Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is continuing its work to address the shortage of primary care providers across the state, as eight college students recently graduated from the Pathway to Med School program – a program organized by the Foothills Area Health Education Center (AHEC).

In its 10th year of training future medical professionals, the Pathway to Med School program is a four-week, residential program for undergraduate, pre-medical students who attend Georgia colleges and intend on staying in the state to practice primary care. The program consists of 180 hours of clinical shadowing, plus community-based research and instructional sessions. A total of 80 students have graduated from the program since it started in 2015. This year’s class includes:

• Hannah Allen, Georgia College & State University
• Thomas Ash, University of Georgia
• Emilee Bragg, University of North Georgia
• Hannah Clement, University of Georgia
• Skylar Dillon, University of Georgia
• Elizabeth Vaitl, University of Georgia
• Madison Webb, Georgia College & State University
• Celia Wilson-Patino, Georgia Tech

“As we celebrate 10 years of guiding aspiring medical professionals, I am thrilled to see the dedication of our primary care providers and students working together for the betterment of our community,” said Missy Lochstampfor, director of AHEC. “I wish all of our students the best and look forward to watching them succeed in their careers.”

There are currently nine counties in the state with no physician, 18 counties with no family medicine physician, 40 counties without an internal medicine physician, 65 counties without a pediatrician and 82 counties without an OB/GYN. The Pathway to Med School program supports students interested in pursuing careers that will meet those needs.

For more information about the Foothills AHEC Pathway to Med School program, visit foothillsahec.org/ptms.