Contact Us
For more information about our program, please contact our program coordinator.
Welcome from Our Program Director
Welcome to rural Family Medicine in Waycross, Georgia, a small program that was established in 1998 in affiliation with the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. The 1:2 rural program is based at Memorial Satilla Health, an acute care facility that has been serving Waycross and its eight surrounding counties for over 60 years. The residency was transferred to HCA Healthcare as of January 2023.
The mission of the HCA Healthcare/Mercer University School of Medicine/ Memorial Satilla Health Rural Residency Program is to provide patient- and family-centered care and advance the health and well-being of those we serve. With the partnership of HCA Healthcare/Mercer University School of Medicine/Savannah Memorial, the program strives to train well-rounded physicians who are able to take care of the patient as a whole, and to ensure that they are able to practice family medicine at a high level.
Mission Statement
The Memorial Satilla Health Family Medicine Residency Program's mission is to develop the next generation of physicians and physician leaders. As a part of HCA Healthcare, we are driven by a single mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.
This program is designed to offer residents a rewarding, educational environment where residents are provided individualized learning opportunities by faculty and staff who support and sustain one another throughout quality care delivery. Our faculty are committed to ensuring the residents' clinical experience and educational needs are fulfilled while expanding residents' perspectives to be inclusive of cultures, values, and ideals.
Program Overview
Each year, three residents are selected for the unopposed, 1+ 2 program. The first year occurs at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, GA, and years 2 and 3 are completed in Waycross, GA, thus a wide range of experiences. The program is designed to help meet the need for well-rounded family practitioners in rural Georgia and seeks individuals who are self-directed and motivated to fill that need.
The Family Medicine faculty and specialists who train our residents have a long history of teaching and demonstrate commitment to the program. The challenge of Family Medicine involves working with populations of all ages. Rotations include working with board-certified specialists in outpatient and inpatient settings. In addition to gaining knowledge, experience, and confidence, this relationship assists residents in the crucial area of forming sound interpersonal relationships with patients, peers, and other members of the patient care team.
With a full range of services and a large population base, residents are ensured experience in recognizing and treating a broad spectrum of health concerns, ranging from minor illnesses to complicated and complex patients. In their outpatient, continuity clinic, residents develop a patient panel of their own and recognize the central role the family physician plays in rural communities and small towns.
Curriculum & Rotation Schedule
Our expertly crafted programs are designed to provide resident physicians with all the experiences and training necessary for professional success.
Salary & Benefits Information
Salary
Commensurate with Sponsoring Institution: HCA Healthcare/Mercer University School of Medicine Program
| Year | Salary |
|---|---|
| PGY-1 | $60,154 |
| PGY-2 | $62,254 |
| PGY-3 | $64,438 |
Benefits
- Laptop and iPhone are issued on day 1.
- Meals, no charge (breakfast and lunch) physician’s lounge, Mon thru Fri
- Call room w/computer, TV, shower, lockers.
- Two monogrammed lab coats (and/or equivalent) and personal business cards
- Personal advisor and support group advisor
- Employee Assistance Program (for employee AND household family members)
- Flexible spending account, life Insurance, HCA 401K and stock purchase option
- Long and short term disability
- Affordable medical, dental and vision plans
FAQ
- Residents have inpatient call once a month. The shift begins at 7:00am on Saturdays and ends at 7:00am on Sunday.
- Residents also have weekly at-home call, typically from 5:00pm to 8:00am. Calls come from clinic patients, and nursing home facilities. This at-home call does not apply to all rotations.
Yes, with approval from the PD, you may moonlight beginning your PGY2 year once all general requirements are met. Refer to the resident manual for general requirements.
Yes, definitely -
a) there is no competition among learners,
b) lower cost of living in a small town,
c) rotation sites are primarily situated in and around the hospital,
d) get to know your colleagues and patients better,
e) faculty treats you like a colleague
The Okefenokee Swamp Park can be found at the northern tip of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. This locally owned and operated park is filled with adventure for all ages. Boat tours, train tours, and “Eye on Nature” shows are all part of the daily schedule. Visitors can get a close look at the local wildlife while learning about their habitat and enjoying colorful takes about the swamp while touring the park. The park is open year-round, 7 days a week, 9 - 5. Visit their website at Okefenokee Swamp Park.
Laura S. Walker Park is located just a few miles from the Okefenokee Swamp Park. Fishing and watersports are popular during the summer in the parks 120-acre lake, while camping is popular year-round. Laura Walker also provides a beautiful layout of picnic areas and group shelters that are great for family outings, not to mention a large playground for the kids. The Lakes at Laura Walker 18-hole Golf Course is the newest addition to the park. This golf course is complete with its own Pro Shop and a beautiful landscape. The wastelands, sand traps, and rolling hills were all created from the dirst removed to make the three large lakes on the course. Open year-round.
The YMCA of Waycross is deeply rooted into our community’s history, and prides itself on being a family friendly Christian facility. The facility is located within walking distance of the hospital, and includes an Olympic size heated indoor pool, basketball courts, pickleball courts, a large weight room, massage therapy, swim lessons, and classes including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and CrossFit.