Dear Medical College of Georgia Friends,

Dr. Erika Mabes is leading a new rural trauma interactive simulation outreach course

There is certainly no doubt our incredible MCG faculty are committed to cultivating an educated physician workforce capable of delivering high-quality care to patients in every part of our state and beyond. Here’s some recent proof. A new initiative led by Dr. Erika Simmerman Mabes, trauma surgeon and director of Surgical Simulation (who I’m proud to say completed residency and fellowship training here at MCG), is aimed at transforming trauma readiness in Georgia’s most underserved communities.

Dr. Mabes, in partnership with the Georgia Trauma Commission and our Division of Trauma Critical care has launched the Rural Trauma Interactive Simulation Outreach Course, an initiative that brings immersive, hands-on trauma education directly to hospitals outside major metro areas. The program delivers six-hour sessions that combine case-based instruction, procedural skills and high-fidelity trauma simulations. The course is designed to enhance trauma team performance and empower local providers through a train-the-trainer model, creating a sustainable framework for ongoing education and readiness.

Since it was launched in August, the program is on track to reach 10 hospitals by year’s end, with future phases expanding to additional critical access facilities. This initiative builds on years of collaboration between MCG and the Georgia Trauma Commission to address disparities in trauma care access and outcomes. That’s incredibly important because patients treated at trauma centers have a 25% higher survival rate compared to those seen at other facilities. While this training doesn’t necessarily create new trauma centers, it’s a vital step toward ensuring that every Georgian — regardless of zip code — has access to timely, high-quality care for serious injuries.

Pulmonary fellows from across the Southeast gather at MCG for training

The spirit of impact and collaboration is alive and well at MCG. You could see it again firsthand when nearly 40 pulmonary fellows from across the Southeast gathered here recently for advanced training in interventional procedures. Led by Dr. Shaheen Islam, professor and director of Interventional Pulmonology, the multi-day boot camp gave fellows hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques like robotic bronchoscopy, airway management, and chest tube placement. With fewer than 4,700 pulmonary specialists nationwide and numbers continuing to decline, this kind of training is more important than ever.

For the past seven years, MCG has served as a regional hub for pulmonary education, bringing together faculty from across institutions to share emerging technologies and best practices. The experience not only sharpens clinical skills — it builds lasting professional connections and fosters collaboration across programs. Dr. Islam shared that many fellows stay in the region after completing their training, helping expand access to specialized care and strengthening MCG’s role as a leader in building a pipeline of skilled specialists to meet growing demand.

New leadership training is an investment in MCG’s future

Drs. Islam and Mabes certainly embody the leadership and compassion that is a signature of MCG. And a new leadership training program is helping us ensure we ensure that stays the case for years to come. On September 30, we officially launched our Leadership Development Initiative, which is further proof of our commitment to cultivating strong, visionary leaders across our institution. The kickoff event featured Retired Brigadier General Jeff Foley, whose keynote helped set the tone for a year focused on growth, collaboration and leadership development.

Developed in close collaboration with MCG’s Office for Faculty Development and the University of Iowa Tippie Leadership Collaborative, the yearlong program is tailored for 48 senior-level and 135 mid-level leaders. It blends leadership theory with practical application, customized to reflect our culture, strengths, and the unique challenges we face as Georgia’s only public academic health center. The senior cohort begins with an in-person retreat at SRP Park next week, followed by virtual sessions. The mid-level cohort will launch in January with online workshops and roundtable discussions. This initiative lays the foundation for a future MCG Leadership Academy, which will expand leadership development opportunities across all levels.

I have to thank Dr. Michelle Krupp, our associate dean for Faculty Development and our entire Office of Faculty Development and Support, for their Herculean efforts in bringing this vision to life.

Congratulations to fourth-year MCG student Puja Punukollu who was recently crowned Miss AU

Here’s a great example of another “rising” MCG leader. Fourth-year student Puja Punukollu, who is also pursuing her MD/MBA, was recently crowned Miss Augusta University, earning a $1,500 scholarship and the opportunity to represent the university at the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition. Her platform, “Know, Go, Grow: Inspiring a Culture of Preventive Health,” is proof of her commitment to demonstrating the importance of preventive health across campus and in the community.

Puja came to AU at just 17-years-old, and over the years she has grown into a passionate advocate, a future physician, and a student leader who uses every opportunity – from leading the Graduate Student Government Association to talent showcases – to help elevate conversations around access to care and community connection. She is an active member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, American Medical Women’s Association and Period, which collects personal care products for women in need.

This March, she’s preparing to match with an OB/Gyn residency. There’s no doubt she’ll be a powerful force in women’s health with a demonstrated commitment to making lives better. Her future patients, colleagues, and communities will be lucky to have her. Congratulations, Puja.

Alumni reception in Charlotte gave us time to connect with some familiar faces

Speaking of MCG leaders — past, present, and future — last week brought a fantastic opportunity to travel north to Charlotte, where 1997 alum and pediatrician Dr. Margaret Siegel and her husband Carter hosted the first MCG Alumni Association reception that area has seen in many years.

It was a fantastic evening in their beautiful home and a great chance to connect with alums like pediatrician Dr. Philip Thevaos, ’95, who helped recruit other MCG grads to join us – and like former class presidents and familiar faces, Drs. Stephen Jackson, ’16, whose practicing in emergency medicine, and Katherine Menezes, ’17, an OB/Gyn. We were also joined by Drs. Gray Norris, ’93, and Ehab Sharawy, ’94, who both have children attending MCG now – a cool full circle moment that added something special to the evening. I’d also be remiss not to say thanks to Dr. and Mr. Seigel’s unofficial co-hosts – their awesome yellow labs, Tucker and Goose, who made an already great evening even more enjoyable for this dog lover.

A heartfelt thank you as well to my fellow road warriors who make these events seamless, no matter the city, Dr. Vanessa Spearman-McCarthy (’05), our current Alumni Association president, and the entire Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team.

Dr. Jorge Cortes stepping back as Director of our Georgia Cancer Center

As we end today, I wanted to share important news regarding the leadership of the Georgia Cancer Center. Dr. Jorge Cortes has made the decision to step back from his role as Director, effective March 2026. He will be joining the faculty of the University of Alabama Birmingham, where he will be chief of hematology in the Heersink School of Medicine, and associate director of translational research at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Since joining us in 2019, Dr. Cortes has been a tireless advocate for cancer patients across Georgia and beyond. A world-renowned expert in leukemia, he has advanced our mission through groundbreaking research and compassionate care of those we are privileged to treat. He has helped expand access to skin and colorectal cancer screening throughout the state, and has led numerous clinical trials in leukemia, as well as studies addressing the economic challenges of cancer treatment and recovery.

My heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Cortes for his dedication and leadership. A national search for the next Director of the Georgia Cancer Center will begin soon, led by Dr. Sharad Ghamande, gynecologic oncologist and chair of our Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. We are confident this process will identify a leader who will build upon the strong foundation Dr. Cortes has laid.

Please know that this transition does not alter our unwavering commitment to becoming a Destination Cancer Center, reducing the burden of cancer across Georgia and beyond, and pursuing the aspirational goal of achieving NCI designation.

My best to you always,

David C. Hess, MD

Dean, Medical College of Georgia

Upcoming Events

October 21 – MCG Faculty Senate Meeting, noon, Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium

October 24 – MCG Raft Debate, 6 pm, J. Harold Harrison, MD Education Commons

October 25 – MCG White Coat Ceremony, 2 pm, William B. Bell Auditorium

November 13 – MCG Investiture Ceremony, 5 pm, Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium

November 14 – Body Donor Memorial Service, 1 pm, Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium

November 17 – MCG Savannah Community Research Conference, 9 am, MCG Savannah Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus

November 21 – MCG Faculty Senate Meeting, noon, Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium