Dr. Arian Baker knew exactly the type of residency program she was searching for – a smaller, community-based program set in a rural, southern area. Not only did Georgia South Family Medicine Residency check off all the necessary boxes, but the community made a perfect match for her as well.
“After interviewing with the program directors I was taken on a tour of the hospital and the community and I fell in love with Moultrie,” said Baker. “Everyone I met was so warm and welcoming. I already liked what I had learned about the residency program, but the hospital staff and community in general helped seal the deal.”
Before moving to Moultrie to participate in the residency program, Baker received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in chemistry from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. She then went on to attend medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Baker realized her passion for healthcare when she was only 10 years old when she lost someone close to her after a battle with stage four breast cancer. Since then, her mission has been to provide care for the underserved and break barriers to healthcare that many in small, rural settings face.
“Georgia South is giving me access to a wide variety of patients and conditions, particularly in a rural setting in addition to preparing me for what’s on the horizon in medicine,” said Baker. “I know that my training will prepare me for whatever may come my way as a practicing physician.”
Baker chose family medicine as her specialty because of the diversity and versatility that it brings. She particularly enjoys the variety of patients that she gets to see on a daily basis.
“I love that I could be delivering a baby in the morning and see a spunky 99 year-old patient in the afternoon,” said Baker. “It is truly a noble specialty and a gateway to specialized healthcare for more complicated patients.”
Upon completion of her residency, Baker plans on bringing her expertise to a small, rural setting to provide for underserved populations by eliminating barriers to care and reducing healthcare disparity.
“My ultimate goal is to practice full scope medicine in a rural area where I can also educate and teach the community ways to improve their health and well-being,” said Baker.
Baker is currently a first-year resident and when not practicing medicine, you can find her painting, creating floral arrangements, or spending time with her husband and daughter.
