James Nov-Dec 2023 web - Flipbook - Page 67
Moultrie was a place where dreams
of becoming a doctor seemed distant and unattainable. But all of that
changed when Moultrie welcomed
PCOM South Georgia.
As a lifelong Moultrie resident,
I never imagined having the opportunity to attend medical school
in the very city where I grew up.
Yet, here I am, a proud graduate of
PCOM South Georgia and a resident
in the Georgia South Family Medicine Residency Program witnessing
firsthand the incredible impact this
institution has had on my life, my
family and community.
For me and my family, this has
been a game-changer. It meant that
I could pursue my dream of becoming a physician without leaving
my hometown and my loved ones
behind. The burden of expensive
out-of-town living costs and the
emotional toll of having to move my
wife and four children far from home
was lifted from my shoulders. It was
a dream come true, and I carry much
gratitude toward those who had a
primary influence in making this
dream become a reality.
But the impact of medical school
extends far beyond my personal
journey. Having a medical school and
the Georgia South Family Medicine
Residency Program in Moultrie has
meant increased access to healthcare
for our community. Before, we had
to travel long distances for specialized medical care, but now we have
over 100 top-notch doctors covering
30 different specialties in our own
backyard. This not only improves our
quality of life but also saves valuable
time and lowers the burden and cost
of accessing health care.
The presence of PCOM South
Georgia has revitalized our region in
ways I never imagined. New businesses and housing opportunities
have sprung up catering to the needs
of students and faculty, providing a
much-needed boost to our local economy. The influx of medical students
and faculty has created a vibrant and
youthful energy in this small town.
I firmly believe that having this
medical school will have a profound
and lasting impact on the future
of our region and the surrounding
area. PCOM South Georgia has not
only brought in jobs directly related
to healthcare but also boosted the
hospitality and service industries. As
it continues to grow, so will the economic opportunities for our residents.
The college is attracting students from all over the country, with
many coming directly from within
Georgia. This influx of talent and
knowledge will have a ripple effect
on our regional schools, raising
educational standards and inspiring
our youth. There were few students
in my graduating class at Colquitt
County High School who even
dreamed of becoming a physician.
That will be a thing of the past.
As I walk the streets of Moultrie,
I see an increased sense of pride and
optimism in the faces of our community. We are no longer content with
going unnoticed; we are a thriving
community with a bright future.
I am immensely grateful for the
visionaries who brought the medical
school to our town and for the edu-
cators, mentors and friends I have
found within its walls.
As we look ahead, I am confident
that PCOM South Georgia’s success
story will continue to unfold. Our
medical school is not just a building;
it’s a symbol of what can be achieved
when a community comes together
with determination and purpose.
With the support of our community,
PCOM South Georgia and its graduates can continue to thrive and show
the world that success can be found
in even the smallest of towns.
Christian Edwards, Georgia South Family Medicine
Resident
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