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Peach State Health Plan and Medical College of Georgia

Peach State Health Plan, a key player in care management within Georgia, recently celebrated the recognition of two new cohorts of Peach State Scholars. This event took place during a pinning ceremony, further emphasizing the success of the MCG 3+ Program at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University (MCG).

The Peach State Scholars Program was initiated in 2020 to foster a new generation of healthcare providers committed to serving Georgia's rural and underserved communities. With the addition of these new cohorts, the program now boasts 64 enrollees dedicated to strengthening access to healthcare throughout the state. The support provided by Peach State Health Plan has catalyzed not only the growth of this vital program but has also attracted further state investment to enhance its reach and impact.

According to Augusta University President Russell T. Keen, the Peach State Scholars program demonstrates the institution's dedication to producing exceptional physicians and ensuring they serve in areas where they are most needed. Keen remarked, "This partnership is strengthening Georgia's physician workforce and creating a pipeline of doctors committed to caring for patients in rural and underserved communities. This is how we build a healthier Georgia."

The inaugural cohort already made significant strides, graduating in 2023, with five members successfully completing residency training and starting their practices in rural locations by June 2026. It is projected that these graduates will provide healthcare to over 352,800 patients in rural communities over the next three years. Clyde A. White, President and CEO of Peach State Health Plan, reflected on the program's mission, stating, "Every new cohort reflects the power of investing in people and communities. We’re proud to support a program that is helping ensure more Georgians can access the care they need."

Meet the New Peach State Scholars

Class of 2028

• - Anna Brown (Claxton, GA) – Internal Medicine
• - Ryan Brownlee (Flowery Branch, GA) – Internal Medicine
• - Thien Duy Chen (Savannah, GA) – Internal Medicine
• - Heidi Hicks (Acworth, GA) – Internal Medicine
• - Dakota Phillips (Las Vegas, NV) – Internal Medicine

Class of 2029

• - Peace Abhieyighan – Emergency Medicine
• - Tagwa Ali (Grovetown, GA) – Internal Medicine
• - Joy Charles (Americus, GA) – Pediatrics
• - Jeremiah Clemmons (Martinez, GA) – Emergency Medicine
• - Esther Kim (Sugar Hill, GA) – Pediatrics
• - Taryn Lykes (Ludowici, GA) – OB/GYN
• - Anna-Racquel Perez (Alpharetta, GA) – Pediatrics
• - Fernando Vale-Enriquez (Tampa, FL) – Emergency Medicine
• - Chaston Weaver (Augusta, GA) – Emergency Medicine
• - Xander Yeager (Grantville, GA) – Emergency Medicine

About Peach State Health Plan

Peach State Health Plan offers a variety of health insurance solutions aimed at addressing the needs of Georgians. Operating as a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, Peach State Health Plan plays an instrumental role in serving the Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® populations via partnerships with Georgia Families. Their commitment extends to under-insured and uninsured individuals through their Ambetter marketplace plan as well as a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan. More information can be found at www.pshpgeorgia.com.

About Augusta University

As one of Georgia's leading public research institutions, Augusta University prioritizes customizable and accessible education across its campuses. It is dedicated to making meaningful differences in education, health care, and technology. Notably, Augusta University houses Georgia's only public academic medical center, earning the designation as a health sciences center of excellence by the state, thereby focusing on fostering safer, healthier, and more equitable communities across Georgia.