Dr. Faith Hagler’s journey to medicine was deeply influenced by her upbringing in Northport, Alabama, where she witnessed firsthand the impact of compassionate healthcare. From a young age, she felt called to help others through medicine, a passion that only grew stronger as she watched her mother, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, provide home health care to underserved communities in rural Alabama.
“My mother spent over a decade traveling to patients who had little to no access to medical care,” said Hagler. “As a family, we would pray for her safety and for the well-being of those she cared for. Hearing her stories about the people she served made me realize how much of a difference I could make, especially in communities that need it most.”
Hagler earned her undergraduate degree in Food and Nutrition from the University of Alabama before completing a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at William Carey University. She then attended Trinity School of Medicine in St. Vincent, where her passion for psychiatry continued to grow.
“Psychiatry is a field that truly considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit,” she said. “So many individuals struggle silently with psychological disorders, and often, we don’t realize how much they are suffering. I wanted to be in a field where I could offer not only medical care but also hope.”
Her decision to join the Georgia South Psychiatry Residency Program was influenced by strong recommendations from friends who had trained there, as well as the welcoming and supportive environment she encountered during her visit.
“I heard amazing things about this program from my friends and fellow residents, Dr. Ashraf, Dr. Cimmino, and Dr. Ouyang” she said. “When I visited Moultrie and Colquitt Regional, I immediately felt at home. The people here are warm, supportive, and genuinely invested in our growth as physicians.”
Since beginning her residency, Hagler has been amazed by the level of training and mentorship provided at Georgia South.
“It still feels surreal that I was fortunate enough to match here,” she said. “The attending physicians strike the perfect balance between guidance and autonomy, allowing us to grow in both skill and confidence. I know the training I receive here will prepare me to provide the best care for my future patients.”
Hagler’s long-term goals include increasing access to psychiatric care in rural areas and working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. She believes that education and community outreach are key to ensuring that more individuals seek the help they need.
“One of my most rewarding experiences so far was with a patient,” she recalled. “They had been feeling hopeless due to unfortunate life experiences and past choices combined and truly believed they were beyond help. After receiving encouragement and care, I watched them transform. Seeing that light return to their eyes and knowing they left with hope for the future was incredibly meaningful.”
Colquitt Regional’s commitment to patient-centered care also played a significant role in her decision to train here.
“This hospital fosters such a healthy and supportive environment,” she said. “As a young physician, I feel valued by the administration, my attending physicians, and the community as a whole.”
Outside of medicine, Hagler enjoys gardening, traveling, and water sports. And an interesting fact? She once competed in the 74th Annual Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee and made it to the televised finals on ESPN.
