Lt. Governor Casey Cagle will join Phoebe leadership and Southwest Georgia community officials in the ceremonial turning of the first shovelful of dirt for the new Southwest Georgia Medical Student Housing complex on Tuesday, May 10.
 
Lt. Governor Cagle has been a strong supporter of the project, designed to increase the number of physicians and pharmacists serving rural Southwest Georgia. He will join leaders from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy, SOWEGA Area Health Education Center, and the Phoebe Family Medicine Residency program in addressing the need to attract healthcare students to South Georgia for clinical training.
 
One of the greatest predictors of health outcomes is the ratio of physicians to population. Over a decade ago Phoebe embarked on a journey to increase the number of healthcare professionals, especially primary care physicians, to care for citizens of this region. Lack of convenient, affordable, temporary housing has been a barrier to attracting students in the past. However, for those who have trained in this area, up to 70 percent have remained in the area, establishing practices within 100 miles.
 
In addition to solving the problem of temporary housing, local leaders say the complex will have a significant economic impact. Future physicians who choose to set up practice in the region are estimated to bring nearly a $1 million boost to local economies with the creation of jobs and patients visiting from outside the area.
 
Joel Wernick, President and CEO of Phoebe expressed his excitement for the ongoing support of the Lieutenant Governor and other state officials in government, education and industry. “Phoebe is proud to be the leader and home for this much-needed and highly energized project. However, this housing complex is truly a beacon for all of Southwest Georgia – signifying an vision of healthier and more vibrant local communities.”
 
Located across from Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, the first phase of the new housing complex will feature apartment-style living for 40 students and residents who are in Southwest Georgia for short-term clinical training. The event comes amid a $3.8 million, three-year fundraising campaign initiated by Phoebe Foundation 18 months ago. To date, $3.2 million has been raised, led by a $1 million gift from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The campaign will remain active until the goal has been met.
 
The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 10 at 11 a.m. located at 225 W. Fourth Avenue in Albany.