President Rahn's Comments after Presentation of Results, January 15, 2008 USG Board of Regents Meeting

 

Thank you, Chancellor Davis.

I’ve always believed that planning for the health and well-being of Georgians is one of the most important things, if not the most important thing, that those of us in public service in this state can do. Important work … but not easy work.

We are stewards of a very important public mission – and advancing that mission requires strong and focused leadership … but also a commitment to partnership. The recommendations presented by Tripp Umbach are a solid strategy for expanding public medical education in Georgia. Operationalizing that strategy – which will increase the number of medical student graduates of MCG by 60 percent by 2020 – is now the body of work we face. MCG cannot do this without the support and partnership of others that are equally invested in the health and well-being of Georgians.

That’s why the solution recommended is a statewide solution. The proposed plan involves …

• Increasing to maximum medical student capacity in Augusta
• Fully developing clinical campuses in Albany and Savannah
• Developing a campus in Athens in partnership with the University of Georgia … and …
• Forging ties for graduate medical education training – residency programs – with hospitals and physicians across the state of Georgia

At the end of the day, what does all this mean? More physicians statewide to meet the health care needs of Georgians.

I truly believe the proposed plan is an example of that old adage – a rising tide lifts all boats. If we do this right, everyone will benefit.

We are sailing into deep waters. This is the blue ocean – uncharted waters far from the safety of shore.

We know why we must do this … to ensure the good health of Georgians.

And we know how we will do this … by working together – with focus, with heart, and with an unwavering commitment to partnership – to create a better, brighter, and healthier future for our state.