SGMC Health is Mercer University School of Medicine's (MUSM) newest clinical campus. Starting this summer, SGMC Health will welcome its first class of third-year and her fourth-year medical students.
Mercer said the goal of developing the clinical facility in Valdosta is to allow medical students to experience the high-quality care provided by a tertiary care center serving a rural area. MUSM only accepts Georgia residents and gives preference to students from rural areas. Opening a clinical facility in Valdosta expands the school's reach into important medically underserved areas.
At SGMC Health, clerkship directors responsible for teaching the clinical curriculum and rotations include Dr. Megan Gallagher (Internal Medicine); Brian Griner, MD (Pediatrics). Anthony Johnson, MD (Family Medicine). Dr. Paresh Sanki (Psychiatry). Dr. Ene Grace Morgan (Obstetrics and Gynecology). and Dr. James Davis (surgery).
SGMC Health – MUSM Valdosta Clerkship Director
Megan Gallagher, DO, Internal Medicine
Dr. Brian Griner, Pediatrics
Dr. James Davis, Surgery
Dr. Ene Grace Morgan, Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Anthony Johnson, MD, Family Medicine
Dr. Paresh Sanki, Psychiatry
“SGMC Health is extremely proud of our partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine and is extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with us in the development of the MUSM Valdosta Clinical Campus,” said SGMC Health President and Chief Executive Officer. said Ronald E. Dean, Managing Director.
The partnership between SGMC Health and MUSM began in 2020 with the establishment of an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency program. Since the first class, the program has been fully matched and currently accepts 24 interns.
Ronald E. Dean, SGMC Health with the president chief executive officer
“What began as a strategic partnership to develop a training program at SGMC Health has turned into an even greater opportunity to expand South Georgia’s pipeline of well-trained physicians. Support this effort The dedication of our medical staff, employees and volunteers is commendable and will shape our health system's physician workforce for years to come.”
The MUSM Valdosta campus is located in a dedicated medical education unit at 2501 N Patterson Street on the main campus. From July 2024, this site will list all clerkships and electives required in his third year of the MD program, as well as sub-internships, electives, and elective rotations required in his fourth year of the MD program. provided. SGMC Health has a service area in 15 counties, many of which are rural, so this partnership supports MUSM's mission by adding more rural clinical experience to the clerkship and post-clerkship stages. It provides an opportunity to move forward.
“Mercer University School of Medicine is proud to partner with SGMC Health,” said Dr. Gene Sumner, Dean of the School of Medicine.
Dr. Gene Sumner, MUSM Dean
“The opportunity to partner with SGMC Health gives our students the opportunity to experience a comprehensive rural hospital environment with excellent physicians, other highly trained professionals, and the latest equipment and technology. Their dedication to the community and the patients who use SGMC Health's services is also impressive. All of our students are from Georgia, many from South Georgia. We expect that many will choose to remain in the area to practice.”
Joseph Hayes, MD, MUSM Valdosta Associate Dean
Dr. Joseph Hayes, a MUSM graduate and current designated institutional employee at SGMC Health, will lead the Valdosta campus as associate dean.
Dr Hayes said: SGMC Health has assembled an esteemed team of faculty who are truly honored to serve in this capacity to inspire and mentor the next generation of physicians. ”
Amari Evans is a rising third-year medical student from Valdosta who will be transferring from the MUSM Columbus campus to complete her medical education in a new clinical facility within SGMC Health.
Amari Evans, MUSM student
“My first job in the healthcare industry was as a medical secretary in the emergency department at SGMC Health, so this is a full-circle moment for me. I am very excited to serve the community that has given me so much,” Evans said. “Having a clinical campus in Valdosta will contribute to the journey of Mercer students to becoming successful physicians in the state of Georgia by giving us the opportunity to serve a wide range of patient populations. Valdosta's culture and his MUSM We believe our missions will blend together beautifully and attract students to practice in the region.”
SGMC Health is currently building a medical simulation center that will allow medical practice activities, including standardized patient interactions, to be provided on-site in Valdosta. The simulation center also offers interdisciplinary training sessions in partnership with nearby Valdosta State University's Health Professions Program. Clinical partners will provide all facilities, including clinical skills exam rooms and simulation lab space. SGMC Health allocated his $250,000 for virtual reality and high-fidelity models for ultrasound and procedural training. This is comparable to what is available at other her MUSM campuses.
