Surrounded by her family and peers, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Family Medicine Residency Program Director, Dr. Monica Newton, was shocked and humbled to receive the prestigious Georgia Family Medicine Educator of the Year award. The award was presented by the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP) at their annual scientific assembly earlier this month.

“I was, of course, surprised,” said Dr. Newton. “To be given this award, out of so many great teachers, with 16 residency programs and five medical school campuses represented, this is a huge honor. I’m really excited about the residency program we’re building at NGMC, now 24 Family Medicine residents strong and currently interviewing for our third class—it’s all very exciting.”

According to its website, the GAFP honors members exemplifying excellence in the practice of family medicine and for their national, state chapter and community-based leadership roles and contributions to clinical research and healthcare. The Georgia Family Medicine Educator of the Year award is bestowed on a deserving member who has been a leader in academic, community and professional affairs, along with making outstanding contributions to the profession or the community. Peer nominations for this award were approved by the board of the GAFP.

In addition to family medicine, NGMC has residency programs in internal medicine, general surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry and OB/GYN, as well as two newly accredited fellowship programs in cardiovascular disease and hospice and palliative medicine. By 2024, NGMC could host more than 200 residents—which would make its graduate medical education program one of the largest in the state of Georgia.

To learn more, visit https://www.ngmcgme.org.