Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) was recently recognized by the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals as the state winner for the Excellence in Workforce Development Award. The award recognizes MUSM’s Setting Your Sights on Medical School program, a collaborative initiative that aims to inspire rural Georgia youth to pursue careers in health care.

This honor reflects Mercer’s deep commitment to addressing physician shortages in rural, underserved Georgia communities. One of the school’s core strategies is to “plant the seeds” early — exposing young students to medical careers and equipping them with the knowledge, confidence and vision to see themselves as future health care professionals.

“We are honored to receive this recognition in collaboration with Georgia 4-H,” said Be-Atrice Cunningham, director of pathways, programs and events. “At MUSM, we believe that one spark of inspiration can change the trajectory of a student’s life — and the health of an entire community. Through early exposure, hands-on learning and meaningful mentorship, we strive to prepare students not just for careers in medicine, but for lives of purpose serving rural Georgia, where they are needed most.”

Launched in 2016, Setting Your Sights on Medical School was created in response to Georgia’s growing need for rural physicians. Since its inception, the program has engaged high school students from 26 rural counties across the state, offering them a rare and exciting glimpse into life as a medical student and physician.

Each fall and spring, cohorts of 4-H’ers visit one of Mercer’s medical school campuses, where they rotate through a series of interactive stations. Students learn to take vital signs, use stethoscopes and reflex hammers, and explore clinical procedures. One of the most memorable stops is the simulation lab, where participants may perform ultrasound, laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgical technique), intubation, and bag-valve-mask ventilation on mannequins — all within a simulated health care setting.

“It is an honor to work with 4-H Georgia and the amazing professionals who support the program,” said School of Medicine Dean Jean Sumner, M.D., FACP. “As a former 4-H’er, I know firsthand the tremendous opportunities this organization provides for young people across our state. Be-Atrice Cunningham is an incredible leader whose work educates and inspires many young people. I’m grateful for the recognition of her contributions and Mercer University School of Medicine’s mission.”

The program also offers students valuable guidance on preparing for college and medical school. A Mercer undergraduate admissions counselor provides insights into navigating college life and admissions, while current medical students host a Q&A session about their own journeys, sharing what they call the “Bear essentials” of life in med school.

One powerful example of the program’s long-term impact is current Mercer medical student Kelly Carter. A Waynesboro native, Carter first attended the program in high school and is now studying medicine at the very institution that helped spark her interest years ago.

Growing up, Carter saw firsthand what it meant to be a physician. Her father practiced family medicine in Waynesboro for over 30 years. But it was Mercer’s program that gave her the knowledge and confidence to pursue the path herself.

“I attended one of the first Medical Experience Days through Georgia 4-H at the Macon campus,” said Carter. “Even though I had been exposed to medicine through my dad, it was this hands-on experience — along with hearing directly from medical students — that made me realize this was something I could actually do. Now, I get to help inspire the next generation. I hope my journey shows other students that their dreams are possible.”

Carter’s story represents the heart of the Setting Your Sights on Medical School mission: to inspire rural students through exposure, education and encouragement — paving the way for a new generation of compassionate physicians who will return and serve their hometowns.

To learn more about Mercer University School of Medicine’s pathway programs, visit medicine.mercer.edu/admissions/pathways.