Augusta University and Wellstar Partnership Boosts Health Care Access Across Georgia
Augusta University and Wellstar Health System share the growth achieved after only two years of their medical partnership.
August University and Wellstar Health System share the growth achieved after only two years of their medical partnership.
Augusta UniversitySince August 2023, the partnership between Augusta University and Wellstar Health System has changed medical care in Georgia. Their work sets up new doctor training and brings medical help to more people across the state.
"The partnership really is just beginning in so many ways," said AU President Russell T. Keen, according to Augusta University's Jagwire. "It has helped us approach things differently in terms of how we're going to deliver health care and health care training across the board to the entire state."
The Medical College of Georgia ranks fourth in size among U.S. medical schools. Students train at sites throughout Georgia, with four-year programs running in Athens and Savannah through work with the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University.
Wellstar brings strength in numbers: 11 hospitals spread across Georgia, plus hundreds of medical offices and care centers. What started as a small group of merged hospitals in 1993 now spans the state with treatment sites, urgent care spots, and wellness centers.
Georgia ranks 40th in the U.S. for doctors per person. To fix this gap, both groups train new doctors. Right now, Wellstar guides 270 medical residents while the Medical College of Georgia teaches 620.
Medical College of Georgia Dean David C. Hess shared good news about keeping doctors in Georgia. "There's good data that if you go to medical school here, and you do your residency in Georgia, the chance of you staying is over 70% and we're in the top 20 in the country for GME programs," Hess said to Augusta University's Jagwire.
New training spots have opened, like MCG Atlanta at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta. Plans include a Columbia County hospital and remote care options for rural areas that need more primary care doctors.
