2025 Peach State Students

Sadie M. Abernathy of Gainesville, Georgia is committed to pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine. She graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2021 with a BS in Biology. Sadie’s path in medicine began in 2013 when she started binge-watching the X-Files and found herself drawn to the mystery-solving nature of forensic pathology, which remained her primary interest until she began working as a scribe in the Emergency Department in 2022. It was there that she rediscovered the old love of seeing different cases each day as well as found a passion for working with the underserved (and the living). Sadie is currently a co-president of the Emergency Medicine Interest Group, working to improve early exposure to the specialty for first year medical students, as well as a senator for House J learning community, organizing student events to foster collaboration and wellness among her class. These are the values she hopes to carry on in her future as a physician serving the populations of rural Georgia.

Tofunmi Adewumi of Kennesaw, GA is interested in pursuing a career in pediatrics or family medicine. She graduated from Augusta University with a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology through the BS/MD program. Ms. Adewumi has always been committed to providing compassionate and quality healthcare to children and families in need, motivated by her background as a Nigerian, which gave her awareness of the healthcare challenges in other parts of the world. But it was a mission trip to Memphis, Tennessee with her campus ministry that opened her eyes to the disparities present in cites similar to Augusta and in rural counties throughout Georgia. Through her experience serving in student-run clinics, volunteering in the Augusta community, and participating in youth mentorship programs such as Resilient Teens, she saw the impact that a positive influence and quality care could have in uplifting people and their communities. She is exploring this further through her research on the relationship between pediatric care access and child-hood mortality in rural Georgia. Ms. Adewumi is excited to begin a meaningful career of making a difference in the lives of underserved children and families throughout Georgia.

Cole C. Anderson, a Georgia native from Augusta and a 2023 graduate of Georgia Southern University with a BS in Biology, is passionate about pursuing a career in Family Medicine and working with underserved communities in Georgia. This interest was sparked while volunteering at a free clinic in Statesboro, Georgia, where he saw firsthand the barriers to care faced by uninsured individuals living below the poverty line. That experience deepened his commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and serving those most in need. Volunteering with underserved populations in Georgia revealed just how wide the gaps in care are—but also how much of a difference compassionate, accessible medicine can make. He aspires to become a dedicated Family Medicine physician who helps bridge those gaps and brings quality care to where it’s needed most.

Maddox O. Benedict of Buford, GA is committed to pursuing a career in Psychiatry, with a strong interest in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2023 with a BS in Psychology, with an area of emphasis in neuroscience. Mr. Benedict’s interest in service toward children and adolescent communities began while volunteering in classrooms with his mother, an elementary school teacher. He further developed a passion for addressing mental health inequities for families with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds through his work in the Development and Psychopathology lab at UGA. Now holding positions of the Support Group Coordinator for the Free Mental Health Clinic of Augusta and Resilient Teens youth enrichment program coordinator, Mr. Benedict continues to foster his passion and commitment to mental health services and resource access for underserved communities in Georgia.

Austin Tyler Buntin, originally from Ellijay, Georgia, is committed to improving access to care in medically underserved and rural areas through a career in internal medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology from the University of Tennessee in 2021. Having grown up in a region with limited healthcare re-sources, Mr. Buntin developed a deep understanding of the challenges these communities face. He currently volunteers with the FaithCare Clinic, working to expand access to healthcare. Driven by compassion and a desire to serve others, rooted in his faith and values, he plans to return to a rural part of Georgia to help address the critical shortage of physicians and improve care for those most in need.

Oscar E. Meza of Brunswick, GA, is interested in pursuing a Career in Psychiatry. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 2021 with a BS in Physiology and Developmental Biology. Mr. Meza’s interest in mental health was shaped by caring for individuals with psychiatric conditions during his undergraduate years and witnessing the long-term effects of untreated mental illness in a close family member. He currently serves as Head Coordinator of the Druid Park student-run clinic, which provides free care to underserved patients in the CSRA, and is a board member of the Latino Medical Student Association at MCG. His leadership and clinical experiences have deepened his commitment to improving mental health access and reducing stigma in vulnerable communities. As a future psychiatrist, he is dedicated to expanding compassionate, culturally competent care across underserved areas of Georgia.

Madison C. Crawford of Monroe, GA is interested in pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2021 with two Bachelors of Science in Biology and Psychology. Growing up in a small-town west of Athens, GA, she experienced first-hand the difficulties in attaining care within a reasonable distance of her home, thus spurring her desire to serve an underserved community in Georgia. Ms. Crawford’s interest in Emergency Medicine began during her three gap years, in which she worked as a medical scribe in the Emergency Department. During that time, she fell in love with the ED, solidifying her desired specialty. Ms. Crawford hopes that in becoming an ER physician, she will be able to provide emergency care in rural areas much like the one she grew up in.

Andrew (Andy) Ji is an aspiring Family Medicine physician with a commitment to community-centered and accessible care. He graduated in 2023 from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Originally from Effingham, Georgia, Mr. Ji found his calling for medicine in his longstanding commitment to volunteerism, as well as his extensive involvement with the Children’s Hospital of Savannah, JumpStart AmeriCorps, and the CDC. These experiences showed him how meaningful it is to be invited into the lives of patients and their families - sharing their stories, making a positive difference towards their well-being, and ultimately becoming a physician they can depend on. Mr. Ji strives to embody this level of trust and connection throughout his journey in medicine. Mr. Ji chose Family Medicine because he aspires to emulate his mentors in the specialty who inspired him with their connection to the communities in Georgia they serve - not only as physicians but as friends and leaders. At MCG, Mr. Ji continues to live out these values, serving as the out-reach coordinator for the ALAS Pediatric Clinic and a co-lead to the Annual Free Health Fair. As a future family medicine physician, he wishes to continue being deeply ingrained in his Georgia community, building lasting relationships and providing compassionate health care.

Elizabeth (Beth) Ketchem is an aspiring physician with a passion for Emergency Medicine. She graduated in 2024 from Augusta University with a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology. A native of Marietta, Georgia, Beth’s commitment to underserved communities began through mission work with her church and volunteer service with her local Rotary Club. These formative experiences, coupled with a growing awareness of physician shortages in underserved areas, ignited her desire to pursue a medical career focused on improving the health and well-being of her community. Beth is drawn to Emergency Medicine for its fast-paced environment and its critical role in providing immediate, life-saving care. She values the unique privilege of offering both medical expertise and compassionate support to patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Dedicated to improving healthcare access and equity across Georgia, Beth looks for-ward to a career as an Emergency Medicine physician centered on compassionate, community-centered health care.

Ryan J. Lee of Lilburn, GA is committed to pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine. He graduated from Augusta University through its BS/MD program with a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology. Residing in Georgia his entire life, Ryan’s passion for medicine stems from a desire to serve local communities lacking healthcare resources and physicians. Ryan believes that every patient deserves comprehensive care and that this care is derived from physician empathy and understanding. Following this lifelong passion, Ryan has been involved in numerous healthcare activities such as student-run clinics, cancer screening initiatives, and pharmaceutical research. Ryan sees his future career in Emergency Medicine as an opportunity to promote health equity across the state of Georgia, and he is dedicated to providing compassionate and understanding care to every single patient.

Leja Lizunaite of Johns Creek, GA is pursuing a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology with a mission to provide women across Georgia with the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2022 with a degree in Genetics. Leja’s passion for medicine began at a young age, shaped by a personal experience that taught her the lasting power of empathy in patient care. Since then, Leja has remained committed to becoming the kind of physician who not only treats illness and disease, but also makes patients feel seen, heard, and supported. Leja believes that women’s healthcare begins with trust, empathy, and genuine connection. She sees her future in Obstetrics and Gynecology as a way to stand alongside women through some of the most vulnerable and defining moments of their lives. With a deep commitment to closing gaps in care across Georgia, she hopes to be a consistent and compassionate presence for patients who need it most, honoring each woman’s voice, values, and story.

William A. Ngo of Norcross, GA is pursuing a career in internal medicine with a strong commitment to serving underserved communities. A 2010 graduate of the University of Georgia, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration. He began his professional journey with The Hershey Company, managing regional sales in Augusta, GA. In 2021, William’s life took a transformative turn when his mother became critically ill. Through the experience of caring for her, he discovered a calling for medicine. Following her passing, he redirected his career to-ward healthcare, gaining clinical experience as a Patient Care Technician in the ICU at Emory University Hospital. His dedication to ser-vice is longstanding. One of his earliest roles was with AmeriCorps, where he worked with patients living with Alzheimer’s disease. He has since volunteered with organizations supporting immigrant communities, children of incarcerated parents, and individuals experiencing homelessness. William aspires to become a community-based physician in rural Georgia, focusing on holistic, accessible care for all populations in need. He is the proud sibling of five, and in his free time, enjoys exploring the North Georgia wilderness and fishing the Chattahoochee River.

Nikul Azad Parikh of Moultrie, GA is pursuing a career in Internal Medicine. He earned a B.S. from the University of Georgia and an M.S. from Drexel University. Before medical school, he worked in the private sector to support his family. This helped him develop strong leadership and interpersonal skills. Mr. Parikh’s passion for medicine was ignited by witnessing health disparities in rural Georgia and experiencing personal losses tied to inadequate access to timely and quality care. He is committed to returning to Southwest Georgia to provide care that is accessible, continuous and compassionate. He values the power of longitudinal patient relation-ships—built on trust and cultural understanding—as a foundation for patient management and improving outcomes. He is motivated to bridge these gaps and has dedicated time to shadowing, volunteering, and mentoring youth. As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he served as a mentor through the Kappa Psi-ENSE program. He currently serves as a class liaison and clinic coordinator for Empower Clinic, a student-run mobile clinic serving underserved populations. He is determined to build trust and create lasting change in under-served communities in Georgia.