Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) recently announced the second cohort of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Marriage and Family Therapy Scholars and the third cohort of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Rural Pediatric Scholars for the 2025 academic year.

These scholars will receive full tuition for up to four academic years in return for their commitment to serve children in rural Georgia upon completing their education. The scholars will also receive specialized training at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s (Children’s) facilities, including autism training for the Master of Family Therapy students.

MUSM selected scholars based on their commitment to becoming pediatricians or family therapists, strong ties to rural Georgia, demonstrated character, leadership qualities, community involvement, and a commitment to serving in rural underserved Georgia after their scholarship obligations are met. They are also required to maintain good academic standing throughout their studies. The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Rural Health Scholarship Programs were established as part of a joint initiative between MUSM and Children’s, which was announced in February 2023.

“These scholarships offer a transformational and sustainable solution to improve access to pediatric health care in rural Georgia. These scholars will fill a critical need in our rural communities for years to come,” said Marc Welsh, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta vice president of child advocacy. “The pediatric expertise they develop through their training will have a tremendous impact on the areas where they serve, and we are grateful for their commitment to the kids and families of Georgia.”

“This is our third cohort of medical students. The first cohort included two seniors who are now just one year away from completing their pediatric residency and realizing their dream of serving in rural Georgia,” said MUSM Dean Jean Sumner, M.D., FACP. “This is our second group of therapy students, and interest is strong. The 100 rural pediatricians and family therapists who finish debt free as a result of this initiative will ensure access to high-quality care for children across rural Georgia. This amazing opportunity is made possible by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.”

The 2025 cohort of Rural Pediatric Scholars is:

• Caitlyn Carter (Class of 2029)

• Lillian Coppage (Class of 2029)

• Kiram Harrison (Class of 2029)

• Jinha Kim (Class of 2029)

• Reed Resendiz (Class of 2028)

• John Santander (Class of 2029)

• Bansari Shah (Class of 2029)

The 2025 cohort of Marriage and Family Therapy Scholars is:

• Erica Jolla (Class of 2027)

• Heather Lunsford (Class of 2026)

• Mary Roberts (Class of 2027)

• Kearston Shannon (Class of 2026)

• Tisha Trammell-Ayers (Class of 2027)

• Sara Wood (Class of 2026)

The 2025 scholars were honored during a special ceremony on May 22 in the presence of Welsh, Children’s Pediatric Nephrology Department Director Dr. Larry Greenbaum, Mercer University President William D. Underwood, Dr. Sumner and scholars’ families.

“It is always a special day when you can offer highly qualified medical and family therapy students — truly committed to becoming rural pediatricians and therapists — a full scholarship,” added Dr. Sumner. “MUSM is honored to work with and is deeply grateful to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This joint initiative will dramatically increase access to outstanding medical and mental health care across rural underserved Georgia.”