On Tuesday, June 18, Georgia South Graduate Medical Education welcomed its ninth class of family medicine residents and third class of psychiatry residents. The annual Residents Celebration was held at the Ameris Bank Medical Education Center at Colquitt Regional.
Georgia South Family Medicine Residency Program was established in 2016 as a way for the hospital to address physician shortages in underserved areas, particularly in South Georgia. Since the program’s inception, Colquitt Regional has continued its commitment to finding physicians with a passion for serving rural communities. Similarly, in 2019, the hospital saw a need for mental healthcare professionals in the region and embarked on a journey to establish a psychiatry residency program.
“Although we have been welcoming new residents to Georgia South for nearly a decade, the excitement never fades,” said Colquitt Regional President and CEO Jim Matney. “We have seen great growth and success and we remain committed to providing the highest quality training and education to our residents to set them up for success in their future careers.”
The incoming family medicine residents include Kevin Bhagratie, MD, Eric Mbua, MD, Anika Procope, MD, and Macy Rowan, DO.
Bhagratie, a native of Orlando, Florida, attended medical school at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts. Prior to medical school, he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in public health from Walden University.
Mbua, who was born and raised in Cameroon, received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. Before medical school, he attended the University of Georgia, where he received his doctoral degree in chemistry. Prior to that, he received both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in biochemistry from the University of Buea, Cameroon.
Procope, originally from Trinidad, attended medical school at St. George’s School of Medicine, Grenada. She also attended the University of the West Indies, where she received her Master of Science degree in applied pharmacology, and Bachelor of Science degrees in both biology and biochemistry.
Rowan, who hails from Valdosta, Georgia, attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – South Georgia. Prior to medical school, she attended the University of Georgia, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in biological science.
“We are excited to welcome our ninth class of family medicine residents to Georgia South,” said Georgia South Family Medicine Residency Program Director Kirby Smith, DO. “Each new class brings fresh enthusiasm and dedication to learning, reinforcing our mission to train and cultivate skilled physicians who will make a meaningful impact on the region.”
The third class of psychiatry residents includes Dina Badawy, MD, Wilson Baumgartner, MD, and Faith Hagler, MD.
Badawy, a native of Toms River, New Jersey, attended medical school at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine. Prior to medical school, she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in human health sciences, also from the American University of Antigua College of Medicine, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Monmouth University.
Baumgartner, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, received his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. He also attended Berry College in Rome, Georgia, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry.
Hagler, who hails from Northpoint, Alabama, attended medical school at Trinity School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, she earned her Master of Science degree in biomedical science from William Carey University and her Bachelor of Science degree in food and nutrition from the University of Alabama.
“Just two years ago, we introduced our very first class of psychiatry residents,” said Psychiatry Residency Program Director Lisa Rudolph-Watson, MD. “Witnessing the growth and success of the program has been incredibly fulfilling. As we bring in our third class, we look forward to the journey they are beginning and being able to play a significant role in their training and education.”
Following tradition, each resident received a new white coat at the ceremony. This year’s coats were presented by Rudolph-Watson, Smith, and Chief Academic Officer Woodwin Weeks, DO.
The ceremony included presentations of two awards. Family Medicine Preceptor of the Year was presented to Daniel York, DO, MS, FACOOG, and Psychiatry Preceptor of the Year was presented to James Drury, MD. These awards are voted on by all current residents to recognize outstanding physicians who have had a positive impact on their training.
Georgia South also graduated its fifth class of residents on Saturday, June 22. The class of 2024 includes Catherine Cravey, MD, Nathan Greene, MD, Leo Larios, DO, and Daniel Santiago, MD.
“I am continually inspired by the unwavering support our community shows each year at our welcome ceremony,” said Hospital Authority Chairman Richard E. Turner. “It is a testament to our exceptional community that not only supports our hospital but also warmly embraces and encourages our new residents as they begin their medical journey.”
For more information on Georgia South Graduate Medical Education, please contact Victoria Gallagher at 229-502-9769.
