On October 10, local medical professionals, resident physicians and the community will have an opportunity to learn from a leading physician expert during the inaugural Henry S. Jennings, Jr., MD, Visiting Lectureship in Medical Humanities. C. Michael Valentine, MD, MACC, FAHA, FSCAI, will present "Physician, Heal Thyself - Finding More Joy and Less Burnout in the Practice of Medicine" in Walters Auditorium at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) in Gainesville.

Dr. Valentine is a senior cardiologist with Stroobants Cardiovascular Center of Centra Health in Lynchburg, Va., where he enjoys working with students and residents and has been recognized twice as Outstanding Teacher. A native of Gainesville, Ga., Dr. Valentine received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his medical degree from the University of Virginia. He completed his medical residency and fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Emory University.

"The Jennings Lectureship series will provide opportunities to advance medical education in our region that would not otherwise be available," said John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, vice president of Medical Education for Northeast Georgia Health System. "We are so fortunate to have these amazing learning opportunities come to Hall County. We will have a wide range of topics beginning with well-being but expanding across the medical humanities - presented by some of the best educators in the nation."

The lectureship was made possible by a signature gift to the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Foundation by Dr. Jennings' children, Dr. & Mrs. Henry S. Jennings, III, and the Reverends David & Betsy Jennings Powell.

"My father inspired many people in this community to pursue a career in medicine - myself included," said Dr. Henry Jennings, III, assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University. "By providing a lectureship series at NGMC, our father's legacy of training, educating and inspiring current and future healthcare providers will live on - and make a meaningful impact in this community, just like he did many years ago."

Dr. Jennings was a pioneer and founder of the healthcare system we enjoy today in Gainesville and Hall County. When Dr. Jennings moved to Hall County, he began a private practice known as "Jennings, Stribling, Poole and Butts." The practice grew steadily with physicians and patients - eventually becoming Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic.

"Dr. Jennings was a true visionary," said LeTrell Simpson, NGHS Foundation Board chair. "His heart was always in the right place - wanting to take care of his community and the people in it, as well as educating healthcare professionals. What a wonderful tribute this is to him."