Peach State Health Plan and Augusta University Welcome New Cohort of Scholars for 2025
In a significant step towards addressing healthcare shortages in Georgia's rural communities, Peach State Health Plan and the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Augusta University recently commemorated the induction of their latest cohort of Peach State Scholars for 2025. Held during a special pinning ceremony, this event recognizes the 12 outstanding students who have committed to a career in primary care, aiming to alleviate the growing physician shortage in underserved areas throughout the state.
Clyde White, the President and CEO of Peach State Health Plan, alongside MCG Dean Dr. David Hess, led the ceremony, emphasizing the dual benefit of this initiative: empowering passionate students while significantly enhancing healthcare accessibility in Georgia. The Peach State Scholars program offers a full medical school scholarship to selected students, propelling them into an accelerated pathway that includes residency placements in regions where healthcare resources are critically needed.
Addressing the attendees, Dr. Hess stated, "These are students who have been selected from rigorous competition to be our next cohort of individuals entering primary care. They will complete their residency in Georgia and practice in areas that grapple with a shortage of healthcare providers. This program is a win-win, as it not only enables these future physicians to fulfill their dreams without the burden of student debt but also ensures that underserved communities gain invaluable access to quality medical care."
Currently, 143 out of Georgia’s 159 counties are classified as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), accentuating the dire need for initiatives like the Peach State Scholars program. With the development of the 3+ program, student opportunities align directly with community requirements, fostering an environment where aspiring healthcare professionals can effect meaningful change.
"We are honored to support these students as they dedicate themselves not only to medicine but to serving where they are needed most," White added. "This program extends beyond the mere production of doctors; it is fundamentally about fostering healthier communities and expanding access to care for all Georgians."
The 2025 cohort consists of promising individuals with diverse specialties:
These dedicated scholars are not just embarking on their medical career; they are also pledging to contribute positively to the health of their communities. The pin they receive serves as a symbol of hope, opportunity, and access for Georgians lacking healthcare resources.
Peach State Health Plan has long been devoted to enhancing the health and wellbeing of Georgians through a broad spectrum of health insurance solutions, particularly focusing on the Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® populations. As a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, Peach State Health Plan aims to bridge the gap in health disparities while also addressing the needs of uninsured and underinsured individuals through its various plans, including Ambetter and Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan.
Augusta University stands out as one of Georgia's key public research institutions, tasked with not just providing accessible education but also making impactful contributions to the fields of art, technology, education, and healthcare. As Georgia’s only public academic medical center, the university is committed to fostering a safer, healthier, and more equitable future for all its residents.
The partnership between Peach State Health Plan and the Medical College of Georgia showcases a proactive approach to equipping healthcare professionals with the tools to serve effectively in their communities while addressing the systemic issues that hinder access to quality care. Through initiatives like the Peach State Scholars program, both institutions are paving the way for a healthier future for all Georgians, reinforcing the idea that addressing healthcare access starts with education and commitment to community service.
Clyde White, the President and CEO of Peach State Health Plan, alongside MCG Dean Dr. David Hess, led the ceremony, emphasizing the dual benefit of this initiative: empowering passionate students while significantly enhancing healthcare accessibility in Georgia. The Peach State Scholars program offers a full medical school scholarship to selected students, propelling them into an accelerated pathway that includes residency placements in regions where healthcare resources are critically needed.
Addressing the attendees, Dr. Hess stated, "These are students who have been selected from rigorous competition to be our next cohort of individuals entering primary care. They will complete their residency in Georgia and practice in areas that grapple with a shortage of healthcare providers. This program is a win-win, as it not only enables these future physicians to fulfill their dreams without the burden of student debt but also ensures that underserved communities gain invaluable access to quality medical care."
Currently, 143 out of Georgia’s 159 counties are classified as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), accentuating the dire need for initiatives like the Peach State Scholars program. With the development of the 3+ program, student opportunities align directly with community requirements, fostering an environment where aspiring healthcare professionals can effect meaningful change.
"We are honored to support these students as they dedicate themselves not only to medicine but to serving where they are needed most," White added. "This program extends beyond the mere production of doctors; it is fundamentally about fostering healthier communities and expanding access to care for all Georgians."
The 2025 cohort consists of promising individuals with diverse specialties:
- - Sadie Abernathy from Gainesville, GA – Emergency Medicine
- - Tofunmi Adewumi from Kennesaw, GA – Pediatrics or Family Medicine
- - Cole Anderson from Augusta, GA – Family Medicine
- - Maddox Benedict from Buford, GA – Psychiatry
- - Austin Buntin from Ellijay, GA – Internal Medicine
- - Oscar Meza from Brunswick, GA – Psychiatry
- - Madison Crawford from Monroe, GA – Emergency Medicine
- - Andrew Ji from Effingham, GA – Family Medicine
- - Elizabeth Bowman Ketchem from Marietta, GA – Emergency Medicine
- - Leja Lizunaite from Johns Creek, GA – Obstetrics and Gynecology
- - William Ngo from Norcross, GA – Internal Medicine
- - Nikul Parikh from Moultrie, GA – Internal Medicine
These dedicated scholars are not just embarking on their medical career; they are also pledging to contribute positively to the health of their communities. The pin they receive serves as a symbol of hope, opportunity, and access for Georgians lacking healthcare resources.
Peach State Health Plan has long been devoted to enhancing the health and wellbeing of Georgians through a broad spectrum of health insurance solutions, particularly focusing on the Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® populations. As a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, Peach State Health Plan aims to bridge the gap in health disparities while also addressing the needs of uninsured and underinsured individuals through its various plans, including Ambetter and Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan.
Augusta University stands out as one of Georgia's key public research institutions, tasked with not just providing accessible education but also making impactful contributions to the fields of art, technology, education, and healthcare. As Georgia’s only public academic medical center, the university is committed to fostering a safer, healthier, and more equitable future for all its residents.
The partnership between Peach State Health Plan and the Medical College of Georgia showcases a proactive approach to equipping healthcare professionals with the tools to serve effectively in their communities while addressing the systemic issues that hinder access to quality care. Through initiatives like the Peach State Scholars program, both institutions are paving the way for a healthier future for all Georgians, reinforcing the idea that addressing healthcare access starts with education and commitment to community service.
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