Meet the inaugural eight Peach State Scholars, who have committed to completing medical school in three years and entering directly into a primary care residency program in Georgia. Thanks to a generous gift from Peach State Health Plan and matching funds from the state, their tuition will be paid for after they commit to serve an underserved area of the state.
Joseph M. Bailey
Joseph M. Bailey of Cumming, Georgia is interested in pursuing internal medicine. He graduated from Augusta University in 2018 with a BS in cell and molecular biology and then from Mercer in 2020 with a Master's degree in biomedical sciences. Joseph personally experienced the challenges of living in a community that lacked the type of physician he needed when diagnosed with juvenile Type 1 diabetes, and understands the difficulties of having to travel a long distance for medical care. He is committed to providing patients with the care they need in their local community.
Cayman A. Bickerstaff
Cayman A. Bickerstaff of Powder Springs, Georgia is committed to pursuing a career in obstetrics and gynecology. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2019 with a BS in cellular biology. Cayman is a military child and appreciates the ability to put down roots in Georgia and bring his enthusiasm and passion for women’s health to a rural community. He spends many hours working with organizations that help people who have been affected by sexual abuse (Rape Crisis and MCG SAVES), and helping children and adults affected by HIV/AIDS (UGA HEROs and Ryan White).
Claud Bugheni
Michael Butler
Scotty Hall
Luis Rodriguez
Arika Shaikh
My Duyen Hoang Vo