Augusta University to get $16 million in funding from the state

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Big changes could be on the way for our medical community and those across Georgia.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp flew into Augusta on Tuesday to talk about the recently passed budget. Included in that budget is the new 3+ program.

It’s meant to get more doctors into rural areas where they’re needed the most, and our local health experts say it could have a lot of benefit for medical students.

“It shortens the length of medical school and funds medical students to be able to go out and do medical schooling and residency in three years, and then work in rural Georgia for three years, and basically have their medical school paid for free,” Dr. Phillip Coule, chief medical officer of AU Health, said.

Overall, Augusta University is set to receive $16 million towards education and research:

• $7.8 million to increase University System of Georgia’s Formula Funding to support expanding class sizes at the Medical College of Georgia.
• $5.2 million to match the Peach State Health Plan’s gift given to the medical college in March to support students who commit to serve in rural Georgia after graduation.
• $241,000 to grow MCG’s Forensic Pathology Fellowship with the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office.
• $100,000 toward the expansion of research at Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University and the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development at Clark Atlanta University.

And an additional $5 million to renovate the exterior of Christenberry Fieldhouse to replace the synthetic stucco and address other issues within the walls.

Kemp also said over half a billion dollars will go towards K-12 education in the state. He says it’s to help schools after cutbacks during the pandemic.

The money also includes mental health funding and raises for nursing home operators.

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