News Summary

St. Joseph’s/Candler has unveiled plans for a new residency program in internal and family medicine to combat the medical professional shortage in Georgia. Set to begin in 2027 through a partnership with the Medical College of Georgia, the program aims to add 48 residency slots, with plans to increase capacity. Supported by a $10 million state grant, the initiative is designed to enhance healthcare access and retain doctors in local communities.

Savannah

St. Joseph’s/Candler (SJ/C) has announced plans to launch a new residency program in internal and family medicine, set to begin in 2027. This initiative aims to address the critical shortage of medical professionals in Georgia, which currently ranks 40th in the nation for medical residents per capita.

The program will be initiated through a partnership with the Medical College of Georgia (MCG), now part of Augusta University, following a successful ten-year collaboration focused on medical education. To support the startup costs of the residency program, SJ/C will receive a $10 million grant from the State of Georgia.

Program Details

At full capacity, the residency program plans to offer 48 slots, with aspirations to increase the number of residency positions to between 60 and 70 in high-demand specialties, such as cardiology. The first cohort of residents is expected to arrive in Savannah by July 1, 2027.

To ensure a conducive learning environment, SJ/C has made arrangements to use an existing 40,000-square-foot building located near the Candler Hospital campus as the residency preparation facility. This facility will provide residents with stipends for housing, as well as sleeping quarters for those on call. The residency program will be directed by a qualified professional hired from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, who is slated to start in September 2025.

Addressing Doctor Shortages

Georgia faces a pressing need for additional healthcare providers. Currently, only three out of the state’s 159 counties have the recommended number of primary care physicians. Efforts like this residency program aim to improve retention rates for doctors in their communities, which can rise from 25% to as much as 70% in areas with residency slots.

The launch of this residency program aligns with the state’s growing and aging population, further exacerbating the demand for healthcare professionals. By training physicians locally, SJ/C hopes to bridge these gaps in care, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

A Foundation Built on Partnership

For over a decade, SJ/C has played a vital role in medical education by hosting clinical rotations for MCG medical students. This collaboration has laid the groundwork for the future residency program. Successful outcomes for past trainees, such as Dr. Nina Paletta and Dr. Hunter Faircloth, who returned to Savannah after their education, highlight the effectiveness of local training programs.

Support from Legislators

The establishment of the residency program has garnered significant support from local legislators, including Senator Ben Watson, who played a key role in securing the funding. This backing underscores the importance placed on improving healthcare access in Savannah and its surrounding regions.

Conclusion

The upcoming residency program at SJ/C is viewed as a crucial step toward enhancing healthcare access in the region. By investing in the next generation of physicians and focusing on local training, SJ/C aims to significantly improve the healthcare landscape in Georgia and meet the demands of its growing population.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Augusta University Secures Nearly $100 Million for Medical Research Facility
Georgia’s Rise as a Cryptocurrency Hub
Tribute to Dr. Thomas Jui-ting Yeh, Renowned Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Additional Resources

• Savannah Now: St. Joseph’s/Candler Announces New Medical Residency Program
• Wikipedia: Medical residency
• Grice Connect: St. Joseph’s/Candler to Launch Medical Residency Program
• Google Search: Medical residency program
• Savannah Tribune: Hobbs and Hinchey Receive Awards
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Health care
• Grice Connect: 41 Medical Students Begin Their Journey
• Google News: Residency program Georgia
• Savannah Now: Georgia Southern Medical College

Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER

AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.