10 Mercer students committed to rural pediatric care in GA. How the school is rewarding them

Ten Mercer University School of Medicine students are getting full-tuition scholarships after being named recipients of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Rural Pediatric Scholarship for the 2024 academic year.

Macon native Jimmy Asbell, a member of the class of 2026, and nine other students received full tuition for up to four academic years and committed to serving children of rural Georgia after graduation, the university announced earlier this month.

Because more than 60 of Georgia’s 159 counties do not have a single pediatrician, the program aims to strengthen pediatric health care in rural Georgia with a focus on improving care closer to home, said Kelly Thompson, Children’s public relations coordinator.

The scholars will also receive specialized training at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta facilities.

Jim Fortenberry, chief medical officer at Children’s, said the organization is grateful for the scholars’ commitment to the kids and families of rural Georgia.

“These scholars are filling a critical need in our rural communities,” Fortenberry said. “The pediatric expertise they develop through their training will have a tremendous impact on the areas where they serve.”

The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Rural Pediatric Scholarship Program was established as part of a joint initiative between Mercer University School of Medicine and Children’s in 2023.

“Physical health includes mental health, yet rural Georgia has few mental health providers,” said Jean Sumner, dean of the medicine school. “The presence of family therapists with additional training in autism will bring profound improvement in mental health to rural areas.”

Mercer University School of Medicine selected current medical students for the scholarship based on their commitment to become general pediatricians, strong ties to rural Georgia, character, leadership qualities and community involvement.