Special Programs

Mercer University School of Medicine is committed to addressing the health care needs of medically underserved rural areas of Georgia. In doing so, it has instituted three scholarship programs available to our M.D. program and one for our Master of Family Therapy students. Students who are committed to practice medicine in these areas of our state are selected for participation in these programs.

Primary Care Accelerated Track Program

The Primary Care Accelerated Track Program is an innovative three-year medical school curriculum that culminates in a medical degree and prepares students for early entry into a traditional primary care residency.  The program has three tracks: Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Upon completion of residency, three years of continuous full-time medical practice in a medically underserved rural area of Georgia is required.

Nathan Deal Scholarship

Nathan Deal Scholarships are awarded to students who are committed to practicing medicine in medically underserved rural areas of Georgia. Upon completion of residency, four years of continuous full-time medical practice in a medically underserved rural Georgia county is required.  The medical practice must accept Medicaid patients.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Rural Pediatric Scholarship

The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Rural Pediatric Scholarship Program is part of a joint initiative between MUSM and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to help improve access to pediatric care in rural areas of Georgia. Upon completion of residency, four years of continuous full-time medical practice in a medically underserved rural Georgia county is required.  The medical practice must accept Medicaid patients.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Marriage and Family Scholarship

The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Marriage and Family Therapy Scholarship Program was established in 2024 as part of a joint initiative between MUSM and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to improve access to pediatric mental healthcare in rural Georgia. Upon completion of their Autism Training, scholars will be required to work full-time for two continuous years in a pediatric practice or family medicine office located in an approved rural Georgia county.