ATLANTA, GA — Last week, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper has signed a proclamation recognizing Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) as the official Georgia Grown Medical School, underscoring its commitment to education, healthcare and service. Through its efforts to develop Georgia’s future physicians and address the healthcare needs of rural communities, Mercer’s mission aligns with Georgia Grown’s commitment to supporting a strong, healthy and prosperous state.
- Education: Mercer University School of Medicine accepts only Georgia residents into its medical degree program and prioritizes students from rural communities, investing in future physicians who understand the needs of Georgians. Nearly half of its medical students come from rural Georgia, and 70% come from outside metro Atlanta.
- Healthcare: Mercer helps address physician shortages and expand access to quality healthcare in rural Georgia by preparing physicians to serve these communities. A recent 10-year review found that 76% of its graduates practice in primary care, helping meet the state’s healthcare needs.
- Service: Mercer prepares future physicians to address local health care needs and improve the well-being of Georgia’s farmers, families and rural communities, supporting the people and communities that sustain the state’s agricultural industry.
“Georgia Grown is about investing in the people and communities that keep our state strong. By recognizing Mercer University School of Medicine as the official Georgia Grown Medical School, we are highlighting the vital role rural physicians play in supporting the health and well-being of Georgia’s farmers, families and agricultural communities,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “Healthy rural communities are essential to a strong agricultural industry and a prosperous Georgia, and this partnership reinforces our commitment to ensuring rural Georgia has the resources and medical professionals it needs to thrive.”
“Few honors align more closely with Mercer’s mission than this designation,” said Mercer University President Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D. “For nearly two centuries, Mercer has been committed to serving Georgia and helping its communities thrive. Across the University, and especially through the work of the Mercer University School of Medicine, we are preparing leaders, addressing critical needs and expanding opportunity in every region of our state. We are proud to be recognized as Georgia Grown and honored to contribute to Georgia’s future through education, healthcare and service.”
“Mercer University School of Medicine is deeply honored to be recognized as ‘Georgia Grown.’ Our mission is to prepare future physicians for Georgia’s rural communities. We accept only Georgia residents into our M.D. program who share that calling,” said Jean R. Sumner, M.D., MACP, dean of Mercer School of Medicine. “Mercer is a national leader in enrolling medical students from rural areas and in preparing them to understand and address the importance of rural health. We’re proud that our students can now wear the Georgia Grown label, which reflects on the good people who grow, harvest and produce the many goods in this great state.”
Mercer University School of Medicine is the only medical school in Georgia that exclusively admits Georgia residents to its M.D. program.
The designation was announced during an event at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia, on Friday, Oct. 16, where Commissioner Tyler J Harper officially proclaimed Mercer University School of Medicine the Official Georgia Grown Medical University. Photos from the event are available below.
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