MOULTRIE, Ga. (WALB) — Second-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine students at PCOM South Georgia held orientation Monday, preparing for hands-on training and community service in the year ahead.

Many of the students are expected to remain in Georgia for clinical rotations and residencies. The state has 143 of its 159 counties designated as healthcare shortage areas.

Physician shortage looms

Georgia could face a shortage of nearly 8,000 physicians by 2030. Programs like PCOM South Georgia aim to train and retain doctors in rural communities.

First-year students began last month, receiving donated stethoscopes and volunteering locally.

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