check-ins with us and must maintain a 3.25 GPA, including in their biology, chemistry, physics and math courses. If they meet these set benchmarks, they will interview here during their senior year and receive early admission assurance. Dr. Braun and her team are currently working with seven partner USG institutions, from some of our state’s most underserved areas, on this important initiative. Future plans include linking this program to our 3+ Primary Care residency programs, so we can further ensure that these students remain in Georgia to train and practice. We know that our state’s primary care physician shortage is worse than the national average​. We also know that we must all work to prevent that gap from worsening, particularly in the areas that need these future physicians most.

Southwest Campus students learn first-hand about the importance of physician advocacy

One of those areas where the physician shortage is felt most acutely is in Southwest Georgia. That’s why more than a decade ago, we established our first regional clinical campus for third- and fourth-year students there, hoping that their clinical experiences would lead them to return there to practice. 

Last year, to help further strengthen that campus’ mission, Congressman Sanford Bishop, GA-2, helped secure $2 million in federal funding to create a primary care workforce hub. The purpose is to build clinical relationships with additional hospitals, clinics and providers in the region and expand the depth of clinical opportunities for students. The proposal also included funding to teach advocacy to these young leaders and future physicians. I’m happy to tell you that this week, an inaugural group of four students had the opportunity to visit Washington, DC. Monty Philpot, AU’s director of federal relations, who helped secure this funding, was instrumental in planning this trip and helping prepare students with advocacy training.

Congressman Sanford Bishop named Healthcare Advocate of the Year by Southwest Campus

The students tell us that the trip was a great way to learn how to build trusting relationships, which are certainly key to successful advocacy, and that they were able to see firsthand how our nation’s leaders work together to accomplish important initiatives and shared goals.

The group was able to tour the U.S. Capitol and White House. The trip also included several meetings with federally elected officials and their staff, including Congressman Buddy Carter, GA-1; Congressman Rich McCormick, GA-6; Congresswoman Lucy McBath, GA-7; Congressman Austin Scott, GA-8; Congressman Rick Allen, GA-12; and Senator Raphael Warnock. They also had the opportunity to meet with groups like the Association of American Medical Colleges, Medicaid Health Plans of America and Cornerstone Government Affairs, to learn how larger organizations and associations work across the nation as federal advocates.

To show their special appreciation for Congressman Bishop’s investment in Southwest, Georgia, the students also presented him with an iconic MCG Stethoscope and named him Healthcare Advocate of the Year. They were also able to update him on this program in action and their plans to stay in Southwest Georgia to practice.

Needless to say, it was a whirlwind, but educational, trip over two short days. My thanks to AU Government Relations, including Monty and Vice President Margie Miller, as well as Campus Associate Dean, Dr. Doug Patten, and Campus Assistant Dean, Dr. Koosh Desai, for organizing this important effort.

Dr. Doug Miller testifies in front of GA Senate about AI in health care and public safety

Any opportunity to get MCG students, faculty and staff in front of our lawmakers is a privilege. Another one came recently when Dr. Doug Miller, who is a professor in our Departments of Medicine (Cardiology) and Radiology, and an expert on AI in health care, testified in front of the Joint Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence at the State Capitol. The meeting was focused on AI in healthcare and public safety. Dr. Miller talked about the growing role of this new-ish technology and how physicians should have and promote a greater understanding of its promise and limitations. You may remember that back in 2020, Dr. Miller led the establishment of an AI in Medicine course, which was the first of its kind here. You’ll also remember that we recently established a Department of Artificial Intelligence and Health.

Dr. Miller’s current take on AI in health care is this: “Willingness to adopt AI is not the same as individual/organizational readiness to use this potent technology responsibly.” He notes that to assure patient safety, state medical licensing agencies require certification and continuing education in things like advanced life support, use of controlled substances, and telehealth….why not AI? I certainly agree. There’s always more to learn. Thank you, Dr. Miller, for representing MCG so well.

Drs. Lara Stepleman and Lisa Leggio to lead new MCG Office of Faculty Affairs and Success

I’ve got more good news to share with you today about the establishment of our new Office of Faculty Affairs and Success. It’s not entirely new, instead a merger of two separate offices into one with several key goals in mind. Those include overseeing, promoting and building mentoring resources and capacity; fostering meaningful career development at every stage of our faculty’s careers; and supporting and expanding promotion and retention of a faculty that is diverse, skilled and engaged. Leading the charge will be Dr. Lara Stepleman, associate dean for faculty affairs and success; and Dr. Lisa Leggio, assistant dean, who have decades of experience when it comes to best practices and ensuring faculty success. The office also includes educational program specialist Taylor Coleman and senior research assistant Patricia Garza. I know their combined efforts will help us continue to recruit and retain the top caliber faculty MCG has always been known for.

Dr. Roy Witherington, 1953 alum, longtime chief of urology, and MCG legend, passes away

I also have some sad news to share today. MCG Giant, Dr. Roy Witherington, who dedicated his career as a urologist to us, serving as chief of our now-Department of Urology for 23 years, died Nov. 14.

Born near Pineview, Georgia, where he drove a tractor at his family’s working farm as a boy, Dr. Witherington, first came to MCG as a student and earned his medical degree in 1953. After serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for three years he came back to us and completed his urology training in 1960. He joined the faculty and eventually rose through the ranks to serve as chief, which allowed him to oversee the training of 40 young urologists – many who still call him simply, Dr. W. He was passionate about educating the next generation, but he was perhaps even more dedicated to giving back to his alma mater – donating millions to student scholarships, naming a learning community in the Harrison Commons and establishing a chair in urology that bears his name and is held by current department chair, Dr. Martha Terris.  He once told us “Being a urologist at MCG created a life for me that couldn’t be beat. MCG did so much for me and continues to do so much for me … so I want to give some of it back.”

I’d venture to say it was actually Dr. Witherington who did so much for all of us – with the gifts of his beautiful heart and mind, and of his time and resources. I’m so thankful to have known him. My thoughts remain with his family and friends.

My continued thanks to all of you for the work you do on behalf of our medical school

As we enter into the beginning of the busy holiday season this coming week, I hope you all can take some time to rest and reset and reflect on what you are grateful for. Please know that all of you and the work you do on behalf of MCG remains at the top of my list. Thank you for your steadfast dedication to improving people’s lives. It is an honor to serve alongside you.

My best to you always,

David C. Hess, MD

Dean, Medical College of Georgia