Peach State Health Plan and Medical College of Georgia Celebrate 2025 Peach State Scholars Cohort: Accelerating Access to Care for Underserved Communities

Peach State Health Plan and the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University celebrated the fifth cohort of Peach State Scholars, an accelerated pathway to bring care to Georgia's underserved communities. The scholars, selected from rigorous competition, will pursue primary care specialties, complete their residency in Georgia, and practice in underserved areas. In return for their service, they receive a medical school scholarship, which removes financial barriers and makes primary care a more viable path.

Peach State Health Plan, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, and the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University (MCG) celebrated the fifth cohort of Peach State Scholars on August 18, 2025. This accelerated pathway program aims to address Georgia's healthcare workforce shortage, particularly in rural areas.

The 12 new Peach State Scholars were selected from a rigorous competition and will pursue primary care specialties. They will complete their residency in Georgia and subsequently practice in underserved areas. In exchange for their service, the scholars receive a medical school scholarship, which removes the financial burden of student loan debt. This initiative not only benefits the students by making primary care a more viable career choice but also improves healthcare access for underserved communities.

David Hess, MD, dean of the Medical College of Georgia, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, "These students have been selected from rigorous competition to be our next cohort of 12 into a primary care specialty, do their residency in Georgia, and then practice in an underserved area, which is most of Georgia" [1].

Georgia currently faces a significant physician shortage, with 143 of its 159 counties designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) [1]. This highlights the critical need for programs like the Peach State Scholars initiative, which directly aligns student opportunities with community needs.

Clyde A. White, President and CEO of Peach State Health Plan, expressed his organization's commitment to supporting these students. "This program is about more than producing doctors – it's about building healthier communities and expanding access to care for all Georgians" [1].

The pinning ceremony marked a symbolic milestone for each scholar's journey, reinforcing their shared commitment to Georgia's most vulnerable populations. The pin represents hope, access, and opportunity for underserved Georgians.

Peach State Health Plan serves Georgia's Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® population in partnership with Georgia Families. Additionally, it focuses on under-insured and uninsured individuals through its federal insurance marketplace plan, Ambetter, and its Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan [1].

Augusta University, one of Georgia's four public research institutions, offers accessible education and aims to make a difference in the state's future. Home to Georgia's only public academic medical center, it is dedicated to creating a safer, healthier, and more equitable Georgia [1].

References:
[1] https://investors.centene.com/2025-08-18-Peach-State-Health-Plan-and-the-Medical-College-of-Georgia-at-Augusta-University-Celebrate-2025-Peach-State-Scholars
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/peach-state-health-plan-medical-140400830.html