Dear Medical College of Georgia Friends,
Philanthropist Tom Golisano gives $50 million transformational gift to Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia
The new year has certainly gotten off to a big start for our medical school and for our health system partners at Wellstar. Just days before the new year began we received news that I know will shape pediatric care in our region for generations. Tom Golisano, founder of Paychex and one of the nation’s leading health care philanthropists announced a $50 million investment in the Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia. This is the largest gift ever made to Wellstar or WCHOG, and in recognition of his generosity, the hospital will now carry the name Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia.
This partnership also brings now-WGCHOG into the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a national network of 12 leading children’s hospitals committed to collaboration, innovation and advancing pediatric care. We’re particularly proud that the children’s hospital is the only member representing Georgia and the surrounding Southeastern states — a real testament to the strength of our pediatric programs.
Golisano Children’s Alliance will encourage collaboration among children’s hospitals across the country
This is a gift that speaks directly to the heart of CHOG’s mission. Our Pediatrician‑in‑Chief, Dr. Valera Hudson, once said that “part of being a pediatrician is the hope and expectation that we can intervene and make things better — and that the hope of our country rests on our children.” This investment helps us continue delivering on that promise. It expands our ability to provide life‑changing care now while building a healthier future for the children and families who depend on us.
Joining the Golisano Children’s Alliance also opens the door to deeper collaboration with some of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals. Being part of this network means greater access to emerging treatments, shared expertise, and innovative approaches that will directly benefit our smallest patients and their families. It strengthens not only what we can do here, but what we can learn and bring back to Georgia and contribute to other hospitals within the Alliance as well. This donation will also support major enhancements to pediatric services here, including a new, state‑of‑the‑art pediatric cardiac ICU, further solidifying the children’s hospital’s role as a national leader in high‑acuity pediatric care.
This is another one of those moments when “thank you” doesn’t seem adequate.
Dr. Ravindra Kolhe partnering with team at Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital to find better treatments for pediatric brain tumors
While we’re on the subject of improving outcomes for children facing the most difficult diagnoses, I wanted to share another recent highlight that demonstrates the strength of the research happening here andhow others are taking notice.
The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Moonshot Scholars program has awarded a five‑year, $3.7 million grant to support the clinical use of optical genome mapping (OGM), a technology capable of detecting large‑scale DNA changes that traditional tests often miss. The project is led by Dr. Miriam Bornhorst at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, who actively sought out a collaboration with our own Dr. Ravindra Kolhe and the Georgia Esoteric & Molecular Library.
Early findings suggest that up to 30% of pediatric brain tumors that appear negative on standard genetic tests may still carry important structural variants detectable through OGM, which could improve diagnoses, guide targeted therapies and determine clinical trial eligibility. Dr. Kolhe’s lab will begin by analyzing 400 pediatric brain tumor samples. Once those are validated, he’ll have a roadmap that other labs can follow.
It’s truly exciting to think that what begins here at MCG could soon help children and families across the country get better answers, faster.
Dr. Christy Ledford and team from The Hub win NIH Build up Trust Challenge
No doubt the work you all do here is truly changing lives and strengthening communities — and it’s no surprise that it continues to draw national attention. Here’s another example: We shared in a previous Dean’s Diary that the HUB for Community Innovation (and its executive director Britney Pooser), along with our own Dr. Christy Ledford, vice chair of research in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, were finalists in a national NIH competition recognizing outstanding community‑engaged research.
Their project was centered around the COACHS Program, a simple but powerful idea. High school athletic trainers in Richmond County use the trusted relationships they already have with students to help them get the care they need. The initiative was originally envisioned by our chair of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Monte Hunter, and it’s evolved into a partnership between us, Wellstar MCG Health, the Richmond County school system and the HUB. For many teens who may be unsure about the health system or lack insurance, these trainers become a bridge to support, care and resources they might not otherwise access. The program proved particularly essential when Hurricane Helene struck mid‑project. Their ongoing collaboration allowed the team to pivot quickly and respond to immediate needs in the Harrisburg and Laney Walker neighborhoods.
We learned recently that COACHS was selected as one of five winners nationwide. The award includes $200,000 in prize funds, which will be used to expand the program to more students and families. Congratulations to you both on this well-deserved recognition, and more importantly, thank you for reminding us all what community partnership truly looks like.
We sent our Class of 2028 to clinical rotations, many at sites all across Georgia, this month
The Class of 2028 stepped into one of the most defining phases of their medical education earlier this month as they began their clinical rotations, which is when many will truly discover the kind of physicians they aspire to be. This milestone reflects one of MCG’s greatest strengths: our statewide educational network, with campuses and partners in every corner of Georgia. This year, 157 of our students will live and learn in communities beyond our home base in Augusta—more than half of a class that is already the fourth largest in the nation. Their placements include 21 students at the MCG Atlanta Campus at Wellstar Kennestone; 18 at the Northwest Campus in Rome and Dalton; 40 from the inaugural class at MCG Savannah; and 18 at the Southwest Campus in Albany and our newest site in Thomasville at Archbold Medical Center, which will welcome six of those learners. Another 60 students will continue their training at clinical sites affiliated with our Partnership Campus in Athens — the next-to-last group before the campus transitions to the UGA School of Medicine this summer. “Georgia is our campus” is far more than a slogan here; it’s a reality that is reflected in every student who trains across this state and strengthens the communities we serve.
It’s no small feat to get our students to this point. I have to thank our incredible academic affairs team at our main campus in Augusta, particularly Dr. Kathryn Martin, associate dean for regional campuses; as well as the leadership at each of our campuses – Dr. Louis Lovett in Atlanta; Drs. Doug Patten and Koosh Desai in Albany/Thomasville; Drs. Paul Brock and Dixon Freeman in Rome/Dalton; Dr. Elizabeth Gray in Savannah; and Dr. Shelley Nuss in Athens. Their commitment to our students and to the mission of this medical school makes this statewide effort possible
Albany Alumni Reception brought a chance to connect with nearly 60 alumni and supporters of our Southwest Campus
I also had the chance last week to visit one of our regional campuses, joining the MCG Alumni Association for a reception in Albany. Nearly 60 alumni and friends came out, and it was wonderful to be among so many supporters who make it possible for us to educate students in that part of the state. We were joined by Dr. Frank Middleton, an OB/Gyn and 1969 graduate who grew up in Albany, along with his wife Pam; and Dr. Chip Moree, ’78, and his wife Jennifer, a nurse who’s run nearly 50 marathons, from nearby Ashburn. I have to say, I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone with more CME credit than Dr. Moree, who practices anesthesiology and pain management. Regent Chris Cannon was with us as well, along with Chris Drake, district director for Congressman Sanford Bishop’s office. We were also fortunate to be joined by several of our students training at the “SouthBest” Campus, including Ayanna Turner, a Peach State Scholar who will enter the Phoebe Family Medicine Residency Program after she graduates.
It’s always a pleasure to see Dr. Price Corr, ’77 general surgeon, past president of the Alumni Association and a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, who celebrated his birthday-eve with us. We also welcomed Dr. Jordan Knoefler, a 2013 alumnus and orthopaedic surgeon, who I learned runs 10 miles during his lunch breaks. That’s impressive by any standard. Dr. Cullen Richardson, another general surgeon and a 1976 graduate and his wife Debbie Richardson (’76, Nursing) were there too, and they’re already looking ahead to celebrating their 50th class reunion during Alumni Weekend 2026. It’s not too early to start spreading the word that the next Alumni Weekend is planned for April 24–26.
And because you know I’m a foodie, I must mention that the reception featured some of the best Indian food (picked by Dr. Desai) I’ve ever had. The meal was a treat, and so was the company. My thanks, as always, to our Alumni Engagement team for hitting the road with me right after the holiday break and helping make gatherings like this so meaningful.
2026 Legislative Session kicked off this week; Stay in the know by subscribing to Capitol Connection
It’s always energizing to spend time with our alumni and students. This week also brought important work on another front. The 2026 Legislative Session is now underway, which always offers opportunities to share the story of our medical school and university and the impact we have across Georgia. Our Government Relations team has already hit the ground running. Capitol Connection, their weekly newsletter, is a great way to stay informed throughout the session. It offers timely updates, insights from the Capitol, highlights from interns, and stories that underscore the reach of our work statewide. I encourage you to follow along as we continue advocating for our mission. You can subscribe here.
My best to you always,
David C. Hess, MD
Dean, Medical College of Georgia
Upcoming Events
January 23 – MCG Faculty Senate Meeting, noon, Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium
February 20 – MCCG State of the College Address, noon, Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium
March 20 – MCG Match Day, SRP Park
