Augusta University and the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) have expanded their partnership with Wellstar Health System by opening a new MCG Atlanta campus at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta. This development will allow nearly 50 third- and fourth-year medical students to complete their final two years of clinical training at the facility.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 26 brought together leaders from Augusta University, MCG, Wellstar Health System, the University System of Georgia, and government officials to mark the occasion. The event included tours of the new campus suite for guests.
“This campus expansion marks a milestone in our long-standing commitment as the state’s flagship medical school to produce the best-trained doctors for Georgia,” said Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. “Our collaboration with Wellstar Health System has opened doors to more training sites for both students and residents, including the development of the first hospital in Columbia County in Augusta – a project that will also expand access to care across several underserved counties. This is a moment of pride but also a moment of possibility. Pride in the years of dedication, collaboration and vision that have brought the Atlanta Campus to life and in our students, faculty and partners who believed in this mission before it was fully realized. I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have championed this vision, including Gov. Brian Kemp, the Georgia Legislature, Speaker of the House Jon Burns, Chancellor Sonny Perdue and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.”
In 2023, MCG sent its first group of 17 students to Kennestone for required core clinical clerkships. Earlier this year, MCG received official recognition from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education making Atlanta an accredited regional campus within its statewide network.
MCG is now present across nine campuses throughout Georgia—including four-year locations in Augusta, Athens, Savannah; regional campuses in Albany, Savannah, Brunswick, Rome and Dalton; as well as more than 350 clinical teaching sites statewide—making it one of largest medical schools nationally by class size.
Expanding partnerships with hospitals around Georgia provides students exposure to different types of medicine settings ranging from urban tertiary care centers to rural primary care practices.
“This new campus marks an important milestone in the nearly 200-year tradition of MCG producing great doctors and great medicine,” said David C. Hess, MD, dean of MCG. “MCG has the fourth largest class size in the nation, and that would not be possible without regional clinical campuses like this one where students will gain more clinical experience in a very well-run hospital system. By increasing our capacity to educate more medical students, we’re directly addressing the physician shortage that affects communities across the state. More students mean more graduates, and more graduates mean more doctors ready to serve Georgia.”
At Tuesday’s event Dr. Louis Lovett was introduced as inaugural associate dean for MCG Atlanta at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center after over a decade contributing to graduate medical education at Wellstar since joining them in 2013.
“Dr. Lovett’s leadership roles have included chairing the hospital’s GME committee, directing the internal medicine residency program and serving as designated institutional official,” Hess said. “His dedication to teaching has earned him recognition across every institution he’s touched – from Atlanta Medical Center to Wellstar to MCG. In 2024 he was named our Campus Community Faculty of Year by students/colleagues at Wellstar; previously receiving J Willis Hurst Outstanding Bedside Teaching Award from GA Chapter American College Physicians (2019). There’s no doubt he will be an exceptional mentor/role model for our students.”
Five current medical students gave tours during opening events while discussing how being based at Kennestone benefits future cohorts; among them Ahmed Shetewi reflected on returning professionally where he was born: “It’s both an honor and a privilege not only for me but my family… It’s just something that is unparalleled; I look forward coming every day.”
Georgia remains among most populous U.S states yet ranks low nationally for physicians per capita—a gap educational expansions like this aim address by increasing number trained locally who may remain practicing within state upon graduation.
Sonny Perdue praised efforts noting each physician contributes significantly economically according American Medical Association estimates—$2.3 million annually per doctor—and called partnership “a model” securing future workforce needs: “It’s a great day celebrate… We look forward leadership here at Wellstar Kennestone know great things happen here.”
Candice L Saunders—former president/CEO Wellstar—added: “When we joined forces with Augusta University we promised expand access care increase educational capacity build stronger health care workforce… This campus powerful example keeping promise… honored help train future generations caregivers every corner Georgia.”
